Botox®

• What is Botox®?
  

  It is a natural, purified protein that relaxes the muscles that cause some wrinkles.

• How long does it last?
  

  It lasts approximately three months in most patients. When the effects start wearing off, you will notice a gradual fading of its effects. At this point you may have your next treatment.

• How quickly will it take effect?
  

  The effects of Botox® are not immediate; it may take up to two weeks to see your effect.

• What are the side effects?
  

  Although most patients experience no side effects, a small minority of patients report bruising, headaches, and flu like symptoms.

• Is there any downtime or recovery time involved?
  

  Upon leaving the office, some patients experience a small amount of swelling in the injected area. This swelling resolves in several hours.

• What will happen to my face if I begin to get injections and then stop having them?
  

  Your face will return to the way it was before the injections. There will be no permanent effects of the Botox®.

• I heard that Botox® causes wrinkles. Is this true?
  

  Botox® does not cause wrinkles. If you receive Botox® injections to one area, it will move less and wrinkle less. Some people compensate by moving other areas of their face. These areas may show some wrinkles while the Botox® is active.

• Who does the injecting?
  

  Our oculoplastic surgeon, Michael McCracken, M.D., personally performs all injections. He is board certified in ophthalmology, he has written a textbook chapter on Botox®, and he has performed thousands of injections. Dr. McCracken will listen to your needs and tailor your treatment accordingly.

• How is Botox® priced?
  

  We price the injections based upon the number of units you require, based upon the number of areas injected.

• What areas does Dr. McCracken inject?
  

  The most commonly injected area is the glabella, or "frown lines". The glabella is the area between the eyebrows. A second area is the crow's feet, or "smile lines", which are found around the outside corners of the eyes. The third commonly injected area is the forehead.

• Is there a fee for the consultation?
  

  Dr. McCracken offers free consultations.

• How soon can I schedule an appointment?
  

  Usually, Dr. McCracken can see you within a few days.

• Where can I learn more?
  

  Visit the website www.botoxcosmetic.com

Collagen

• Do you use bovine or human collagen?
  

  Dr. McCracken injects only human derived collagen.

• Is there any risk of disease transmission?
  

  The collagen is grown in the laboratory and carefully screened, to insure that the risk of any disease transmission is extremely remote.

• Is there a need for a skin test prior to treatment?
  

  No, since it is human collagen there is not a skin test required as with bovine collagen products.

• How long does it last?
  

  One treatment usually lasts up to 3 months.

• Is there any downtime or recovery time involved?
  

  It is not unusual for patients to experience a small amount of redness in the injected areas for several hours. However, patients can resume all regular activities after injection.

• Who does the collagen injections?
  

  Our surgeon, Michael McCracken M.D., does all the injections himself. He is a board certified Oculoplastic Surgeon. Dr. McCracken will listen to your needs and tailor your treatment accordingly.

• Is there a fee for the consultation?
  

  No, Dr. McCracken offers free consultations.

• How soon can I schedule an appointment?
  

  Usually within a few days.

Restylane®

• What is Restylane®?
  

  Restylane® is hyaluronic acid, a substance that is normally found in youthful skin, but slowly disappears as a part of the aging process.

• Is Restylane® approved by the FDA?
  

  Yes, Restylane® was approved for injection by the FDA in December 2003.

• Is there any risk of disease transmission?
  

  Restylane® is grown in the laboratory and carefully screened, to ensure that the risk of any disease transmission is extremely remote.

• Is there a need for a skin test prior to treatment?
  

  No.

• How long does it last?
  

  One Restylane® treatment usually lasts about 3 to 6 months.

• Is there any downtime or recovery time involved?
  

  It is not unusual for patients to experience a small amount of redness and swelling in the injected areas for several hours.

• Who does the Restylane® injections?
  

  Our oculoplastic surgeon, Michael McCracken M.D., does all the injections himself. He board certified in ophthalmology. Dr. McCracken will listen to your needs and tailor your treatment accordingly.

• Is there a fee for the consultation?
  

  No, Dr. McCracken offers free consultations.

• How soon can I schedule an appointment?
  

  Usually, Dr. McCracken can see you within a few days.

• Where can I learn more?
  

  Visit the website www.RestylaneUSA.com

Chemical Peels

• What are chemical peels?
  

  It is the use of chemicals to remove damage or dull layers of the skin to reveal healthier, smoother, and evenly toned skin.

• When would someone get a chemical peel?
  

  Common indications are sun damage, age related problems, hyperpigmentation associated with aging hormones and sun damage, or advanced acne.

• Who does the peels? Does an aesthetician do them?
  

  Dr. McCracken performs all the peels himself.

• What kind of peels are performed?
  

  Dr. McCracken is performing Vitalize Peels and Obagi blue peels.

• What is the fee for the peels?
  

  The charge will vary depending on the type of peel. Dr. McCracken offers a free consultation where he will discuss your goals before selecting which type of peel best suits your needs.

• What is the down time for a Vitalize peel?
  

  There is no significant downtime for a vitalize peel. Your face will look slightly yellow for the first half hour, and then will mildly peel beginning about 48 hours afterwards. The peeling is usually mild and lasts a week or less.

• What is the down time for an Obagi blue peel?
  

  For the first few days, you face will be red. Then, your face will peel over the next week.

• What is the pre peel regimen?
  

  The regimen depends upon the type of peel done. For Obagi blue peels, we recommend at least six weeks of pretreatment with Obagi products.

• What is the post peel skin care regimen?
  

  Depending upon the type of peel, you will be prescribed various creams to care for your face afterwards.

• What is the difference between the types of peels?
  

  Which peel should I have? Dr. McCracken will examine you and discuss your goals before selecting which type of peel best suits your needs.

• When will I notice a result?
  

  You will see immediate results after your peel.

• Will I need more than one peel?
  

  It is not uncommon for a patient to require more than one peel. The number of peels needed depends on the condition of your skin and your goals. The Vitalize Peel is usually performed as a series of four to six peels, about 3 weeks apart. Obagi Blue Peels may be repeated annually.

• How soon can I schedule an appointment?
  

  Usually, Dr. McCracken can see you within a few days.

• Where can I learn more?
  

  Visit the websites www.skinmedica.com and www.obagi.com

"Lunchtime Laser"

• What is the "Lunchtime Laser" treatment?
  

  The "Lunchtime Laser" treatment is a non-invasive procedure that cools the skin and uses infrared laser to stimulate collagen growth.

• What does the procedure do and how does it work?
  

  The Lunchtime Laser treatment uses an infrared laser to rejuvenate the skin from the inside out. It combines a cooling plate and a Nd:YAG laser to give patients results with minimal inconvenience. The protective cooling plate is applied to the skin to allow the laser light to pass harmlessly through the upper layers of the skin and stimulate collagen production deep below the skin surface. The collagen and elastin fibers continue to multiply after the treatment, and you will continue to see improvent for months after the procedure.

• Is the "Lunchtime Laser" painful?
  

  Lunchtime Laser treatment can be performed on any facial area (around the eyes, mouth, and chin) with minimal discomfort. A topical anesthetic cream can be used on extra-sensitive areas, but no injections are required.

• How long does a treatment take?
  

  Can it be combined with other procedures? Lunchtime Laser treatment is a quick, easy procedure that many patients have during their lunch hour. It takes between 15 and 30 minutes. Patients who wear facial cosmetics can reapply makeup right away, and carry on with their day.

  
  

  The Lunchtime Laser treatment can also be combined with other procedures, making it an ideal compliement to laser skin resurfacing and Botox for an overall facial rejuvenation.

• How long will I take to heal?
  

  One of the most outstanding features of Lunchtime Laser treatment is that there is virtually no downtime. After a session, the area may appear red for up to an hour. Makeup can be used immediately. No skin wound is created.

• How many treatments are needed, and how long will it last?
  

  Clinical studies suggest that at lest two treatments are needed to stimulate new collagen growth. Dr. McCracken also recommends regular touch-up treatments to sustain the continued growth of new collagen.

• Download "Lunchtime Laser" Brochure

MicroLaserPeel

• What is the MicroLaserPeel?
  

  The MicroLaserPeel is a minimal to full laser peel of the epidermis (outer skin layer) that precisely removes the outermost layers of the skin. The procedure is tailored to the nature of the problem to be corrected: wrinkles, scars, laxity, keratoses, or pigmentation problems.

• Who should consider a MicroLaserPeel?
  

  Patients looking for more substantial results than provided by Microdermabrasion or light chemical peels, and willing to have a small amount of healing time.

• How is the MicroLaserPeel different from Microdermabrasion?
  

  Generally, microdermabrasion only removes the outer layer (stratum corneum, 10-15 microns) of the skin. Patients may become dissatisfied when the Microdermabrasion does not yield the desired result.

  
  

  The MicroLaserPeel is a minimal to full epidermal peel (20-50 microns. Because this procedure goes deeper into the epidermis, it is the perfect step between microdermabrasion and deeper peels.

• How often does a MicroLaserPeel need to be done?
  

  One procedure may be sufficient for 6 to 12 months, but additional procedures can be performed as required. A package of 3 to 4 treatments is typically purchased in advance.

• What can I expect?
  

  You can expect smoother, healthier, more vibrant skin. You will notice a significant and immediate change in skin texture and tightness when compared to Microdermabrasion.

• What type of anesthesia is used?
  

  A topical anesthetic is applied for 30 to 45 minutes before the procedure.

• Do I have to wear any type of dressing or bandage after the procedure?
  

  No dressing is needed. Dr. McCracken will prescribe an ointment to use as a barrier to keep the air away from your skin while you grow new epithelium. You will probably use it for one or two days. After that, a moisturizer can be used.

• How long is the healing process?
  

  The healing process varies from patient to patient. It usually lasts two to four days. Immediately after the procedure, you will feel as if you have had a bad sunburn. You will have minor sloughing and itchiness the following day. By day two, redness will begin to fade and by day three any redness can be easily covered by makeup.




Download Micro Laser Peel Brochure

Download Broad Based Light Brochure

Laser Hair Removal

• What is the PROFILE Laser Hair Removal System?
  

  The Profile Laser Hair Removal ystem is an infrared laser that can selectively target microstructures such as hair follicles. It is very effective for lighter skin types, and because of the relativelylow absorption of this light by melanin, it is the best choice when treating darker skin types. Additionally, the ability to safely treat sun-tanned skin makes this the treatment of choice for active individuals.

• What alternative treatments are available?
  

  Waxing, shaving, and the use of depilatory creams are well-established temporary methods for hair removal. Electrolysis is the traditional tried and tested method for permanent hair removal, but it is often very time-consuming and inefficient. These days, the most popular and most effective method for hair removal is the use of lasers which have been specifically designed to damage and destroy many hairs in a short time, and with little chance of complications. The results of the Profile Hair Removal System are permanent in 80% of patients.

• What is laser hair removal? How does it work?
  

  Laser hair removal offers a safe, fast, and effective alternative for dealing with unwanted hair. Lasers work by emitting a specialized light that is passed through the skin and preferentially absorbed by its target. The Profile laser targets the melanin in the hair follicle, damaging the follicle and destroying hair.
  

  Laser hair removal is safe enough to be used on all body parts, including the face, back, underarms, bikini line, legs, and arms.

• Can all skin colors be treated?
  

  Yes, all skin colors can be treated.

• Can tanned skin be treated?
  

  Tanned skin can be treated safely, but always inform Dr. McCracken if you have been tanning or exposed to the sun within the last three weeks and he will adjust your treatment regimen to give you the safest and most effective experience.

• What happens during hair removal treatment?
  

  Dr. McCracken will discuss the treatment with you and decide if you will need a topical anesthetic cream. The area of your skin that is to be treated will be scanned with laser light from the PROFILE system. Treatment time will depend upon the area to be treated. A system for cooling your skin will be used to remove heat as it leaves the follicles and helps to ensure a comfortable treatment.

• How does it work?
  

  The PROFILE laser selectively targets your fair follicles and heats them with infra-red energy. Unlike other processes, the laser beam treats many hairs at once, making treatment of large areas practical. The PROFILE employs a unique computer guided scanning system that automates the treatment to ensure that your skin is treated rapidly and evenly. The computer sets the parameters and places the beam in an optimum pattern for your skin. You will have a safe, fast, effective, and gentle treatment.

• What should I expect after treatment?
  

  Some redness and slight swelling may be present in the area that has been treated. However, this should subside within a few hours. If any prolonged redness or swelling occurs then consult Dr. McCracken.

• Is there a risk of complications?
  

  There is a low risk of pigmentary changes. Dr. McCracken will discuss your concerns with you before your treatment.

• Is PROFILE Laser Hair Removal permanent?
  

  On average, each laser treatment will be associated with some permanent hair loss. In most cases hair removal can only be achieved after several treatments. The number of treatements required will depend on the amount of hair to be removed and the individual patient's response to laser therapy. The goal may not be total hair removal. Many patients are happy with a reasonable degree of hair reduction. The hair that remains is often lighter in color and thinner than the original hair before the treatment. As with other treatments for unwanted hair, there is no guarantee that laser hair removal treatment will be permanent.

• How many treatments will I need?
  

  You may need to be treated about 3 to 5 times at approximately 5 to 8 week intervals. There are three phases of hair growth, and only hairs in the active growth phase can be successfully treated.

• Does treatment hurt?
  

  What can I expect with the procedure? Most patients describe laser hair removal as feeling "prickly" or like the light snap of a rubber band against the skin. Afterwards, it might feel like a bad sunburn. Each patient has his or her own level of skin sensitivity and pain threshold. Different areas on the body are also more sensitive than others.
  

  On the day of your treatment, plan on wearing clothing that will allow easy access to the area being treated. You may not need any type of anesthesia for your treatments. Laser hair removal works best when the hair is one to two millimeters in length. No specific care is needed after the treatment.

• How long will it take my skin to heal?
  

  Normally the skin looks red and swollen for up to 48 hours, sometimes slightly longer. Most patients will be offered a test area before undergoing a full treatment. This gives them a great idea of how the treatment will feel, and the length of time it will look red and swollen. Occasionally, patients can develop a blistering reaction. If this happens, call Dr. McCracken and ask for specific post-laser treatment options.

• What will I look like immediately afterwards?
  

  Generally, some redness will remain for approximately five to seven days. For some patients, recovery time will be less, while other patients will have prolonged redness.

• How much does treatment cost?
  

  The cost of treatment is dependent on many factors. These factors could include the size of the area needing treatment and the number of treatments necessary. Ask about package pricing when you call to schedule your appointment.




Download Laser Hair Removal Brochure

Laser Skin Peel

• What is PROFILE?
  

  PROFILE is a combination of two lasers and sets a new standard for laser skin peels, allowing Dr. McCracken to precisely vary the depth and the effect of your laser peel. Your treatment will be tailored to match your skin condition and desired result.

• What is laser skin resurfacing?
  

  Laser skin resurfacing is one of the leading cosmetic procedures in the United States. The process utilizes a laser to minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles, as well as improve the overall texture of the skin.

• How does laser skin resurfacing work?
  

  Lasers work by emitting a specialized light that passes through the skin and is preferentially absorbed by water in the damaged collagen of our skin. This action allows the laser light to ablate (evaporate) very fine layers of skin, diminishing the look of the wrinkle and other unwanted textures. The older, wrinkled collagen in your skin is remodeled into newer skin: as new ells form in the healing process, the skin becomes soother and softer.

• Why choose laser skin resurfacing?
  

  Laser skin resurfacing offers patients many benefits. The procedure is truly "incisionless", provides consistent results, and offers Dr. McCracken precise control. Its faster recovery time means that it can also delay or eliminate the need for the more invasive facelift surgery.

• What conditions can be treated with PROFILE?
  
  • Wrinkles
  • Acne Scars
  • Actinic Keratoses
  • Syringomas
  • Hypertropic Scars
  • Surgical Scars
  • Solar Lentigines (liver spots)

• What will the PROFILE laser do?
  

  Your physician will use PROFILE to remove thin layers of your skin's surgace, which will be replaced by younger skin growth. Only PROFILE has the ability to provide a treatment that is optimized to your skin condition. Your wrinkles will soften and become less noticeable (some will disappear), and pigmented lesions will become lighter.

• What areas can be treated?
  

  All skin areas can be treated. Popular areas are the face, neck, chest and hands. Discuss your needs with Dr. McCracken.

• How long will I take to recover?
  

  Your healing time will depend upon your actual treatment depth, and you may experience redness that may last several weeks. Healing time does vary among individuals. Dr. McCracken can answer questions about temporary changes to your skin color and how they may be camouflaged.

• What should I expect after treatment?
  

  Some redness and slight swelling may be present in the area that has been treated, but this should subside within a few hours. Your skin will have a pink or red color that will resolve over time. You will need to avoid direct sun exposure, or use a sun block of at least SPF 15 when outdoors.

• Will it be uncomfortable?
  

  The amount of discomfort varies from patient to patient. Dr. McCracken will discuss your anesthesia options to properly manage any discomfort from the treatment.

• Is there a risk?
  

  Following Dr. McCracken's aftercare procedures will reduce the risk of infection. You will return to Dr. McCracken for follow-up visits to ensure excellent healing.

• What will happen during the procedure?
  

  Dr. McCracken will administer anesthesia after discussing the options with you. Your eyes will be protected with safety shields or glasses.
  
  PROFILE's laser beam will be delivered through a computer controlled device that automatically scans the area of your skin being treated. You may hear a snapping or popping noise as the laser beam gently removes the outer skin cells.
  
  Your procedure may take a few minutes to half an hour, depending on the size of the area to be treated and the depth of your peel.

• What aftercare will I need?
  

  It is important to follow Dr. McCracken's instructions. You will be given some skin care products and instructions on how to use them. This will minimize your risk for infection and ensure the shortest healing time. The top layer of your skin will regrow and be covered with makeup in about one week.
  
  Your new skin will be very sensitive to ultra-violet light, and you must avoid sun exposure until fully healed. If you have to go outdoors, you need to cover your skin, wear a hat, and use good sunscreen.

• How long will it take me to heal?
  

  What are the side effects? Most patients enjoy a short recovery time after laser resurfacing, which lasts anywhere from less than a week for lighter resurfacing procedures to slightly more than a week for deeper procedures. You will be asked to keep the area moist. The initial redness after the procedure will fade over a period of time. However, camouflage makeup may be used to cover the redness.
  
  As for side effects, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with laser skin resurfacing. Doctor McCracken will review with ou in detail any risks involved in the procedure.

• Is the procedure painful?
  

  You will be given either a topical or local anesthetic during the procedure. Sedation can also be provided. Most patients describe the post-procedure feeling as a bad sunburn; this feeling will subside in a few days. Cold compresses will also help subdue the discomfort.

• How soon will I see results?
  

  Because your skin will heal over a period of several weeks, you may not see the final results until then. As your skin heals, and as new collagen regenerates and fills in the lines and wrinkles, your results will continue to improve for several months.




Download Laser Skin Peel Brochure

Laser Vein Treatment

• What is the PROFILE vascular laser?
  

  Proile is a new laser that uses infrared energy and it is the new standard for the treatment of many skin conditions. Profile allows Dr. McCracken to precisely treat visible vessels, broken capillaries, spider veins, and skin discoloration. Your treatment will be tailored to match your skin condition and desired result.

• What conditions can be treated? Rosacea Redness Telangiectasia Spider veins Facial veins Broken capillaries

• What will the PROFILE laser do?
  

  Dr. McCracken will use the PROFILE laser to restore your skin's youthful color. Broken capillaries and other visible vascular structures will be gently eliminated from the visible layers of your skin's surface. PROFILE has the ability to provide a treatment that is optimized to your skin condition. Unwanted lesions will be preferentially heated by the laser energy and will disappear or become less noticeable.

• What areas can be treated?
  

  All skin areas can be treated. Popular areas are the face, neck, chest, and legs. Discuss your needs with Dr. McCracken.

• Is there a risk?
  

  There is little risk for the treatment of these benign conditions. In some cases, repeat treatment will be necessary. This will depend on your response to the treatment and the desired result.

• How long will I take to recover?
  

  Your healing time will depend upon your actual treatment, and you may experience redness for several days. There is virtually no recovery time, and you may resume an active lifestyle immediately. Dr. McCracken can answer questions about temporary changes to your skin color and how they may be camouflaged.

• What should I expect after treatment?
  

  Some temporary redness may be present in the area that has been treated, but this should subside within a few hours. Your skin will have a pink or red color that will resolve over time. You will need to avoid direct sun exposure, or use a sun block when outdoors.

• Will it be uncomfortable?
  

  There is little to no discomfort, but this varies from patient to patient and depends upon the depth of the treatment. There is no need for anesthesia and Dr. McCracken will discuss your options to properly manage any discomfort from the treatment. There will be no post-treatment discomfort.

• What will happen during the procedure?
  

  Your eyes will be protected with safety shields or glasses. PROFILE's laser beam will be delivered to the area of your skin being treated. You may briefly feel a warm or hot sensation as the laser pulses are preferentially absorbed in the unwanted vessels, heating and destroying them. Your procedure may take a few minutes to half an hour, depending on the size of the area to be treated.

• What aftercare will I need?
  

  It is important to follow Dr. McCracken's instructions. You may be given some skin care products and instructions on how to use them. This will minimize your risk for inflammation or redness and ensure the shortest response time. Any vessels or pigment denatured by the laser will be reabsorbed by your body over a period of time during the natural healing process. Most small capillaries will become invisible almost immediately since they will no longer contain blood flow.
  
  Your skin will be sensitive to ultra-violet light and you must avoid direct sun exposure. Most of the conditions treated by the laser will have been caused by sun exposure, so avoiding the sun will prolong your new youthful appearance. It is important to cover your skin or use sunscreen when you are outdoors.

• What is laser vein treatment?
  

  Laser therapy is a safe and proven method for treating unsightly broken and dilated vessels, as well as such other unwanted vascular lesions as rosacea, port wine stains, and other vascular lesions.

• How does laser vein treatment work?
  

  Lasers work by emitting a specialized light that passes through the skin and is preferentially absorbed by its target, which can be an unwanted hair, birthmark, tattoo, or in this case, blood in the unwanted vessels. The heat from the laser causes the vein to break up and disappear.

• What can I expect with the procedure?
  

  Most people describe laser vein treatment as feeling like the snap of a rubber band against the skin. You may be given a topical anesthetic cream to numb the area to be treated. Any discomfort can be eased with the application of cool compresses. After treatment, you can immediately return to normal activities.

• How soon will I see results? Are there any side effects?
  

  Because laser vein treatment works by causing the unwanted vein to break up and dissolve, resolution of the unwanted vein will take place over the course of several weeks. Some patients experience bruising around the treated area. This resolves within days of the treatment.

• What are facial veins?
  

  Facial veins are fine, blood filled vessels (also called telangiectasia) on the face, usually around the nose and central cheeks. They can be the result of cumulative sun exposure, genetics, or rosacea. Many patients also refer to these as "broken" blood vessels or capillaries.

• How many treatments are necessary?
  

  Is treatment permanent? Depending on the severity of the condition, multiple treatments may be required. Improvement generally lasts for several years, but over time new facial veins will develop, requiring a touch-up treatment at a later date.




Download Laser Vein Treatment Brochure

Download Broad Based Light Brochure

Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery

• Can Dr. McCracken operate on the upper and lower lids at the same time?
  

  Yes.

• What kind of anesthesia is used? Do I need to be put to sleep?
  

  You will not be put to sleep. Dr. McCracken performs the procedure under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. Sometimes, this type of anesthesia is referred to as "twilight" anesthesia.

• How long does the procedure take?
  

  The procedure takes about an hour.

• Do I need to stay in the hospital overnight?
  

  No; patients do well recovering in the comfort of their own home.

• Will I have an eye patch?
  

  No. You will be prescribed antibiotic ointment to use on your incisions and in your eyes for the first week. Sometimes, it may cause some mild blurring of vision.

• Is the procedure painful?
  

  No. Most patients do not require any oral pain medication after surgery. Some patients take some Tylenol for the first few days to relieve minor discomfort.

• What is the recovery time?
  

  You can expect swelling and bruising for about one to two weeks after your surgery.

• Will I get stitches?
  

  When will they be removed? Dr. McCracken will suture your incisions closed at the end of your surgery. Some of these stitches dissolve, but the remaining stitches will be removed about a week after surgery.

• When will I be seen postoperatively?
  

  Every patient has different needs. Usually, Dr. McCracken will see you at one week after the surgery and several weeks after surgery. Future appointments are tailored to each patient's needs.