There have been significant advances in laser technology over the last twenty years. Lasers are used to improve and treat conditions ranging from acne, facial redness, broken capillaries, blood vessels, wrinkles, fine lines, brown/sun spots, melasma, stretch marks, surgical and acne scars.
Blue & Red LED and PDT Light Therapy for Acne
Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting over 40 million Americans. Acne can cause significant physical and psychological issues like scarring, poor self-image, depression or anxiety. While there is no magic treatment for acne, we work with each of our patients to develop a personalized and optimal treatment plan.
In addition to prescription topical and oral therapies, we also offer light treatments to treat acne, a combination of blue and red LED light with photodynamic therapy.
Blue and red LED light is a simple, safe, and effective treatment with no downtime. The blue light kills the P. acnes bacteria that cause breakouts, and the red light reduces inflammation that causes inflamed pimples. Red light also has anti-aging properties that boost collagen production in the skin. We can use blue and red LED light in combination with prescription medications or as a stand-alone treatment, an option selected by many of our pregnant patients with acne due to the therapy’s safety during pregnancy. The number of treatments varies depending on the patient and acne severity.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) employs a combination of a topical medication, aminolevulinic acid (ALA), with blue light therapy. PDT works by decreasing oil gland production and kills the P. acnes bacteria. Studies show that PDT is more effective than a blue LED light treatment without ALA.
The process of PDT begins by applying ALA to freshly cleansed skin. Our patients then rest in a darkened room for 1-2 hours to allow the ALA to penetrate into the oil glands. We then use a Blue LED light treatment ranging from 6 min to 16 min depending on the skin type of the patient.
Following a PDT treatment, it is important that the patient avoids sun exposure for 24-48 hours to minimize the risk of hyperpigmentation. Additionally, patients should expect five to seven days of redness and peeling of the skin similar to that experienced with a mild sunburn.
When performed properly with appropriate aftercare, PDT is a safe and effective therapy for all acne patients, including those of darker skin types. PDT is best used in conjunction with topical and oral acne medications. Some improvement is seen with one treatment; however, most patients require a series of treatments for optimal results.
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CO2RE® Syneron Candela
CO2RE® is a versatile fractional CO2 system that features dual laser waves that can be adjusted to penetrate the skin at both superficial and deep levels simultaneously. Essentially, the laser creates millions of tiny holes in the skin – vaporizing what it comes in contact with and making columns in the skin. The minute damage or “wounds” are made by the laser, healing produces new and healthy skin, and improves the appearance of pigmented or sagging skin.
After CO2RE laser skin resurfacing treatment, patients experience improvement in:
- Skin tone and texture
- Sun-damaged skin
- Age spots
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Facial scars
CO2RE® Intima
CO2RE® Intima is an in-clinic, non-surgical laser procedure to restore vaginal health, by improving hydration and promoting healthy vagina pH.CO2RE Intima can treat the vagina, vulva and introitus, to relieve symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy and rejuvenate vaginal tissue.
- 100% showed significant improvement in vaginal health (elasticity, fluid volume, pH level, epithelial integrity and moisture)
- 91% reported an improvement in dryness
- 87% reported an improvement in painful sexual intercourse
- 83% reported and improvement in sexual functioning
- 75% reported long-term satisfaction with the outcome at 1 year after treatment
Clear + Brilliant & Clear + Brilliant Permea
The Clear + Brilliant laser is a gentle treatment clinically proven to improve skin tone, texture, and minimize pore size. Clear + Brilliant is a great introductory laser for patients who do not need an invasive treatment or prefer to avoid downtime. Patients notice improved skin appearance and a “youthful glow” almost immediately. It is our most popular laser treatment due to its ability to provide both preventative and restorative effects with minimal downtime.
One twenty minute Clear + Brilliant session can leave skin feeling smoother and younger looking. Routine treatments deliver lasting results that can keep patients looking younger for years to come. For patients desiring improvement in skin pigmentation or melasma, we use the Clear + Brilliant Permea in combination with Lytera, a skin lightening cream.
Immediately following treatment, patients can expect some redness of treated areas. Patients can go to work the next day, but should expect some mild dryness for up to a week post therapy.
Excel-V (KTP and Nd:YAG)
The Excel-V laser is used to treat the broken capillaries and generalized redness of rosacea, poikiloderma (a reddish discoloration on the neck from sun damage), and brown sun spots. It is also effective in the treatment of small veins on the face, body, and legs.
An Excel-V laser treatment typically takes between fifteen and thirty minutes but varies depending on the size of the treatment area. A cooling gel is applied before the procedure to minimize any discomfort, which most patients equate to a “rubber band hitting the skin.” Depending on the type of treatment, mild redness and swelling may occur for two to three days after the procedure. Most of our patients see a significant result after one treatment, but depending on the severity of the skin condition, a series of treatments may be necessary.
Fraxel DUAL
The Fraxel DUAL utilizes non-ablative fractional laser technology to enhance the skin’s overall appearance. It is used to improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, acne and surgical scars, brown spots, stretch marks, and enlarged pores; resulting in smoother, younger looking skin with improved texture and tone.
Fractional technology creates microscopic laser columns, which penetrate deep into the skin. The laser only treats a portion of the skin, leaving the surrounding area intact which accelerates the healing process. The laser stimulates the body to heal the treated areas with new, healthy skin.
We offer two wavelengths of the Fraxel: the superficial 1927 nm and the deeper 1550 nm. The 1927 setting is ideal for removing skin pigmentation while the 1550 setting is better suited for the stimulation of collagen and reduction of scarring and wrinkles.
The treatment involves applying a topical numbing cream one to two hours before the procedure. The skin is cooled while the laser is performed, with the duration of the treatment typically fifteen to thirty minutes, depending on the size of the treated area.
Depending on the treatment, the skin may appear pink, swollen, and mildly sunburned with subsequent dryness and flaking for several days. Significant results are typically seen with a single treatment of the Fraxel 1927; however, the Fraxel 1550 can require a series of treatments to achieve the most desired results.
Laser Hair Removal
Excess facial and body hair can be troublesome and frustrating. Temporary hair removal methods such as shaving, plucking, and waxing can be painful, costly, time-consuming and ineffective. Unwanted hair can be minimized or completely removed with the use of laser technology. We offer laser hair removal for the face, underarms and bikini areas for both men and women. We use an ND-YAG Excel-V laser, which is safe and effective for all skin types.
Ultherapy
Ultherapy is a noninvasive procedure that uses ultrasound energy to lift and tighten skin on the face, neck and chest. Ultrasound energy heats the deep layers of the skin, creating microinjuries to the same layer that is lifted during a facelift. As the skin heals, new collagen is produced, creating a lift. Optimal results are seen six months post procedure. Ultherapy is a great option for patients that are not ready or do not want to undergo a surgical procedure. Popular treatment areas include the lower face for a tighter jawline and minimized double chin, the brow to improve lid sagging, as well as the neck for firming and tightening of the skin. There is some minor discomfort during the procedure, which is managed with oral medications . A great part of Ultherapy versus other invasive procedures is that there is no downtime. After Ultherapy, patients look normal and can go out to dinner, or go back to work.
