Procedures FAQs

Q: I’m younger, and don’t have visible signs of aging. Should I receive a skin care analysis?

A: Yes! Skin care maintenance even at a young age is very important to prevent these signs of aging from occurring. It’s also important to have a daily skin regimen to keep your skin looking young and healthy.

Q: Why do I look more tired and angry as I get older?

A: As we age, essential structures of our skin, such as collagen and hyaluronic acid, begin to diminish. This aging process leads to wrinkles and folds between the eyebrows and around the mouth for a more upset appearance; and skin laxity, which causes the skin to sag. At CDAM, we offer a full array of services to reverse these signs of aging.

Q: Why should I get fillers instead of a facelift?

A: Fillers and facelifts treat different signs of facial aging. Facelifts are an invasive, surgical procedure that treats significant skin laxity of the face, jawline, and neck. Fillers, on the other hand, are a minimally invasive, in-office treatment that addresses facial volume loss. Although some patients may benefit from the combination of a facelift and fillers, a facelift cannot address facial volume loss, which plays a major role in the aging process.

Q: Will fillers make me look unnatural?

A: If performed properly, such as under the care of Drs. Kalimullah and Cavanaugh, fillers can provide a subtle enhancement and natural results. At CDAM, our board-certified dermatologists pride themselves on creating an individualized treatment plan for every patient, to ensure that they achieve the results they want.

Q: Will I look frozen after Botox®?

A: No. Botox is made to target specific, overworked facial muscles and temporarily block nerve signals, which may make you think of a ‘frozen’ appearance. However, at CDAM, our dermatologists are highly skilled at using Botox in very specific treatment areas to ensure a natural result.

Q: Will injections hurt?

A: For the majority of injection treatments, we offer a topical anesthetic to improve your comfort during the procedure.

Q: How soon can I exercise after Botox/Fillers?

A: Minimal downtime is associated with these injection treatments; however, it is suggested that patients wait about twenty-four hours after their treatment to exercise.

Q: What are the pre- and post-operative instructions?

A: During your consultation for your specific treatment, you will be provided with both written and verbal instructions individually from your board-certified dermatologist.

Medical FAQs

Q: How quickly will my acne improve after treatment?

A: Depending on your specific condition and treatment plan, results may vary. In most cases, acne treatments take 2 to 3 months to see initial results.

Q: How much tanning is safe? Is it a good idea to get a base tan before vacation?

A: No amount of tanning is actually safe, and increases your risk of skin cancer, uneven skin pigmentation, and premature skin aging. Your skin is very susceptible to UVA and UVB damage, and getting a base tan before vacation will not stop you from getting burnt. In fact, sun damage is cumulative, so getting a base tan will actually increase your overall sun damage.

Q: Does my diet impact the appearance of my skin?

A: Absolutely! At CDAM, we believe in a holistic approach to skin care, including dieting, exercising, lifestyle, and treatments.

Q: Should I have all my moles removed to prevent melanoma?

A: No. Further examination of each mole is required to determine if the mole needs to be removed. Many moles are benign, and a detailed examination is necessary to check and see if your moles have any concerning features. At CDAM, our dermatologists are highly skilled in dermoscopy, using special lights and magnification to analyze the structure of your moles.

Skin Care Products FAQs

Q: What are your sunscreen recommendations?

A: Our dermatologists stress the importance of daily sunscreen protection. They recommend a broad-spectrum formula, with at least an SPF of 30, that physically blocks harmful UVA/UVB rays. Mineral sunscreens, containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, provide the best protection against all forms of UV radiation. Individuals should use sunscreen daily, reapply every 2 hours, and even during cloudy days or winter!

Q: How do I choose products right for me?

A: With our comprehensive and individualized approach, a consultation is necessary to help determine which products will work for you. Schedule your consultation in Chicago, IL, today.

Q: What do you suggest for sensitive, blemish-prone skin?

A: Although a skin analysis is necessary to determine exact treatments, we recommend medical grade, gentle products, scientifically proven to diminish breakouts and provide an even complexion.

Q: What’s the difference between products at your office vs products from the department store?

A: All of our products are medical-grade, and backed by evidence-based research and extensive clinical experience to provide optimal results. Although many department store products claim a variety of anti-aging properties, there’s often little scientific evidence to backup any of these claims. When they do contain ingredients that we know to be effective, they’re often present in small concentrations and are not likely to be highly effective.