Lasers
LASER AD LIGHT-BASED AESTHETICS
If you are confused about lasers, you’re not alone! There are many different types of lasers and light based systems on the market. Just to mention a few companies: Luminis, Cutera, Syneron, and Palomar. The term laser will be used to refer to all laser and light based systems. Although there are different lasers systems available, the goal is the same. That is, to selectively heat the target while preserving the surrounding tissue. This is called Selective Photothermolysis. In our practice we use the Cutera XEO Laser system.
There are three key parameters to Selective Photothermolysis: Wavelength, Pulse Width, and Fluence. Wavelength is the color of the light used. Wavelength determines the absorption of the light energy by the pigmented target. Also, many of the intended targets for treatments are beneath the skin surface, and wavelength plays a role in the penetration depth of the incident light energy due to scatter. Pulse width is the time interval over which the energy is delivered. For effective treatment, this pulse width should be shorter than the thermal relaxation time of the intended target. The TRT is a measure of the time it takes for the energy absorbed by the target to diffuse to the surrounding tissue. Fluence is the amount of light energy per area delivered to heat a target. Of course, sufficient energy must be delivered during treatment to damage the target. For a given laser energy, a smaller spot size will create a higher fluence. This is the science behind the laser.
USES:
- Permanent hair removal on any part of the body on all skin types
- Vascular lesion-Telangectasias, Rosacea, and Port Wine Stains
- Removal of small spider veins throughout the body
- Treatment of pigmented lesions, including brown spots
- Skin rejuvenation, photo facials, and wrinkle reduction
- Treatment of acne and acne scarring
PIGMENTED LESIONS
INTELLIGENT PULSED LIGHT (IPL)
IPL is a non-invasive procedure that used Intense Pulsed Light to erase the signs of aging from the face, neck, chest, and hands. This procedure is performed in the office. IPL has the unique capacity to treat multiple symptoms of aging skin on your entire face in each treatment session. Among these are fine lines, red blemishes, mottled coloration, broken blood vessels, pigment discoloration such as freckles and age spots, enlarged pores, coarse or rough skin, loss of skin tone and elasticity, and general sun damage. The result is a youthful, smooth and revitalized facial appearance. IPL can also treat spots, discolored areas and other tell-tale signs of aging on your hands, chest, and neck.
There is no "down time" with this procedure. You can return to your normal routines immediately. Many patients even schedule their sessions during their lunch break. Whether you're a man or a woman, if you are showing the signs of aging and sun damaged skin, you should consider IPL photo rejuvenation to help you look as young and healthy as you feel.
Similar to laser therapy, Intense Pulsed Light targets the skin cells beneath the surface without hurting the upper layers of the skin or surrounding tissues, and encourages production of new collagen. As a result, wrinkles are diminished, fine lines are less visible and the skin becomes tighter and smoother. During treatment, the smooth glass surface of the IPL hand piece is gently applied to your skin, delivering pulses of light to the area being treated. IPL treatments are usually considered pain-free or you might feel a sensation similar to a flick of a rubber band. We usually apply an anesthetic cream prior to treatment to ensure the utmost in comfort during the procedure. Treatment sessions last about 15-20 minutes.
After treatment, there may be some redness or blotchiness that can last from a few hours to a few days. Brown spots may first darken before they disappear. Over time, you will see gradual improvement in your complexion. Dr. Jagodowicz uses one of the most advanced Pulsed Light Technologies from Cutera. This filtered flash lamp has intelligent output controls. The innovative design includes monitoring and regulation of the output energy during each and every pulse. This delivers a safe and effective energy.
LASER HAIR REMOVAL
Hair can be safely and easily removed utilizing the latest technology by Cutera-CoolGlide. Virtually all skin tones can be treated, even suntanned skin. The CoolGlide laser system can remove hair from all parts of the body including the face, legs, arms, underarms, and back. It can also treat sensitive areas like the chest and bikini line.
How does the Cutera-CoolGlide laser hair reduction work?
The long 1064 nanometer wavelength of the Cutera (Altus) CoolGlide makes it possible to safely and effectively treat all skin types-even those with tanned to very dark skin color. The CoolGlide allows adjustments to the duration of the pulse of laser energy to best suit the thickness and color of the hair shafts on different parts of your body. Some older laser systems lack this degree of fine control.
Does the treatment hurt?
People are often amazed at how little discomfort there is. Usually no anesthesia or pain medication is required. Most patients merely experience a mild pinching or "snapping" sensation. For your convenience, we offer numbing creams as well as a cooling device known as a Zimmer Chiller. In addition, the laser uses a chill tip that helps to cool the dermis and neutralize any discomfort.
What happens after each hair removal treatment?
Temporary pinkness of the skin lasts a very short time and most patients return to work or normal activities immediately after treatment. The treated area will "shed" some hair over the next 3-4 weeks, and you may experience a period of "hairlessness" in the area while you wait for your next treatment. Treatments are usually performed every 2 months.
Why may I need multiple sessions?
Laser hair removal requires multiple sessions in order to achieve the desired clearance. This is due to the fact that hair is in different stages of growth at different cycles. The laser targets hair that is in the active growth phase of the cycle. Since some hair follicles may enter their growth cycle after treatment, additional sessions are required to eliminate most of the hair.
What kind of results can I expect from each laser hair removal treatment?
Each laser hair removal treatment will result in a hair growth reduction. Additionally, hair will grow progressively slower, lighter, and finer with each treatment. It takes more than one treatment to affect all the follicles growing in an area. Most patients achieve satisfactory clearance after six treatments, but individual results may vary depending on medical and genetic factors. Lighter colored hair may require more treatments than darker colored hair. At the end of your protocol, the desired outcome is 80% to 100% clearance in the treated area.
