#dermatology - benefits of painful procedures in aesthetics

Derma-roller for stretch marks (striae) 
Numerous short needles, two millimeters in length, are coupled in a plastic roll which is slipped around five times on each treated area. These perforations stimulate the production of more collagen, thus, improving the aspect in up to 80% of cases. But for such results, it may be necessary to repeat the procedure until seven times, with intervals of 40 - 60 days. Anesthetic cream applied before the procedure relieves pain. 

Subcision to treat severe cellulite
The most effective way to eliminate deep cellulite is passing a thick needle under the skin in repeated movements. Generally, a single session is enough to solve the problem. Local anesthesia is injected for better tolerance. 

Fractional laser 
Great for rejuvenation and whitening spots on the face, neck and chest. An anesthetic ointment is necessary. Redness and swelling may persist for a few days. The body reacts to the aggression producing more collagen. In some cases only one session is needed; in the others, five sessions with intervals of at least 30 days between them, 

Peels (spots and wrinkles) 
TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peeling is cheaper than laser and provides satisfactory results. The pain increases with the acid concentration, which must be higher to reach deep regions of the skin. The burning sensation lasts 5 - 10 minutes. Crusts and desquamation will occur in the next ten days. In this period, resting at home is necessary. This treatment needs to be repeated two or three times at intervals of a month, and during that period, the patient should stay out of the sun, use potent sunscreen in addition to ointments that will help in healing. 

Carboxitherapy (localized fat, cellulite and sagging)
Using a fine needle, the purified carbon dioxide gas is injected in various points under the skin. This is painful, and can leave bruises if the needle reaches some small vessel. Benefits include revascularization, restructuring of the deep layer of the skin, fat burning, increase in collagen production and better blood circulation. For good results, ten sessions are needed, one per week. 

Laser for spider veins on the face 
Once energy emitted by the laser penetrates the skin and reaches the surface of a vessel, it causes intense heat coagulating the blood and collapsing spider veins. The discomfort lasts a fraction of a second and can be alleviated by topical anesthetic. The number of sessions varies according to the size and location of the vessels - if they are small and red, three applications with intervals of 30 days between them. 

Laser Hair Removal 
The energy is attracted to the hair pigment (melanin), overheating and destroying the folicles. This same process using Intense Pulsed Light is also very effective and much more comfortable in terms of pain. 

Fillers 
The doctor injects hyaluronic acid or absorbable calcium particles in the areas that need to be filled, including eyelids, crow's feet, contour of the lips, static wrinkles and folds that extend from the nostrils to the corners of the mouth. The treatment is performed in a single session: the effect is immediate and lasts from six months to two years. 

Botulinum toxin
Injections can cause pain and irritability especially in patients who have phobia of needles. The toxin (Botox, Dysport) temporarily relaxes the facial muscles responsible for the appearance of expression wrinkles while smiling, talking or frowning, leaving a younger and rested appearance. Normally it is not necessary to use anesthetics.