Laser hair removal is a misnomer. 

In response to the ever-increasing demand to remove unwanted hair on virtually any body area, the ability to offer superior results to the widest variety of patients is critical.

Hair Removal With Optimal Safety and Effectiveness

The LightSheer system was designed for effective hair removal, providing unsurpassed safety, reliability, and ease-of-use. Its advanced high-power diode technology delivers high fluence combined with a large spot size, user-selected pulse width, aggressive contact cooling and compression for high-performance, unmatched by other high-tech hair removal systems. Both in rigorous scientific trials as well as extensive clinical practice, LightSheer system has emerged as the gold standard in laser hair removal.

Multi-Application Capability

In addition to hair removal and permanent hair reduction, the LightSheer is also FDA cleared for the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), providing the operator with multi-application capabilities and versatility.

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) – PFB, or razor bumps, is a common condition in which the regrowing hair, after shaving, curves back towards and pierces the skin. PFB is very prevalent in nearly 85% of men of African decent and a growing number of women. The LightSheer’s excellent safety profile make it an effective and revolutionary alternative for the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The LightSheer Diode Laser System offers a 800nm wavelength of light that safely targets melanin in the hair follicle. The LightSheer utilizes the patented ChillTip technology to effectively cool and protect the skin, allowing higher fluences for better treatment outcomes.

The LightSheer has been given FDA approval for the permanent reduction of hairgrowth.

It is more appropriately named laser hair reduction.  The LightSheer Laser is a safe and effective device used to help you reduce the number and density of hairs in unwanted areas such as the lip, chin, underarms and bikini area.  However, it can be used most anywhere you have unwanted hair.

How does laser hair reduction work?

It works by targeting the dark pigment in hair.  As a result, white and light shades of hair do not respond well.  Five to six treatments, spaced about a month apart, will help you achieve a 90% reduction in hair quantity and density.  You may have to have periodic touch-ups, but you will be very happy throwing away that razor and avoiding those annoying skin bumps during bikini season!

How do I prepare for a laser hair removal treatment?

It is important to avoid tweezing for a few weeks prior to treatment so the laser has something to target.  You will be gently shaved prior to the treatment.  It is also to avoid tanning before and after your treatments because the laser targets dark pigments and dark skin may experience hypo-pigmentation (lighter areas) if the laser energy contacts it.

Does laser hair reduction hurt?

There is some discomfort involved in the treatment.  Many people compare it to being snapped with a rubber band. This is very temporary and your dermatologist can help alleviate this with a cold air blower or topical numbing cream.

What are the risks of laser hair reduction?

Risks include hypo-pigmentation, redness, and very rarely burns or scarring.

www.aesthetic.lumenis.com/wt/page/lightsheer

The Sciton Laser is a multi-purpose laser that can help you achieve the youthful appearance of yester-year!  The two most popular modalities are the MicroLaser Peel and ProFractional.  These two treatments can be combined at the same time for maximal benefit.  This system can be used on the face, neck, chest, and hands.

What is the difference in these two treatments?

The MicroLaser Peel is an ablative rejuvenation process.  It removes the top layers of the skin, removing many unwanted effects of years in the sun.  Patients report a glowing, healthier appearance to the skin and a tighter texture.

The ProFractional component bores tiny channels deeper into the skin, stimulating new collagen synthesis.  This new collagen is generated over time, so the effects are not immediate.  You will see improvements for months to come.

Many people are happy with just one treatment, but a commitment to several treatments over a year will provide you with the best possible results.

What are the risks of the MicroLaser Peel and Profractional Treatments?

Risks include bleeding, swelling, bruising, and minor skin infections. Eye shields are used to protect your eyes during the procedure.

What is the recovery period after a treatment?

This is a serious surgical treatment.  You will need to plan for 4-7 days of downtime as your new skin is healing and regenerating.  Your Dermatologist may offer you some pain medication to help during the procedure and can do special anesthetic injections to help with the discomfort.  They may also offer a cold air blower during the procedure to help reduce pain.

Talk to your Dermatologist today about the regenerative benefits of the SCITON Laser!!

www.sciton.com

Some patients may want to lighten a tattoo so that their tattoo artist can cover it with something more vibrant or up to date.  We can help all of these situations.

How does laser tattoo removal work?

The laser energy targets the pigment in the tattoo ink.  This ink is broken into tiny fragments that the body’s immune system breaks down and removes from the skin.

Does the tattoo come off quickly?

Tattoo removal is a commitment.  What takes a short time to put on can take a long time to take off and you have to be committed to the process.  Time for removal depends on may factors-age of tattoo, skin type, type and amount of ink, ink color, depth of the tattoo to name a few.  The more time you allow between treatments will let your body’s immune system more time to break the ink down.  The average tattoo will take 5-10 treatments, this varies due to the factors listed above and how your body responds to the treatment.

Does laser tattoo removal hurt?

The simple answer is, yes, it hurts!  However, your dermatologist can help alleviate the pain with topical numbing cream, local anesthetic injections, a cold air blower, or ice packs.

What do I do after my laser tattoo removal treatment?

It is very important for you to protect your skin after the laser treatment. Keep the tattoo covered with non-stick gauze and a barrier ointment such as Aqua-Phor to prevent the tattoo from drying out. You must avoid scratching and picking your tattoo. Most importantly-KEEP IT PROTECTED FROM THE SUN!!

What risks does laser tattoo removal have?

Risks include blistering, scarring, and hypo-pigmentation (lightening) of the skin. www.surgical.lumenis.com

What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to treat unwanted blood vessels close to the skin.  Sclerotherapy has been used for generations by dermatologists to help patients get rid of unsightly spider and varicose veins.

How does sclerotherapy work?

Sclerotherapy uses a laser or injections of dilute chemicals in or next to the offending blood vessels, causing these blood vessels to constrict and close off.  Your dermatologist will help you decide which method of sclerotherapy best suits your goals.

What are the risks of sclerotherapy?

Complications may include damage to the overlying skin, bruising and bleeding, changes to the pigment, and infection.

What does Thermage do?

Thermage helps tighten and shape the skin, giving you a younger and healthy appearance.

How does Thermage work?

Thermage is a cutting edge procedure that uses radio-frequency technology to heat the deeper layer of skin, while protecting the surface to prevent damage. This heating stimulates new collagen growth and strengthens the aging collagen you already have.  The skin’s renewal process is revved up, leaving you with tighter, more youthful appearing skin. 

Where can Thermage be used?

This revolutionary procedure can be used on the face and other body parts such as the neck, chest, and abdomen.

Would I benefit from Thermage?

This is an attractive treatment for those who want a non-invasive treatment with proven results.  The treatment is quick and with very little if any downtime.  You can get a treatment on your lunch break and be back to work the same day!

Talk to your dermatologist today and get started on your new youthful appearance!

www.thermage.com

Teamine is the #1 cream for dark under eye circles and is dispensed only by physicians.  The scientifically advanced technology in Teamine provides three primary benefits.  It visibly diminishes dark under eye circles by smoothing and firming the skin to make underlying blood vessels and capillaries look less visible.  It reduces puffiness under the eyes and encourages normal circulation and lymphatic drainage.  It smoothes fine lines and wrinkles with an anti-aging polypeptide that reduces the surface area of deep wrinkles by 42% in two months.  Teamine is the only product available that is guaranteed to reduce the appearance of dark circles, and it contains powerful anti-oxidants for optimum anti-aging benefits.  Teamine is backed by years of intensive research and addresses dark circles, lack of elasticity, as well as fine lines and wrinkles in the delicate eye area.  You will see and feel an immediate improvement and long term results within four to eight weeks.

Nectifirm is a unique product that rejuvenates the fragile skin on the neck and decolletage.  Nectifirm contains eight active ingredients that, with continued use, work together to firm, tighten, lift, hydrate, and smooth the skin of the neck and decolletage.

BOTOX® and Dysport® are derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria.  They act to temporarily paralyze the muscles of facial expression, thereby softening facial wrinkles by inhibiting these muscles from contracting. 

How long does it take before I see results?

Most people will see its effects starting to take place in 4-7 days.  The effects last around three months, but some people can see these effects last for 6 months or longer, especially after successive treatments.

Where can these products be used?

Most commonly used in the area between the eyes (the infamous “11’s” or “111’s”), the forehead, and for crow’s feet.  However, BOTOX® and Dysport® can be used in other problem areas. Your Dermatologist will help you decide where the product is placed and get you the effect you desire.

I’m a little nervous, are BOTOX® and Dysport® safe?

Yes!! BOTOX® has been in use for many years for both medical and cosmetic purposes and is very safe!! In 2008 it is estimated that 2.5 million people treated themselves to the world’s most common cosmetic procedure.

Risks include bleeding and bruising and asymmetry, which can easily be corrected in a follow-up appointment.  Come see for yourself the natural appearance of Botox and Dysport® today!

www.botox.com

www.dysport.com

Common Questions on Botox vs. Dysport

Dermabrasion is an effective treatment for facial scarring and other imperfections of the skin. Tauma from an accident or scars left behind from acne respond very well to dermabrasion.

How does dermabrasion work?

Your Dermatologist uses a special hand piece to remove the outer layers of skin. Dermabrasion acts to smooth the transition from the healthy skin to the previous scar. This can be on the entire face, or focused on a precise area such as a surgical or traumatic scar.

What’s the difference between microdermabrasion and dermabrasion?

Although the name sounds similar, dermabrasion is a much more intensive process. There is more pre-treatment planning and post-treatment care. You will have a longer downtime after a dermabrasion, but the end result is much more dramatic. Where you may need 10-20 microdermabrasion treatments, a single dermabrasion treatment may be more effective and dramatic.

Is dermabrasion safe?

Yes, it is very safe, but there are things to consider. The patient must be diligent to avoid the sun before and after the treatment. There are risks of the skin pigment being affected. There are also risks of infection, but your Dermatologist will manage this should it arise, and will go over all the post treatment care with you.

A non-invasive treatment that uses state-of-the-art Diamond-Tome technology to gently exfoliate and rejuvenate aging, sun-damaged, or acne-prone skin. Microdermabrasion can enhance the texture and appearance of the skin, giving it a more youthful appearance. A series of six treatments is recommended for the best results.

Normal Chemicals Involved in a Chemical Peel

Come commonly used chemicals include Phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs.)  Phenol and TCA peels are more powerful and require a longer downtime.  The AHA peels are milder and may be a better option for those with limited downtime to spare.  Your Dermatologist will help you select the Chemical Peel regimen that is best for you.