Cosmetic Dermatology

Overview

Cosmetic treatments can be an important part of your health and beauty routine. Just as you take care of yourself with annual checkups, cosmetic and anti-aging treatments can help you look as healthy and energized on the outside as you feel on the inside.

At UR Medicine Cosmetic Dermatology, we specialize in non-surgical procedures, suitable for individuals who want a more subtle transformation. Our cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Mara Weinstein Velez, is one of the only board-certified and fellowship-trained doctors in the Rochester region, having achieved the highest level of training available in non-surgical cosmetic dermatology. As a result, you can be confident you will receive care that is safe, effective and fully meets your expectations.

Conditions We Treat

Fine lines and wrinkles – the aging face, chest, neck and hands: sun damage, textural issues, and volume loss.
Facial and body pigment changes – brown spots, red spots, benign growths, facial blood vessels, spider veins, birthmarks, and freckles.
Hair thinning and unwanted growth – hair loss, hair thinning and excess hair growth in unwanted areas.
Facial, body, and acne scarring – scars, hyperpigmentation, and textural issues due to scarring.
Body and facial fat – visible fat bulges under the chin, under the jawline, thigh, abdomen, flank, bra fat, back fat, underneath the buttocks (banana roll), and upper arm.
Unwanted tattoos – tattoos of all shapes and sizes can be removed safely and efficiently.

About Dr. Weinstein

Mara C. Weinstein Velez, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist who completed a prestigious Laser, Cosmetic, and Dermatologic Surgery fellowship at SkinCare Physicians in Boston, with clinical faculty from the Harvard and Yale Departments of Dermatology.

Learn more about Dr. Weinstein

UR Medicine's Approach

If you’ve never had cosmetic care before—or if you’ve had an unsatisfactory experience somewhere else—it’s natural to feel apprehensive. We do everything we can to make you feel at ease and address any questions or concerns you may have.

We will discuss your goals with you and then help you choose the best treatment options. Since your care will be provided by an actual dermatologist, we can offer more options to better fit your unique needs.

Also, we believe in a light touch. Subtle changes are often the most beautiful and satisfying. By artfully doing less, we help you look younger without drawing attention to your procedure or dramatically altering what makes you, you.

We want you to be incredibly pleased with your results while feeling comfortable each step of the way!

Services We Offer

Botox^® (Xeomin^®, Dysport^®) – these injectable wrinkle treatments reduce the appearance of frown lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet with a medication called botulinum toxin. This medication relaxes the muscle under the skin, thereby smoothing the skin, reducing wrinkles and improving the skin’s elasticity.
Fillers – reduces existing fine lines and wrinkles, and prevent future ones. They are injected beneath the surface of the skin to add volume and fullness, therefore can be used to plump parts of the face such as the lips and cheeks or hand rejuvenation. There are many types of wrinkle fillers and not all types are right for everyone.
Laser resurfacing and rejuvenation – restores your skin’s youthful glow and improves the appearance of sun damage, acne scars, age spots, and wrinkles. Our Halo™ laser for example triggers the "dermal regeneration phase" in your skin improving skin tone, texture, and elasticity long after the treatment is done. Clear + Brilliant^® uses pulsating beams of light to exfoliate away layers of skin to reveal a smoother, clearer complexion.
IPL/BBL™ (Intense Pulsed Light and BroadBand™ Light) – reduces the signs of aging such as sun spots and age spots, as well as improves the appearance of facial veins and rosacea.
Micro-needling with PRP – minimizes the appearance of acne scars, pores, discoloration, stretch marks, loose skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. Aside from collagen production in the skin, micro-needling can also help induce stem cells in the scalp that lead to hair growth and promote the absorption of hair growth products.
Kybella^® – reduces the appearance of the ‘double chin’ by eliminating fat cells. It is a treatment injected into the fat beneath the chin so no surgery is required.
Chemical peels – helps smooth the texture of the skin. It is applied to the skin to remove the top layers and reveal smoother and younger looking skin.
CoolSculpting^® – a non-surgical procedure that uses cooling technology to freeze fat cells, which causes the body to naturally eliminate them in the weeks following the treatment. It is a non-invasive option that kills fat cells and contours your body shape!
Enlighten™ Laser – a new, cutting-edge laser technology for tattoo removal and other purposes. With this laser, unwanted tattoos can now be removed more efficiently with reduced chance of scarring, less pain and shorter recovery time.
Sofwave™ – new ultrasound technology that revitalizes skin by addressing fine lines and wrinkles through innovative stimulation of new collagen. Sofwave™ is FDA cleared and a non-invasive treatment that targets facial lines and wrinkles. You can see results after just one treatment! Sofwave uses a unique ultrasound technology that stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin which leads to the reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Downtime will vary based on the treatment you and the doctor decide is best for you. For example, with Botox injections, there is typically no downtime – but Laser recovery and downtime varies based on the specific treatment performed. Ablative laser often requires one to two weeks, where as a non-ablative laser treatment is far less invasive with little-to-no downtime. The best way to know for sure is to schedule a consultation with the doctor to discuss your options!

This varies based on your personal preferences and the treatment you decide to go forward with. With Botox and Fillers, minimal treatment is needed to see results and these effects typically last about three to four months. Laser treatments may require only one treatment or require a ‘treatment regimen’ every four to six weeks for optimal results. The number of treatments will vary based on your personal needs. This is why it is vitally important to visit a medical practice with experts who can help select the appropriate treatment plan for you.

What Sets Us Apart?

Highly qualified: With any medical procedure, it’s crucial to choose a highly trained and experienced provider. Our physicians have received the highest level of training available. Being board certified and fellowship trained in dermatology, they understand facial anatomy and will provide you with the safest and most desirable results possible.

Comprehensive care: You’re unique – both in your appearance and your preferences. That’s why cosmetic treatments should be customized to match your individualized goals. Our non-surgical cosmetics team provides a comprehensive range of services to create the look that’s right for you.

Researchers and educators: Many of our physicians are teachers and conduct research at the University of Rochester Medical Center, so they are up-to-date on the latest findings and techniques in their field.