IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Laser Hair Removal
How does laser hair removal work?
The laser generates light that is passed through the skin into the hair follicle. Pigment in the hair and hair follicle absorbs the light energy which is released as heat inside the follicle. This process is called photothermolysis and inhibits growth of hair that is in an active growth phase and may inhibit new hair growth. Patients with light coloured skin and dark hair have the most effective results with the least number of treatments.
How many treatments are necessary and how far apart are the treatments?
The laser only affects hair follicles that are in an active growing phase. Other follicles are in a dormant stage without hair and cannot be treated. When these follicles develop into an active phase, they will be responsive to additional treatments. It usually takes about 6 weeks for the hair to grow back so treatments are about 6 to 8 weeks apart. Usually it takes 6-8 treatments for maximal results.
Does treatment hurt?
Laser hair removal is usually pain free to most however, some cases the laser pulse may feel like the snap of an elastic band and lasts only a fraction of a second. An anaesthetic cream can be used before the treatment to numb the area. Since many hairs are treated with one pulse, a treatment session may last only minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.
Is treatment permanent?
Laser hair removal offers long-term reduction of hair. Some hairs cannot be eliminated entirely and the treatment cannot prevent new hairs from growing with future aging. After 6 to 8 treatments, patients can expect about 70 to 90% hair reduction that should last for more than 2 years. The remaining hair is finer and lighter in colour. Since this treatment has only been used for the last 8 years or so, it is not known exactly how long hair reduction will last.
What areas can be treated?
Almost any area can be treated. The most popular areas to be treated in women are the face, underarms and bikini area, and men commonly treat their backs and chest and front and back of the neck.
What should be done before a treatment?
Other methods of hair removal such as waxing, plucking or electrolysis should be avoided for 6 weeks prior to laser hair removal. Tanning should be avoided. The areas to be treated should be shaved the day before treatment. Wait at least 6 months after taking Accutane™ before having this treatment.
What should be done after a treatment?
Skin may be red and slightly swollen for a few hours after treatment. Wash gently. Shaving is permitted as the hair grows in. You will need to avoid waxing, plucking or electrolysis. Also, avoid tanning in between treatments.
IPL LASER VEIN REMOVAL
Are these veins necessary?
No. These vessels are extra veins that have developed and are not necessary for healthy circulation. Once the veins have disappeared, the blood returns to the normal vascular system.
What is a port wine stain?
This red to purple birthmark is a collection of veins that may develop on the face, body or extremities. Laser treatments will help fade it, but multiple treatments are necessary over 1 to 2 years.
How are spider veins treated?
Laser or intense pulsed light sources can remove these blood vessels. Depending on the size, location and depth of your veins the esthetician will chose the appropriate laser for your treatment to ensure the best possible result.
How does the laser remove veins?
The blood cells inside the vessel absorb the laser energy. The heat coagulates the blood and the vein collapses and is eventually absorbed. The normal surrounding skin is not injured.
Is it painful?
You may experience a mild sting, similar to the snap of an elastic band.
How will I look after the treatment?
Depending on the veins being treated and their location, there may be no recovery time. Treatment of larger veins can result in a bruise that may last several days. Avoidance of anti-inflammatory medication, green tea and vitamin E two weeks before treatment can decrease the chance of bruising.
How many treatments are necessary?
Typically, 1 to 3 treatments are needed to fade spider veins. Facial treatments are 3 to 4 weeks apart and leg treatments are about 6 weeks apart. Some areas, such as around the nose and on the legs, may require additional treatments.
Will the veins recur?
Veins around the nose and on the legs do tend to recur and new veins usually develop with time. These areas can be retreated when necessary.
IPL PHOTO REJUVENATION
FDA Approved Skin Rejuvenation
What is intense pulsed light?
IPL technology is a non-invasive procedure that improves the appearance of aging skin and gives it a more youthful look. Since it treats skin damage without disruption of the skin’s surface, there is no recovery time and patients can return to regular activities right after treatment. In addition to treating the face, the neck, chest and hands are commonly treated as well.
How does IPL work?
IPL consists of a very bright, controlled light that is absorbed by various components of the skin. The colours in the light are attracted by the red and brown discolouration in the skin and by the collagen tissue. The body’s healing mechanism takes over and absorbs the reds, sloughs the browns and stimulates the production of new collagen. The light is customized to your specific skin condition and colour to effectively improve the cosmetic appearance of your skin. It will appear smoother and younger-looking.
What is Photo rejuvenation?
Photo rejuvenation using IPL is a safe and effective treatment for men and women to reverse sun-induced skin damage. It improves the texture of the skin, stimulates your own collagen to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles, clears red blotches and spider veins, and fades brown spots, including brown age spots found on the backs of hands. It can also soften scars and reduce pore size, all with very little recovery time.
What areas can be treated?
It is usually performed on the face, neck, chest, back, arms and hands.
How is the treatment done?
Dark goggles are worn to protect your eyes from the bright light. A cold gel is applied to the skin to help the absorption of light and keep the skin cool. The pulse of light feels like a small sting, but it is well tolerated. The treatment takes about 30 minutes. Usually 5 or 6 treatments, 3 to 4 weeks apart, are required to see maximal results. Improvement is natural and gradual. You must avoid tanning while undergoing treatment.
How will I look right after treatment?
If you have red, blotchy skin, you will probably have some temporary redness. If you have brown age spots or freckles, they will appear darker for the first few days and then peel off. Immediately after treatment, most patients can carry on with their normal activities and must use sun protection.
What conditions can be treated?
• sun damage
• redness, flushing and small veins
• rosacea
• red discolouration and enlarged pores caused by acne
• brown pigmentation, age spots and freckles
• a dull complexion
• fine lines and mild scarring
• acne
What improvement can I expect?
Your skin will appear smoother, firmer and refreshed. Improvement in tone and texture will give a more polished look. You will have a more even skin colour, with reduced pore size, softened fine lines and improved acne scarring.
How long will the results last?
The results can last for years, depending on the aging process and environmental factors such as sun exposure. A maintenance treatment every 3 to 4 months, the use of anti-aging products recommended specifically for you by your esthetician, and sun protection will give long-lasting results.
How do I know if Photo rejuvenation will improve my skin?
During your consultation, the esthetician will assess your skin and determine if this treatment is appropriate for you. She can then customize a skin rejuvenation program for your specific concerns.
Laser Skin Tightening
Laser skin tightening is done through the use of laser to tighten the old and “loose” skin to give the appearance of youthful skin. Radio frequency skin tightening delivers heat deeply into the skin to cause tightening and lifting of the skin.
This treatment is clinically proven, non-surgical, non-invasive body contouring solution for both men and women. This procedure uses ultrasound technology to deliver focused ultrasound at a precise depth within the subcutaneous fat layer. It is designed to target and disrupt only adipose tissue (fat), leaving surrounding structures such as skin, blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue intact. It is not a treatment for weight loss.
How does it work?
The ultrasonic technology delivers focused ultrasound at a precise depth within the subcutaneous fat layer. It is designed to target and disrupt only fat cells. There is a tracking and guidance system designed to deliver smooth, uniform body contouring results.
Are the treatments safe?
Yes. Over 30,000 treatments in 250 treatment sites worldwide have been performed without any serious adverse events.
Who benefits from these treatments?
These treatments have been designed for men and women who are of average weight or moderately overweight and are not interested in a surgical procedure. It is not intended for weight loss, but rather for body contouring.
What areas can be treated?
The abdomen, flanks (love handles), thighs (saddle bags), and back can be treated.
What happens to the fat?
When the fat cells are disrupted, the released triglycerides are processed by the body’s natural physiological and metabolic pathways in the liver in the same way that fat is processed during weight loss. The liver does not distinguish between fat coming from the treatment and fat originating from consumed food. Controlled clinical studies have shown that the released triglycerides do not accumulate in the blood or liver.
What happens after treatment?
Since there is no recuperation period, patients can return to their normal routine but are advised to continue with a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet.
How long does a procedure take?
Each procedure takes 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the size and number of target treatment areas.
How many treatments are necessary?
This treatment has been clinically demonstrated to deliver durable and measurable circumference and fat thickness reduction in a single treatment, and incremental reduction with multiple treatments. Usually, three treatments are performed at monthly intervals. No maintenance treatments are required.
Are the treatments uncomfortable?
No. It does not require any anesthesia or sedation.
What results can be expected?
Within a month, there is an average reduction of 2 centimeters in body circumference following a single treatment and incremental reduction with several treatments.
Will the results last?
The results will last as long as a healthy lifestyle is maintained.
Cellulite Treatment
Cellulite treatment is used to treat topographic skin changes that occur in most post pubertal females. It changes the appearance of the skin’s surface resulting in skin dimpling. It occurs mainly in women on the pelvic region, abdomen, arms, thighs and back, and is caused by disruption of the skin’s connective tissue over time.
What is cellulite?
Cellulite is a skin condition that results from enlarged fat cells trapped in an inflexible network of collagen located below the dermis. The outward appearance of this condition is the dimpled, orange peel appearance of the skin. Cellulite cannot be controlled by diet or exercise. Even slim women have cellulite.
Do the treatments hurt?
No, this procedure feels like a deep tissue massage with a warm sensation in the area being treated. It is safe and painless, and there is no downtime. You may have redness in the treated area for a few hours following treatment.
How long does a treatment take?
The procedure takes about 15 minutes for each target area treated.
What areas can be treated with?
The hips, backs and sides of the thighs, waist, buttocks, knees, back, arms and abdomen can be treated.
What activities can be done after treatments?
Continue to exercise and maintain a healthy diet.