Skin and Laser Procedures
Chemical Peel
Chemical peels remove damaged outer layers of skin on the face to smooth texture, reduce scarring, and remove blemishes to produce healthy, glowing skin. There are three types of chemical peels, ranging from mild to strong – alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and phenol – and formula strengths are tailored to each patient. Peels can be combined with other procedures such as facelifts for a younger look.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion improves mild to moderate sun damage, scarring, wrinkles and other superficial skin problems. A gentle stream of tiny particles exfoliates the outer layer of skin and provides a fresh, glowing, younger appearance. Only a small amount of skin is removed, so sensitive areas such as the face, chest, neck, arms and hands can be treated. Results are comparable to a light chemical peel and should be immediately visible. Microdermabrasion is often performed in conjunction with other skin renewal procedures, such as laser treatment and chemical peels. Multiple treatments are recommended for full effect.
Photofacial
Photofacial is a non-abrasive and non-invasive rejuvenation of your skin using the remarkable technology of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). IPL Photofacials can improve the signs of sun damage, rosacea and brown spots on the face, hands and body. It has also been used to reduce the appearance of mild acne scars, dark circles around the eyes and fine lines around the eyes and mouth. Usually 4-6 treatment sessions lasting about 20 minutes each will provide you with beautiful results.
Moles & Birthmarks
Moles and other birthmarks are benign pigmented spots or patches of skin that range in color from tan, brown and black (moles) to red, pink or purple (vascular lesions, such as strawberry hemangiomas or port wine stains). Though most birthmarks are harmless, they may develop into cancer. Moles exhibiting any of the following warning signs should be examined by a professional immediately:
- Larger than six millimeters.
- Itches or bleeds.
- Rapidly changes in color, size or shape.
- Has multiple colors.
- Is located where it can't be easily monitored, such as on the scalp.
Depending on their depth, location and color, as well as the patient's skin type, age and other factors, treatment for benign but unattractive birthmarks may take the form of laser/pulsed light therapy or surgical excision.
Laser Pigment Removal
Lasers can be effectively used for pigment removal in patients with a wide range of different skin types. Whether it is freckle or beauty mark reduction, or tattoo removal, laser pigment removal is a safe and effective method of achieving these aesthetic goals. There is no anesthetic involved with this procedure and very few side effects; slight redness, soreness, flaking and scabbing of the skin can occur.
The actual pulse of the laser feels like a rubber-band snap across the skin but is easily tolerable by most patients. There is no recovery time associated with this procedure and it can be repeated until proper results have been achieved, normally with a month or two between sessions to determine the full effectiveness of an individual treatment.
Laser Tattoo Removal
Many people have second thoughts about their tattoos. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with your decision forever. Highly precise lasers can lighten or remove your tattoo by focusing or pulsing light on the ink particles, which then convert the energy to heat and break up into tiny pieces that are absorbed harmlessly by the body. All this can be accomplished without damaging the surrounding tissue. Results can generally be seen within a few weeks, although larger and darker tattoos may require more treatments than smaller, lighter ones. Occasionally treated skin will look whiter (paler) than the skin around it, but this is usually temporary and fades in the months following treatment.
Laser Hair Removal
Removing unwanted body hair is a constantly troubling process for many men and women. Patients who are tired of the temporary, painful methods of removing hair from the face, back, legs or other body areas may benefit from laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure used to remove unwanted body hair with intense pulsed laser energy. This minimally invasive procedure removes hair through a series of treatments while leaving the surrounding skin and tissue unharmed. Through this safe, painless and convenient procedure, patients can enjoy long-term hair removal from nearly any area of their body.
Laser hair removal is most commonly performed on the face, upper lip, neck, chest, underarms, back, abdomen, bikini line and legs, although it can be performed on virtually any area with excess hair growth.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a procedure used to treat spider veins by injecting a solution into the veins which causes them to gradually disappear. By injecting a salt solution, known as a sclerosing solution, the lining of the veins become irritated and eventually turns into scar tissue that then fades away. This method is the preferred treatment for spider veins and has been used since the 1930s.
This procedure is usually performed in your doctor's office and takes no more than an hour. Most patients need 2 to 4 treatments in order to achieve desired results. There is no downtime other than avoiding strenuous activities for the first 2 to 3 days.
While sclerotherapy is proven as an effective treatment for spider veins, it is not recommended for everybody. Pregnant women and those whose saphenous vein are affected are not typically eligible for this procedure. Sclerotherapy is not effective for large varicose veins and is only recommended for smaller, superficial veins. Talk to your doctor to find out if sclerotherapy is right for you.
