For Women

Brow Lift (Endoscopic / Minimally Invasive)
Frown lines can make you look tired, stressed, or angry, even if you are not. A brow lift, or forehead lift, is a surgical procedure that smoothes out the forehead, while reshaping the brow and upper eyelids. It may also reduce frown lines. The brow lift procedure is one of the most rewarding for many patients since Dr. Pryor often performs the surgery endoscopically to minimize incisions. A minimally invasive endoscopic brow lift can help erase frown lines with limited pain and recovery time.

In the endoscopic brow lift, Dr. Pryor begins by making a series of small incisions hidden in the hairline. He then uses a small telescope and video monitor to visualize important structures while reshaping the brows. The incisions are then closed with surgical clips and an elastic bandage is applied overnight. Dr. Pryor is also well versed in the traditional coronal and hairline brow lift procedures and customizes the technique to the anatomy and desires of each individual patient. During your consultation with Dr. Pryor, the appropriate browlift option will be customized to suit your individual needs.

Browlift may be combined with blepharoplasty or traditional face lift procedures to achieve facial harmony and balance.

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Blepharoplasty (Eyelid)
Your eyes are often the first feature that people notice when they meet you. If loose skin caused by aging or sun damage has caused the skin around your eyes to become wrinkled, puffy, or droopy, you may be perceived as tired, angry, or older than you really are. The skin around the eyes and eyelids is very delicate and shows signs of aging much sooner than skin in other areas of the face.

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid plastic surgery, can help patients to correct drooping upper eyelids; under-eye bags can also be reduced and firmed up with eyelid plastic surgery.  With smoother, younger-looking skin, your eyes will brighten up your whole face.

The incisions for upper eyelid plastic surgery are easily hidden along the naturally occurring creases in the upper eyelid. If your procedure will involve the removal of skin and tissue below the eyes, Dr. Pryor will place the incisions just beneath the lower eyelashes. After making the incisions, he will contour the underlying muscle and tissue before closing the incision with tiny sutures, leaving the skin smooth and tight. Eyelid plastic surgery is typically performed at our Scottsdale practice as outpatient surgery; depending on the extent of surgery required, the procedure usually takes 30 minutes to two hours and can be performed under light sedation.

To ensure a complete approach to facial rejuvenation, blepharoplasty is sometimes combined with other facial surgery procedures such as a brow lift.

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Facelift
Turning back the clock is something many people would like to do. A facelift is a surgical procedure that can help remove wrinkles and tighten sagging skin. A face lift, or rhytidectomy, can help our clients to reverse the effects of age and exposure to the elements. Dr. Pryor uses the procedure to tighten facial muscles and to remove excess skin in the face and jowl area.

Each face lift performed by Dr. Pryor is highly individualized. He will carefully assess every aspect of your face, including skin texture, bone structure, muscle tone, and the desired final outcome.

During the facelift procedure, the incisions are usually hidden within the hairline in order to hide scars and maintain a natural appearance. A facelift can be performed as an outpatient procedure and the patient should be able to return to normal activities within a few weeks. An elastic dressing is applied overnight. This dressing is removed the following morning. Most patients experience some swelling and bruising though discomfort is usually mild. After a face lift, our patients typically return to work in two weeks.

A facelift is often performed in conjunction with other surgical and non-surgical procedures such as blepharoplasty, neck lift, and brow lift to ensure a holistic approach to facial aesthetics.

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Cheek Lift (Endoscopic / Minimally Invasive)
The middle of the face sometimes begins to crease and droop due to the effects of time, sun, stress, and gravity. A cheek lift can help restore a youthful contour and appearance to your face with a shorter recovery time than a full facelift. Using an endoscope, the procedure may be performed with minimal incisions, making recovery easier and decreasing chances of visible scarring.

Each cheek lift performed by Dr. Pryor is highly individualized. He will carefully assess every aspect of your face, including skin texture, bone structure, muscle tone, and the desired final outcome.

During the cheek lift procedure, the incisions are hidden within the areas directly in front of and concealed within your ear to hide scars and maintain a natural appearance. A cheeklift can be performed as an outpatient procedure and the patient should be able to return to normal activities within a few weeks. An elastic dressing is applied overnight. This dressing is removed the following morning.

Most patients experience some swelling and bruising though discomfort is usually mild. After a cheek lift, our patients typically return to work in two weeks. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about cheek lifts.

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Mini-Lift
A minimally invasive procedure designed specifically for those patients in need of a lift effect, but do not need a full facelift. This is also beneficial for a tuck-up from a previous facelift. Shorter incisions are utilized and may be combined with endoscopic technique to provide shorter healing and down time for recovery. This procedure is individualized based on each patient’s facial appearance.

The development of minimally invasive techniques using small “puncture” incisions and sutures to reposition sagging and jowling have gained recent popularity and have proven to be reliable and effective for certain patients.

The mini-facelift uses smaller incisions in the natural creases in front of the ear to tighten the cheeks, jawline and sagging folds around the mid-face. Similarly, the mini-necklift uses incisions behind the ears to tighten loose skin or the 'waddle' under the chin. Most of these procedures can be performed under local anesthesia and have quick recovery times.

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Neck Lift
With age, the skin of the neck can sometimes wrinkle and sag. If you are generally happy with the way your face looks, but you have large amounts of skin in your neck and chin area, a neck lift may provide the results you are looking for. A neck lift is a surgical procedure that can tighten the skin of the neck and jowls.

Dr. Pryor places his incisions for a neck lift behind the ears and just under the chin, thereby avoiding most visible scarring. Much like a face lift, a neck lift may involve the tightening of neck muscles as well as the removal of excess skin. After the procedure, you will experience mild swelling and bruising, most of which will subside after two weeks or so. Vigorous activity should be avoided until about three weeks after surgery.

A neck lift is usually an outpatient procedure, and can be combined with other cosmetic surgery procedures such as a brow lift or rhinoplasty.

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Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping)
One of the top cosmetic procedures in the United States is rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty is performed to reshape the nose and may profoundly improve patients’ self-confidence and appearance. A rhinoplasty can alter the size, shape, bridge, tip, or nostrils of the nose thus enhancing the face and making the nose more proportionate. The surgery often results in a more balanced facial harmony that focuses attention on the eyes. In addition to improving cosmetic appearance, rhinoplasty may also be performed to improve nasal airflow and breathing.

Dr. Pryor has also received the compliments of his peers by receiving referrals from other surgeons to perform complicated revision rhinoplasty procedures. Secondary or tertiary revision procedures are technically difficult but Dr. Pryor welcomes the challenges inherent in this operation. Patient's discouraged by their previous rhinoplasty feel confident that Dr. Pryor can acheive a result that they were hoping for from their original surgery.

Depending on the work being performed, rhinoplasty may be performed without external incisions to optimize healing and camoflaouge surgical technique. The incisions for rhinoplasty surgery can be made either inside the nose or in the skin that separates the nostrils. The skin is then lifted from the underlying nasal framework, after which Dr. Pryor sculpts the cartilage and bone into the desired shape. He then closes the incision with fine sutures and applies a splint to maintain the new shape. Rhinoplasty is commonly performed on an outpatient basis.

The after-effects of rhinoplasty surgery are usually limited to minor bruising and swelling around the nose and eyes. Discomfort is generally mild and readily treated with light medication. After one week, Dr. Pryor will remove remaining stitches; most patients can return to work in five to seven days. If you wear eyeglasses, you should not let them rest on the nasal bridge for four to six weeks. Contact lenses are acceptable; we can also show you how to safely adjust your glasses during the healing period.

Because a face’s overall appearance can be subtly or dramatically changed through rhinoplasty surgery, it is important that prospective patients thoroughly explore their options and expectations with cosmetic surgeon Dr. Pryor. To schedule a consultation, please contact our offices today.

More information concerning rhinoplasty
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Chin implantation
The relationship between the chin and nose is an important feature of facial esthetic beauty. By optimizing the balance between the nose and chin, facial harmony may be achieved. Facial implants can augment a weak chin and enhance cheekbones, creating a more contoured and pleasing face.

The procedure for placing implants is very similar for chin, cheek, and jaw implants. First, Dr. Pryor will make a small incision near the implant’s final location. In most cases, these incisions can be made inside the mouth to avoid any visible scars on the surface of the skin. The implant is inserted and the incision is stitched closed.

Depending on the number of implants being placed and the individual patient’s situation, facial implant surgery can take half an hour to two hours. General anesthesia is the most common method of sedation.

Patients can expect swelling and bruising in the affected areas for about a week; Dr. Pryor will prescribe medication to lessen any discomfort. A follow-up visit is made approximately five days after surgery so Dr. Pryor can remove any stitches and monitor the healing process.

Dr. Pryor encourages his prospective patients to explore the possibilities of modern cosmetic surgery; he feels that no one should have to go their whole lives with unsatisfying facial features.

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Ear Pinning/Protruding Ears (Otoplasty)
Because of the teasing that they often receive in school, children with prominent ears are the most common candidates for ear pinning, or otoplasty; however, many adults desire to have the size or prominence of their ears altered as well. Even mild distortion of the ears can lead to teasing and self-consciousness, which is why this procedure is often performed before starting school.

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that is used to improve the appearance of large or protruding ears. Otoplasty can resize the ears, making them smaller and setting them back closer to the head. The procedure can improve both appearance and self-confidence. Otoplasty is most commonly performed on children and teens, but it cannot be performed on children under the age of five because their ears are still growing. Older patients can benefit from otoplasty as well.

Surgery begins with an incision just behind the ear, in the natural skin crease. A small amount of skin and cartilage is often removed and then the cartilage is reshaped using sutures.

After otoplasty, the ears will be bandaged in soft dressings for a few days, after which a headband will be recommended at night for up to two weeks after surgery. Discomfort is typically mild; Dr. Pryor can prescribe medication to help alleviate any discomfort. The final scar is hidden from view in the natural ear crease. If you are interested in finding out more about facial implants, or if you or your child would benefit from ear pinning (otoplasty), contact our office to schedule a consultation.

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Fat Transfer
A fat transfer is a procedure that improves areas depleted of necessary fat content, and can be used to smooth wrinkles or augment other areas such as the lips. A fat transfer begins with the harvesting of donor fat from another area of the body, either the thigh or abdomen. This fat is then used to augment deficient areas.

The products of liposuction can be separated (so that the fat cells remain) and injected into other parts of the body. There has been success with injecting this material into the lips. However, as with other tissue-derived materials, it may disappear, sometimes more quickly. There are reports of long-term results with repeated injections. Also, the surgeon can freeze fat (taken during liposuction) for up to four years and periodically reinject it into the lips and other areas of the face. In order to get a result with fat injections, one must over-inject so that, for approximately a week, the lips will look very swollen. The results are often lumpy as some fat resorbs (is reabsorbed by the body) and some does not. Retreatment can correct these bumps but often it requires several procedures.

This procedure may be performed alone or in combination with other procedures such as facelift, neck lift and blepharoplasty and may be performed on an outpatient basis.

Laser Resurfacing
Smooth, healthy-looking skin can be yours through laser resurfacing. Harnessing the safe but highly effective power of the laser, resurfacing can remove the damaged outer layers of skin. Wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, and other imperfections can be removed with a low chance of bleeding or other complications. Laser resurfacing requires special training in laser physics and laser safety.

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Lip Augmentation
Full lips exude beauty, youth, and sensuality, and there are now several good options for enhancing yours. New materials provide longer-lasting and more natural-looking results. Lip augmentation can be used to boost the overall size and shape of the lips, to create a more "heart-shaped" mouth, or to balance unevenly sized lips.

A number of procedures are available to achieve more beautiful lips and reverse some of the effects of aging. With aging, the muscle and soft tissue that give the lips fullness and definition around the vermillion border (the lip border) gradually atrophy or diminish. The effects of aging include general thinning of the lips as well as fine "smokers lines" radiating from the vermillion border. These lines can be the result of smoking, repetitive pursing of the lips as well as from sun exposure. These effects can be improved with the use of a variety of filler materials or surgical alterations. In some cases, a combination of these procedures is desirable for optimal results.

Dr. Pryor has multiple options for lip enhancement and will individualize these for his patients. Such options include Juvederm, Restylane, fat augmentation, and collagen injections for improvement and enhancement. Schedule a consultation today to improve your appearance.

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Chemical Peels (Exoderm Lift)
Chemical peels remove the topmost layer of skin through the application of various solutions. Because chemical peels have been successfully used for decades, they are a form of skin care that our patients are interested in.

One of the most common ingredients in chemical peels is TCA, or trichloroacetic acid. TCA peels successfully treat fine wrinkles and pigment problems such as age spots. Even though “deeper”chemical peels exist, TCA peels can be used on a wider range of patients and require a shorter recovery period.

If you would like to renew the appearance of your skin and minimize sun damaged and blemished skin, a chemical peel may be the most effective skin care procedure for you. During your consultation, Dr. Pryor will determine the best kind of peel for your skin type and your cosmetic goals.

A unique, state-of-the-art method of facial rejuvenation developed in 1986, the exoderm lift is a chemical peel administered for a deep effect. The exoderm lift will help with acne scars and reverse the signs of aging and sun damage such as wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and pigmented spots. Under milder treatments, this dramatic chemical peel can give you results after just one treatment and a brief recovery period. All skin types may benefit from this procedure resulting in smoother, softer, firmer skin with even color and texture.

To learn more about the various skin care options available at our Scottsdale practice contact Dr. Pryor today to make an appointment.

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Reconstructive Surgery
Scar Revision
It is impossible for a scar to be completely removed through surgery; however, it is possible to vastly improve the appearance of an existing scar. If a scar does not respond to other treatments like steroids or cortisone drugs, then a physician may refer you to Dr. Pryor for surgical scar revision. Dr. Pryor will carefully take into account all the factors involved, such as the size and shape of a scar, and the skin tone of the patient.

Excision Scar Removal

Often, many problems can be fixed with a minor excision, or removal, of the scar. The incision is then re-closed in a precise fashion, improving the appearance of the scar. This method can be especially helpful to patients who have keloid scars.

W-plasty Scar Removal

W-plasty is an excision that is used to replace a straight scar with a series of broken-line incisions. The zigzagged line is less visible to the eye and puts less strain on the skin. This is a common plastic surgery technique used in facial scar revision.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a procedure performed with a diamond fraise brush that delicately and efficiently decreases the stigmata of a scar and acts to blend it into the surrounding normal tissue.

Facial scars cannot be removed completely but their appearance can be made less noticeable and more easily camouflaged with cosmetics. Many factors determine the severity of a scar, including the depth or size of a wound, skin tone, and the blood supply to the affected area. Though a surgeon cannot completely eliminate a scar, the appearance of a scar can be significantly improved.

Schedule a consultation today to learn more about scar revision with Dr. Pryor.

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Facial Paralysis Treatment
When trauma, infection, surgery or a number of other causes injures the facial nerve, the entire side of the face can droop and become immobile. The eyelids do not close with blinking, and the eye is subject to drying and severe corneal injury. This may be a heart breaking scenario for the victim or loved one’s involved in the care of such patients. But there is hope.

There are a number of methods to improve this condition. Dr. Pryor can discuss the various options available for rehabilitation of the eye and face during your consultation visit and create an individualized plan for recovery. Schedule a consultation today.

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Skin Cancer Treatment
Every year, the ozone layer of the atmosphere gets thinner and thinner; because this layer serves to protect our skin from the damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun, its depletion means that skin cancer is constantly on the rise. In fact, each year sees almost 1 million new cases of skin cancer in the United States; it is estimated that about half of Americans will develop skin cancer by the time they reach the age of 65.

The good news is that skin cancer, if found and removed early enough, has a high rate of successful treatment. Once a cancerous area of skin has been found, its stage of growth and type will be determined. Then, the area will be treated in one of the following ways:

1. Excision – removal of the area with a scalpel
2. Cryosurgery – freezing of the cancerous cells
3. Radiation therapy
4. Topical Chemotherapy – application of drugs directly to the skin
5. Mohs surgery – layer-by-layer removal of the cancerous lesion

Mohs Reconstruction

Mohs surgery is one effective way to remove skin cancer and reduce the chances that the cancer will return. In Mohs surgery, the initial cancerous growth itself is first removed. Then layers of tissue are removed and examined under a microscope until all of the cancerous cells are gone. Mohs surgery can leave an unsightly defect or scar, but Dr. Pryor can help to correct this. Because Mohs surgery is often used on the face, Mohs reconstruction can be an effective way of disguising scars and minimizing the damage left behind by the procedure. If you need facial reconstruction after Mohs surgery, Dr. Pryor can help.

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Earlobe Repair
Earlobes may become inadvertently torn or damaged while wearing earrings. The repairing of earlobes is a simple procedure commonly performed by facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons. This may be accomplished as an office procedure or under local sedative anesthesia. If you or a loved one has suffered this injury Dr. Pryor can help. Contact our office today for more information or to schedule a consultation.

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Facial Fractures
When an injury or accident causes facial trauma, plastic surgery can help restore function and can help recreate a normal appearance. A number of different techniques exist, and which one is chosen depends on the location and severity of injury. From simple wound closure to skin grafts, Dr. Pryor can help repair facial trauma. He also has state of the art techniques available to minimize and hide incisions from the outside world. If you or a loved one has been injured, Dr. Pryor can advise you on your surgical treatment options.

Dr. Pryor trained at one of the busiest trauma facilities in the country at the University of California Davis Medial Center in the heart of Sacramento. His ease and comfort level with facial trauma patients is high and his patient's satisfaction with the outcomes are excellent.

Fractures may occur anywhere in the head and neck region and may create severe deformities if left untreated. Fractures in and around the nose, eye, orbital vault, cheek, jaw and the remainder of the facial skeleton may be treated as an outpatient basis. A consultation may be achieved directly or through physician referral to Dr. Pryor.

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Microtia (Ear Reconstruction)
Microtia is a congenital condition in which an infant is born without external ears or with severe ear deformity. Microtia can affect one or both ears, and hearing may also be affected. Fortunately, the problem can be improved through reconstructive surgery. Surgery for microtia is a very delicate procedure that requires detailed knowledge of both facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology. Scottsdale surgeon Shepherd Pryor has both training and experience in microtia surgery. If your child was born with this condition, Dr. Pryor can help him or her achieve a more normal appearance, thereby restoring confidence and improving your child's quality of life. Contact Dr. Pryor to schedule a consultation.

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Non Surgical Options
If you feel that your face makes you look tired, angry, or older than you really are, facial rejuvenation techniques such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, Juvederm®, Restylane®, or Perlane® may be a wonderful option.

BOTOX® Injections


Regardless of the steps taken to preserve youthful-looking skin, it is inevitable that wrinkles and lines will eventually develop. One of the easiest and most popular options for removing these lines is BOTOX® Cosmetic. Patients who come into our office for BOTOX® Cosmetic can achieve improvement in frown lines between the eyes and on the forehead, the downturned corners of the mouth, as well as crow’s feet and wrinkles at the base of the nose. BOTOX® Cosmetic has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration since 2002 for the safe and effective reduction of facial wrinkles.

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How BOTOX® Cosmetic Works
Every time a person frowns, smiles, or squints, facial muscles contract and move the skin. Over time, these repeated movements cause permanent wrinkles in the skin. To reduce these wrinkles, Dr. Pryor uses a very small needle to inject BOTOX® Cosmetic into the muscles involved in the wrinkling. BOTOX® Cosmetic causes these muscles to relax, thereby softening or eliminating the frown lines. Dr. Pryor administers BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments right at his Scottsdale office; total treatment time is usually 10 to 15 minutes.

After a BOTOX® injection, patients may immediately return to their normal activities. They will start to see the amazing effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic within a few days, and continue to enjoy their results for three to five months before further treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic is necessary.

BOTOX® injections are the most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States. Approved by the FDA for cosmetic use, BOTOX® injections smooth wrinkles by relaxing the muscles of the face. This treatment provides fast results to achieve a rested and refreshed look with no downtime.

Juvederm®


Is an FDA approved non-animal wrinkle filler by the makers of Botox®. Proven to give long lasting correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, Juvederm® is a simple, in-office procedure that requires no skin test and can last up to 1 year or longer. Juvederm® is available in two different gel formulations that provide a high level of control and allow our physicians to tailor treatment based on the facial rejuvenation needs of the patient. Juvederm is an excellent option for a patient interested in soft, fuller, and natural feeling lips.

Juvederm® Patient FAQ's
Before and After Photos

Restylane®

Another excellent option for wrinkle reduction is Restylane®, also available at Dr. Pryor’s practice in Scottsdale. As one of the most effective and scientifically advanced dermal fillers available, Restylane® works by filling in areas that have become creased and sunken.

The ingredient responsible for Restylane’s® effectiveness is hyaluronic acid, a substance that naturally occurs in the human body and gives facial skin its firmness and volume. In the past, hyaluronic acid could only be manufactured from animal sources, meaning that patients had to undergo an allergy test before using a dermal filler. Since no animal proteins are used in the manufacture of Restylane®, patients who undergo treatment don’t have to worry about any allergic reactions.

Like other facial rejuvenation methods, Restylane® is injected into areas of the face that show wrinkles, such as around the nose and lips. Because of Restylane’s® unique chemical structure, the molecules tend to bond with water as they break down, allowing the “plumping”effect to last for about six months.

Restylane® is an FDA-approved, non-animal wrinkle filler proven to give long-lasting correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Restylane® is a simple, in-office procedure that requires no skin test and can last up to six months. Dr. Pryor will assess your needs with you to determine an appropriate treatment to reach your desired results.

Restylane Consent Form
Restylane Consent Form (Printable)
Before and After Photos

Radiesse®

A longer lasting method to reduce the appearance of facial lines and folds. Radiesse is one of the more recent FDA approved products for the treatment of facial “deflation” and to reduce facial wrinkles. This injectable product offers longer lasting results than other methods currently being used. Radiesse will last for a year or so , as opposed to months, and is shown to cause little to no allergic reactions or other side effects that may be elicited with other injectable methods. Radiesse consists of calcium hydroxylapatite (a derivative of the human bone) mixed into an easy to use gel form. In many studies, this product has been proven to remain soft for long periods of time when injected into soft tissue, such as facial tissue. Radiesse is our preferred treatment of the nasolabial lines- the wrinkle or furrow that forms from the side of the nose to the side of the mouth.

Perlane®

Is an FDA approved non-animal stabilized Hyaluronic Acid wrinkle filler by the makers of RESTYLANE® . PERLANE® provides larger gel particles than RESTYLANE® offering greater volume and lifting power for the deep layers of the skin such as nasolabial folds. It is a simple, in-office procedure that requires no skin test and can last up to 6 months or longer.