Everyone wants to look and feel their best, but at what cost? Surgical cosmetic procedures can have a host of down sides, from slow and painful postoperative healing to a hefty price tag for operations.
Luckily for those in the Greater Philadelphia Area looking to turn back the clock without the strain and aggravation of surgery, there are professionals such as Robert Laterra, M.D., whose brand new, state-of-the-art practice just opened in Exton.
“I utilize the latest knowledge, technology and techniques, and have built a practice based solely upon things that I know work,” Dr. LaTerra says. “I think a lot of people don’t have the opportunity, or the experience, to be able to say that. It’s very exciting.”
Dr. LaTerra’s practice features a bevy of nonsurgical options, ranging from prescription-grade skincare products to injectables such as BOTOX to a revolutionary means of lifting and toning skin known as Ultherapy—otherwise known as the nonsurgical face lift. The practice also specializes in procedures such as HydraFacial, for brighter, younger-looking skin, and laser skin resurfacing.
Dr. LaTerra, who performs each and every procedure at his office himself, is highly skilled and educated. A graduate of Lafayette College in Easton (magna cum laude) and Jefferson Medical College, he completed a two year externship with one of Philadelphia’s preeminent plastic surgeons following his rigorous surgical residency training.
So, one might ask, with Dr. LaTerra’s extensive background in surgery, why would he instead choose to offer nonsurgical treatments in his practice? His answer: He wishes to offer patients the benefits of cosmetic enhancement without the inherent danger that comes with major surgery.
Dr. LaTerra says that he found, through his previous experience in the field, that many people prefer nonsurgical options.
“For every two, three, people who are coming in looking for surgery, there are 10 to 15 people who would do anything in their power to avoid going under general anesthesia,” he notes.
“Patients can look good, and turn back the clock, without subjecting themselves to surgery,” he continues. “Being a former surgeon, I completely understand people’s reservations. I chose to establish a practice based on trying to help people who didn’t want to undergo surgical procedures and general anesthesia, giving them all the same benefits even if it takes longer and is more conservative as opposed to heavy-duty, much-higher-risk surgical procedures to obtain comparable results.”
Today, Dr. LaTerra has come to be known throughout the area as one of the leading providers of cosmetic injectables, including dermal fillers. Injectables offered by Dr. LaTerra include BOTOX, Dysport and Juvéderm, Radiesse and Xeomin. Each of these products, administered by a certified, trained professional, can act to reduce the appearance of wrinkles while adding volume to the face.
Dr. LaTerra has also gained notoriety for his utilization of the most advanced tools and techniques available in the field. Dr. LaTerra offers the most current technologies for addressing a variety of conditions, including reversing the signs of aging on the face, hands and feet; counteracting the effects of sun damage; alleviating the pain and itching of dry skin; filling in frown lines, facial wrinkles, smile lines and lip lines; treating embarrassing “hyperhidrosis,” also known as excessive sweating; clearing large pores and/or congested skin; reducing the appearance of unsightly veins; and smoothing and lightening incidences of melasma—discolored patches on the face—as well as scars and stretch marks.
Ultherapy is another procedure offered by Dr. LaTerra’s office that can have dramatic results. This nonsurgical face lift utilizes ultrasound technology to stimulate the production of collagen, a protein found throughout the body and associated with elasticity in the skin. By stimulating collagen production in the face, neck and chest, patients can achieve firmer, younger-looking skin in less than an hour, with no downtime after the procedure.
“The Ultherapy machine is unbelievable,” Dr. LaTerra says, noting this FDA-approved nonsurgical treatment can be applied to the face, neck and décolletage. “Unlike laser treatments, this gives people the ability to be treated over the summer months, without the increased precautions and fear of sun exposure. It’s the go-to summer treatment for lifting and tightening.”
For the face, Dr. LaTerra’s host of revolutionary treatments also includes the Belotero Balance. This cutting-edge injectable addresses moderate to severe facial lines or wrinkles, while at the same time promises to feel natural to the touch and offers results without impairment of one’s ability to make facial expressions. Dr. LaTerra also offers serums for anti-aging including Retinol correction cream, as well as those utilized in the course of the HydraFacial MD, a facial tailored to each individual patient based upon his or her needs and what will produce the most dramatic, vibrant results.
Traditional treatments such as chemical peels and European facials, which are designed to provide a thorough cleaning of the pores found throughout the face and neck, are also offered in Dr. LaTerra’s practice. HydraFacial, which combines the results of a chemical peel, facial and hydradermabrasion technology, has people “obsessed,” says Dr. LaTerra. “I haven’t had anyone come in who hasn’t wanted to come back for second treatment.”
For the treatment of acne, Dr. LaTerra offers Blue LED light therapy and IPL photorejuvenation, the latter of which can also be used to treat rosacea and redness, unwanted freckles, sun and age spots, enlarged pores and broken capillary veins.
The Palomar Icon Laser can accomplish similar goals, with the added benefits of wrinkle reduction, lightening and clearing of unsightly leg veins and scars, even permanent hair reduction. Pixel fractional skin resurfacing is another technology which addresses issues that leave skin blotchy, uneven or otherwise less than perfect.
For those seeking means by which to look and feel their best, Dr. LaTerra’s advice is simple: “Try things that are the least invasive, the least risk to yourself as a patient, first. If they get you to where you want to be, then stop there, or slightly augment that. Only once you have exhausted all other options should you consider more serious interventions.”
Dr. LaTerra invites those who wish to learn more to contact the office for a complimentary consultation, adding, “I want to give people options they don’t yet realize exist.”
Reflection Aesthetic Center
255 Gordon Drive, Suite 101
Exton, PA 19341
484-873-3181
www.reflectionaesthetic.com
Photograph by Jody Robinson
