For more information
Imami Skin & Cosmetic Center
1140 Broadband Drive, Melbourne
www.Drimami.com
Royal European Beauty
403 Brevard Ave., Suite 4, Cocoa Village
www.facebook.com/royaleuropeanbeauty
105 S. Banana River Blvd., Cocoa Beach
www.hf.org/dermatology
FALL 2021: 51
MICRODERMABRASION
Instead of a dermaplaning blade, microdermabrasion
depends on a minimally
abrasive instrument to sand down the
skin and remove the thicker outer layer.
Like dermaplaning, it results in a refreshed
appearance, but microdermabrasion
has more oomph in reducing fine
lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores.
Johnson favors the Diamond Glow, a new
combination of microdermabrasion and
medical-grade facial.
“It provides a great way for patients to
get multiple skin care treatments all in
one,” she said.
MICRONEEDLING
As a cosmetic procedure, microneedling,
aka collagen induction therapy, has stood
the test of time. The dermaroller used
in the procedure contains tiny needles
that pinprick the skin to encourage the
creation of new collagen-rich tissue for a
firmer skin.
“It does a great job, although you do
need multiple treatments,” Johnson said.
“After 30, we stop making collagen, so
this is a way to continue to encourage
your body to make its own.”
A new modality that also encourages the
growth of collagen is Ultherapy, which
lasts longer than microneedling.
“Ultherapy give you deeper treatment using
ultrasound technology,” she said “That
collagen stimulation can last for some
people up to five years, where microneedling
you need to treat more often.”
MICROCURRENT
Think of microcurrent, or facial toning,
as a workout for the face. Microcurrent
was first used in the 1800s to treat
damaged tissue, until a physician noticed
it also made faces look younger.
The technology emits extremely lowvoltage
electrical currents, mimicking
the body’s own bioelectrical current, to
repair damaged skin and stimulate the
replenishment of collagen.
“It forces the body to repair itself,” said
Corina Gata of Royal European Beauty
Skin Care Studio in Cocoa Village.
Probes on pads placed on the face
transmit mild electrical current that
causes the muscles to contract and relax.
PLATELET-RICH PLASMA
Platelet-rich plasma uses the body’s
own growth factors to stimulate new
collagen and even new hair growth. This
injectable treatment rejuvenates the skin
by using the body’s own platelet-rich
blood cells.
A small amount of the patient’s blood is
harvested and placed in a centrifuge to
separate the plasma from the blood. The
plasma is then reinjected into the patient.
At Imami’s office, PRP is performed with
an initial set of three injections spaced a
month apart and maintenance treatment
as needed.
321.312.4198
407.733.6811
Vanessa Johnson, MD
321.361.5607
PLASTIC SURGERY
Rhytidectomy, aka face-lift, remains the
gold standard for anti-aging procedures.
It can be performed in conjunction with
a brow lift and eyelid surgery for additional
rejuvenation.
Although more than 68,000 of these
procedures are performed annually in the
United States, it is not inexpensive. The
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
lists the average cost at $8,005, and that
doesn’t include the anesthesia and other
related expenses.
Cost aside, for some individuals, it is not
an option.
Mary Lou Dryer, a patient of Imami,
doesn’t handle anesthesia well and has
been sick for days afterward. Dryer has
opted for and obtained good results
with PRP.
“I know I am doing something for me,”
she said.
Regardless of modalities selected, a
reality check is necessary for all aesthetic
treatments. Christi Adams, one of
Johnson’s patients, has the right idea.
“I started noticing aging and wanted to
look refreshed, but not overdone,” said
the Melbourne Beach resident, who has
been using Botox and fillers for five years.
“I am not trying to look 30 or 40, but the
best for my age,” Adams said. “I love it
when people tell me I look so good.”
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