Shondra L. Smith, MD

Products And Services

• Laser Hair Removal

  Unwanted facial and body hair no longer has to be an embarrassment. Because of the latest laser technology, known as the TKS lasing process, Dr. Smith now offers safer, faster, and more effective treatment for both men and women.

  Link: Laser Hair Removal

• Laser Sclerotherapy (Vein Treatment)

  The treatments are non-invasive; there is no downtime and no healing required, and normal activity can be resumed immediately after treatment. A series of 3 – 5 treatments at six week intervals is typically recommended.

  Link: Laser Sclerotherapy (Vein Treatment)

• Laser Removal of Pigmented Lesions

  The removal of pigmented lesions is a non-ablative, non-surgical treatments designed to remove these signs of aging and make brown imperfections disappear.

  Link: Laser Removal of Pigmented Lesions

• IPL (Intense Pulse Light)

  The Ellipse IPL is used to treat pigment (brown patchy areas) or broken capillaries and general redness.

  Link: IPL (Intense Pulse Light)

• Juvia Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing

  CO2 is unique as it offers both epidermal skin ablation (heating the tissue to 100°C and instantly vaporizing it) and heat damage (where both surrounding epidermal tissue and underlying dermal tissue is heated to a temperature where proteins denature or breakdown).

  Link: Juvia Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing

• Injectable-Fillers and Neurotoxins

  Dermal Fillers And Neuromodulators injectables Lines, wrinkles, areas of volume loss — we all have them. Blame declining collagen production as we age. Blame thinning skin. Blame hundreds of thousands of muscle contractions. Blame the ever-present Louisiana sun. But you don’t have to put up with those signs of facial aging. Dr. Smith offers a variety of injectables — neuromodulators like Botox® and dermal fillers like Juvéderm® Voluma and Restylane® Refyne and Defyne. They’ll erase your wrinkles and return volume to areas such as the cheeks. Here’s what we offer. Click on each heading to link to the more detailed individual pages. You can also give us a call today at 337. 477.0011 to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Shondra Smith and learn whether you are a candidate for treatment! Botox Injections Botox® is an injectable classified as a neuromodulator. Because it is made primarily from the botulinum toxin type A, it sounds kind of scary. Not so. Way back in the 1950s scientists discovered that if a tiny amount of the toxin was injected into a muscle, it temporarily stopped that muscle from contracting. This proved instantly intriguing as a medical treatment for issues with involuntary muscle spasms. In fact, that turned out to be the first FDA approval for Botox® — for the treatment of involuntary eyelid spasms (blepharospasm) in 1989. But Botox® became a household name in 2002. That was the year the FDA approved Botox® for aesthetic use, removing frown lines and forehead lines. The FDA added crow’s feet approval in 2013, although it had been used off-label for years before that. Botox® works by blocking the acetylcholine, the nerve messengers, in muscles. When injected into a muscle, the botulinum toxin blocks the nerve messages sent from the muscle to the brain. The brain never receives the message to contract the muscle, so the muscle stays relaxed and the wrinkle on the surface skin doesn’t form. Dysport Injections Dysport® is also a neuromodulator. It is made primarily from the botulinum toxin type A, just like Botox. Dysport® works in the same fashion as Botox®, by temporarily relaxing the muscles it is injected into, which stops wrinkles from forming on the skin above. Dysport® has subtle differences from Botox, and that’s why Dr. Smith offers both neuromodulators for our patients from Lake Charles and the surrounding areas. The FDA approved Dysport® for cosmetic use for the treatment of frown lines and forehead wrinkles on May 1, 2009. Restylane Injections The original dermal filler is Restylane®, which was approved by the FDA for use in the U.S. in 2006. Restylane®, along with Juvéderm®, are the world’s most popular dermal fillers. Dr. Smith offers four fillers from the Restylane® line — Restylane®, Restylane® Kysse, Restylane® Defyne, and Restylane® Refyne. Restylane® fillers are classified as natural fillers because they made primarily from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the human body whose job is to hydrate, plump, and firm the skin. When a Restylane® filler is injected beneath a crease, such as a nasolabial fold, the hyaluronic acid binds with nearby water molecules, adding volume and plumping the skin. This erases or substantially decreases the wrinkle. Are Injectables Safe? What Are The Side Effects? The FDA has approved all the injectables we use at Shondra Smith Dermatology & Advanced Aesthetics. To gain their approvals, each had to submit rigorous testing as to the effectiveness and safety of each product. Our injectables have been injected millions of times around the world, and they have proven to be safe and effective. That explains why Botox® injections have been the single most performed cosmetic treatment, surgical or non-surgical, every year since it was first approved for cosmetic use in 2002. The general side effects with any of these injectables is slight redness and possible swelling at the injection sites. That typically passes in a few hours. With dermal fillers, there is a slight chance of the formation of some lumps. If that happens, however, it’s easy to address. The injection of an enzyme, hyaluronidase, instantly neutralizes the hyaluronic acid in Juvéderm and Restylane, removing the lump or lumps.

  Link: Injectable-Fillers and Neurotoxins

• Vi Peel Chemical Peel

  The VI Peel represents a new generation of peels unlike any other you might have experienced, providing superior results for your skin. VI Chemical Peel Benefits Benefits of the VI Peel include: Anti-Aging– The VI Peel reverses the effects of sun damage, environmental factors and time, to enhance your skin’s natural beauty. In addition to facial treatments, the VI Peel can also be used to treat sun damage on the decolletage and hands. Acne – The VI Chemical Peel is highly effective in clearing acne and impurities for patients as young as twelve years old; a series of treatments may reduce acne scars. Comfort – The VI Peel is virtually painless. Sensitive individuals may experience a slight stinging sensation, which is controlled by use of a fan during application. Convenience – Your treatment takes only 20 minutes or less. No skin preparation products are needed. Minimal Healing Time – Enjoy younger looking, more beautiful skin in about one week. Chemical Peel FAQs What Is A VI Peel Chemical Peel? A VI Peel is a medical-grade cosmetic procedure used to treat a variety of skin conditions (i.e. fine lines, wrinkles, laugh lines, acne, acne scar, uneven skin tone, saggy skin, blemishes, sun damage, age spots, hyperpigmentation, and enlarged pores). It is usually performed on the face, neck, and chest. It consists of a combination of ingredients: TCA, Phenol, Salicylic Acid, Retin-A and Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C). What Can I Expect After A Chemical Peel? How Much Does A VI Peel Cost? How Often Can You Get A Peel? When Will I See Results From My Chemical Peel? How Is The VI Peel Different From Other Chemical Peels? Schedule Your Appointment Today! Interested in a VI Peel? Shondra Smith MD proudly provides chemical peels to patients in Lake Charles, Jennings, Sulphur, and Moss Bluff LA, Orange TX and the surrounding areas. Call 337. 477.0011 or fill out our Contact Form here to schedule an appointment.

  Link: Vi Peel Chemical Peel

• Microdermabrasion

  What is Microdermabrasion? We offer the NaturaBrador Microdermabrasion System. It is designed as an exfoliating device for skin treatment. It uses abrasive particles to exfoliate the epidermis. It provides skin with a healthy, youthful glow and is also helpful in smoothing out scars and fine wrinkles. Some of the newest research in microdermabrasion also suggest that it thickens the dermal layer of skin, which in turn tightens and firms the areas treated. An initial series of six treatments at one-week intervals is recommended with some type of maintenance schedule thereafter. What’s The Difference Between Microdermabrasion And Dermabrasion? Dermabrasion is a very aggressive form of skin rejuvenation where a rotating metal brush abrades the entire outer layer of the skin. Dermabrasion is meant to remove the majority of the epidermis layer of the skin. This forces the body to build new skin cells to replace and repair the facial areas that have been abraded. These new cells replace areas with acne scarring and other skin damage. Dermabrasion requires a lengthy recovery period, can be quite painful, and can only be done once in a person’s lifetime. Dr. Smith does not perform dermabrasion at her Lake Charles practice. Microdermabrasion is only a light skin exfoliation. Nothing actually touches the patient’s face — only the microcrystals sprayed from the handpiece provide the gentle exfoliation. It is easy to take, painless, and doesn’t involve any recovery or downtime. There isn’t any limit to how many treatments you can have. Who Is A Good Candidate For Microdermabrasion? We all have a buildup of dead skin cells, oil, and dirt on our facial skin. Microdermabrasion is a great treatment to remove much of that stuff. Microdermabrasion is completely non-invasive and non-ablative. It can be used on all skin colors and skin types. It doesn’t cause hyperpigmentation, as more ablative procedures sometimes do. In reality, just about everyone could use microdermabrasion at Dr. Smith’s to brighten their complexion and improve their skin quality. Should Anyone Not Have Microdermabrasion? The only people who shouldn’t have microdermabrasion are those whose acne, eczema, or psoriasis are active. You need to wait until the breakout or flare-up passes and your skin calms. At that point, you could have this treatment. What Are The Benefits Of Microdermabrasion? Whether you’re fighting fine lines, dealing with age spots, or want an effective way to minimize discoloration or other superficial skin blemishes, this multitasking, skin-saving treatment has you covered. Microdermabrasion can also be helpful with oily and enlarged pores, blackheads, acne and even some acne scarring. Is Microdermabrasion Safe? These treatments at Dr. Smith’s are completely non-invasive and don’t require any recovery. There isn’t any risk of infection or the like, as only the outer epidermis is exfoliated. These are not deep penetrating procedures (in contrast to laser resurfacing or a medium chemical peel, for instance), and they don’t remove large amounts of skin. You may have some light peeling and your skin may feel a little tight for a day or so after your treatment, but a good moisturizer is all you need. There won’t be any crusting or downtime. What Skin Issues Can Microdermabrasion Improve? At Dr. Smith’s, we use microdermabrasion for a variety of skin problems. Microdermabrasion… Reduces fine lines and wrinkles Removes sun-damaged skin Reduces age spots Reduces melasma Reduces hyperpigmentation Improves acne and acne scars Reduces enlarged pores Stimulates new collagen production How Many Treatments Will I Need? These are easy-to-take procedures and there really isn’t any limitation. When patients first come see us and want to improve their skin, Dr. Smith recommends six treatments spaced about one to two weeks apart. From there, coming in once every month or two provides a good maintenance schedule to keep your skin exfoliated and looking great.

  Link: Microdermabrasion

• CoolSculpting

  What Is CoolSculpting®? Sometimes even the most intense workouts or the strictest diets cannot get rid of stubborn fat. Luckily, problem areas that won’t shrink no matter how hard you try can now be reduced through CoolSculpting®. CoolSculpting® is a revolutionary body contouring treatment that makes use of controlled cooling to eliminate fat that resists both diet and exercise. This FDA-cleared fat reduction treatment does not involve surgery or downtime. It is also safe and effective and offers noticeable and long-lasting results. Dr. Shondra Smith offers CoolSculpting® to patients in Lake Charles, Jennings, Westlake LA, and surrounding areas. Call today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Smith today! Good Candidates For CoolSculpting® CoolSculpting® is designed for people who have unwanted fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. The procedure is a non-surgical alternative to liposuction, but should not be considered a weight-loss solution for obesity. A good candidate has noticeable bulges of fat in certain areas of the body. Only a consultation with our team can determine if CoolSculpting® is right for you. CoolSculpting® Fat Freezing Procedure Dr. Smith will create a treatment plan based on your individual needs and specific goals. The length of your treatment will depend on the number of areas that require treatment. Additional sessions may also be scheduled to achieve your goals. Is CoolSculpting® Safe? The procedure is FDA-cleared for the abdomen, thigh, and love handles. It is the number 1 body contouring procedure and has been performed millions of times all over the world. It is considered safe and effective when it comes to the non-surgical reduction of fat. Does CoolSculpting® Have Side Effects? After the procedure, there may be swelling, redness, bruising, firmness, temporary numbness, and pain in the treated areas. The procedure is not for everyone, and it is best to ask your doctor if it is right for you. How Long Is A CoolSculpting® Session? A CoolSculpting® session at Dr. Smith’s office takes anywhere from 1-3 hours, depending on the size of the treatment area. CoolSculpting® Results Changes can be seen as early as three weeks after the procedure, and the most dramatic results can be seen after two months. However, your body will still continue to eliminate treated fat cells for the next four to six months. Once the fat cells are gone, they are gone for good. How Many Coolsculpting® Sessions You May Need Many patients have a single session, others more. The CoolSculpting® process kills 30-35 percent of the fat in the area, but this amount decreases with subsequent sessions. So, whereas you could think that repeatedly treating the same area could remove most or all of the fat, that really isn’t possible or even desirable. Can CoolSculpting® Reduce Fat On Any Part Of My Body? You need to remember that this isn’t a weight-loss procedure; it is a body-contouring procedure. It is not meant for weight loss across your body, but for stubborn pockets of fat that are almost impossible to target with dietary changes and exercise. The FDA has approved CoolSculpting® for treatment of these areas: Abdomen Thighs Back fat Bra line fat Flanks Underneath the buttocks Double chin Where Does The Fat Go With CoolSculpting®? When CoolSculpting® freezes the fat cells and they begin to die, the body goes about the process of getting rid of these dead fat cells, as it does with any waste products. The lymphatic system has this job. It removes waste, debris, dead blood cells, pathogens, toxins, and cancer cells from the body. The dead fat cells are included and are flushed from the body. What Is Recovery Like After A CoolSculpting® Session? CoolSculpting® is entirely non-invasive. There are no needles, no scalpels, and no downtime. Immediately after your treatment, we massage the treatment area for two to three minutes. This alleviates any numbness from the cold temperatures. Then, you can get right back to your normal activities..

  Link: CoolSculpting

• Kybella Treatment

  What is Kybella? KYBELLA® (deoxycholic acid) injection is the first and only FDA-approved injectable treatment that contours and improves the appearance of submental kybella product imagefullness, sometimes referred to as “double chin”. The active ingredient in KYBELLA® is deoxycholic acid, a naturally-occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected into the fat beneath your chin, KYBELLA® causes the destruction of fat cells. Once destroyed, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat. How many people have been treated with KYBELLA? KYBELLA® has been the focus of a global clinical development program involving over 20 clinical studies with more than 2,600 patients worldwide, of which over 1,600 have been treated with KYBELLA®. Who should not receive KYBELLA®? You should not receive KYBELLA® if you have an infection in the treatment area. Before receiving KYBELLA®, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: Have had or plan to have surgery on your face, neck, or chin; have had cosmetic treatments on your face, neck, or chin; have had or have medical conditions in or near the neck area; have had or have trouble swallowing; have bleeding problems; are pregnant or plan to become pregnant (it is not known if KYBELLA® will harm your unborn baby); are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed (it is not known if KYBELLA® passes into your breast milk; talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you receive KYBELLA®). Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take a medicine that prevents the clotting of your blood (antiplatelet or anticoagulant medicine). What are the possible side effects of KYBELLA®? The most common side effects of KYBELLA® include: swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, redness, and areas of hardness in the treatment area. KYBELLA® can cause rare serious side effects, including trouble swallowing and nerve injury in the jaw that can cause an uneven smile or facial muscle weakness. How many treatments will I need? You and your doctor will customize your KYBELLA® treatment regimen, including how many treatments you need, based on your desired chin profile. Many Kybella web image 2patients experience visible results in 2 to 4 treatment sessions. During these sessions, your HCP will administer KYBELLA® into the fat under your chin using multiple injections. Up to 6 treatment sessions may be administered spaced no less than one month apart. How long will the treatments last? When injected into the fat under your chin, KYBELLA® causes the destruction of fat cells. Once destroyed, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat. After the aesthetic response is achieved, retreatment with KYBELLA® is not expected.

  Link: Kybella Treatment

• General Dermatology

  General Dermatology Services Lake Charles, LA Skin Care Keeping your skin healthy is an essential part of maintaining good overall health and well-being. Through proper education, diagnosis, and individualized treatment, Dr. Shondra Smith and her team of skin care experts can help you achieve healthy skin. Dr. Smith provides extraordinary general dermatology services for patients in Lake Charles, LA and surrounding areas. Dr. Smith is an expert in diagnosing and treating rosacea, acne, rashes, warts, psoriasis, skin cancers, and other general dermatology problems. Whether you need a regular skin exam or you have a condition that needs treatment, we’ve got you covered! Give us a call today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Smith and we’ll help you achieve healthy, glowing skin in no time!

  Link: General Dermatology

• Obagi Nu-Derm System

  What is the Nu-Derm® System? Throughout our lives we all experience occasional sunburns, regular sun exposure, hormonal changes, stress, and environmental pollution. All these factors contribute to the signs of premature aging. The Nu-Derm® System has been formulated to improve the signs of aging at the cellular level.

  Link: Obagi Nu-Derm System

• Obagi Professional C Serum

  Vitamin C is “the most important skin antioxidant” Stimulates collagen synthesis Reduces inflammation Suppresses pigmentation Retains UV protection Replenishes Vitamin E Professional-C Serums with L-ascorbic acid provide every essential attribute of a superior Vitamin C product Formulated at a low pH to last longer Immediately penetrates the skin for maximum effectiveness Absorbs and remains in the skin longer

  Link: Obagi Professional C Serum

• ELASTIderm by Obagi

  Like no other topical eye treatment. Elastin and collagen are essential components of your skin. Over a lifetime, elastin and collagen break down, causing the signs of aging typically seen in the eye area-crow’s feet, fine lines across the eyelids, and loss of elasticity under the eye. Thats’s why ELASTIderm® Eye Treatment offers a patented formulation that restores the appearance of youthful-looking eyes.

  Link: ELASTIderm by Obagi

• ELASTIderm Décolletage System by Obagi

  Clinically Proven Results The ELASTIderm® Décolletage™ System has been proven to improve the appearance of the chest and neck, leaving patients satisfied with their results. Prior to using the Décolletage™ System, all patients in the study had moderate to severe levels of fine wrinkling, as well as moderate to severe levels of hyper pigmentation (discoloration).

  Link: ELASTIderm Décolletage System by Obagi

• Rosaclear System by Obagi

  If you experience a reddening of your cheeks, nose, chin and/or forehead, you may be suffering from a common skin condition called rosacea. The Obagi® Rosaclear™ System is the first complete system designed to treat and help manage the signs and symptoms of rosacea. It incorporates a therapeutic prescription component, as well as calming agents, anti-inflammatory agents and light-reflective minerals, to effectively minimize the redness and blotchiness associated with this skin condition. The Rosaclear System helps to: Treat and manage rosacea symptoms with a prescription-based regimen Reduce the appearance of redness and blotchiness Provide gentle, non-comedogenic skincare to calm inflamed, irritated skin Protect sensitive skin with a chemical-free, broad-spectrum sunscreen

  Link: Rosaclear System by Obagi

• Latisse

  Latisse® solution is a prescription treatment for hypotrichosis used to grow eyelashes, making them longer, thicker and darker. Eyelash hypotrichosis is another name for having inadequate or not enough eyelashes

  Link: Latisse