Cosmetic Dermatology by Chicago Cosmetic Institute

Having beautiful skin adds to confidence and makes us feel our best. At Chicago Cosmetic Institute, our state of the art laser and cosmetic center is here to help with every one of your skin care needs. Each of our board-certified dermatologists is trained in cosmetic and laser surgery and here to help you with your skin care issues.

Enjoy a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Karol Gutowski. He will listen to you and help determine the best method to achieve your goals. At Chicago Cosmetic Institute we treat all ages — from infants to adults — and all skin types. Our staff is here to make you feel great in your own skin.

Cosmetic Dermatology

Non-surgical options for better skin

Not all cosmetic procedures are invasive. Some problems are solved with simple topical skin treatments. Chicago cosmetic dermatology has made many recent advancements in this field. We offer the newest and best skin treatments available.

Chemical Peels – an aesthetic technique used to peel the top layer or layers of the skin. The peel reveals new, rejuvenated skin underneath. There are different kinds of peels available. Chemical peels give smoother skin with fewer wrinkles.

Jessner Peel – a peeling agent made from resorcinol, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. The Jessner peel is a lighter peel. It won’t penetrate deeply into the skin. It addresses surface coloration and acne. There are other peels designed to effect deeper layers of the skin.

Oxygenating Facial – simulates the natural oxygenation and circulation of the skin. Treatment draws oxygen to the skin’s surface. This helps to promote healing and rejuvenates skin that has depletes over time.

Laser Skin Resurfacing – use the power of pulsating light to smooth and correct coloring on the skin. There is more information available below this box on our skin resurfacing procedures.

Intense Pulsed Light Photo Rejuvenation – corrects the skin coloration and texture. Skin degrades due to factors like the sun and toxins. There is more information below in the Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) section.

Custom Medical Facials – A medical facial is like a regular facial that you can get at a standard spa. Medi facials take advantage of medical grade topical products. Medical grade products have a greater effect penetrating skin, improving moisture and smoothness. A media facial can only be done by a certified medical aesthetician. Our aesthetic staff is the best in Chicago.

Cosmetic Skin Treatments

Minimally invasive skin care treatments

Chicago Cosmetic Institute treats a full range of skin issues with non-surgical treatments. From dermal injections to topical skin care products that provide a deep clean. Our treatments will give you the skin you want in a fraction of the time it takes with more invasive treatments.

Botox – the most popular dermal filler of all time. Botox relaxes the muscles under the skin to loosen wrinkles and smooth the surface.

Juvederm – relaxes the muscles under the skin and helps with wrinkle relief. Juvederm provides 9 months to a year of wrinkle free skin. Meant for moderate to severe facial wrinkles. More powerful than Botox.

Medical Skin Care Products – stronger than the conventional products that you might see at a spa. Our peels and other facial products can be 40% stronger than the ones you would be able to find in a spa. Deeper treatments show much faster results. Wrinkle relief as well as moisture and collagen enhancement available.

PCA Skin – medical grade facial products addressing challenging skin concerns. PCA products are only offered through PCA certified professionals like CCI. Aging, acne, discoloration, sensitive skin, and rosacea are all treated by this product.

Latisse – FDA approved treatment to grow eyelashes for people who have light lashes or not enough. A simple topical ointment that will stimulate lash growth naturally. Growth happens over a period of weeks.

Obagi Nu Derm System – a product line aimed at transforming your skin. This system will create a younger, more radiant appearance. We help to transform the appearance of aging skin. There are many formula options, ranging from dry to medium to oily skin. Options are available for all skin types.

Full Body Skin Care

Attaining beautiful skin all over

Cosmetic skin procedures aren’t only for the face. Many of the same skin treatments are available for the rest of the body. We offer a full suite of cosmetic dermatology treatments for the skin body-wide.

Smoothing Body Peel – a chemical peel used for smoothing out the skin on the rest of the body. Reduces wrinkles and discoloration. The smoothing body peel provides smooth, radiant skin to the full body. Helps with small bumps and acne as well.

Perfecting Neck & Decollete – a product used for the delicate skin of the neck and chest. Strengthens, firms, and removes redness and discoloration of the skin. Brings skin back to its healthy, youthful appearance.

Laser Hair Removal – A permanent hair removal solution that can target any area of the body. Performed with a variety of different lasers depending on patient variables. The thickness of the hair, color, and skin tone of the patient call for different methods and equipment. Dark, thick hair and fair hair are treated differently. Laser hair removal is tailored to the specific patient in need.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal Fillers Chicago: Beautiful Skin on a Beautiful Time Line

Smooth, perfect, radiant skin is one everyone’s wishlist, but few of us have it. Infections, unwanted hair, skin problems, and scarring can reduce the skin’s appearance. At Chicago Cosmetic Institute, we can talk about many options with you.

Improve your skin’s appearance with low impact procedures and little down time. Our options are more effective and less frustrating than home remedies. Our line of products aim to efficiently correct the targeted skin issue.

Skin Rejuvenation and Resurfacing

Time can cause skin problems over time. Acne scars, wrinkles, visible blood vessels, loss of skin tone, and cellulite on the skin are issues we all see. Chicago Cosmetic Institute offers different procedures for each specific need.

Injection Therapies

Injection Therapy is minimally invasive and yields amazing results. We offer products like:

Botox®
Dysport®
Juvederm®
Sculptra®
Restylane®
Radiesse®

Each treatment has unique benefits. They are capable of firming and filling the skin. Many also promote the natural creation of collagen, providing long lasting improvements.

Juvederm Ultra

Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus are two versions of the same facial filler. Juvederm corrects wrinkling for the nasolabial area as well as lips and temples.

Juvederm Ultra Plus is the same filler. It applies a thicker version of Juvederm meant for treating deeper wrinkles.

For the best results, consult with a board certified dermatologist. Experience with these products is very important.

Juvederm Voluma

Juvederm Voluma contains lidocaine. Lidocaine is FDA approved to restore volume changes in the cheeks caused by age. Unlike other fillers used for this task, Voluma is a Hyaluronic Acid filler. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is an acid made from sugars that occur in the skin naturally.

Radiesse

Radiesse is a dermal filler injection. It treats facial wrinkles and smooths marionette lines around the mouth. This filler also addresses volume loss on the backs of the hands. Volume loss can occur where ligaments become more pronounced. Results last for a year or more – longer than most other products.

Radiesse stimulates the body and causes a boost in the production of collagen. This tightens the skin – giving it a firm, youthful appearance without stretching. Because of its natural ingredients, it absorbs into the body easily. Your own collagen takes its place once it phases out. This is what makes it possible to come in for treatments much less than with other fillers.

Results from Radiesse last a year or more.

Restylane Silk

Surgery should always remain the last option for any type of treatment. Injectable fillers are the way of the future. Restylane Silk increases fullness in the lips without surgery. It is the first FDA-approved product designed for augmenting the lips. Wrinkles around the mouth are also treated.

What’s Different about this Dermal Filler

Designed with safety in mind, Restylane is a dermal filler gel made from hyaluronic acid. It has helped over 15 Million people worldwide seeking a more youthful appearance. Many of the risks associated with other fillers are not seen with Restylane.

As an injectable, this dermal filler is clear and liquid. Once injected it becomes a gel that’s biocompatible with the human body. As Restylane breaks down and begins to fade, the nearby cells absorb it. The smooth, refreshed look Restylane offers will remain for six months or longer. The treatment can be repeated as often as you want with few risks. Talk with one of our specialists to see if this treatment is right for you.

How Restylane Works

This dermal filler derives from hyaluronic acid, which is found in the human body. The production of hyaluronic acid diminishes with age, leaving the skin with less elasticity and fullness. This filler boosts the levels of this important acid. This makes the effects last longer and causes the skin to have a more natural look.

Sculptra

A sudden dramatic change in the appearance of the face invites speculation. No one wants to be the person who had “work done”. Many hope to find procedures to erase lines from the face without the new look being noticed. Sculptra could be your perfect solution.

This facial filler that is used at intervals during a 12 week period to fill in the deepest lines in the face. The long timeline allows changes to appear gradually. After the 12 week period, you will see full results and nobody will know the difference!

How Is This Natural Effect Achieved?

Many experienced clients love the ease of using Sculptra. It fills the lines between the nose, the outer corner of the lips, and the deeper wrinkles around the eyes.

Sculptra is able to help replace the loss of natural collagen as well. Deep lines and wrinkles that develop around the mouth, the nose, and the eyes appear due to collagen loss. This filler lifts the skin up into the folds creating a smoother, natural appearance.

What You Will See with Sculptra

Over the course of 12 weeks, you will have 3 or 4 treatments scheduled 3 weeks apart. During these three months, the deep lines on your face will become less pronounced.

The effects of this product last up to 25 months.

Bellafill

Bellafill is a dermal filler used to correct nasolabial folds, smile lines, and acne scars.

Acne Scars Treated with Bellafill

Even after acne is long gone, the scars can remain. Wrinkles and scars are quite similar in the treatments that help them. Acne scars are volumized and brought up to the same plane as the rest of the skin. Bellafill is the only injectable filler approved by the FDA to treat acne scars.

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Botox & Dysport

Botox injections in North Center Chicago

Botox is a safe way to reduce lines and wrinkles on the face without surgery. This procedure is the standard among cosmetic treatments for refreshing the face. Unlike a face lift, Botox is painless and results are fast with no down time.

Botox has very little recovery time. It’s possible to have injections before an important event. There are no worries of swelling or discoloration. While the results are temporary; patients can repeat the procedure every few months.

Botox gives the skin a fresh, youthful appearance only possible with smooth skin. We have professional staff who will take the time to explain Botox treatments to you. We consult with you to discover if this is the best treatment option for what you are trying to accomplish.

What is Botox? How does Botox Work?

Botox is a drug made from the botulinum toxin. It treats excessive sweating, migraines, muscular disorders, and some bladder and bowel disorders. The drug numbs muscles in the targeted area of the body. This stops over contraction and loosens the skin above the muscle group. The cosmetic benefits of the drug were noticed as a side effect of medical treatment. Now Botox is the world’s most popular dermal filler; treating millions of people each year.

The popularity of Botox as a cosmetic injection is due to its versatility and ease of use. A typical session only takes a few minutes. The drug is injected into the desired areas, and that’s it. The client leaves and will see results 3-5 days later. The effects will last up to a year, making it possible to try it without having to worry about it being permanent.

The toxins, or “tox” in Botox numb the muscles under the skin, relaxing it and alleviating wrinkles.

Is Botox Right for Me?

Are people telling you you look tired, angry, or sad? Are you getting tired of it? No pun intended. What people are most likely seeing is the way time has had an effect on your skin. you could be showing signs of sleep loss due to stress at work or at home. You could also be showing wrinkles from smiling and laughing. It’s not always a bad thing!

Botox is a temporary fix to wrinkles. If you are looking for a minimally invasive injection with no down time or healing necessary then Botox is your best option. There are many other more permanent procedures available. Many patients choose Botox because it’s easy and it isn’t permanent. If they don’t like the way it looks, they simply wait until the effects wear off.

Seeing a Difference with Dysport

Dysport is another injectable cosmetic, much like Botox. Dysport reduces the look of facial lines and wrinkles by alleviating muscle contractions under the skin. Without the tightening of the muscles, the wrinkling of the skin is reduced.

Dysport vs Botox: What’s the Difference?

Botox and Dysport are similar treatments. They both immobilize muscles under the skin that create wrinkles and other lines. There are a few differences between them, though.

Dysport can work within 1 to 3 days, While Botox usually sees results in 3 to 5 days. Dysport also diffuses more quickly, making it better for addressing crow’s feet and other wrinkle types that fan out over a larger area. The diffusion rate is the main difference.

Get in Touch

Doctors at CCI work with each patient to determine which treatment is best for them depending on desired results and time span.

Get in touch with us today and we can go over the options available to you. The expected results and problem areas dictate which procedure will work for you. We are happy to point clients in the right direction.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Beautiful, even skin with laser therapy

Time can often have negative effects on our skin. Aging, acne, and sun exposure can cause lasting damage. Laser skin resurfacing is a technique using the power of light to bring skin back to its original state. Keeping skin looking young and healthy is our goal. This method treats:

wrinkles
acne scars
age spots
facial blemishes
stretch marks
scars
sun damage
rosacea
hyperpigmentation

How Laser Skin Resurfacing Works

Laser skin resurfacing removes layers of the skin one at a time with precision. The skin cells revealed underneath are younger and tighter with a smoother surface. This procedure can is performed on its own or in conjunction with other procedures. It depends on what the patient is trying to achieve.

There are different lasers available for different needs. Lasers can resurface the skin as well as remove hair and discolorations. The laser we choose for you will depend on skin type, hair color, skin color, and needs to be addressed. We have many machines available to cover the wide variety of skin types and pigmentation. The many lasers we have allow us to treat each patient with their unique situation in mind.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

Laser skin resurfacing at Chicago Cosmetic Institute is an out patient procedure. You will not have to stay over night.

Depending on your needs and expectations, we may treat a single area, many, or the entire face. Small areas are numbed with a local anesthetic before the procedure. Sometimes for more extensive treatment, patients are sedated.

The procedure will take 30-45 minutes when treating parts of the face. A full face treatment can take up to 2 hours.

Once treatment is over, the area is bandaged while it heals. You will need to clean the treated areas four to five times per day after 24 hours with the bandages. Ointments such as petroleum jelly ensure there is no scabbing of the area.

Some swelling is normal. Your doctor may or may not prescribe steroids to manage swelling of the eyes.

Keep your skin well moisturized and protected from the sun throughout the healing process. Make sure to get broad spectrum sun screen that guards against UV B and UV A rays. SPF 30 or higher is recommended. Let your doctor tell you when it is okay to start using moisturizing products for the face again.

Laser resurfacing is an effective and widely used procedure but is not for everyone. As with all medical procedures, there are risks as well as benefits. Make sure to talk with a doctor to go over them in detail. Doctors at Chicago Cosmetic Institute are ready to talk to you anytime about our procedures.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Using the power of light to smooth the skin

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treats skin for various needs. The technique is useful in treatments from hair removal to photo facials. A handheld laser passes across the skin in the area or areas treated. The laser treatment can re-tone the skin in areas that have seen sun damage, age spots, or rosacea. IPL is used to treat pigmentation issues. Many issues can cause the skin to become discolored. This treatment helps to correct that.

IPL is also used for hair removal but will need several treatments. It only works on active hair follicles, thus needs to be repeated to treat them all. Not all hair follicles are active at a given time, so more treatments are necessary for this purpose. IPL works best on people with darker hair relative to their skin tone. The laser more easily picks up on hair with more contrast to the skin. We do have different lasers geared towards different hair and skin types when this is not the case.

Improving Your Complexion — Clear Skin with IPL Photo Facial Treatments

When you have problem skin, you might try anything to fix the issue. Giving up favorite foods, using painful treatments that sting or burn your skin. We try to hide blemishes, scars, and wrinkles under makeup. Intense Pulsed Light is an effective treatment that will help you finally see your natural skin free of flaws, makeup free.

You can seek a consultation with our professional staff about IPL Photo Facial Treatment if you have problems such as:

Sun Spots

Brown Spots

Broken Capillaries

Age Spots

Wrinkles

Scars

Melasma

Stretch marks

Spider veins

Large visible pores

Freckles

Rosacea

How the IPL Skin Treatment Works

When performed properly, IPL photorejuvenation consists of 3-5 treatments. Usually, patients come back every 3-6 weeks for another session until completed. A typical set of sessions takes 3-5 months. The more damage or redness you have, the more likely it is that you will need the full 5 treatments. Each treatment takes 30-90 minutes. Timing depends on the size of the area being treated.

During this procedure, a pulsating light is applied to the skin surface with precision. A range of light waves is emitted and targeted at redness in the skin. Hemoglobin or melanin are targeted. Hemoglobin is the cell that causes redness in the skin. Melanin is the brown pigmentation in freckles and spots. Light passes through the skin and damages these vessels and pigments. Once damaged, they are absorbed into the body, making them less visible.

In most cases, the entire face is treated. It’s also possible to treat the neck, hands, and chest. After a full series of treatments, there’s a noticeable positive effect on the skin. This not only treats the damaged skin on the surface. It also delivers thermal energy to deeper tissue which is beneficial to skin health.

Benefits of IPL Photorejuvenation

The main benefit of the photorejuvenation is minimal down time and discomfort. Laser skin resurfacing has a much longer recovery period and may require time off from work. IPL offers no down time or time off. Any redness will last a maximum of 2 hours but often doesn’t appear at all.

There may be some mild discomfort, but most patients tolerate treatment very easily. The first treatment is usually the most uncomfortable. The skin goes through the most drastic change in this period. As the skin becomes more clear, treatments are more comfortable.

What to Do Prior to Photorejuvenation Treatment

Our skilled staff will go over all of the things you should do in preparation for your first session. Here are some of the basics:

Avoid self-tanners and excessive sun for 2-4 weeks before treatment.
There are some medications that you may be asked to stop using prior to each treatment. Some of these are minocycline, tetracycline, doxycycline or Retin-A/Renova.
Sun screen, hats, and sun glasses are recommended for the newly improved skin. Skin can be sensitive right after treatment and should be protected properly.
Do your research. Make sure that your laser therapy is being applied by a doctor, physicians assistant, or licensed medical aesthetician with plenty of experience.

Laser Hair Removal

Fast and effective hair removal with Chicago laser

Laser hair removal is a procedure that can remove unwanted body or facial hair. A non-invasive treatment like this is far more comfortable and less time consuming than shaving or waxing. It is also permanent! It leaves the skin smoother and silkier than other methods.

There is no down time or time off of work required. This treatment is pain-free.

How Laser Hair Removal Works

The hair follicles in the skin are destroyed with minimal pain. When follicles are destroyed under the skin, the hair will stop growing permanently. High energy pulses of light shine through the skin and hit the follicles at their root.

Hair that contrasts more with the skin, like dark hair color on a fair complexion, will see the best results. Fairer hair and skin is harder to treat but possible. Darker colors absorb light more quickly. Whether it be sunlight or laser light, this rule still applies. Fairer skin reacts less to the laser, making it more challenging.

Chicago Cosmetic Institute uses different types of lasers for treatment in various circumstances. We are able to treat the full array of skin complexions, types, and hair colors. We don’t use the same type of laser for each patient, like some of our competitors. Everyone has different skin, and everyone should receive a customized treatment.

When to Consider Laser Hair Removal

Dark or coarse facial hair
Tired of waxing, shaving, bleaching or electrolysis
Need a cost-effective way to remove hair long term
Want a gentle way to remove hair
Want less upkeep

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to have smooth skin forever.

Dermaplaning

Revealing a layer of newer, smoother skin

Dermaplaning is a blade technique performed by a medical aesthetician. A 10 gauge scalpel is used to remove the top layer of the skin. The dulling, dead skin cells peel away to reveal a smoother complexion. It might sound scary, but it isn’t. In the right hands, the process can be pain-free and almost therapeutic.

Many Hollywood actresses and other on-screen celebrities are advocates for dermaplaning. Not only does it smooth the skin, but it also removes peach fuzz. Tiny amounts of hair on the face can show up on high-resolution cameras and can make it harder to apply makeup. The dead skin comes off as well as the hair, making makeup glide across the skin. It also enhances the absorption rate of moisturizing skin care products for the face. Cosmetic dermatologists often use dermaplaning as a pre-requisite for other skin care techniques. Chemical peels are more effective after dermaplaning. The topical products we use are also more effective because he skin is smoother and absorbs the formula better.

Dermaplaning vs Microdermabrasion

Both dermaplaning and microdermabrasion are forms of physical exfoliation. There are differences between the two. During microdermabrasion, an automatic tool is used to sand the skin and vacuum the dead skin cells. This can also help to clean out clogged pores around the nose, mouth, and chin. Dermaplaning does not use an automatic tool. A surgical scalpel and a steady hand are used to remove the top layer of the skin. Dermaplaning tends to be a better solution for dry skin and removal of peach fuzz. Most of the time the choice comes down to personal preference.

Our aesthetic staff at Chicago Cosmetic Institute is here to answer any questions. If anything is unclear, feel free to reach out to us. We are always happy to help.

Before & After: Cosmetic Skin Procedures

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Face

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Skin

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Chicago Cosmetic Institute: Med Spa Services The Chicago Cosmetic Institute offers a variety of medical spa services, also known as med spa services. We have a variety of options that focus on the eyes, face, breast, body, and the skin. Our caring and results-oriented team strives for patient satisfaction. Book a consultation today to learn about options that help you feel your best. Our Chicago Med Spa Services include: Laser Hair Removal, Tummy Tuck services, Liposuction, Botox, Lifestyle Lift Beyond cosmetic services and plastic surgery, our team of medical estheticians, physicians, and their support staff can help you with additional services, including: acne treatment options, a chemical peel, skin tightening procedures, stretch mark removal, and other skin care services that look and feel great.