NOW OFFERING THE NEW PORTRAIT SKIN REGNERATION SYSTEM.
This breakthrough plasma technology delivers dramatic results.

Indications

Sun. Age. Stress. All of these factors can cause fine lines and wrinkles to develop around the eyes, forehead, cheeks and neck. Frown lines can add years to a face and create the appearance of being tired or angry. Patients who wish to eliminate these slight imperfections can opt for the non-invasive results offered by injections. Most patients are delighted with the instant results and little to no downtime involved in these procedures.

At Iowa City Plastic Surgery, helping our patients look and feel their best, while receiving the highest level of guidance, education and care is our primary mission. In addition to our traditional plastic and reconstructive surgery techniques, we are proud to offer our patients the remarkable, non-invasive benefits of today’s most effective injections and fillers. Both Dr. Cram and Dr. Aly are board certified in plastic surgery with expertise in proper application of Botox®, collagen, Restylane® and other injectable fillers and skin regeneration treatments. During an initial consultation, we will discuss your injection options and help you determine which course of treatment is right for you.

Collagen - BOTOX® - Restylane® - Captique™
Portrait® Skin Regeneration - Costs

Collagen

When we’re young, our skin’s smooth structure is supported by collagen, a natural part of our skin. As we age, this collagen thins, causing wrinkles and lines to form where collagen is lost. Collagen injections replenish the skin’s collagen layer, smoothing lines and wrinkles and adding definition to lip borders from the inside out. Zyderm® and Zyplast® collagen fillers are natural products derived from highly purified bovine collagen that is injected just under the surface of the skin.¹ Like your own collagen, your body eventually absorbs this collagen so ongoing treatments of collagen injections will be necessary. Prior to your first treatment with collagen, you will receive a test dose to determine that you are not allergic to collagen.  As with any Iowa City Plastic Surgery patient, you will have the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns with Dr. Cram or Dr. Aly prior to any collagen injection. We will help to determine what type of injection program will best meet your goals for smoother, younger looking skin.

Like BOTOX®, collagen is injected through a tiny needle just below the surface of the skin to smooth wrinkles or define the lip border. Collagen is effective to smooth fine to deep wrinkles, frown lines, smile lines, crow’s feet, acne and other scars. Collagen results are immediate and will last around 3 months.

¹ SOURCE: Collagen Aesthetics The Look You Want, By McGhan Medical, and Inamed Company.

Click here for more information on Collagen.

BOTOX®

BOTOX® is a purified form of botulism toxin most commonly used (and FDA-approved) to treat frown lines, forehead creases, crow’s feet and platysmal bands (wrinkles of the neck). It is injected into these areas using an ultra thin needle that provides a minimal amount of discomfort, if any. Treatment of BOTOX® in these areas causes underlying muscle to relax, giving a smoother, younger looking appearance that is noticeable within 48-72 hours, and continues to improve over the next 7-21 days.

With BOTOX® injections, there is minimal pain, discomfort or downtime. Many patients come to Iowa City Plastic Surgery on their lunch hour for BOTOX® and return to work immediately following the procedure. Although it is very rare, there are possible side effects, including mild discomfort, bruising or swelling at the injection site. Immediately following BOTOX®, you will be asked to refrain from rubbing or massaging the injection site to ensure proper filtration of BOTOX® into the desired muscle tissue. We ask that you also remain upright so the BOTOX® does not spread to unwanted areas of the body.

The positive effects of BOTOX® will remain for around 3 months depending on the amount of wrinkles, age of patient and amount of injections given. Most BOTOX® patients will have injections performed 1-3 times per year to maintain their youthful appearance.

Click here for more information on BOTOX® Cosmetic.

Restylane®

Restylane® was recently approved by the FDA for its use as a cosmetic dermal filler to help correct and fill in facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial lines. It is safe and natural, and is not derived from either rooster-derived hyaluronic acids or bovine collagen products. It is made from hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance found in the human body. Because it is completely natural, Restylane can be used without allergy testing required with some of the other injections.

As with the other the other non-invasive injection treatments provided at Iowa City Plastic Surgery, Restylane offers immediate improvement and very little downtime or discomfort. Restylane patients often stop by on their lunch hour and are back to work right after the treatment. Restylane is particularly effective in the treatment of moderate to deep wrinkles and folds of the skin and can dramatically improve laugh lines and wrinkles around the nose and lips.

Click here for more information on Restylane®.

Captique™

Captique™ is a new injectable filler designed to reduce wrinkles and folds around the nose and mouth. Recently approved by the FDA, Captique™ is distributed by Inamed Aesthetics, the same company that produces Zyderm®/Zyplast®, Cosmoderm®/Cosmoplast® and Hylaform®. Like Hylaform®, Captique™ gel is made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring sugar that bonds with water to add volume to the skin. Hyaluronic acid is non-animal based and carries no risk of allergic reaction, so no pre-treatment skin test is necessary.

Captique™ works in the same way as Restylane®. The clear gel is injected beneath the skin, where it binds with water to plump up wrinkles and folds, giving the skin a smoother, younger look. Touch-up treatments every few months can maintain the effects. Your physician can answer further questions and determine whether Captique™ is right for you.

Click here for more information on Captique™.

Portrait® Skin Regeneration

Breakthrough Plasma Technology Delivers Dramatic Skin Regeneration

We are proud to announce the arrival of Portrait® skin regeneration, the first and only clinically proven technology delivering true skin regeneration. Now patients can benefit from reduced wrinkles, tighter skin and improved skin tone and texture, all at the same time with the Portrait® procedure. Surface blemishes, discoloration and benign skin lesions which are also effectively treated by Portrait®.

Portrait® skin regeneration is a dramatic leap forward in the science of beauty. It is a plasma energy technology never before used in the cosmetic field. Compared to other treatments that only improve skin at the surface, Portrait® works both at and below the surface. The results seen following treatment get better over time with clinical studies showing continuing improvement a year later. Other treatments like chemical peels, dermabrasion and lasers work by taking things away from the skin surface, so they can only do so much.

Portrait® works very effectively at the surface but it also activates and stimulates collagen growth deeper within the skin causing new, healthy skin to emerge naturally. It's an entirely different mode of action and the results are exceptional. Portrait® is a simple, non-surgical procedure that takes 15 ­ 20 minutes for a full face treatment. Backed by years of clinical research, it is safe and effective, giving patients the results they want without the risks associated with other treatments.

Call today for a FREE PORTRAIT® CONSULTATION with Claudette Heddens, our nurse practitioner.

Click here for more information on Portrait® Skin Regeneration.

Costs

The cost of the injections will depend on which treatment is right for you, and how complex the injections will be. The patient is usually given the information on cost at the time of the first consultation.