| CLEAR LIGHT (ClearLight) ACNE TREATMENT SYSTEM
What is the Clearlight system? - The Clear Light system is a therapeutic light that treats moderate inflammatory acne. ClearLight uses the innovative Acne PhotoClearing (APC) technology to help destroy the most common bacteria that causes acne - quickly and easily.
How effective is Clear Light? - Clear Light can effectively clear most moderate inflammatory acne in four weeks.
Is it Clear Light safe? Are there any side effects? - Clear Light is one of the safest acne treatments available. Its APC technology uses light that is UV-safe. With ClearLight there are no known side effects. Many acne treatments can have a variety of side effects. Topical therapies like creams and lotions can often cause redness, irritation, and/or peeling. Oral therapies, like antibiotics, may have other side effects. Both may require at least 3 months of continuous treatment; conditions often become worse before they improve, and scarring can remain an issue.
Who can be treated by ClearLight? - Almost anyone. ClearLight has can be very effective on moderate inflammatory acne. Pregnant women and people with photosensitivity should consult with their physician. Most people can benefit from treatment, talk to your doctor about ClearLight.
What You Can Expect? How Clearlight works... ClearLight's APC technology can destroy P. acnes bacteria safely and effectively within the skin.
Before - APC technology uses high-intensity, 405-420nm wavelength light that permeates the tissue to reach the P. acnes target safely and effectively
During - This spectrum of high-intensity light can trigger the proliferation of endogenic porphyrins, which attack and can destroy P. acnes bacteria within the skin.
After - ClearLight creates a destruction rate that can surpass the normal proliferation rate of the P. acnes bacteria, assuring a significant decrease in P. acnes bacteria.
What happens during Clearlight treatment? Does it hurt? - With ClearLight, a typical treatment session takes only 15 minutes. You may lie comfortably while the therapeutic light is applied; sometimes there is a slight warm sensation. ClearLight treatments have been described as easy and painless. Patients may often listen to music while being treated.
How many treatments are required? - Your doctor can tell you about the treatment plan that is right for you. It will involve a series of ClearLight treatment sessions, typically twice a week for 4 weeks. It is important to keep the treatment appointments recommended by your doctor. By following the treatment plan, you'll see results and can enjoy clearer skin with ClearLight.
BOTOX
Frown lines and crow's feet - The lines know as frown lines and crow's feet are lines of facial expression. They can be created by the repeated action of very specific facial muscles and the lines become more apparent over time. The muscles creating the frown lines are called the corrugator muscles and the procerus muscles and they are located above the eyebrows and in the middle of the bridge of the nose. The orbicularis oculi muscles create the crow's feet at the corners of the eyes. These muscles are easily identified and their movements can be minimized with the technique of Botox injection.
What is Botox? - Botox is a purified protein toxin produced by the clostridium botulinum bacteria.
How is Botox used? - The muscles to be treated are identified by observing the patient making different facial expressions. Botox, which comes frozen and dried, is reconstituted and diluted to a specific strength. A few drops of Botox are injected with a tiny needle into the muscle that creates the wrinkle. When Botox is injected into a muscle, it can block the nerve impulse from reaching that area. As a result, the muscle weakens. As the muscle weakens, the skin overlying the muscle relaxes and the wrinkle in the skin can gradually soften and may disappear.
Does a Botox injection hurt? - When Botox is injected there is an initial minor sting. Once the injection is complete, there is usually minimal discomfort.
Where can Botox be Injected? - Common areas for the use of Botox are the frown lines, between the eyebrows, the horizontal forehead lines, and the crow's feet. Some other areas may be treated as well.
How fast does Botox work? - There is no immediate response to the Botox injection. It may take several days for the muscles to be affected, at which time, one may notice the gradual loss of ability to frown or to create the lines affected by the treated muscles.
Does Botox affect other facial expressions or create numbness? Botox doesn't affect the sensory nerves, so there is no numbness in the area of the injection. The effect of the Botox is meant only in the area of the injection. The muscles related to other expressions can remain unaffected.
How long does a Botox treatment last? - The effects of Botox can last three to five months. Another injection may be required. After several treatments, the effects of Botox may last longer, sometimes up to six to eight months. We recommend treatment every three months for the first year, then repeat treatment as needed.
How safe is Botox? - Botox has been used in ophthalmology for over 20 years and for wrinkle therapy for over 10 years. In the amounts used for wrinkle therapy, the only possible side effects are temporary and localized to the area of injection. In rare cases this may cause a droopy eyelid or eyebrow. This seems to occur because some of the material injected finds its way into those muscles unknowingly. The problem usually goes away in two or three weeks and may be expedited by taking eye drops. Allergic reactions to Botox can occur. Please visit the Botox website for more information on allergic reactions andside effects.
Is the treatment for everyone? - There are restrictions regarding Botox treatments. Please consult with your doctor for more details.
FACIAL REJUVINATION AND ENHANCEMENT
CHEMICAL PEELS
Chemical Peels - Have been used for years to try to create an even and controlled shedding of damaged skin cells. Every day skin cells die, flake off and are replaced by new cells. As we age, this process slows down and skin can become dull, uneven and discolored. Fine lines, sun damage and other signs of aging can become noticeable. Fortunately, there are ways to rejuvenate the skin and help restore a more youthful appearance. Chemical peels are a very popular and can be treatment that can result in a short period of time without undergoing cosmetic surgery. During a chemical peel a solution is applied to the skin to help remove dead skin cells and stimulate the production of new skin cells. It can: tighten the skin, reduce wrinkling and leave you with healthier, younger-looking skin.
Chemical peels are not a substitute for a facelift, but they can help produce results for many different types of skin conditions which may include:
- Sun damage
- Mild scarring
- Wrinkles and lines
- Skin discolorations - age spots, freckling, uneven pigmentation
- Oily skin
- Rough, dry skin
- Acne
- Loose, sagging skin
There are many different types of chemical peels. - The chemical solutions used vary depending on the type of skin condition being treated and the desired depth of the chemical peel. If the skin problem is primarily superficial, then a milder, less caustic ingredient can be used. If the problem is deeper, involving multiple layers of skin, then stronger products may be required. Active agents used in peels may include:
- Glycolic acid (AHA)
- Salicylic acid (BHA)
- Fruit Acids
- Lactic Acid
- Resorcinol TCA (Trichloracetic Acid)
- Jessner's Peel (a combination of salicylic acid,resorcinol and lactic acid mixed in ethanol)
There are three levels of peels. - The depth of the chemical peel can be superficial, moderate or deep, depending on the skin condition, active ingredient used and desired result.
- Light - These types of peels help exfoliate and refresh the skin. These peels can affect a portion or all of the epidermal skin layer. They are used to smooth out thickened, rough areas; help reduce the appearance of very mild blotchy skin discoloration and remnant acne discoloration; help cleanse the pores: and provide smoother, brighter-looking skin. These types of peels may need to be repeated on a regular basis to maintain the results.
- Medium - This type of peel is meant to go through the epidermis, down into the upper most portion of the dermis. These peels can be used to treat fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems. These also may need to be repeated to ensure continued results.
- Deep - This peel goes through the epidermis and into the deeper portion of the dermis. These peels can be used to treat patients with coarse facial wrinkles, areas of blotchy or damaged skin caused by sun exposure, or pre-cancerous growths. Deep chemical peels are not simple procedures, and should only be administered by a qualified, experienced physician. In some cases, anesthesia may be required. Two to three weeks can be the normal healing time after this type of peel.
Chemical peels can be safe and produce results when performed by a qualified, experienced physician or skin care professional. Light and medium chemical peels can be performed in less than one hour. Deeper peels may take as long as two hours to complete. During a peel, most patients experience a warm or hot sensation which may last as long as ten minutes, followed by a stinging sensation.
Reactions to chemical peels can be similar to a sunburn and range from mild to more pronounced. Generally, the deeper the peel, the longer the recovery. A light peel may result in some redness and possible scaling for a few days. Medium and deep peels can result in swelling and blisters that break open, followed by peeling which can last up to two weeks. These peels may require dressings on some or all of the treated skin, which are usually removed after a day or two. Ointments and creams may be applied to keep the skin moist and prevent infections. The new skin may have the color of a significant sunburn. This can gradually fade to pink over several weeks. Cosmetics can be applied after about two to three weeks, according to your doctor's instructions.
Your new skin can be tighter, smoother and lighter than it was before the peel. A proper home skin care treatment program may be recommended to ensure proper healing and maintenance.
Following any skin peel, it is important to avoid exposure to the sun. The new skin can be very sensitive and susceptible to sun damage. Apply a wide spectrum (UVA and UVB blocking) sunblock of at least SPF 15 approximately 20 minutes before you go outside.
A GLOSSARY FOR COSMETIC AND minimally invasive SURGERY - PLUS A GLOSSARY OF COSMETIC PRODUCTS, ENHANCEMENTS, AND PROCEDURES
DERMOSONIC ABRASION
What is Dermosonic? - Dermosonic combines ultrasound and Non-invasive Subdermal Therapy (N.I.S.T.), to help with: cellulite reduction, localized fat reduction, body contouring and skin smoothing treatments.
How does Dermosonic work to reduce cellulite?
Step 1: Ultrasound helps: improve local blood circulation, promotes the breakdown of fibrous tissue to release cellulite nodules, increases reabsorption of local edema (swelling), can enhance the disintegration of fats and prepares tissue for the next step.
Step 2: N.I.S.T. helps: mobilize and eliminate fatty deposits, stimulates circulation, promotes the reabsorption and drainage of retained fluids and toxins and can improve the overall elasticity and quality of skin.
What kind of results can be expected after Dermosonic? - Clinical results have shown improved circulation, and an improvement in the quality and appearance of the treatment area. Some patients have seen a 1-4 cm change in fat reduction with a single session.
How many Dermosonic treatments are needed? - Depending on your needs, age and lifestyle, treatments are recommended one to two times per week for a total of 8-12 treatments with follow-up treatments every 6 to 8 weeks.
How do the treatments feel?- Dermosonic treatments do not pinch, roll, or bruise the skin so treatments are said to be pain free.
FAT INJECTION
Although most people consider fat "the enemy", it can often become an advantage when harvested and re-injected in the face to improve various cosmetic problems. Fat injection has been around for years, but has re-emerged due to newer technologies and research. There can be advantages to using a patient's own fat for an implant material. It is readily available, is a living tissue, will not be rejected, feels natural and can be replenished.
Fat transfer can be used to:
- Increase lip size
- Correct facial folds, laugh lines and wrinkles
- Increase cheekbone size and contour
- Fill in acne or traumatic scars
- Fill in facial defects
The procedure for fat transfer can be simple and performed in-office with local anesthesia. Fat can be harvested by liposuction from the abdomen, thigh, or buttock area. The fat is then washed, treated and injected into the face to help correct specific problems. Since fat is a living tissue, it can become part of the body's natural tissue. Some of the fat may be digested by the body, and often times several injections may be performed in the same area before the results can become permanent.
FILLERS
Juvederm®
Juvederm is a smooth dermal filler, from the makers of Botox.
HAIR REMOVAL
How does LightSheer laser hair removal work? - The laser beam passes through the skin and is absorbed in the hair follicle residing underneath the skin's surface. The laser energy can destroy the follicle with the heat that it generates. Destroyed hairs are then either dissolved within the skin or rejected by the body within two to three weeks.
How many laser hair removal procedures will be needed? - Laser hair removal procedures can impair the growth of hair follicles when they are in the growth cycle at the time of the procedure. There are three phases in a person's hair growth cycle: Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen. This is why you need more than one treatment. Many require approximately four to six procedures to have desired results. This is standard with most types of laser hair removal system.
Does skin type or tanned skin make a difference for laser hair removal? - With Lightsheer all body parts and skin types, including tanned skin, can be treated. Lightsheer's extended 100ms and 400ms pulse widths makes it a safe procedure, which can achieve results while maintaining the normal appearance of the skin. However, for individuals with very light hair, red hair, or gray hair the laser is not always as effective. To improve the laser's ability to target the hair follicle, a product called Meladine can be applied to enhance the hair pigment.
Is the laser hair removal procedure painful? - Our laser utilizes a patented cooling system that lowers the temperature of the skin at the procedure site before, during, and after laser exposure. It is minimally invasive. No local anesthesia or pain medication is required, but for more sensitive areas, topical anesthetic gel is available.
What should I do before the laser hair removal procedure begins? Prior to laser hair removal avoid indoor or outdoor tanning and using self tanning products for approximately four weeks. You must thoroughly shave your hair preferably one day prior to the procedure. Do not wax, tweeze dye hair or have electrolysis two weeks prior to the procedure. Avoid skin care products with irritants such as Glycolic Acid or Retin-A in the procedure area for about a week.
What should I expect following the laser hair removal procedure? Once the laser hair removal procedure is complete you may return to your normal activities. Some clients may experience a slight reddening around the hair follicles following the procedure. This reaction typically disappears within a few hours. The use of sun screen at or above 25 SPF is recommended on areas exposed to the sun for four weeks following the procedure. It is also recommended to avoid heavy sun exposure for the next four weeks. Application of ice or aloe gel after the procedure may facilitate healing. Within two to three weeks after the laser hair removal, the body can exfoliate the dead hairs.
Are there any side effects with laser hair removal? - Many experience a mild stinging or burning sensation when the laser pulse is delivered and some may experience a slight reddening of the skin or local swelling. This typically disappears within a short period, anywhere between a couple of hours to a couple of days.
Are the results of laser hair removal permanent? - The FDA has cleared the Lightsheer laser for permanent hair reduction. Since lasers have only been used for hair removal for several years, it is difficult to predict the effects of the procedure and how long it will last.
How is our laser different from other lasers? - The combination of the wave-length, long pulses and high energies makes the Lightsheer laser different. The reason for this design was to produce a system that could be safe and effective on all skin tones, including tanned clients. The Lightsheer laser features some of the latest technology with an energy output of up to 60 joules and extended pulse widths of 100ms and 400ms .
Is Lightsheer widely recognized? - Lightsheer has won the Editor's Choice Award for Most Diverse Hair Removal for All Skin Types. Though the Lightsheer model has been around for several years, upgrades are constantly made in energy output and pulse duration, thereby improving the efficiency of laser hair reduction. Lightsheer has been cleared by the FDA for permanent hair reduction.
LASER SKIN RESURFACING (LASER SKIN RESURFACING)
The goal of laser skin resurfacing: replace damaged skin with new, fresh skin. Techniques for skin resurfacing have made advances, helping some consumers achieve nearly flawless complexions. Many systems allow for light, moderate or deep laser resurfacing. Targets of laser skin resurfacing include:
- Fine lines and wrinkles of the face, especially around the upper lip, cheeks and forehead
- Loose eyelid skin
- Crow's feet around the eyes
- Pucker marks (smoker's lines) and frown lines
- Brown spots and splotchy, uneven skin tone
- Scars, especially acne scars
- Loose skin around the neck and jowls
How it Works - The UltraPulse CO2 laser delivers tiny laser pulses in a pattern over the skin. Each pulse heats a column of tissue, which can eliminate pigment discolorations at the surface and help create a zone of heating deep in the tissue. These zones of heating shrink collagen and help tighten the skin. The CO2 laser can offer the benefits of heating deeper layers of skin tissue, thereby stimulating collagen, and help tighten the skin. Patients can select from a range of treatments.
What is ActiveFX "fractional" laser resurfacing?
ActiveFX is a fractional laser procedure performed in a single treatment with minimal patient downtime. A high-energy beam of laser light is used to help: smooth out lines, wrinkles and scars, remove brown spots and other irregularities, and tighten the skin. It can also help stimulate the formation of new underlying collagen to continue improvement over time. With fractional laser treatment, only a fraction of the skin's surface is treated by the laser, leaving small "bridges" of untouched skin. This technique helps make the healing process faster and enables you to get back to normal activities sooner. Go to the ActiveFX site to learn more.
Is ActiveFX right for you? - ActiveFX can be used, if you:
- Have a busy lifestyle
- Want noticeable results with minimal downtime
- Want to treat dyschromia, fine lines, wrinkles and skin laxity
What you can expect from ActiveFX - Most physicians perform the procedure in-office with a topical anesthetic cream that is applied 30-40 minutes before the ActiveFX procedure begins. There is minimal pain associated with the procedure. You can drive yourself home after the procedure. With a gentle washing and moisturizing regimen, your photodamaged skin can begin to flake off within 2 days. After about 3-5 days, your doctor may let you wear make-up. Pinkness may be gone in about a week.
ActiveFX benefits can help:
- Produce a dramatic effect on the skin:
- Cause immediate skin tightening
- Reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and softens deeper frown lines
- Noticeably improve skin tone and texture
- Stimulate new collagen formation, which can help in plumping the skin
The results of ActiveFX laser treatment can be long-term and, with proper sun protection, can persist for many years. Most effects of treatment become visible right away, whereas others - such as new collagen formation, which can lead to continued inner tightening - build up gradually and become more evident over time. Therefore, notice improvement 3-5 months after the procedure.
LEG VEIN TREATMENTS
What types of leg veins can be treated? - Varicose veins, usually deeper blue veins, need different treatment from discolored clusters (known as spider veins) that are near the skin surface. For this reason, the VascuLight system is equipped with two different light technologies. Your doctor may use either one or both, depending on your veins. There are minimally invasive treatment for most cases.
What technology is used for deeper blue veins? The laser component of the Vascu Light system an be used to treat larger, deeper veins (i.e. reticular veins). These veins can respond to the energy level and wavelength of the light. The laser light travels through the skin and is absorbed by the blood within the vein, on the basis of its color. The resulting heat can coagulate or clot the blood and can destroy the function of the vein. This process does not affect any of the surrounding tissue. Over time, the vein can be absorbed by the body and can disappear from sight.
Are surface veins and spider veins treated the same way? - These smaller, superficial structures require a different technology for treatment. Smaller surface veins can be treated using light energy. The light energy is absorbed by the blood, changed to heat, and the vein can be destroyed. This Intense Pulsed Light ("IPL" technology is part of the VascuLight system. With both technologies, your doctor has the ability to use what may be needed for the best result.
DURING TREATMENT - laser energy is absorbed by hemoglobin, and converted to heat energy.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER TREATMENT - Blood can coagulate, which can cause the vessel wall to collapse.
AFTER TREATMENT - Over time the vessel can be reabsorbed by the body and may disappear.
How many treatments are needed? - Many leg veins need multiple treatments, often over a few months before the effect is complete. Even small vessels often require time to resolve. Sometimes a bit of 'matting' or 'staining" surrounds the treated vessel. By using both technologies in the VascuLight system, your doctor can treat the vein and this minor temporary discoloration and offer an outcome.
What is a treatment like? Is it painful? - A pulse of laser or Intense Pulsed Light energy may feel like a pinch similar to a snapped rubber band. Chilled gel on the skin and other techniques may prevent discomfort. The procedure can be brief and minimally invasive.
What preparations must I make? - No changes to your normal activities are needed, before or after treatment. Prior to and following any type of laser or FL treatment, you should limit your expo sure to the sun. Treatment should not be performed on tanned skin.
Is it right for you? - Your doctor can discuss this treatment with you and decide whether you are a candidate for this procedure. For more information on IPL solutions visit www.skinandhealth.com.
RESULTS - Unsightly leg veins can be a problem. This problem affects a wide range of age groups, skin types and lifestyles. It is estimated that in many areas, over 60 percent of the adult population suffers from varicose veins and spider veins. Varicose veins are enlarged vessels that have widened as a result of weakness in the vein wall, which stretches and bulges. Spider veins are the small superficial purple or red veins stretching like a web under the skin.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL Facial Rejuvenation)
What is Intense Pulsed Light? - Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology is a treatment that can correct a variety of benign skin conditions, such as facial skin imperfections, the signs of photo-aging, birthmarks, unwanted hair, unsightly small veins, and other blemishes. It offers a safe, minimally invasive solution that can be tailored to your individual condition and skin type, providing cosmetic results, through a process called photorejuvenation.
How is Photorejuvenation performed? - A cold gel is usually applied to the area to be treated, and you may be given dark glasses to protect your eyes from the bright light. The smooth glass surface of the IPL handpiece is gently applied to your skin and pulses of light are applied. You may feel a slight sting, like the snapping of a small rubber band. An anesthetic cream may be used, but is seldom required. Treatment is generally administered in a series of 4 to 6 sessions that can provide long-term results, minimally adverse effects and high satisfaction. Each treatment can take about twenty minutes. Red blemishes from broken blood vessels and brown spots of pigment from sun damage respond to Intense Pulsed Light. The light is changed to heat energy as it reaches to the level of the collagen beneath the skin surface.
What conditions can Photorejuvenation treat? - Imperfections from Sun Damage and Photo-aging. Facial imperfections or abnormalities can detract from your well being and appearance. IPL technology helps create smoother-looking skin. After a series of treatments, you can see a reduction of unwanted pigmentation. The same treatment can be used on the neck, chest, arms and hands.
Benign Vascular Lesions - Broken Veins and Capillaries - The face has an extensive network of veins and tiny blood vessels called capillaries. - Over time, aging, trauma, sun exposure, and certain lifestyle factors cause a number of them to break appearing as red streaks or blotches on the face. IPL therapy can help to eliminate damaged veins and capillaries by removing the traces of these blemishes.
Redness Caused by Broken Capillaries - Many people suffer from broken capillaries and diffuse erythema. For both women and men, IPL can treat dilated blood vessels without injuring the surrounding healthy skin.
RESULTS - The pleasures and stresses of life, and the passage of time, can cause skin to appear older. The signs of photoaging and sun damage are typically most visible on a person's face and body. While numerous treatments from creams to surgeries exist to help improve various facial flaws, skin specialists have sought improvement with low risk and "no down time". Many other treatment options can only address one condition at a time, while they entail a prolonged recovery time, pain, and potential side effects.
Imagine reducing the effects of sun damage. - Photorejuvenation using IPL is a minimally invasive treatment that can treat skin damage without disruption of the skin's surface, hence, minimal "down time": Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) can treat a wide range of facial concerns safely and effectively, such as broken capillaries, benign brown pigment, age spots (sun-induced freckles), mottled pigmentation and poikiloderma.
WANT TO LOOK YOUNGER? INJECTIONS MAY BE YOUR ALTERNATIVE.
A GLOSSARY FOR COSMETIC AND minimally invasive SURGERY - PLUS A GLOSSARY OF COSMETIC PRODUCTS, ENHANCEMENTS, AND PROCEDURES
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion - A Treatment Program to Fit Your Needs
Many have seen apparent results after one DERMAGLOW treatment. - However, for optimal results, your skin care professional may recommend a series for your needs that will include a designated number of treatments and the time intervals between each treatment.
Post Treatment - Following the DERMAGLOW treatment, residual microcrystals are brushed off and the area is cleansed and rinsed. A moisturizing agent with sunscreen is then applied, which helps protect the skin. A slight windburn sensation may be experienced. You can return to your daily activities after treatment.
What is the operational mechanism behind microdermabrasion? - A closed vacuum system delivers aluminum oxide crystals through a tube and handpiece creating a vacuum when the handpiece is against the skin. The particle flow begins when the handpiece is sealed against the skin; particles flow out of the accelerator impacting the skin and, combined with skin debris, are suctioned back through the handpiece and tubing into the waste canister. The particle flow and suctioning stops once the seal is broken.
Is aluminum oxide safe? - It is the material recognized as the appropriate abradant for the microdermabrasion procedure. Also, the Material Safety Data Sheet indicates that AI2O3, (in various forms known as Corundum, White Fused Alumina or Bauxite), is non-toxic for ingestion, is not associated with adverse skin contact reactions and is not a known carcinogen. The aluminum oxide used in the SkinScape system has been melted and recrystallized for 99 percent purity (e.g. silica-free) but otherwise remains identical in chemical and physical properties to the native corundum ore. Inhalation of aluminum oxide is considered a low health risk. Aluminum is the third most abundant element on earth and is present in innumerable products of daily living. It is, however, prudent to adhere to the standard precaution of wearing a facial mask because cumulative exposure to large amounts of any type of fine particulate (e.g., nail dust) may cause irritation, coughing or shortness of breath. In addition, the SkinScape equipment is a "closed system" designed to minimize exposure to ambient dust: the design of the handpiece ensures that recovery of the crystals from the skin is quite thorough; the media comes in prepackaged and sealed containers; and both the crystal and waste canisters are disposable.
Are there any contraindications for microdermabrasion? - Each physician will determine what they consider a contraindication for microdermabrasion. However, the following situations are reported in the medical literature: Patients are asked to cease use of certain topical agents such as glycolic acids, alpha-hydroxy acids and Retin-A for a few days before microdermabrasion treatment. Patients who present with certain facial skin disorders may be advised not to pursue treatment, e.g. acne rosacea or even facial telangiectasia. If a patient experiences red streaking from the treatment because of over intense strokes or very sensitive skin, the patient should cease further treatments until the erythema has fully subsided. Patients with any signs of a sunburn should not be treated.
SKIN CARE PRODUCTS
The Obagi Nu-Derm System
The Obagi Nu-Derm System, a physician-prescribed skin care system can accelerate the cellular turnover. This System penetrates deep to help improve damage in layers of the skin. It boosts functions of the skin at the cellular level to help improve skin's cellular function to help it look and act younger and healthier. The System can trigger a Therapeutic Cascade of actions that can help:
Push fresher cells to the surface faster,which can result in: smoother skin, reduced wrinkles and increased tolerance.
Reduce mottled pigmentation (freckles and age spots) and help prevent the appearance of new pigmentation.
Promote more uniform cells at the deepest layer for better skin structure and balanced, more even skin tone.
Help increase collagen and elastin for firmer, more resilient looking skin
Increase nutrients, natural hydration and circulation for more supple, healthier-looking skin.
The Obagi-C Rx System combines the benefits of Physician-strength Vitamin C with a patented formula of prescription-strength ingredients. This formulated combination can help:
Reduce the appearance of freckles and age spots caused by sun damage.
Regulate the production of melanin-producing cells, for radiant skin.
Enhance collagen production, promote smoother and brighter skin with fewer fine lines and wrinkles.
Promote radiance, which can result in Photolumines in the skin.
SPRAY ON TAN
Spray On Tan - A safer alternative to tanning booths and similar systems.
TEETH WHITENING
Speaks for itself
TATTOO REMOVAL
Frequently Asked Questions About Tattoo Removal
For specific information about your tattoo(s), a consultation would be required. During the consultation the tattoo(s) can be evaluated, all questions can be answered, risks and benefits covered, as well as establishing a price per treatment and approximate number of treatments needed.
Free consultations are available by appointment only.
How are tattoos removed? - The Nd: Q-switched 1064 nm YAG laser is one of the most effective ways to remove tattoos. Our office has the first Q-switch made by Lumenis, here in the United States at Laser Cosmetic Solutions. Earlier methods in tattoo removal involved the use of dermabrasion, salabrasion, surgery and CO2 lasers, but these procedures left behind possible scars or lighter skin in place of the tattoo.
Is the process painful?
The laser emits light in very short flashes of light called pulses. The impact of the energy from the powerful pulse of light is similar to the snap of a rubberband on the skin. The majority of patients do not require anesthesia.
How many treatment sessions will it take to remove the tattoo?
Homemade tattoos can usually require 1-4 treatments. All treatments are spaced about two months apart or longer. The number of treatments depends on the amount, type of ink used, depth of the ink, location of tattoo, along with individual health considerations.
Will the tattoo completely disappear? - In many cases, yes. However, it is important to know that over 100 tattoo inks are in use worldwide today, none of which are regulated by the FDA. Not knowing which tattoo ink, how deep or how much was used, makes it difficult to predict the degree of removal on any given tattoo.
What type of post-treatment care is necessary? - A healing ointment and a dressing will be applied to the area. The treated area should be kept clean with continued application of ointment given to you by Dr. Melanie Carreon. A shower can be taken the next day, although the treated area should not be scrubbed.
TUMESCENT LIPOSUCTION (POWER ASSISTED LIPOSUCTION)
What is Tumescent Liposuction (Power Assisted Liposuction)? - Tumescent liposuction (power assisted liposuction) refers to a technique that removes fat under the skin using local anesthesia. Local anesthesia is an alternative that can be used in place of general anesthesia in the cases of certain procedures and is an option where the patient can remain awake during the procedure. Local anesthesia can persist for many hours after the procedure. There is usually no need for narcotic pain medications.
What body areas can be done using this technique? - This technique can be used on the abdomen, inner thighs, outer thighs, knees, neck, buttocks, arms, back, waist, and love handles. One or two areas can be combined if multiple areas require treatment. The exact plan and time frame can be determined after consultation and discussion with Dr. Melanie Carreon.
Are there limitations to what Tumescent Liposuction can do for me? - Although liposuction results can be apparent, it will not tone or tighten your body. You should not expect perfection, if there are pre-existing issues with muscle tone or skin laxity. It is not a weight loss program or a cure for obesity. Liposuction makes only a minimal change in body weight and won't prevent weight gain. It is not a substitute for healthy eating habits and regular exercise.
Am I a good candidate for Liposuction? - A good candidate for liposuction has distinct areas that are disproportionate to the rest of the body. He or she is in good health and maintains a stable weight. He or she is well informed, and understands what tumescent liposuction can achieve to meet their expectations. It is our intent to understand your expectations. If tumescent liposuction is not the right choice, we will share other options you might consider.
How much will Tumescent Liposuction cost? Outpatient surgery with local anesthesia can be less expensive.
You can learn more about the use of local anesthesia, during your consultation.
Acne Treatments, Botox, Chemical Peels, Clear Light, Dermosonic Abrasion, Facial Rejuvination And Enhancement, Fat Injection, Fat Removal, Fat Transfer , Fillers, Hair Removal, Intense Pulsed Light, Laser Skin Resurfacing, Leg Vein Treatments, Light Sheer , Microdermabrasion, Obagi Nu-derm System, Photorejuvenation, Skin Care Products, Smart Lipo , Tattoo Removal, Tumescent Liposuction, |
