Cosmetic Dermatology

Cosmetic dermatology is an important sub-branch of dermatology that encompasses modern medical practices aimed at improving the aesthetic appearance of the skin, reducing signs of aging, and maintaining skin health. Today, with technological advancements, non-invasive and minimally invasive aesthetic procedures, which do not require surgical intervention, are gaining great popularity due to their safe and effective results. The Koru Hospital Cosmetic Dermatology Department offers comprehensive solutions for your skin health and aesthetic expectations with its expert dermatologists and state-of-the-art devices.

Scope of the Cosmetic Dermatology Department

Cosmetic dermatology covers a wide field that aims to address aesthetic concerns based on medical dermatology. The services offered in this department range from the treatment of skin diseases to anti-aging applications, and from spot treatment to body contouring.

Service areas of the Koru Hospital Cosmetic Dermatology Department:

• Anti-aging applications: Botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, mesotherapy, and skin rejuvenation procedures
• Laser treatments: Treatments for spots, redness, vascular problems, scars, and hair reduction
• Skin resurfacing: Chemical peeling, microdermabrasion, and dermapen applications
• Acne and acne scar treatment: Medical treatment, laser, and fractional applications
• Pigmentation disorders: Treatments for spots, melasma, and hyperpigmentation
• Vascular lesions: Treatment for facial redness, couperose, and spider veins
• Hair loss treatment: PRP, mesotherapy, and medical treatment approaches
• Body aesthetics: Cellulite treatment, skin tightening, and regional slimming applications

Common Issues in Cosmetic Dermatology

Skin aging and wrinkles: With aging, the production of collagen and elastin in the skin decreases, moisture loss increases, and the skin thins. Sun exposure (photoaging), smoking, stress, and dietary habits are external factors that accelerate aging. Fine lines first appear around the eyes and forehead, and over time, they spread to all areas of the face. The neck and décolleté area are also areas where aging is clearly visible. Modern cosmetic dermatology offers many treatment options that can effectively reduce these signs.

Hyperpigmentation and spots: These are dark-colored areas formed as a result of irregular distribution of melanin pigment in the skin. Melasma (pregnancy mask) appears on the face, especially in women, due to hormonal changes. Sun spots (solar lentigo) are a result of chronic sun exposure. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which occurs after acne, is also a common type of spot. Since each type of spot requires a different treatment approach, evaluation by an expert dermatologist is critical.

Acne and acne scars: Acne is a skin disease that starts in adolescence and can continue into adulthood, resulting from chronic inflammation of the sebaceous glands. There are blackhead and whitehead acne, papular, pustular, and cystic acne forms. Severe acne can leave permanent scars on the skin. Atrophic (pitted) scars, hypertrophic scars, and pigmentation changes are the most common types of acne scars. Different protocols are applied for the treatment of active acne and the removal of scars.

Rosacea: It is a chronic skin disease characterized by facial redness, visible blood vessels, papules, and pustules. It is especially seen in the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin areas. Triggering factors include sun, heat, alcohol, spicy foods, and stress. In addition to medical treatment, vascular visibility and redness can be effectively reduced with laser and IPL treatments.

Hair loss (alopecia): Male and female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common cause of hair loss. Stress-related hair loss (telogen effluvium), alopecia areata, and other types of hair loss are also within the treatment scope of cosmetic dermatology.

Unwanted hair: Hormonal imbalances, genetic predisposition, and certain medications can cause excessive hair growth (hirsutism). Laser hair removal is the most effective and permanent method for hair reduction.

Vascular lesions: Capillary dilations appearing on the face and legs, spider angiomas, cherry angiomas, and venous lakes can be successfully treated with laser therapy.

Scars and striae (stretch marks): Surgical scars, trauma scars, burn scars, and stretch marks (striae) caused by pregnancy or weight changes are common problems that cause aesthetic concern.

Diagnosis and Evaluation Methods

In cosmetic dermatology, accurate treatment planning begins with a detailed skin analysis:

• Dermatological examination: Detailed physical examination of the skin by an expert dermatologist
• Digital skin analysis: Objective measurement of skin moisture level, oil balance, elasticity, pigmentation, and pore structure with special devices
• Dermoscopy: Magnified examination of skin lesions, a critical method especially in the evaluation of moles
• Wood's lamp: Evaluation of pigmentation disorders and fungal infections under ultraviolet light
• Trichological examination: Special microscopic evaluation of the hair and scalp, determination of the cause of hair loss
• Photographic follow-up: Objective evaluation of treatment efficacy with standardized before and after photos

Treatment Methods

Botulinum toxin (Botox) application: It is the most frequently used method in the treatment of expression wrinkles. Forehead lines, glabellar lines (between the eyebrows), and crow's feet (around the eyes) are effectively reduced with botulinum toxin injection. It is also used in the treatment of excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). The procedure takes 10-15 minutes, its effect lasts for 3-6 months, and an immediate return to social life is possible.

Dermal filler applications: With hyaluronic acid-based fillers, compensation for volume loss in the face, lip augmentation, correction of nasolabial folds, and facial contouring procedures are performed. Jawline definition, cheekbone augmentation, and nose aesthetics (non-surgical rhinoplasty) can also be performed with filler applications. Results are seen immediately and last for 12-18 months.

Laser treatments: It is one of the technologies with the widest range of use in cosmetic dermatology:

• Fractional laser: Used in the treatment of acne scars, surgical scars, wrinkles, and skin rejuvenation. It stimulates collagen production by creating micro-damage zones in the skin.
• Q-switched laser: Effective in the treatment of pigmentation disorders and tattoo removal. It lightens spots by targeting melanin pigment.
• Vascular laser: Used in the treatment of facial redness, rosacea, capillary dilations, and angiomas.
• Alexandrite and Nd:YAG laser: These are the most commonly used laser types for laser hair removal (permanent hair reduction). Protocols suitable for all skin types are available.
• Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser: Used for the removal of moles, warts, and superficial skin lesions.

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma): It is the injection of growth factors obtained from the patient's own blood into the skin or scalp in a concentrated form. It is used for skin rejuvenation, reduction of fine lines, increasing skin radiance, and hair loss treatment. PRP, which is a natural and safe method, is usually planned as 3-4 sessions.

Mesotherapy: It is the administration of cocktails containing vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid under the skin via micro-injections. It is effective in skin hydration, adding radiance, reducing fine wrinkles, and treating hair loss.

Chemical peeling: These are acid applications that provide controlled peeling of the upper layers of the skin. Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, TCA (trichloroacetic acid), and Jessner's solution are the most commonly used peeling agents. It is effective for spots, acne, fine wrinkles, and skin tone irregularities.

Dermapen (microneedling): A method that stimulates collagen production by opening micro-channels in the skin. It is used in the treatment of acne scars, wrinkles, enlarged pores, and striae. It can be combined with PRP or serum applications.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): With intense pulsed light technology, treatment for spots, redness, vascular visibility, and skin rejuvenation is performed. Unlike lasers, it works in a wide wavelength range.

Skin tightening technologies: With Radiofrequency, HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound), and micro-focused ultrasound technologies, skin tightening procedures are performed on the face and body without the need for surgical intervention.

When Should You Consult a Cosmetic Dermatologist?

• Wrinkles, fine lines, and signs of sagging on the face
• Spots, tone irregularities, or pigmentation disorders on the skin
• Acne problems or past acne scars
• Facial redness, vascular visibility, or rosacea
• Hair loss or hair thinning
• Unwanted hair on the body or face
• Scars, stretch marks, or surgical scars
• Moisture loss, dull appearance, and loss of elasticity in the skin
• Enlarged pores and skin texture irregularities
• Moles, warts, or other cosmetically bothersome skin lesions

Why Koru Hospital Cosmetic Dermatology Department?

The Koru Hospital Cosmetic Dermatology Department aims to achieve safe and natural results for patients by offering medical expertise and an aesthetic perspective together. All procedures are performed by expert dermatologists trained in skin diseases. This guarantees that potential complications are minimized and medically safe applications are performed.

The laser devices, fillers, and all medical products used in our hospital are FDA and CE approved and meet international quality standards. A detailed skin analysis is performed for each patient before treatment, and personalized treatment protocols are created. A transparent communication policy is followed regarding the management of realistic expectations and treatment planning.

With combined treatment approaches, the best results are obtained by benefiting from the synergistic effect of multiple techniques beyond a single method. The process is meticulously followed with post-treatment care and follow-up appointments.

In the Koru Hospital Cosmetic Dermatology department, our expert physicians are at your service with the most up-to-date scientific approaches and advanced technology to protect the health and beauty of your skin. You can contact us to make an appointment for your personalized treatment plan.