Which treatment should I have next?

Dr. Irwin
September 6, 2010
Hi Dr. Irwin, In what order would one consider the following treatments in your clinic: *Thermage *Fraxel or recommended laser tx. *Sculptra I\'m 51 and have had Botox, Restylane, and some Laser treatments over the past 4 years with good results. I\'m considering these other treatments down the line, so to speak!! Thanks!!

Your question brings up two good issues: customization and maintenance. 

First, the answer to your question really depends on your particular skin.  I think it would be bad medicine to recommend something without really knowing you, your goals, your lifestyle and your skin!  Do you see what I mean though?  A good dermatologist can customize this for you so you don’t waste time and money and get the best results possible.

Secondly, I think a lot of women have made improvements in their skin but now aren’t sure how best to maintain it.  This depends on budget too, of course.  Most women, over 50, with past sun damage could use 1 Thermage, 1 Sculptra and 1 Fraxel treatment a year to maintain and continue to improve.

For maintenance, it’s best to do your Thermage about 2-4 weeks before your Sculptra.   Don’t do it for 3-6 months after a Sculptra – it may make it more likely to make the Sculptra bumpy.  One way to schedule it is to do your Thermage followed by Sculptra in the summer and then do the Fraxel 6 months later.  Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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