Why does acne occur?

Acne occurs for a variety of reasons including an inability of skin cells to shed properly, causing the pores to plug, forcing the oil and bacteria that would naturally escape to be trapped inside. As the oil and bacteria accumulates, the skin becomes inflamed and swells outward forming the familiar whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. Acne is seen in many age groups, but is most common in teens and frequently appears on the face, neck, shoulders, back, and chest

How does the laser help clear acne?
Light pulses are delivered through the skin's surface, targeting an organic compound generated by the Propionibacterium acnes (p. acne) bacteria called porphyrin. These porphyrins are photosensitive and when targeted by light, generate singlet oxygen, which kill the p. acne bacteria that cause inflammation.

How long do the effects last?
Clinical data suggests that most patients find their acne improves after two weeks of twice weekly treatments. While many patients continue to improve over the months following treatment, some patients experience a plateau in their improvement. Repeated treatments may be necessary to maintain results.

How effective is the laser?
In studies conducted at Wellman Labs in Massachusetts and at a private facility in California , 91% of patients saw their acne improve by an average of 66%. In the most recent clinical study patients saw their acne become 81% less severe.

What will happen in the procedures?
After discussing your medical history with your medical practitioner, including any drugs you are currently taking, the treatment area will be cleaned with a thin layer of clear gel. Your practitioner will glide the laser hand piece over the treatment area in a brushing motion as the laser light is pulsed safely through the skin.

Is it painful?
Many patients describe the laser pulses as feeling like the snap of a rubber band against the skin. Treatments done over active lesions may be more uncomfortable. Your medical practitioner may recommend a topical anesthetic in order to make treatments more comfortable.

How does the treatment work?

The Lyra-i and Gemini both produce a 1064nm wavelength. While the rest of the skin is almost completely transparent for this wavelength, it is highly absorbed in blood. Thus, the laser beam passes through the skin and penetrates the targeted vessel. The laser energy heats up and coagulates blood inside the vessel. Unsupported, vessel walls collapse and seal. These vessels later dissolve within the body.
The laser energy is delivered through a hand-held device with a cooling tip. The cooling tip provides additional safety and comfort during the treatment by lowering the thermal effect on your skin surface.

What should I expect after the procedure?
The appearance of the treated vessels will dramatically change turning from blue and purple into light red. Some of the vessels may bulge, and any inflammation will disappear within a couple of hours. The redness of the treated vessels will gradually disappear as the healing process occurs. This may take anywhere between 2 and 6 weeks depending on the severity of the veins. The post-operative treatment regime may include wearing pressure hose, avoiding medication containing aspirin and wearing sunscreen. Make sure to discuss these options with your laser practitioner prior to the treatment.

How many treatments will I need?
Depending on the severity of the veins, you may require anywhere between one and three treatments at six weeks intervals. The treatment is performed on the existing vessels, diminishing or completely eliminating their appearance. However, the development of new veins cannot be prevented. If your body tends to develop vascular problems you will most likely come back for additional treatments.

What lasers treat wrinkles?The Venus, Lyra and Gemini. The Venus Laser is ablative and improves wrinkles by removing the topmost layer of skin. A new layer of skin then grows over the treated area forming a new, smoother layer of skin. In contrast,the Lyra and Gemini are non-ablative and work by stimulating collagen production from inside the skin. As a general statement, the Venus works from the outside in while the Lyra and Gemini work from the inside out.

What skin conditions can be treated?
Many facial conditions such as fine wrinkling around the eyelids, forehead, nose and mouth can be smoothened by laser skin resurfacing. Deep laugh and frown lines can be minimized. Even the lingering effects of scars, irregular surgical scars, and other surface abnormalities can be successfully treated.

How does the process work?
Through a process called Selective Photothermolysis laser light is passed through the skin and is absorbed by pigment in the hair follicle. The heat generated by the laser light both injures the follicle and inhibits future growth, while leaving the skin unharmed.

What may I be asked before treatment?

 

A treatment specialist will likely run through your medical history to see if you have had any issues that may impact the procedures safety. For example: have you had keloid scarring, used Accutane in the last 6 months, etc.) In addition, the specialist will request that you not wax, pluck, or tweeze for four weeks preceding the treatments as doing so may reduce the effectiveness of the treatments. Note: shaving should not affect results.

What can I expect during treatment?
Laser light will be delivered through a hand held wand attached to a laser console. You may experience a stinging sensation as the laser pulse is delivered. To reduce discomfort, the cooling system automatically removes heat from the surface of your skin before, during and after the laser exposure. You should not need general anesthesia or pain medication, but a topical anesthetic cream may be applied to sensitive areas. The process can take from just a few minutes for an upper lip to several hours for a full back and legs.

How many treatments will the patient need for hair removal?
Hair growth involves several cycles and, thus, some hairs may be affected during a single treatment and some may not. We have seen that after several treatments most terminal (mature) hairs are replaced with finer hairs of lighter color. Some hairs are completely eliminated. Although complete hair removal may not be achieved, the hairs become less visible and, thus, less bothersome. The number of treatments needed to obtain optimal results varies with hair density, color and growth cycle as well as skin type. It is common though, to have 3-4, treatments and possibly as many as 8. Treatment intervals are normally one every 4-8 weeks. Results will improve with each subsequent treatment.

What can I expect after treatment?
The treated area is cleansed and you are free to return to your normal routine. Some patients may experience a slight reddening around hair follicles, though this will typically disappear within a few minutes. It is always recommended that you avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen following treatment.
Several days after treatment, injured hair follicles will begin to fall out. This process can be expedited up by lightly rubbing the skin with a towel. It may seem that some hair continues to grow for several weeks after the procedure, but many of these will also fall out. Hair that is not eliminated will likely be replaced by thinner, lighter, significantly less noticeable hair.

What is Pseudo-Folliculitis?
Pseudo-folliculitis (PF), commonly known as shaving bumps, is an inflammatory condition. It is widespread among individuals with thick curly hair. As the hair grows out of the skin, it curls and re-enters the skin. The skin reacts to it as a foreign object and becomes inflamed and irritated, creating bumps and discoloration. Often hairs start curling even before growing out of the skin, creating in-grown hairs.

These bumps can become quite large, causing discomfort to the patient. Since the procedure is very new and people go through so many stages in their lives, it is impossible to completely determine this answer. However, we have seen years with no hair re-growth following several treatments. Sometimes relief can be achieved with the use of topical steroids and exfoliating agents. Growing hair is sometimes curative as well. More commonly, the ingrown hair is pulled out after each shaving session. Although this is a solution, it is, however, painful and time consuming.

How does the treatment work?
The laser beam passes through the skin and is absorbed in the hair follicle residing underneath the skin surface. The laser energy destroys the follicle with the heat that it generates. Destroyed hairs are then either dissolved within the skin or extruded by the body. Because the laser beam is larger in diameter than the hair follicle, a large number of hairs can be treated simultaneously.

What should I expect during treatment?
Most patients experience a stinging or burning sensation when a laser pulse is delivered. While general anesthesia will not be required, a topical anesthetic may be applied to sensitive skin. To further reduce discomfort, Lyra and Gemini both utilize a special cooling system that lowers the temperature of the skin at the treatment site before, during and after laser exposure

What are patients saying about the treatment?
"After only a couple treatments I have noticed dramatic reductions in the facial hair areas. Shaving is much easier now and faster. The constant itching and scratching is totally gone and I have a renewed sense of confidence about my appearance".
Rick., Houston, TX
"I noticed a difference after the first treatment. But it was after the second treatment that I noticed an amazing difference. ……I used to shave everyday. It has now been 6 months since the last time I shaved. Now when I stop to look in the mirror I smile… it saved my life."
Barbara, Dallas, TX

What is treatment with Botox like?
What is treatment with Botox like? The procedure is relatively straightforward. A small volume of Botox solution is injected into the affected underarm area through a very fine needle. The needle is placed just under the skin. So you may experience some injection-related discomfort. You will receive multiple injections based on your doctor's assessment of the treated area.