our practice

• Kenneth Reed

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Kenneth Reed MD PC

500 Congress St

Suite B1

Quincy, Massachusetts 02169

Tel: 617 472 6764

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Kenneth Reed, M.D, P.C.

Long Pond Medical Building

110 Long Pond Road, Suite 203

Plymouth, MA 02360

Tel: 5087474424

Fax: 6177709933

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Cosmetic Laser Services

Laser Hair Removal...

We are excited to offer you the GentleLase by Candela Corporation, an alexandrite laser featuring dynamic cooling which makes laser treatments less uncomfortable and more effective.

By literally freezing the skin milliseconds before the laser pulse, there is less thermal damage to the skin thus allowing higher energy to penetrate the hair follicle where it is needed. The GentleLase is FDA approved, and has successfully shown to produce permanent hair reduction.

We are one of the few sites in New England able to offer you the opportunity to receive this state-of-the-art technology at an affordable price under the supervision of an experienced physician.

Before & After Photos

Our office is committed to providing the safest and best in hair removal technology.

View our Frequently Asked Questions about laser hair removal services.

After viewing our information, call our office at (617) 472-6764 to schedule a FREE consultation appointment.

We look forward to meeting with you.

Please remember not to bleach, wax, or pluck the hairs prior to your visit, and avoid tanning immediately before and following your treatments. Short stubble is all that is required. Patients are encouraged to shave the involved areas immediately before their scheduled treatment.

Laser treatment is only done in the Quincy office.

Vascular Laser Services...

The Candela VBeam is specially designed to produce an intense but gentle burst of laser light that is optimized to treat vascular lesions.

The treatment is safe than traditional methods because of its unique ability to selectively treat the blood vessels of a vascular lesion without adversely affecting the surrounding tissue. Thus, it will eliminate many lesions while leaving the surrounding skin and skin pigment intact.

In fact, the laser is so safe and effective that it is recommended for the treatment of infants are young as a few weeks old.

Please view our Frequently Asked Question Page about the VBeam.

What Conditions Are Treated With The VBeam?

• Telangiectasias or facial spider veins.
• Rosacea (red facial lesions) - affecting the skin of the face around the nose and cheeks causing a blush or sunburned look.
• Angiomas - small red "spots" which may be slightly raised or just beneath the surface of the skin.
• Port Wine Stain / red birthmarks, and strawberry menangiomas - red lesions that grow rapidly after birth and may impair the function of another organ.
• Warts - small benign growths in the skin that usually appear on the hands, feet, or female genitalia, within the vagina, or on the cervix.
• Scars - red, raised scars that are often caused by surgery, trauma, or burns.
• Superficial rhytides (wrinkles) can be dramatically softened and sometimes totally erased by this relatively simple office based procedure.

Before & After Photos

Can The Laser Help Me With My Leg Veins?

The majority of patients seek treatment for the removal of leg veins for cosmetic reasons. Most are uncomfortable with the appearance of these veins during the warmer months when shorts and skirts are worn. The laser treats telangiectasia (or "spider veins"), usually less than 1 millimeter and commonly seen on the legs. The exact origin of the disorder is unknown but reports have shown that pregnancy, hormonal changes, weight gain, leg injury, or prolonged standing may influence the occurrence.

Are there other methods used to treat leg veins?

The most common therapy used to treat leg veins is sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy involves needle injections of sclerosing agents - such as saline - into the vessels to be removed. This is a procedure we offer to our patients.

Laser Skin Resurfacing...

Dr. Reed is skilled in using an ultrapulsed carbon dioxide laser to treat skin surface imperfections commonly caused by traumatic or acne scarring, sun damage, smoking, and aging. Superficial rhytides (wrinkles) can be dramatically softened and sometimes totally erased by this relatively simple office based procedure.

The carbon dioxide laser is the "gold standard" which other lasers are compared to. Although other lasers such as the erbium laser are now used in resurfacing, many feel the thermal injury they cause is too superficial to be of benefit to most people.

Through laser technology, Dr. Reed is able to precisely destroy the surface of the skin to the desired depth required to improve the imperfection. Upon healing there is a tightening of the skin which can result in dramatic improvement, sometimes removing years of of one's appearance. The lines around the mouth, eyes, or the entire face can benefit from this procedure.

Before undergoing laser resurfacing, it is recommended one prepare their skin by using several products that improve and expedite healing.

Dr. Reed often suggests a bleaching cream in combination with a topical Vitamin C, Glycolic Acid, or Retin-A preparation. Shortly before the procedure, a numbing cream known as EMLA is applied. Sometimes it is also necessary to induce further anesthesia by local injections of lidocaine.

Although some discomfort may follow the procedure, it is easily controlled with analgesics.

Laser resurfacing can safely by done in a doctor's office, and generally patients are able to leave within several hours.

After resurfacing patients do need to avoid sun exposure for several months, and although most people heal completely within ten days, some persistent redness can linger for several months. This redness or erythema can be covered easily with makeup.

Nonablative Skin Resurfacing...

In addition to the ultrapulsed carbon dioxide laser resurfacing, we also offer nonablative skin resurfacing, allowing us to greatly improve the appearance of fine rhytides, sun damage, and superficial scarring.

This is accomplished by heating up the dermal collagen without causing prolonged redness or healing of the epidermis

In other words, through nonablative resurfacing, improvement is brought about more gradually, but without the need for down time or coverups.

During your consultation visit, we will discuss all the options available to reach your desired result, and together decide which of our skin resurfacing choices is the right one for you.

Botox...

Botox is an injectable substance that causes paralysis of the muscle it is injected into. This paralysis lasts 3 - 4 months, and occassionally longer, and is very beneficial in alleviating frown, forehead, or crows feet wrinkles, since these wrinkles are caused by the contraction of muscle groups used on a regular basis.

The more treatments one has, the longer the benefit since the muscles are not used to contracting as effectively following Botox injections. The muscle groups in the upper one third of the face are best suited for Botox injections, although the neck can benefit also.

There is only mild discomfort associated with the injections, which are done quickly and easily in an office setting.

Botox is also useful in treating hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) by its action on the smooth muscles around the sweat gland. Generally sweat production is dramatically decreased for 6 months following the injections.

Another benefit is observed in people who suffer from migraines. There is a dramatic decrease in the severity and frequency in some patients who experience migraines following Botox injections.

Restylane, Collagen, & Other Skin Fillers...

Today there are numerous filler substances that can be injected directly into scars and wrinkles to help restore the normal contour of the skin or enhance and augment the shape of the lips. A very fine needle is used to minimize discomfort.

The names as well as the chemical composition of the filler substances vary, as do the costs and persistence of the correction.

Some substances, such as collagen, require a skin test be performed 30 days prior to treatment. Some of the newer agents do not require a skin test, and appear to last longer than collagen.

Fat can also be used to fill defects after harvesting it by liposuction from other parts of the body.

The prices of these treatments are best determined after consultation, during which time the amount and best filler substance can be determined for optimal correction, and an accurate price can be quoted.

Radiesse...

Radiesse is a synthetic injectable implant composed of smooth CaHA microspheres, that have a diameter range of 25µm to 45µm, suspended in an aqueous gel carrier. These consistently shaped and sized particles have proven safe and biocompatible while allowing gradual tissue ingrowth. The three applications which Radiesse has been cleared for in the United States are listed below. Additional indications are in various stages of development.

Radiesse is intended to fill and/or augment oral/maxillofacial defects including: periodontal defects, ridge augmentation,extraction sites, craniofacial augmentation, sinus lifts and cystic defects. Radiesse functions as an osteoconductive scaffold for bone infiltration.

Radiesse for injection medialization laryngoplasty is indicated for vocal fold insufficiency due to bowing or paralysis of the vocal cords. Radiesse is placed by injection into the vocal fold and/or its supporting structure. The bulking effect of the implant supports the vocal folds so that they meet at the more normal midline, facilitating speech and preventing inadvertent aspiration of liquids, as well as correcting shortness of breath caused by laryngeal incompetence. Additional material can be injected at any time should additional correction or augmentation be desired.

Radiesse for radiographic tissue marking allows for precise location of internal sites for surgery and therapeutic treatments.

Radiesse is sized to allow injection with thin-wall needles as small as 26 gauge, significantly minimizing the potential for material extravisation from the injection site or development of a small scar due to the injection procedure.

ArteFill...

Artefill is the first and only FDA approved non-resorbable wrinkle filler for the correction of smile lines also known as the nasolabial folds. It is a dual-acting inject able wrinkle filler. The secret is in its patented formula, which contains 20% Artefill-Precision-Filtered Micropherers (made of PMMA, one of the most widely used synthetic materials in medicine) and 80% Artefill Purified Bovine Collagen gel with lidocaine, an anesthetic. The injection technique used to administer ArteFill does not require numerous needle sticks. First ArteFill visibly corrects the wrinkle. Then the micropheres provide the permanent support your skin needs to correct the wrinkle and prevent further wrinkling.

How does ArteFill differ from temporary fillers? Temporary fillers are made up of different kinds of natural and synthetic materials that are absorbed by the body over time and as a result wrinkle correction usually only lasts up to six months. Where the results of temporary fillers end, ArteFill's results endure.

Facial wrinkles are a result of the natural aging process. Over time, the skin looses its ability to repair itself as the underlying elastin and collagen fibers break down and lose elasticity. Heredity, environment, stress can all contribute to the development of wrinkles.

With ArteFill:

 

1. Receive immediate results with no downtime, a treatment only takes 15-30 minutes.
2. FDA approved for the safe and effective correction of facial wrinkles.
3. Results improve over the course of months.
4. Usually only requires 1-2 treatments.
5. Personalized ArteFill Progressive Enhancement (gradual wrinkle correction) helps ensure the look you desire.

Thermage Tissue Tightening

By delivering radiofrequency energy through the skin, the Thermage procedure results in the heating of deeper skin layers, while the surface of the skin is actually cooled. Collagen, once heated, contracts resulting in an overall tightening of loose or lax overlying skin. The results of collagen shrinkage and remodeling become increasingly apparent three to six months following the procedure. The lasting effects of Thermage are being studied and are ongoing, but results have now been documented to last over two and a half years.This is all done without the need for a surgical incision, so now, finally, there is an effective alternative to a surgical facelift, eyelift, or forehead lift. Although Thermage may not deliver the more immediate and dramatic results that a surgical procedure can provide, the procedure is ideally intended for those individuals who want to tighten and maintain their youthful appearance as long as possible. This may prevent the need for a more aggressive surgical procedure in the future. It is also helpful several years after a facelift as tissues once again start to stretch or sag. Since the results of Thermage develop gradually, you never experience the shocking look as if you "have had something done".

The Thermage procedure takes place in the office, and generally lasts under two hours. Any discomfort can easily be controlled by pain medications administered in the office. The Thermage procedure has evolved over recent years, so now lower energy levels are commonly used resulting in much less discomfort than in earlier years.Thermage can be performed on men or women, and skin of any color. It is even being used to tighten sagging skin seen on the upper arms, or lower abdomen following childbirth. Following the procedure there may be mild swelling or transient redness, but most people are able to return to work the next day without any disfigurement.

For more information we welcome you to make an appointment for a consultation or call the office. All Thermage procedures are performed by Dr. Reed.

 

Recent Media Attention for Thermage and Dr. Reed

She's found her fountain of youth

By TERI BORSETI
For The Patriot Ledger

At 47 I'm no spring chicken. Gravity is catching up. Since I was a teenager, I've known that long before I started to look like a Shar-Pei I would do something about it.

I am not ready for complete facial renovations, that's why Thermage was appealing. The facial-smoothing procedure uses radio frequency to damage collagen deep in the skin, causing it to rejuvenate and tighten. Results don't fully show up for two to six months. Many women I spoke to who have had the procedure done were happy with the result. It sounded relatively simple, painless and no down time. How could I resist?

I made an appointment with Dr. Kenneth Reed at his Quincy office. I was excited and anxious. But, I found myself in good hands. Reed, a graduate of Harvard Medical School, was reassuring, relaxing and more than competent.

This could really work.

After examining my skin and the contours of my jaw line he decided I'd be a good candidate for the procedure. So it was scheduled.

I read quite a bit about the new technique so I wasn't nervous. After all, I told myself, it was featured on Oprah.

So the day came and there I was in the waiting room with invisible thought bubbles floating above my head, all of which I looked fabulous in.

Reed gave me a pill to relax, then a shot of Demerol. In pretty short order I found myself in a most agreeable mood. What? You're going to shave my head? No problem, really.

I took a look at the ThermaCool machine, which is the trademarked device used to perform the Thermage procedure, and it looked pretty harmless. The good doctor snapped the very expensive, highly sophisticated "tip" onto the hand-held fountain of youth tool and began.

At first it was pretty much pain free but as he explained before we began, certain areas would be more sensitive, and they were. It was a kind of pinchy burn but it only lasted a few seconds in each spot, and once the pain medication kicked in, it was quite tolerable. Halfway through the procedure I sat up and took a look at my face. No red marks, no swelling and was I seeing things or was there already a slight difference in the contours on the left side of my jaw?

Reed finished the procedure, which took about an hour. He "zapped" my face 440 times. There was no mess, no blood, no lasting pain or discomfort and knowing my face better than anyone, I could definitely see a slight difference. By the time I turn 48 in February I should start to see real results.

Like many women, I watch a lot of plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures on television. While some produce tremendous, almost immediate results, I'm just not disgusted enough with my appearance to jump in the deep end of the pool yet. Thermage is intended to last a couple of years or so, depending on the patient. But it's new, and who knows, maybe this will be all I need.

About a week after having the procedure I started noticing a difference in my "drooping" jowls. I wondered if it was my imagination but then my son, so honest he once told me that my fanny was the size of Texas, said he too could see a difference.

I imagine in time I won't hide my sagging neck behind my hair. Maybe I'll be able to wear a pony tail without looking like a marsupial.

These procedures may not be for everyone but I intend to fight the aging process every step of the way.

Other Cosmetic Services

Chemical Peels...

There are a wide range of chemicals currently used to provide a superficial or deep peeling of the skin. These substances range from natural and gentle glycolic acids, to more caustic compounds like trichloracetic acid (TCA).

Chemical peels are useful in smoothing out the texture or coloring of your skin, improving wrinkles, sun damage, and superficial scarring. Since milder peels such as glycolic acid do not penetrate as deeply as TCA, it is usually recommended that patients undergo a series of these lighter peels to achieve optimal benefit.

One reason people chose a lighter peel is that only mild redness usually follows this kind of peel, and no time is lost from work or socializing.

Deeper TCA peels usually require up to a week of recovery time before the skin looks completely normal again. One can expect some transient stinging as the acids are applied, but discomfort is fairly minimal.

There are various concentrations used of glycolic acids and TCA, and it is important to note that even our light peels are substantially stronger and more effective than those performed in cosmetic salons. Following a peel one should avoid strong sun exposure.

Microdermabrasion...

Microdermabrasion, developed and introduced in Europe several years ago, has rapidly become a treatment of choice for those desiring a clearer complexion, healthier looking skin, and overall improvement in the appearance of sun damage and aging skin.

When this revolutionary treatment became available in the United States, it quickly became known in California as the "Oscar Peel" since celebrities would often have a microdermabrasion just prior to their public acceptance fo the famed award, so they, too, would look their best at that time.

There are numerous manufacturers of microdermabrasion units, and as a consequence, the terms "PowerPeel, Parisian Peel, DermaPeel" all refer to a similar process of microdermabrasion.

It is best to think of microdermabrasion as a gentle "sandblasting" of the skin. Fine disposable inert sand like particles are evenly jetted against the skin and almost instantly are vacuumed back into the system.

The gentle suction is particularly helpful in cleansing one's pores and removing blackheads. Whereas true chemical peels such as glycolic acid or trichloractetic acid are still useful in treating many of the same skin conditions, the depth of chemical penetration is always a variable.

some patients may be almost unaffected by glycolic acid while others may remain red for several days. It is also nearly impossible to focus the acids on the areas that require the deepest penetration for improvement. That is where microdermabrasion stands out.

Since the operator can literally increase the force of the particles bombarding the skin at any given time, as well as make repeated passes to achieve the desired depth, it is very easy to customize the treatment to one's specific problem areas.

Fine lines and superficial sun damage can show dramatic improvement following microdermabrasion. Improvement can also be noted in treating superficial seborrheic keratoses and lentigenes, commonly known as age or liver spots.

Certain forms of melasma, or hyperpigmentation, are also very responsive, as are superficial acne or post traumatic scars. Microdermabrasion is also therapeutic in treating comedonal (blackheads and whiteheads) and papular acne since it improves desquamization, and the suction generated helps unclog pores. Patients even find that stretch marks, especially more recent ones, are less apparent following microdermabrasion.

Although the most common sites treated are the face, neck, and hands, any part of the body can be microdermabraded. Because microdermabrasion is gentle, no anesthesia is required. For the most part, treatments are quite painless. I have never had to discontinue a session due to a patient's discomfort.

Following a microdermabrasion there is some erythema (redness), but this is usually transient, and in most instances will fade in hours. Moisturizers as well as makeup and sunscreens can be applied.

For best results we usually recommend a series of microdermabrasions, which can be done weekly, biweekly, or even monthly. By spreading the treatments over time, one can accomplish results without substantial down time like one commonly has following more aggressive procedures such as laser resurfacing. Occassionally, at a patient's request, we can condense a series and deliver a more aggressive treatment regimen, but in this scenario, more redness is produced and healing time increased.

An Eclectic Product Line...

The cosmetic and skin care industry is booming. How does a consumer separate which products have a scientific basis for their claims and which are simply hype?

In our office we carry a limited number of products which have been shown to have documented benefits when used properly and consistently. We carry a glycolic acid line that allows us to titrate the concentration of glycolic acid to the amount your skin can tolerate. This maximizes efficacy and minimizes irritation.

We also carry a topical vitamin C line whose anti-oxidant properties help to improve sun damage and the appearance of wrinkles. Our retinol skin care products have similar beneficial properties, and can be used in conjunction with the products described above.

We also have a full range of facial cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens. Dr. Reed regularly prescribes Renova for those looking to rejuvenate their skin, as well as Propecia, for those men experiencing male pattern hair loss. Most of our products are available by check or credit card for telephone purchase, or click here to view our entire selection of products online.

We encourage you to call to arrange a consultation to find out more about which products are best suited to your skin type.

Age Spots And Liver Spots...

These benign pigmentations are commonly seen on the face or hands, but can occur anywhere. There are a number of ways to fade or remove these lesions. Sometimes a gentle electrocautery is useful, other times acid peels or liquid nitrogen cryotherapy is used, and some lesions respond best to laser treatment.

Liver spots usually represent what dermatologists refer to as seborrheic keratosis or lentigenes. Although sun exposure can cause lentigenes to develop, seborrheic keratosis can be hereditary and are more prevalent as we age.

Rhinophyma...

Dr. Reed has experise in resculpting the nose of patients with rhinophyma (enlarged noses associated with rosacea).

Make a consultation appointment to speak with Dr. Reed if you or a loved one suffer with this condition.

Medical Procedures

Acne...

Whether adolescent, hormonal, or adult acne rosacea, effective treatment is available. During our acne visits we explore possible causes of acne, treatment options, and general skin care.

Not only is Dr. Reed skilled in treating acne, but he is also an expert in repairing the scars that can result from blemishes. There is no need to continue to suffer from acne with the medications now available.

Psoriasis And Eczema...

Dr. Reed has a true expertise in treating patients with disabling dermatoses such as psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo.

In the Quincy office, we provide the largest phototherapy center south of Boston, with day and evening hours available to suit an active schedule. Full body light boxes, hand and foot boxes, PUVA and narrow band UV are all available.

We also have onsite the XTRAC excimer laser which allows intense UV light to be focused on just the involved skin sites, therefore sparing healthy or normal skin unnecessary UV exposure.

The XTRAC can clear stubborn psoriatic plaques in just several treatments, and sustained remissions are common. It is also very useful in repigmenting the skin in conditions of pigment loss such as vitiligo.

Our technicians are trained in all aspects of phototherapy, and serve as a valuable resource to patients plagued with these debilitating conditions.

Dr. Reed's office serves as a referral center used by other local dermatologists who can no longer provide the technical expertise required to successfully treat more difficult cases.

Skin Cancers...

The most common and least serious of all skin cancers is the basal cell carcinoma. These lesions usually grow slowly, and can appear as pearly, transluceent papules, or as reddish or broken down sores on the skin.

Like other skin cancers, basal cell carcinomas tend to occur more often on sun exposed parts of the skin, and are easily curable if treated properly.

Squamous cell carcinomas are the second most common skin cancer, and these too can appear as ulcerations or sores that do not heal, or as enlarging growths. Again, the majority of these skin cancers are very curable in the physicians office.

Malignant melanoma is a cancer that tends to arise from a mole that has changed. Because this form of cancer has a greater tendency to spread, it is potentially more serious than the other forms of skin cancer, and prompt medical attention is needed to ensure a favorable outcome.

Most skin cancers can be treated in our office under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort or disfigurement.

To confirm the diagnosis of a skin cancer, often a biopsy is done prior to the surgical treatment. All our patients are encouraged to request a full skin exam so Dr. Reed can examine your entire skin surface and evaluate any abnormal lesions.

Pediatric Dermatology...

Dr. Reed sees patients of all ages. Newborns with birthmarks, infants with rashes, kids with warts, or teenagers with acne are all welcome and treated gently and with respect.