Nancy Boyden APRN, of Olympic Surgical Associates demonstrates microdermabrasion using DiamondTome Wand.

Baby boomers are aging and they don’t like it. The cosmetic industry has picked up on this, and is bombarding the public with all kinds of products and procedures promising a younger look. While some over-the-counter products can help improve skin’s appearance, the products offered in a professional practice will provide a higher strength, and higher quality for an optimal result.

Olympic Surgical Associates, which serves both Port Orchard and Gig Harbor, offers a variety of cosmetic surgery, but also offers non-surgical procedures and products that will give a more youthful appearance.

The practice offers microdermabrasion (both medical and aesthetic) delivered by a unique system called the Diamond Tome‘. Microdermabrasion is a wonderful alternative to laser or chemical peels because it is noninvasive, non-surgical, and requires no down time after treatment. People can enjoy a lunchtime treatment and go back to work feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Your skin will feel softer, smoother, and cleaner after just the first treatment. The system is salt-free, (the first on Kitsap Peninsula) which means you don’t leave our office with grit in your mouth and ears. This system can also be tailored to individual needs. The diamond-studded wands can be used to gently exfoliate the fragile area around the eyes, but can also aggressively treat acne and do scar revision.

Other conditions that can be treated include but are not limited to: Sun damaged skin, face, neck and shoulders; age spots (hands and face), reduction of fine lines (eyes and forehead); reduction of acne scarring, extraction of blackheads and whiteheads; minor scar revision; hyperpigmentation reduction, oily skin, and reduce pore size, and overall skin rejuvenation.

Olympic Surgical also offers Intense Pulse Laser light treatments for rosacea, facial spider veins, brown spots, birthmarks, age spots, sunspots, and freckles. All it takes is a flash of light! Treatments are easy, quick, convenient, and usually with minimal discomfort.

Another nice alternative to surgery is in-office chemical peels. Chemical peels improve skin tone and texture. They also reduce skin discoloration that can result from years of sun exposure. Both Glycolic Acid and Fruity Acid peels are options. Fruity Acid peels are nice for those with sensitive skin or rosacea. These peels are administered in a graduated fashion with varying concentrations. It is recommended to complete 6 weekly facials for the best result and a monthly office peel to maintain that result. Many choose to precede a microdermabrasion treatment with an acid peel once they reach maintenance.

Hyperpigmentation can be problematic for women of childbearing age. Sometimes hyperpigmentation can be the result of many factors such as hormonal changes, aging, and previous intense sun exposure. Prescription-strength hydroquinone can assist with this problem, but patients can also be treated with intense pulse light therapy. It is important to determine the depth of the pigmentation before making any recommendations as to treatment. It will also be important to use a sunscreen once treatment is complete so that it won’t recur.

Olympic Surgical offers three different product lines to address the many varying needs of patients. There are prescription-strength glycolic acid exfoliants intended for home use as well as moisturizers, fruity acids, and a combination salicylic acid/glycolic acid product for acne. The approach to treatment depends on the patient and medical history. It is important to sit with each person and help them navigate through all the products that are available and the myriad of treatment options.

(Editor’s Note: Nancy Boyden, APRN, may be reached at Olympic Surgical Associates,
360-895-0588).