Below you will find the skin care procedures we perform at our office. To learn more about our cosmetic surgery services, schedule a consultation today.
Skin Cancer
Objective: To remove cancerous tumors and reconstruct skin to normal appearance.
Every person should have a complete skin exam at least once a year by a dermatologist or primary care physician. Those who have a history of skin cancer should be examined more frequently - every three to six months depending on one's individual history. The majority of skin cancers can be cured when detected and treated in time. Dr. John Franklin has extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating all forms of skin cancer. His exceptional skill at detecting even the earliest signs of skin cancer helps patients avoid the danger of this insidious disease becoming a threat to health.
If you're concerned about skin cancer, inform your primary care physician of new lesions, changes in lesions, etc. He or she should examine your skin at your annual physical and if necessary, you should make an appointment with our office for a further consultation. Dr. Franklin is skilled at diagnosing and treating skin cancer and other skin growths. Our surgeon will surgically remove the growth in a manner that maintains function of the affected body part(s) and will leave minimal scarring.
During Surgery
If the cancer is small, the procedure can be done quickly and easily, in an outpatient facility or the physician's office. The procedure may be a simple excision, which usually leaves a thin, barely visible scar.
If the cancer is large, the tumor will be excised and then closed with either a skin graft or skin flap (tissue transfer) performed in an outpatient facility. There are various combinations of treating skin cancers and some of the methods could include Mohs surgery. Also, depending on the results of the pathology, radiation might be indicated after surgery.
Anesthesia
Skin cancer removal surgery is normally performed using local anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation depending on the extent of the procedure.
Recovery
Your recovery period will vary depending on the size and location of the cancer cells. In most cases, the patient can resume normal activities in the next day or two. Patients will be informed when to follow up for suture removal, what to expect and what to look for and to call the office with any concern or questions.
We're Affordable!
It is our goal to make our procedures affordable for everyone. Skin cancer removal is a covered expense under health insurance and we accept most major health insurance carriers. We also offer financing with Wells Fargo and Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union.
There is no reason to put your health at risk. Dr. Franklin is highly skilled in diagnosing and treating all forms of skin cancer, and he can identify even virtually unnoticeable signs that a cancer is forming. If you are often in the sun or have a family history of cancer, it is vital that you have a comprehensive examination for skin cancer. If you suspect that an existing mole or growth may be cancerous, Dr. Franklin urges you to make an appointment for treatment as soon as possible. With our easy payment options, you can get the treatment you need for this dangerous and potentially deadly disease.
Skin Management
Objective: To combat the environmental and genetic signs of aging to keep skin looking young and healthy.
A number of non-surgical "refinishing" treatments are available for patients who want to eliminate or soften imperfections on their facial skin and achieve a clearer, fresher look. These treatments include glycolic acids, which are natural fruit substances blended into facial preparations and are used to eliminate rough or dried surface skin, and BOTOX® Cosmetic, a treatment that is injected into the muscles underlying the skin's surface to combat fine facial wrinkles and lines. Each of these treatments can be used alone, or are frequently prescribed in conjunction with an aesthetic surgery procedure, such as a facelift or a chemical peel.
We also offer a full complement of products and dermal fillers to help our patients achieve clear, smooth, youthful skin. The products of the Glytone® Skin Rejuvenation System work in concert to rejuvenate damaged skin by gently removing the upper layers of skin cells to reveal the fresh, unblemished skin underneath. Our products by Avène are infused with thermal spring water from natural springs in France to provide dermatological hydrotherapy for sensitive skin. For patients who wish to accomplish dramatic skin-smoothing results quickly, we offer treatment with a complete range of dermal fillers, including Juvéderm™, Hylaform® and Hylaform® Plus, and Captique™. These excellent fillers are based on hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that helps to keep skin hydrated as well as provide unparalleled treatment of lines, wrinkles, and other skin imperfections.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic or "fruity acid" treatments can offer smoother skin to people of all ages. This type of treatment seems to work best on patients who have rough, sun-damaged skin. Glycolic acids are sometimes formulated with bleaching chemicals to correct areas of uneven pigmentation. It's normal to experience some redness, irritation, itching, stinging, or skin dryness once you begin to use glycolic acid. However, you can expect these symptoms to gradually disappear as the skin adjusts to the treatment. Because glycolic acid thins the skin's outer layer, you will need to consistently use a sun-block to protect yourself from ultraviolet light, and you may have to discontinue using certain products or cosmetics on your face.
Though the degree of change varies from person to person, with continued use of glycolic acid preparations, you will begin to see subtle improvements in the texture and tone of your skin. In most cases, glycolic acid users notice an overall freshness and smoothness. When using glycolic acid with bleaching agents, after a while, pigmented blotches fade or disappear as the bleaching effect begins to work. The time necessary for visible results depends on the degree of pigmentation and individual circumstances. Some patients see results in as little as six weeks.
Ongoing skin home care is important in maintaining toned and youthful looking facial skin. At the same time it is essential as well, to treat the skin in other areas of the body.
We carry Glytone® products, perform microdermabrasion, and we also use the Endermologie® Cosmetic Therapy System to combat the appearance of cellulite.
BOTOX® Cosmetic
Daily exposure to environmental elements, the natural effects of aging, and facial movements such as smiling and frowning can cause lines and wrinkles to appear on the face, even with younger individuals. BOTOX® Cosmetic is an effective treatment for softening or eliminating lines and wrinkles on the forehead, between the eyebrows, and at the base of the nose. It also provides excellent treatment for the crinkly "crow's feet" lines at the corners of the eyes. Approved by the FDA, BOTOX® Cosmetic is formulated from highly diluted botulinum toxin type A. When BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected under the facial skin, the toxin acts to block production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This causes the muscles underlying the treated area to relax so that lines on the surface of the skin diminish or disappear.
The skin-smoothing effects of a BOTOX® treatment typically last about four months. Additional BOTOX® injections will be necessary periodically to maintain the rejuvenated appearance of the facial skin after the effects of the initial treatment have dissipated. However, as treatments are repeated, the aesthetic results provided by the injections become longer lasting. BOTOX® injections affect only the targeted facial muscles. There is no risk of the agent migrating to muscles or tissue outside of the treatment area. No anesthesia is necessary prior to the injections, although Dr. Franklin may apply a topical anesthetic prior to treatment to minimize any discomfort. A BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment can be performed in as little as 10 minutes, and there is no downtime after the procedure.
"Surface-repair" treatments can enhance your appearance and give your skin a smoother, fresher look, but they won't remove deep scars and flaws or prevent aging. These treatments should not be thought of as mini-facelifts. Generally speaking, glycolic acid and BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments offer less dramatic results than surgical approaches like dermaplaning, dermabrasion, or chemical peel.
Spider Veins
Objective: To eliminate spider veins from legs and improve the skin's appearance.
At our practice, we treat spider veins of the legs, a cosmetic problem that affects at least fifty percent of the female population. The procedure is called sclerotherapy and our surgeons inject the veins with a sclerosing solution, causing the spider veins to collapse and fade from view.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is the introduction of a sclerosing or hardening agent into a vein using a small needle. Your doctor will apply anesthetic to the area, then inject a solution into the affected veins. During the procedure, you may feel a slight pinch as the needle is inserted and a burning sensation as the solution is injected. Each injection covers about one inch of the vein. After all veins are treated, you will either wear support hose or have compression dressings applied to the areas. In general, a second treatment will be required in order to achieve the desired result. If you have many veins requiring treatment, multiple sessions may be required.
Anesthesia
No anesthesia is needed for this spider vein removal.
Recovery
You will be instructed to take it easy the day of your procedure and are encouraged to walk. You will wear the support hose or compression dressings for 48 hours. The sites injected will appear bruised. If your spider veins were severe, your physician will recommend wearing support hose for four to six weeks. No strenuous exercise for a few weeks. Your physician will indicate when you can start resuming these. Your bruises will diminish within a month or so and you will be able to start wearing shorts, bathing suits, etc. without being conscious of spider veins.
Dermal Fillers
Objective: To restore structure and volume in unwanted facial lines and wrinkles, acne scars, frown lines, etc., thereby creating a more youthful appearance.
As we age, our faces begin to show the effects of gravity, sun exposure and years of facial muscle movement, such as smiling, chewing, and squinting. The underlying tissues that keep our skin looking youthful and plumped up begin to break down, often leaving laugh lines, smile lines, crow's feet or facial creases over the areas where this muscle movement occurs.
Soft-tissue fillers can help fill in these lines and creases, temporarily restoring a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance. When injected beneath the skin, these fillers plump up creased and sunken areas of the face. They can also add fullness to the lips. Dermal fillers may be used alone or in conjunction with a resurfacing procedure, such as a laser treatment, or a recontouring procedure, such as a facelift.
Cosmoplast® / Cosmoderm®
Cosmoplast® and Cosmoderm® are dermal fillers that are used for the correction of facial wrinkles, acne scars, and other soft tissue contour deformities, and for restoration of the lip border. Cosmoplast® and Cosmoderm® are made from highly purified human-based collagen that is grown under controlled laboratory conditions and dispersed in phosphate-buffered physiological saline containing 0.3 percent lidocaine. Cosmoplast® and Cosmoderm® are used to treat pronounced lines and wrinkles, scars, and thicker-skinned areas. They restore skin structure and can be used in combination with hyaluronic acid based fillers (see under Hylaform®). Skin tests are not required.
Hylaform®
Hylaform® (Hylan B gel) is a dermal filler that adds volume to your skin by mimicking the hydrating effects of your skin's natural hyaluronic acid. The Hylaform® gel is indicated for injection into the mid to deep dermis for correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds and is also used in the lips to restore skin volume. The results can be seen immediately and no scars or other marks are left on the face. Some patients might experience slight bruising which will disappear within a few days. After treatment, there may be minor swelling but normal activities may be resumed within a day. The effects can last from four to six months. No skin test is required.
Hylaform® Plus
Hylaform® Plus was created to address deeper facial lines, creases, and folds. Similar in appearance and consistency to Hylaform®, Hylaform® Plus is a clear, colorless gel that is made up of a larger average particle size hyaluronic acid to provide effective treatment of more pronounced skin contour irregularities. Treatment protocols and possible side effects of Hylaform® Plus mimic those of Hylaform®. Both Hylaform® Plus and Hylaform® lubricate and hydrate the subsurface layers of the skin after injection to provide volume and a smoother, more youthful complexion. Dr. Franklin will determine after examination of the patient which of these excellent dermal fillers will provide optimal results.
Collagen
Collagen is a dermal filler made from cow protein that is used to fill or plump wrinkles or furrows. Popular places to inject include the lines between the eyebrows, lines between the nose and lips (nasolabial folds), lines to the side of the mouth, and lines around the lips. It is done as an in-office procedure, and does not require anesthesia. Recovery is usually one day. Collagen is temporary (three to four months), therefore, repeated treatments are needed. Also, a test dose is required for first time users to determine the possibility of an allergic reaction.
Juvéderm™
Juvéderm™ is made from a technologically advanced form of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that provides volume, hydration, and nutrients to the skin. Approved by the FDA in 2006, Juvéderm™ contains the highest concentration of cross-linked hyaluronic acid of all dermal fillers currently available. This biocompatible gel is derived from non-animal sources, so a skin test prior to treatment is unnecessary. Depending on the specific formula used, Juvéderm™ can be used to smooth fine to moderate wrinkles, diminish deep lines and folds, add volume to lips, and shape facial contours. Results typically last six months or more.
Captique™
Captique™ is another dermal filler based on non-animal-derived hyaluronic acid. Captique™ is designed to address light to moderate facial lines and wrinkles caused by aging and other factors. The clear gel can also be used for facial sculpting in applications such as plumping lips, non-surgical eyelid lift, and relieving pre-jowl hollow. Results are predictable and immediate, and treatment requires no downtime. Captique™ can be used alone to replenish volume and replace natural elements in the facial skin, or in combination with collagen-based fillers to enhance its ability to restore structural support and definition to the skin for a more youthful appearance.
Scar Revision
Objective: To minimize or improve the appearance of scars, caused by accidents, and/or surgery.
A scar revision is a procedure performed on a scar to alter its appearance. The revision may improve the appearance of the scar or restore function to a part of the body that may have been restricted by the scar. Whether you're concerned about scars resulting from surgery, injury, infection or acne, our highly skilled plastic surgeons can help you. There are a variety of scar revision therapies available, depending on the severity and location of the scar.
During Scar Revision Surgery
Scar revision is usually performed after the body has had time to heal itself (usually 1 year or so after the initial trauma). The old scar is removed, and there are several techniques that can be used to repair the incision, depending on the individual circumstances. Techniques could include closure with tiny stitches, repositioning the old scar, the use of steroid injection, grafting, skin flaps and tissue expansion. Our surgeons will discuss with you what technique will be used, allowing the best chance of obtaining an improved appearance.
Anesthesia
Scar revisions are normally performed using local anesthesia. If the scars are large or if the patient prefers, the procedure may be performed using local anesthesia or general anesthesia with sedation.
Recovery
Scar revisions are almost always done on an outpatient basis. Postoperative pain is usually minimal. Sutures are usually removed in four to six days for the face and in seven to 10 days for other parts of the body. The new scar will initially be red. Fading occurs within six to 24 months, depending on the scar's location. Scars cannot be removed completely. Many factors will be involved in the degree of healing of your particular scar, with some scars taking more than a year to show improvement in appearance following surgery.
We're Affordable!
It is our goal to make our procedures affordable for everyone. Depending on the situation, some scar revisions could be covered under insurance. We will do a predetermination to find out if the procedure might be a covered expense under your insurance policy. We accept most major health insurance carriers, and we offer a variety of financing plans to fit your budget.
To schedule a consultation or to ask us a question about a cosmetic surgery procedure, contact our office today.
To learn more about how skin procedures performed by Dr. John Franklin can help you achieve and maintain a smooth, clear, and healthy complexion, contact us today.
Specialists in Plastic Surgery, P.C.
979 East Third Street,
Suite A-0445
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403
(Our office is at 979 East Third Street, Suite A-0445 in Chattanooga. Located inside Erlanger's Medical Mall, take the "A" elevators to the 4th Floor and meet our medical team at Suite A-0445.)
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Ph.866-492-6554
Fx. 423-778-7450