Unique diagnostic technologies (noninvasive)

Dermatoscopy.
Skin Ultrasonography.
Doppler ultrasonography (skin blood-flow exam).
In aesthetic medicine, which includes cosmetology as its part, like in any other area of medicine), correct diagnosis is a primary condition in determining the effective treatment approach.
In order to achieve long lasting rejuvenation effects, it is necessary to get a clear picture of the current skin conditions and assess the after-effects of the cosmetological treatment. A simple visual examination prior to the first treatment, does not allow proper evaluation of the patient's skin condition and skin structural components. A histologic study (microscopic examination) due to its complexity and traumatism is mostly used in cases when it is necessary to rule out malignant skin conditions. Current skin examination methods include: dermatoscopy, skin ultrasonography and doppler ultrasonography (skin blood-flow exam), which determine structural reasons that could cause negative visible skin changes and its rejuvenation potential assessment. One of the primary goals of the diagnostic and treatment center is to diagnose skin growths such as: moles, warts, papillomas, hemangiomas, lipomas, keratomas, etc… and chose the best treatment option.

Ultrasound Dopplerography
It provides absolutely painless and safe monitoring of large vessels blood-flow (arteries and veins, larger than 1-7 mm in diameter) as well as microvessels (smaller than 1 mm in diameter), and helps to evaluate the blood vascular supply rate as well as deeper tissues like muscles. The gathered data determine the individual approach for the dermatologist-cosmetologist or surgeon and helps to forecast the recovery period and possible complications.

Monitor image of the normal skin blood-supply

Aesthetic revitalization of the skin, restoration of its elasticity, firmness, skin metabolism as well as more even tone are the additional benefits of the surgery along with the visible rejuvenation effect. In this regard, professional cosmetological care becomes the priority. One of the major problems in cosmetology nowadays is that patients are promised unlimited possibilities. The market almost monthly gets new creams, gels, fillers, treatment facilities (equipment, technical devices) and their manufactures all advertise their product’s advantages. At the same time they often ignore such important factors as patients’ age, state of health, as well as possible side effects of aggressive manipulations. New skin diagnostic medical equipment has offered new opportunities for dermatocosmetologists and plastic surgeons to investigate skin aging changes and forecast the duration of the aesthetic correction’s effect.
Combining different methods and equipment for postoperative skin diagnosis can help to forecast possible complications and control the efficiency of the recovery process. Objective control and evaluation of the performed aesthetic corrections, such as: rejuvenation surgeries, laser resurfacing, chemical peeling, golden threads implanting, and dermal filler injections can allow for rational answers to female patient’s questions about the longevity of the surgery’s results, whether some adverse effect might occur with aging, what happens to the implanted threads and how the skin changes after resurfacing.

Normal skin structure

Pronounced aging changes

Besides acquiring objective data of the skin state in order to arrange individual anti-aging treatment plans there is another aesthetic skin problem that requires additional diagnostics, that is - new skin growths (neoplasms).
Patients who come into the clinic with any type of new growths (nevus, birthmarks) are examined using dermatoscopy which helps to evaluate the problem and diagnose to which category it refers to - benign or malignant. This factor may be important in determining whether the growth should be removed and the best way it can be done. This procedure is absolutely painless and safe.

Microscope view of verrucous nevus (bulging mole, birthmark)

Both dermatoscopy and sonography confirmed the diagnosed epidermic-dermic nevus.

Here observation was recommended. In the case that the nevus is located in a place of frequent

contact like the armpit, laser vaporization is recommended.

Modern techniques to remove new growths leave almost no trace and minimize the chances of their recurrence. Patients require the guarantee of no postoperative scarring and that’s why the surgeon’s task is to completely remove the lesion while eliminating the chance of recurrence, prominent scarring and the development of cancer. In VIRTUS clinic, until recently, the most suitable removal technique was chosen after the surgeon’s visual evaluation of the problem. However this kind of assessment can hardly provide high diagnostic accuracy due to the fact that the doctor is unable to evaluate the depth and width of the lesion’s expansion inside the normal skin. Additional technical means through diagnostic medical equipment offer precise visualization of the pathological lesion’s size, structure, depth/width and potential development. This helps the doctor to select the correct treatment strategy.

Dermatoscopic view of basilioma (basal cell carcinoma)