Frequently Asked Questions about Permanent Hair Reduction

How does diode laser technology work?

Diode lasers are the most effective of all laser wavelenghts for hair removal. The lasers eliminate unwanted hair by emitting a beam of light on to skin. Passing harmlessly through the skin, the light targets the pigment (melanin) within the hair follicle and hair shaft. As the follicles absorb this laser energy, they are diabled, and unable to produce new hair. The result: lasting hair removal with no down time.

Is this treatment safe?

Diode laser parameters are specially designed to match your skin type and hair type, assuring exceptionally exact and gentle treatments. Immediately after the treatment, the area may appear and feel mildly sunburned, a reaction that usually subsides within a day or so.

Does it hurt?

Most people tolerate laser treatments well, and describe the sensation as a rubber band snap to the skin. The majority of patients require no anesthesia, though topical anesthetic is an option for more sensitive areas.

How long does a laser treatment take?

While the laser is able to cover relatively large areas at high speed, the exact treatment time is determined by the size of the area being treated. The upper lip and underarms take only a few minutes, while the legs may require up to an hour.

How many treatmets will I need?

All hair follicles go through periods of dormancy and growth. As laser light only affects hair follicles that are actively producing hair at the time of treatment, resting follicles must enter the growth phase before they can be effectively treated. For this reason, treatment must be repeated until all hair follicles have passed through the growing phase. Clinical studies indicate that typically four or more treatments are needed at intervals of between one to three months.

Who can be treated?

Men and women of all skin colors and most hair colors have been sucessfully treated. For best results, laser hair removal treatments are cutomized according to skin color, hair texture, and the area to be treated.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Skin Rejuvenation

AFT Pulsed Light

How does AFT pulsed light technology work?

AFT pulsed light is applied in a series of getnle pulses over the treatment area. Without damaging the skin, the light penetrates the sub-surface skin layers and is absorbed by the blood vessels or by pigmentation. The heat impairs the vessel or lesion, and the body begins its natural healing process.

Is this treatment safe?

AFT's pulsed light's gentle energy parameters assure safe, effective treatment. Uniquely shaped AFT pulses precisely heat their intended targets, causing remarkably little or no skin damage or discomfort. Clinical trials conducted by leading authorities on pulsed light ocument its safetly and effectiveness.

Does it hurt?

Most people tolerate AFT pulsed light treatment well, and describe the sensation as a rubber band snap to the skin. Topical anesthetic is an option for more sensitive areas.

What can I expect during the treatment?

AFT photorejuvenation treamtments range from 15 to 30 minutes. First, the treated area is cleansed and a cool gel is applied. The light pulse is then delivered, with little or no discomfort. After treatment, the gel is removed and the skin is cleansed. You can resume all regular activities immdiately.

How many treatments will I need ?

Treatment generally involves a series of five sessions. While some patients see significant improvement in two or three treatemtns, others may require more. To maintain results, patients may opt for follow-up treatments.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects are rare. Immediately following treatment, the skin may appear flushed, brown pigmented spots may appear darker and capillaries may be more visible. To help guarantee the best results, limit your exposure to the sun for several weeks before and after treatment.

Pixel Skin Resurfacing

How does Pixel Skin Resurfacing work?

Pixel Skin resurfacing is based on the principle of microthermal treatment zones. The laser pulses create tiny ablative zones, removing the epidermis and upper dermis. The treatment then triggers the body's natural healing process, stimulating the growth of new, healthy skin tissue.

The procedure treats small zones of the skin, leaving surrounding tissue untouched and intact. These large unaffected areas act as a reservoir for more effective and rapid tissue healing and collagen production. The bottom line: new, healthier, smoother tissue in place of skin imperfections.

What can I expect during my treatment ?

Generally, treatment involves two to four sessions, at four week intervals. Right after your treatment you may feel a slight tingling sensation. You may experience slight swelling for a day or two. As new skin replaces dead tissue, your skin will flake, a sign that healing is underway. Your skin will look better immediately, and will steadily improve over the next few months.

Does it hurt ?

Far more comfortable than conventional laser skin resurfacing, Pixel skin resurfacing is experienced my most patients as a comfortable sensation.

Who can be treated and on what parts of the body ?

Pixel skin resurfacing can be used on patients of most skin types anywhere on the body. SInce this proedure spares healthy tissue, it can be performed on delicate skin areas, such as the face, neck , chest and hands.

Skin Tightening with Pulsed Light

How does pulsed light technology work ?

Without damaging the skin's surface, pulsed light safely and effectively heats the inner layer- dermis - of the skin, inducing te formation of collagen, essential for a firm, young look.

What can I expect?

Results depend on factors that include age, the target area's location, and the severity of skin laxityl Patients generally note i provement soon after treatment, while others witness results gradually. Before treatment, a cold gel is usually applied to the area to be treated. Then, the clinician delivers precise pulses of light to the target area. Patients report little or no pain with pulsed light treatment, and can return to their normal activities immediately.

Is it safe?

Pulsed light assures safe, effective treatment. Light pulses precisely heat their intended targets, causing little or no skin damage or discomfort. This optimal use of energy both increases safety and eliminates the need for cooling methods. Clinical trials conducted by leading authorities on pulsed light document its safety and effectiveness.

Does it hurt ?

While pain tolerane is an individual matter, most people tolerate pulsed light treatment well, and describe the sensation as a rubber band snap to the skin. The majority of patients require no anesthesia, though topical anesthetic and post-treatment cold compresses are an option for sensitive areas.

Gentle Peel with Erbium Laser

What is a laser peel?

The laser peel is a technique for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. The outer layers of damaged skin are ablated by laser, while the lower layers are tightened for a smoother, firmer look. Like LSR, laser peels can reduce the apearance of fine lines, and in some cases, deeper wrinkles. Unlike conventional LSR, the laser peel is accompanied by little discomfort and downtime.

What can I expect ?

The adjustable Erbium peel can be tailored to the particular needs of each patient. Selectively, the laser targets tissue to significantly improve various aesthetic imperfections, by getnly ablating the epidermis. The ablated tissue sloughs off, and is replaced by a fresh new epidermis. The use of topical anesthesia is all that is necessary. Most treatments will heal within five to seven days, enabling patients to resume activities relatively quickly. Very light redness may last for several weeks.

Why choose the Erbium laser?

The Erbium laser, today's most popular skin resurfacing laser, is a gentle option for laser skin resurfacing. It is ideal for those who want significant and immediate change in skin texture and tone, but have little time for prolonged healing periods. Erbium peels have rapid healing times and shorter periods of redness than other ablative treatments.

What are the side effects?

In most laser peels, damage is well controlled and recovery proceeds smoothly. Possible adverse reactions include scarring, infection, skin redness and dryness. When skilled and qualified clinicians perform this procedure on appropriate patients, side effects are infrequent.

Does it hurt ?

Far more comfortable than conventional laser skin resurfacing, the Erbium peel is performed with topical anesthetic only.

Who is suited for this treatment ?

Patient with skin irregularities such as wrinkles, lines, acne scars or blotchy pigmentation may be good candidates for an Erbium laser peel. This laser is also suited for younger patients with photo-damaged skin.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Microdermabrasion

What is microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a nonsurgical, noninvasive procedure that offers safe and controlled removal of the outer, dead layers of the skin. The remaining skin is more smooth, fresh and rejuvenated. Microdermabrasion is helpful for those unhappy with acne scarring, sun-damaged skin, age spots, freckles, stretch marks, fine lines, scars, and rough skin.  It is a safe, therapeutic approach to skin care when used alone or in combination with other treatments.

What is a treatment like?

Microdermabrasion uses crystals to aggressively exfoliate away the dull layer of dead skin, uprooting the damaged cells to reveal fresh, invigorated skin.  A slight vacuum is used to remove the exfoliated cells and crystals from your skin’s surface.  Each treatment takes from 30 minutes to an hour.

What are the benefits of microdermabrasion?

• Virtually no side effects.
• Gives the skin an overall fresh, healthy-looking glow.
• Effective on all skin colors and types.
• No anesthetic required.
• Normal activities can be resumed immediately.

What results can I expect?

Microdermabrasion accelerates the cellular runover process, bringing you closer to healthier, younger looking skin.  It allows you to gradually resurface your skin without the risks, side effects, down time of more aggressive alternatives.  In addition to removing the outer, dead layers of the skin through the mechanical action of the microcrystals, the application of microdermabrasion actually stimulates blood flow to the surface of the skin. This enhances the oxygenation of the skin, increasing cell renewal and regrowth of collagen. Improvements in appearance and texture will occur with successive treatments. 

How many treatments will I need?

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Frequently Asked Questions about Wrinkle Fillers

Hylaform Plus

How does Hylaform Plus work?

When injected just under the skin’s surface, the Hylaform Plus product replenishes the skin’s volume by replacing the component of the skin responsible for its plumpness. By filling depressions in the skin, wrinkles and folds disappear right before your eyes.

What are the advantages of Hylaform Plus?

• Hylaform Plus does not require preliminary skin tests
• Results are immediately visible
• Hylaform Plus is a great complement to Botox

What are the side effects of Hylaform Plus?

• Minimal swelling and redness at the injection site.
• Minor pain with injection.

How long does Hylaform Plus last?

While each person is different, on average Hylaform Plus lasts five to six months.

Radiesse

What is Radiesse?

Radiesse, formerly known as Radiance, is the first calcium hydroxylapatite injectable cohesive implant used for soft tissue augmentation. Calcium is a natural substance already in the body, so Radiesse causes no allergic reactions of inflammation.

How does Radiesse work?

Radiesse is gently injected under the skin, and builds up the tissues of the face, reducing folds and creases and restoring fullness. Unlike products that lose their effectiveness within only a few months, Radiesse provides years of rejuvenation with intermittent touch ups. Radiesse is ideal for lines between the nose and mouth, between eyebrows, and on the upper lip.

What are the advantages of Radiesse?

• Relatively painless.
• Results are immediate.
• It cannot provoke any allergic reaction.
• It is soft and remains pliable for years.
• It is cost-effective because it is long lasting.
• You can return to normal activities after your treatment.

• Minimal swelling and redness at the injection site
• Minor pain with injection

How long does Radiesse last?

While some touch ups may be needed, depending on the area treated, most of your correction may last for several months or years.

Captique

What is Captique?

Captique is the newest FDA-approved non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid dermal filler. Captique can be used to fill in the smile lines between the nose and mouth, small lines between the eyes, and to minimize the creases that turn down the corners of the mouth.

How does Captique work?

Over time, the natural support layers in the skin break down resulting in wrinkles. Captique is injected just under the skin’s surface in order to temporarily correct wrinkles.

What are the advantages of Captique?

• Relatively painless
• Immediate treatment
• Instant and long lasting results
• Simple procedure.

What are the side effects of Captique?

• Minimal swelling and redness at the injection site
• Minor pain with injection

How long does Captique last?

While each person is different, on average Captique lasts five to six months.

Juvederm Ultra & Juvederm Ultra Plus

What is Juvederm?

Juvederm injectable gel is a smooth gel filler that is eased under your skin to instantly smooth out those wrinkles of folds that look like parentheses along the side of your nose and mouth. Results aren't just instant, they're so smooth and natural, everyone will notice but no one will know.

What is the difference betwwen Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus?

Juvederm Ultra injectable gel is optimally formulated for versatility in controuing and volumizing wrinkles and folds, while Juvederm Ultra Plus is a robust formulation used for volumizing and correcting deeper wrinkles and folds. Your doctor or nurse can tell you which formulation is just right for you.

What makes Juvederm different?

Juvederm injectable gel is produced through Hylacross technology creating a high degree of cross-linking and promoting duration for up to six months or longer. Hylacross technology results in a smooth consistency gel, which is a primary factor in the long-lasting, smooth, natural look and feel that is a hallmark of Juvederm wrinkle correction.

What can I expect during and after my treatment?

Your healthcare professional will assess your facial wrinkles and folds to determin if Juvederm treatment is right for you. Wrinkle correction with Juvederm is a quick, in-office procedure with immediate results.

Restylane

What is Restylane?

Restlane is a cosmetic dermal filler that replaces lost vaolume and restore youthful contours to the skin to smooth away moderate to sever facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth, known as nasolabial folds.

How long does it last?

Restlane's patented stabilization technology help maintain the cosmetic effect for about six months.

Is Restylane FDA approved?

Yes, Restylane is approved by the FDA for the tratemtn of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds.

What should I do prior to the treatment?

Restylane does not require any pretesting, but you should take a few precautions before being treated. Avoid using aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John's Wort, or high doses of Vitamin E supplements prior to treatment, because theymay increase bruising or bleeding at the injection site. Also, if you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, discuss this with you healthcare professional, who may prescribe a medicaiton to minimize recurrence.

How is Restylane administered?

Restlane is administered by injection to the treatment site. Before treatment, talk with your healthcare professional about pain management.

Do the injections hurt?

As with all injections, som patients may experience discomfort. To increase your comfort, your healthcare professional will assess your ned for pain management and determine what technique is right for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Botox

What is Botox® Cosmetic?

Botox Cosmetic is a natural, purified protein that is used to relax the muscles that cause wrinkles.It is used to smooth the lines between the brows, forehead, and crows feet. It is the only treatment of its type approved by the FDA for this use.

What is the procedure like?

The treatment is simple, safe and non-surgical and takes about 10 minutes. A very low dose of Botox is injected with a very fine needle into the specific muscle that is contracting and causing the lines and wrinkles on the face. As a result, the muscle relaxes and the overlying skin remains unwrinkled and smooth. The effects are usually confined to the injected area and gradually disappear without traveling throughout the body.

Is the procedure painful?

The pain is minimal. Most patients compare it to a bug bite. No anesthetic is required and the patient can go back to work or continue their activities immediately after the procedure.

When will I see results?

Typically, the effects of Botox are visible within 4 days. Maximum results are reached between 10 - 14 days.

How long does a Botox treatment last?

Results usually last 3-4 months, after which lines gradually revert to their pretreated appearance. The results following several treatments may last 6-8 months or more.

Are there any side effects?

The side effects, if any, are usually mild and temporary. You may notice slight bruising where Botox Cosmetic was injected. This is temporary and can be covered by makeup. In other rare cases you can experience headaches, nausea, and temporary eyelid droop.

Will my facial expressions look natural?

Yes. You can still form a smile or look surprised… without the creases and wrinkles between the brows. You’ll have a more relaxed and youthful appearance.

For more information, visit the website www.botoxcosmetic.com

Frequently asked questions about VelaShapeTreatments

How does VelaShape work?

VelaShape uses combined energies known as elos to precisely target and heat fatty tissues withine the treatment area. In addition, the vacuum and tissue manipulation evens out the skin to reveal a smoother, tighter figure.

How quickly will I notice a change ?

Gradual improvement of the treated area can be seen following the first treatment - with the skin surface of the treated area feeling smoother, firmer, and tigheter, Results in circumference and cellulite reduction will be most apparent 6-8 weeks following the final treatment session.

How many inches can I reduce from my circumference ?

in clinical studies, patients report an average reduction of 1 in post treatment. In clinical trials, the average range of circumferential reduction was 0.5 - 3 inches.

Is treatment safe ?

Treatment is safe and effective for all skin types and colors. There are no reported short or long-term health effects.

Does it hurt ?

Most patients find VelaShape comfortable - like a warm deep tissue massage. The treatment is designed to accommodate your sensitivity and comfort level. It is normal to experience a warm sensation for a few hours post treatment. Your skin may also appear red for several hours.

How do I improve and maintain results?

Following your complete treatment regimen, it is recommended to get maintenance tratments periodically. Like all non-surgical or surgical tehniques, results will last longer if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.