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Q. I am 21 and have some mild acne scars and pitting. I don't seem to have any active breakouts anymore. Is there something I can do to smooth my skin?

A. We often use microdermabrasions and chemical peels for the problem you describe. These are treatments that are well-tolerated without downtime and can make a big difference over a series of sessions especially when combined with home skin product applications. Through a consultation, Dr. Drury can give you an assessment of realistic expectations from various modalities and determine if you are a candidate for such treatments.

Q. I understand that Restylane injections are very painful. Is that true?

A. Everyon'e pain tolerance varies, so it is impossible to quantitate a degree of pain or discomfort for any procedure. However, I offer anesthesia as indicated by each client I treat. Some individuals get by without any type of analgesia; some utilize topical numbing cream and ice; in some individuals I perform a nerve block or local infiltration under the skin for anesthesia. It is in the best interest of the client and myself to have a comfortable situation for the best possible results. Therefore I offer pain relief as requested to minimize the discomfort.

Q. I have been told I have melasma. Do you offer treatment for this condition?

A. In order to know if you truly have such a diagnosis, you would first need to have a consultation with Dr. Drury. He can assess your condition and offer you options for treatment. We at skinkare do have treatments for melasma including skincare products to be used daily along with procedures including microdermabrasion, IPL and chemical peels. Please call for an appointment for a free consultation.

Q. Do you have "Botox Days" like most offices, or can I get Botox on my desired schedule?

A. We offer Botox injections every day we are open. Dr. Drury has enough clients wanting the service on a daily basis that we offer Botox on same-day requests. Many offices delegate only certain days because of lower volume of administration. We try our best at skinkare to accommodate our clients' desires.

Q. Do you offer anesthesia for your procedures.

A. Yes we do offer topical anesthetic cream if desired. For many of our procedures, no anesthetic is desired because our equipment is designed to provide the necessary comfort to avoid additional medication. When desired, our clients apply the cream in our office approximately 30-45 minutes prior to the procedure. We use a commercially-available product that is not compounded at a local pharmacy. These are time-tested and considered very safe for short-term use. Dr. Drury and our staff will be happy to discuss this option at the time of your consultation.

Q. Do you offer treatments for acne?

A. Yes we have various treatment regimens for acne. This would be determined based on several factors, such as age, gender, severity, location of the body, etc. The only way to have a good idea of what we could offer for a specific acne case is to have an evaluation with Dr. Drury through a free consultation. Please call our office to schedule an appointment.

Q. When treating rosacea, do you feel that it is beneficial to "pre-flush" for the IPL treatments?

A. I know this is a controversial topic. I don't feel it is necessary to pre-flush in order to get a good treatment with our Lumenis One IPL. I think anyone suffering with rosacea is better off trying to prevent flushing as much as possible.

Q. Do you have a specific protocol for treating rosacea? I have suffered for years using various preparations and seeing several doctors. I seem to be getting worse and am desperate. Can you help me? Kyle H., Oak Ridge, TN

A. Rosacea is a neurovascular skin condition that can be devastating for its sufferers. There are degrees of syptoms just as with all medical conditions. We are using our Lumenis One IPL with very encouraging and satifying results in treating the vascular and inflammatory components of the disorder. However, we do not have a standard protocol since everone's case is unique. Dr. Drury will be happy to see you in consultation at no charge to evuluate you and outline treatment options. Please call for an appointment.

Q. Do you have a "Botox Day" that is set in advance? I have called various Botox providers and most seem to limit the appointment schedule to either a day of the week or every two weeks. this is often not convenient for my schedule. Wanda. B, Charlotte, NC

A. It is recommended that Botox be administered within a few hours after the product is reconstituted. Therefore, once a vial is opened, it is economically advantageous to have clients available to use the product on a given day. We at skinkare do not set a given day of the week for administration, so you can generally receive injections based on your scheduling needs, rather than what is convenient for us. In most cases, Dr. Drury can administer the Botox on the same day as your consultation.

Q. Is it possible to have treatments with Botox and fillers in conjuction with rejuvenating laser treatments? Or do I have wait several weeks in between treatments? I have been told that they are incompatible. Sharon W., Saluda, SC

A. You most definitely can combine various treatment modalities as you mention. skinkare provides all of these services and Dr. Drury will evaluate your situation to determine what might benefit you in what combination and time sequence. These can be administered sometimes at the same appointment. Many times, the combination of these will provide much greater benefit for your anti-aging concerns than singular treatments. Please call for a free consultation and let us provide you with the information you desire to meet your concerns.

Q. Do you offer Sculptra injections? Katrina H., Charleston, WV

A. We do not offer Sculptra at this time, but Dr. Drury is currently evaluating the product in terms of its effectiveness and safety. It is likely that he will be administering Sculptra in the near future as a treatment for lipodystrophy. Please call skinkare at 864-234-7900 for updates.

Q. I want to have Restylane injections for my nasolabial folds. Can I also do IPL treatments at the same time? Jan M., Seneca, SC

A. You can combine Restyland and IPL treatments, but there need to be a balance as to how close together the two procedures are performed for safety reasons. I generally wait 2 weeks after Restylane injections before administering IPL treatment in the same area. That should be plenty of time to be certain we are not adversely affecting the safety and effectiveness of the dermal filler. If we did IPL first, I suggest waiting about one week before Restylane therapy to be sure the skin is in a well-healed state.

Q. Will I have swelling of my lips after Restylane treatment? Tina J., Atlanta, GA

A. Yes. Generally there will be some swelling secondary to the injection procedure for 3-5 days. This in no way adversely affects the augmentation from the filler itself. It is more of an inconvenience than anything else. Once the swelling subsides, the lip correction from the Restylane should be evident for a 3-6 months.

Q. Do you have products that help with aging skin, or do you only use procedures for that? Cara T., Savannah, GA

A. We offer skin care products that are medical-grade with research data to support their effectiveness. Our primary skin care product line is SkinCeuticals which has formularies for sun-protection, anti-oxidant therapy, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids and many other skin regimens. These products may offer significant anti-aging results even without other procedures. We at skinkare often combine them with our treatment modalities in the office and use them as maintenance therapy at home. We also carry Glytone for acne treatments and chemical peels and have a wonderful line of mineral-based make-up from glo-Minerals. Please come in for a free consultation to discuss these products and how they might fit with your specific needs.

Q. I have read that IPL offers a treatment that has "no downtime," but I have seen some people who have swelling or dark spots after treatments. Is that normal? Wanda G., Augusta, GA

A. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is performed in the office without anesthesia to achieve a corrective state of skin damage caused most often by sun damage. The light therapy targets the excessive photo-pigmentation of the skin through selective photothermolysis. After treatment, the sun damaged spots are often darker for several days before they begin fading. This is a normal and desired reaction. There also may be some swelling especially around the cheeks where it is common to have excess target. Although these changes are not cosmetically attractive, they represent a treatment process that is beneficial for the overall improvement of photorejuvenation. These changes are temporary and do not require any downtime to heal. IPL is a controlled injury to the damaged skin that stimulates the body's natural healing process resulting in improved skin appearance.

Q. Can you guarantee that no hair will return to an area that you treat with laser hair removal? James T., Greenville, SC

A. No. No one can honestly guarantee that statement with any laser or procedure performed. We can guarantee reasonable expectations of permanenet hair reduction.

Q. How do you analyze the skin for sun damage? Justin F., Cleveland, SC

A. In ddition to a direct hands-on approach of physical diagnosis and history by Dr. Drury, we also have a Skin Scanner which helps to emphasize the degree of hydration, oil content and pigmentatary changes wihin the skin surface. This provides us with a means of evaluating the degree and depth of changes inherent in the damage present in the upper layers of the skin. We use this as an adjunct in establishing a regimen of treatment customized for an individual's condition.

Q. Does it hurt to get Botox injections? My friend told me that when she got treated by her plastic surgeon, it hurt each time he injected her. Janet M., Knoxville, TN

A. It should not hurt to get Botox injections. Dr. Drury maintains that if given properly, Botox injections should be no worse than a slight pinprick sensation caused by the very tiny needle entering the skin. However, some doctors actually hit the underlying bony lining, then withdraw before actually administering the medication. Hitting bone with a needle does hurt. Dr. Drury does not agree with that common technique and does not have complaints of pain on administration of Botox.

Q. I want to try a chemical peel, but do not like the idea of have my face shedding excessively. Are there different types of peels that are not so harsh? Erin Z., Forest City, N.C.

A. There are a variety of chemical peels utilizing different chemical compounds and different concentrations. Some are more likely than others to cause actual flaking and peeling. It not necessary to have a significant peeling reaction to accomplish a designated result. Many peels produce desired results over a series of treatments with minimal irritation. Please call for a free consultation with Dr. Drury to outline a protocol and type of chemical peel to fit your desired goals.

Q. I have a red complexion of my face and neck. It's been there for years and it sometimes gets brighter and warm-feeling. I have been put on Finacea and Metrogel in the past by 4 different dermatologists, but they didn't work or dried my skin too much. Is there any treatment that you offer to help me? Anne M., Clemson, SC

A. You may have a condition called rosacea, a skin condtion which can be diagnosed by a having a consultation with our office. If so, or even if this is primarily a small vessel condition, it is very likely that you could be effectively treated with IPL Photorejuvenation. Please call our office and set up a free consultation to discuss your customized options.

Q. Will IPL prevent me from getting any new sun or age spots? Richard B., Rock Hill, SC

A. No. The IPL Photorejuvenation procedure will help clear many of the damaged areas that are present on the skin and will help in stimulating healthier skin. However, you must consider other life style modifications in order to help prevent further noticeable damage to your skin. Skin care products such as sun blocks, Vitamin C serums, moisturizers and glycolic acids are products that are beneficial long-term. Also good sun protection and avoidance as well as diet and exercise play crucial roles in skin health and maintenance. Please allow our office to discuss options for your particular situation in regards to a healthy appearance and anti-aging measures. We offer free consultations to assess your particular needs.

Q. I am 26 and have really bad acne and have tried all the over-the-counter products as well as prescriptions from my dermatologist. Is there anything you can offer to help me get rid of the problem and prevent any further scarring? I am so frustrated. Eric Y., Greer, SC

A. We have different modalities for the treatment of acne and the scarring associated with the condition. Our treatments include microdermabrasion, chemical peels, light-based therapy and skin care products as well as prescription medication when indicated. Only through a consultation could we outline a treatment regimen that would be appropriate for you. Please call 864-234-7900 for a free evaluation.

Q. I have a lot of spider veins on my legs and some on my face. Can they be treated with lasers or do I have to have injections? My friend told me that the injections hurt a lot and I hate needles anyway. Can you treat me? Pauline P., Lyman, SC

A. We use our Lumenis One equipment to treat small veins on the face and legs in individuals who are appropriate candidates as determined by Dr. Drury. If there is any reason that Dr. Drury feels another means of treatment is indicated, he will tell you and help with any necessary referrals. If there are no vascular conditions that contradict the laser therapy, the Lumenis One provides an excellent means of ridding you of the cosmetic embarrassment of unsightly spider veins. Please call for a consultation.

Q. I am an African-American with a lot of splotchy pigment changes on my face. Will IPL help in blending this in or get rid of it? Wayne G., Greenville, SC

A. I am sorry to say that we do not recommend IPL Photorejuvenation therapy for the Type VI skin type of African-Americans. We are concerned that there is too great a risk in creating unwanted pigment changes from the procedure that the benefits do not out-weigh the risks. However, we do have other treatment modalities that may work very effectively for your condition. Please set up an evaluation with our office at 864-234-7900.

Q. Is it possible to have my eyebrows shaped with laser? I have hair between my eyebrows that I would like removed as well. Can you help me? Susan B., Inman, SC

A. As long as you are a candidate for laser hair removal as determined through a consultation with Dr. Drury, yes you can be treated for your uni-brow and eyebrow shaping. We can use the laser to treat above and between the eyebrows, but not below the eyebrows within the eye socket or orbit. If yon need shaping below the eyebrows, we have licensed aestheticians who can perform a non-painful waxing of that area.

Q. Do you offer guarantees on your services? Ashley P., Easley, SC

A. We do offer a guarantee on our laser hair removal services over the course of the first year of treatment. The guarantee states that if you need to have additional treatments beyond our recommended schedule within the first year of treatment, we will treat you at no additional charge.

Q. I am only 36 but have developed deep crevices from my nose downward to the corners of my lips. Will Botox help? Jamie L.., Greer, SC

A. In most cases such as you describe, Botox is not the answer. Restylane is! Botox works to partially immobilize dynamic wrinkles (created when you smile or frown or raise the forehead). It is not used to fill in deep lines. Restylane is a dermal filler for such purposes. Both medications are often used synergistically but act in different ways. Please call for a free consultation with Dr. Drury so he can outline for you if you are a candidate for these injectables.

Q. I have some ugly brown growths on the side of my face that have been there for 10 years or more. They are slowly growing and I have been told by my doctor that they are benign keratoses . Can laser treat these? Frank H., Camden, SC

A. Depending on the actual diagnosis, there is a good chance these would be treatable with light therapy, either laser or IPL. It sounds as though these may be seborrheic keratoses, which are benign growths that respond well to light therapy. Dr. Drury will be happy to evaluate your concerns and tell you what type of approach would be advisable. Many pigmented growths can be effectively treated without pain or downtime using our Lumenis One lasers. Please arrange a consultation.

Q. Is it possible to have Botox treatment and IPL together? Rhonda M., Fountain Inn, SC

A. Definitely. Botox and IPL offer a wonderful complementary treatment in anti-aging aesthetics. These are often combined to give a beautiful cosmetic result with no downtime. We encourage you to call for a free consultation to see what Dr. Drury would recommend for your desired makeover.

Q. I have severe razor burn and bumps in my panty line from shaving my bikini area. Can laser help with this? Linda T., Huntersville, NC

A. Yes, our Lumenis LightSheer laser hair removal would provide an excellent remedy for your problems, provided you are an acceptable candidate for the laser. By eliminating the unwanted hair and thereby eliminating your need to shave the area, the treatment would result in no further folliculitis which is the cause of the irritation.

Q. How many chemical peels are necessary to treat rough uneven skin textures? I have scarring from acne and lots of sun spots. I have been told that chemical peels will help. Mark S., Charleston, SC

A. You would need to have a consultation with Dr. Drury in order to give a fair assessment of the treatment choices. Chemical peels are often used successfully for the conditions you mentioned, but a determination would have to be made as to whether they would be wise for you. Generally chemical peels are administered in a series of 6-12 over the course of a few months. We often combine them with microdermabrasion or other modalities. Please call and set up a free consult.

Q. Do Botox injections hurt? Galye W., Simpsonville, SC

A. Everyone has a different perception of pain, but it is very seldom that we have any complaints of pain with Botox injections. Dr. Drury often applies ice in the area prior to injection, but in most cases that is not necessary. The needle used is very small, similar to a Diabetic needle, and with proper technique, the administration should not be more than slightly uncomfortable.

Q. I have lost a lot of weight over the past year. Now my cheeks are sunken in and some of my friends say I look ill. Do you offer anything to safely fill these? I don't want to gain back weight for that reason. Joe M., Asheville, NC

A. Dr. Drury does administer dermal fillers for this condition in individuals who are good candidates. He uses Restylane primarily because of its safety and properties to help in sculpting facial depresssions. However, he could only determine if you are a good candidate by seeing you and evaluating your particular situation. You may find that being patient with your body's adaptation to the change in metabolism and fat distribution that time will be your best friend in completeing your makeover. Restylane may offer a temorary solution in the interim.

Q. I have 3 or 4 white hairs that grow in one spot on my chin. I would love to get rid of them and don't need treatment any place else on my body. Can you get rid of these with the laser and how much does it cost? Samantha R., Clinton, SC

A. If the hairs are completely white and there is no pigment in the hair follicle, laser treatment may not be your best choice. Laser hair removal is based on targeting melanin in the hair follicles. If there is no melanin, the laser is ineffective. Electrolysis may be your best solution. You are welcome to come in for a free consultation with Dr. Drury and he will advise you of your options. Cost would be determined at that time if you are in fact a condidate for laser treatment.

Q. I am trying to get pregnant. Is it okay for me to have laser hair treatments on my legs? Janet M., Greenville, SC

A. We do not use our lasers on anyone who is pregnant or is actively trying to get pregnant. There is not information to indicate that the procedures would be harmful to the fetus or expectant mother, but there have not been adequate studies to support this. At skinkare, we consider safety a priority and therefore do not feel comfortable treating someone pregnant or lactating.

Q. I am a male interested in getting hair removed from my entire body including the genitals. Will lasers work for this and is it safe? Allen J., Asheville, NC

A. Yes, our lasers are safe to use on all body parts except within the eye orbits. We do treat the genital region safely and effectively. Your treatments would be outlined based on an evaluation during consultation with Dr. Drury.

Q. I saw a TV program last week that talked about someone dying from numbing medicine applied for laser hair removal. Is the medicine dangerous? I am thinking of having laser hair treatment and I want to be certain of what I am doing. Tammy D., Augusta, GA

A. A young lady in Raleigh, NC unfortunately died a couple of months ago as the result of a toxic reaction to a numbing cream/gel application prior to a laser hair treatment. The medication was a compounded formula that was applied to the lady's legs and then wrapped in cellophane to intensify the effects. The dosage of numbing agent (lidocaine and tetracaine) was higher than usually recommended for the size of the area being treated. This was applied to both legs before even arriving at the laser treatment center. Apparently the young lady had an unpredictable reaction to the medication resulting in her death. This had nothing to do with the laser treatment itself. We at skinkare offer the application of a numbing cream to treated areas if desired and approved by the physician on site. However, the medication we use is a standard formulary in a much lower dose than mentioned above that can be obtained over-the-counter and is used frequently with an exemplary safety record. We only apply the medication while the client is in our office; therefore we can monitor any problems that might develop. This was an unfortunate incident of which we are aware and we take every precaution to prevent any similar reactions in our facility by stricter regulations.

Q. How long does Botox last? Sue T., Seneca, SC

A. Positive effects from Botox injections generally will last 3-4 months initially when used in the proper individual with the appropriate dosing. However, if administered on a regular interval protocol every 3-4 months for a series three or four times, often we see the effects lasting longer until we can inject maybe every 6 months. This is a matter to discuss with Dr. Drury in consultation and outline a schedule that is appropriate for your individual needs.

Q. I have a lot of acne scarring and want to get a smoother appearance to my face. Are there treatments available besides creams and antibiotics that can help? Rick W., Belton, SC

A. As you imply, there are multiple treatments available for acne. However, once scarring has occurred, a more aggressive approach may be necessary to achieve satisfactory results. We often use microdermabrasion and chemical peels in combination with other skin care measures to lessen the surface irregularities. Call for a consultation and we can give you a personalized treatment plan that will be tailored to your specific concerns.

Q. I have Rosacea and have been told that lasers are used to treat it. Can you treat me with your lasers? Margaret F., Taylors, SC

A. Rosacea is a common disorder of unknown cause that causes significant medical concern and cosmetic frustrations. There are many treatments used, but nothing has been found to actually cure the disorder. At skinkare , after a careful consultation, we often use light therapy in the form of IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) to treat the redness often associated with rosacea. The light emitted by our lasers targets the tiny blood vessels just below the skin surface and through conversion to heat energy, destroys the vessels, thereby eradicating the unsightly appearance. In addition, we present a multi-discipline approach with life-style modification and skin care education. Our physician on site will be happy to evaluate you and make recommendations during our free consultation.

Q. Can you shape my eyebrows with laser hair removal? Adrienne H., Asheville , NC

A. We can use our advanced lasers to treat hair between the eyebrows and on the top edge of the brow. We cannot treat below the eyebrows with a laser because of the proximity of the optic nerve. In fact, the area within the eye socket is the only area of the body that we cannot use the laser to remove hair. Safety concerns are our priority. Please call for a free consultation and we will provide you with treatment options appropriate for your concerns.

Q. I want to have my bikini area treated for hair removal. I spend a lot of time on the beach in the summer. Can I still get laser treatment at this time? Diane B., Summerville , SC

A. Yes, you can be treated now and still enjoy your normal summer activities. We ask you to refrain from tanning for a period of time before and after treatment or to use proper sun protection. Otherwise, you can go about your regular activities.

Q. During pregnancy, I developed road maps of veins on my legs. I am embarrassed to wear shorts or skirts now. Can you treat these? Gloria T., Taylors , SC

A. skinkareltd has lasers and light-based therapy (IPL) that may be very effective for your cosmetic concerns. We would definitely need to evaluate you through a free consult to determine if you are a candidate for such treatments. If there are no underlying vessel conditions that would contradict laser treatment, we very likely can help you without the need for injections or surgery. Please call for a consultation at 864-234-7900.

Q . I have a lot of sun damage and age spots on my hands. Is it possible to get those treated by laser? Olivia J., Greenville , SC

A. In most cases, we are able to treat photodamage of the hands very effectively with our Lumenis One IPL. Our on-site physician, Dr. Drury, would evaluate your situation and recommend treatment options best suited to your particular desires and clinical setting. Our skinkareltd skin and laser specialists can outline a skin rejuvenation protocol customized to your specific case.

Q. I have three or four hairs that grow from a spot on my chin. I have plucked them, but they always to come back. I have heard that lasers don't treat white hair. What are my alternatives? Sylvia G., Greenwood , SC

A. It is true that lasers do not effectively treat white hair. Melanin or a color component needs to be present in the hair follicle for the laser light to target. I have heard advertisements for using a pigment product to color the hair in order to use the laser for hair removal. I don't believe that to really be effective. If your hairs are completely void of pigmentation, and you have only 3 or 4 hairs, electrolysis would probably be your best option. We will be happy to see you in consultation and provide you with honest information to best answer your concerns.

Q . How many treatments does it take to get rid of the hair on my legs? Ginger B., Spartanburg , SC

A. Only through a detailed consultation could we give you a fair determination of the number of treatments necessary. However, depending on your skin type and hair texture, it generally takes around 5 treatments for permanent hair reduction if you adhere to the protocol customized to your particular setting. These treatments are spaced over the course of 12-14 months.

Q . I have had sclerotherapy for leg veins in the past. Can I still have laser therapy since I was not happy with the procedure or the results. Linda, W., Gastonia , NC

A. Previous sclerotherapy does not prevent you from laser vein therapy. In fact, many times we will actually recommend this injection technique prior to laser treatment if the clinical setting suggests that being your best option. Dr. Drury will assess your clinical status through an in-depth consultation and recommend an appropriate course of action.

Q. I have very rough skin on my face and back from prior acne and subsequent scarring. Can you do anything to help this? Greg P., Belton , SC

A. Post-acne scarring and texture changes are extremely common and present a major cosmetic and image challenge for millions of people. Depending on your skin analysis, you may benefit from microdermabrasion, chemical peels and a prescribed home skin care regimen. We would have to see you to assess the severity of your problem and determine a safe and effective approach. There are many potential treatment modalities which may help your condition significantly. Please call and schedule a free consultation.

Q. I have heard of IPL but don't anything about it. What is it for and how long do you have to be out of work after treatments? Susie B., Greer , SC

A. IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light, a light therapy often used for sun damage, freckles, pigmentation changes, fine lines and wrinkles and redness associated with rosacea. This is a very safe and effective treatment when performed by our certified skin specialists using our state-of-the-art Lumenis One equipment. IPLtm treatments are for photorejuvenation with correction of the above mentioned imperfections while stimulating the body's natural collagen production. Treatments can be carried out on any area of the body, but are most often used on the face, neck, chest and hands to improve the aesthetic appearance. There is virtually no downtime with minimal discomfort and there is no reason to be out of work or normal activities. We often perform these at lunchtime, apply a mineral-based makeup and recommend you go about your normal routine. A series of treatments will produce the most satisfactory results.

Q. I am an African-American male with a lot of irritation and bumps on my neck in the area I shave. Can you remove the hair in that area or will that help? Anthony J., Decatur , AL

A. It wounds as though you have a condition Called Pseudo Folliculitis Barbae, a very common condition, especially in male African-Americans. In most cases we are able to treat this condition with very satisfying results. We have more than one laser available to use if necessary to treat your type of skin and this particular disorder. We also offer skincare products that assist in managing the irritation while treatments are carried out. Please call skinkare at 864-234-7900 for an evaluation with Dr. Drury to see if you are a candidate for treatment.

We invite you to submit questions for educational and informational purposes. 

Please email us at info@skinkare.com for general inquiries. 

If you have specific medical or treatment questions regarding our services, email Dr. Drury at md@skinkare.com.