Q. How does laser hair removal work?
A. Concentrated light energy is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle creating heat that destroys the supporting cells of the follicle leading to follicle inactivity.
Q. In the procedure painful?
A. There is discomfort. Many patients compare it to a rubber band popping the skin. To minimize discomfort we place a cool gel on the skin and utilize the Zimmer cooler. The Zimmer cooler delivers forced cold air onto the skin to protect and soothe during treatment.
Q. How should I prepare for treatment?
A. You should avoid tanning for 14 days prior to treatment. Do not pluck, wax or in any other way remove hair before treatment. You should however shave or closely clip the area to be treated.
Q. Is it suitable for everyone?
A. Dark skinned individuals are difficult to treat and will be assessed individually and guided accordingly. Grey hair will not respond to treatment. Lighter hair (blonde) often will respond because the follicle contains more pigment than the hair.
Q. Are there any side effects?
A. Typically, no. Some people may experience transient redness and mild swelling but this is uncommon and always clears within 24 hours. Burning of the skin is avoided by determining the proper settings for your particular skin type.
Q. How many treatments does it take?
A. Because the hair grows in cycles, in will take several treatments in all cases. Hair at different sites has variable cycles. We recommend a package of five treatments. We have a one year guarantee to treat to your satisfaction that comes with the package of five treatments.
Top of Page ˆ
Q. What areas can be treated?
A. All areas can be treated. The most popular areas are areas that have been exposed to ultraviolet rays throughout life such as the hands, chest, face, etc.
Q. What results should I expect?
A. You will immediately see sun spots and age spots become darker. Over the next several days they will begin to flake off and fade away. Small veins will turn dark purple or red immediately and fade away over several days. The skin will become smoother and pore size will be reduced. Rosacea will diminish within a couple of days. A more pronounced affect is obtained by pre-treating with microdermabrasion followed by a package of three to five photofacials, depending on the severity of your skin damage. However a significant difference will be seen with a single treatment.
Q. What is treatment like?
A. The photofacial takes from 30 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on the area to be treated. The pulses can sting, therefore to minimize discomfort we place a cool gel on the skin and utilize the Zimmer cooler. The Zimmer cooler delivers forced cold air onto the skin to protect and soothe during treatment.
Q. Who benefits most from a photofacial?
A. People with sun damage such as pigmented spots or freckles, people with visible small veins on the face or neck, people with coarse or dull appearing skin, and people with rosacea.
Q. Is there any down time from the procedure?
A. Most people can return to normal activities and engage in social contact immediately. There may be some redness of the skin, but this typically resolves within a few hours.
Top of Page ˆ
Q. What is microdermabrasion?
A. Microdermabrasion is a scientific method, using fine, inert (micro) crystals to progressively abrade the skin's surface. The crystals impact the surface of the skin as a gentle vacuum is used to suction the surface of the skin. It is used for skin resurfacing and treating a range of skin abnormalities. This unique approach removes dead and flaking skin cells and stimulates the production of fresh, young skin cells and collagen. All skin types can be treated.
Q. What can expect from treatment?
A. Your skin will feel softer and smoother. Color and texture will improve. Acne scars and other imperfections will be softened. Pores will be cleansed and blackheads removed. With this treatment there is no discomfort and no down time. The procedure takes about 20 minutes and is followed by application of soothing cream and sunscreen.
Top of Page ˆ
Laser Lipolysis
Q. What is CoolLipo?
A. CoolLipo fat treatment is the latest method for removing fat and tightening skin with a laser. The technique was first discovered in Europe and has recently become available in the USA. The technique has been used extensively in South America, Europe and Asia for the past 10 years. The technique involves the use of a laser to rapidly dissolve the fat and tighten the surrounding skin almost anywhere in the body. The procedure is done in an office and does not require the use of a general anesthetic.
Q. Why is CoolLipo so effective tightening skin?
A. CoolLipo uses the optimal skin tightening laser wavelength 1320nm. This wavelength has proven to be superior over other wavelengths like, 1064nm to tighten skin on the surface and now below the surface. If loose skin is a problem, this is the answer.
Q. Who is a candidate for CoolLipo?
A. CoolLipo is an excellent technique for removal of fat from difficult areas of the body. It is more efficient at removing fat from localized pockets which have proven resistant to conventional liposuction or exercise. The ideal patient is one who is in good health, not obese, has an active lifestyle and has a pocket(s) of fat they wish to remove.
Q. Which area is CoolLipo useful for?
A. CoolLipo has been designed to treat localized pockets of fat in the following areas:
• waist
• chin (double or hanging chin)
• inner and outer thighs
• hips
• buttocks
• upper arms
• face (not around eyes)
• male with breasts
• back of neck
• pubic mound
Q. How much fat can be removed each time with CoolLipo?
A. The procedure is excellent for removal of localized fat and as much as 3500 mls of fat can be melted away at a single session.
Q. Who is not a candidate for CoolLipo?
A.
CoolLipo is not suited for individuals with:
• diabetes
• liver problems
• blood disorders
• kidney problems
• heart problems
• skin disorders
Q. Is the fat removal permanent?
A.
The fat removal is semi-permanent. If the individual gains weight, the fat will come back in areas treated and not treated with the laser. Despite what the manufacturers and the doctors claim, there is no treatment which can permanently remove all the fat cells. The best way to rid of fat is to continue exercise and watch one’s diet.
Q. How is the procedure done?
A.
The procedure is done in an office or clinic. Prior to the procedure, the fatty areas are marked and a local anesthetic is used to numb the area. The laser is a pen held device which is fired close to the skin. As soon as the laser is fired, the fat cells break up. The fluid release from the fat cells is drained away by the body’s natural system (lymphatics). The laser also causes small blood vessels to coagulate (gel) immediately on contact, resulting in less bleeding and swelling. The laser also affects the collagen in the skin which later causes the skin to tighten and shrink. Each session take about 30-45 mins.
Q. What is the recovery like?
A.
The majority of individuals have minimal bruising and are pain free. A pressure dressing or a compression is garment depending on the location of the treated area. The compression dressing or garment helps to decrease the swelling. The bruising disappears in 2-3 days and all individuals are able to resume their normal activities within 24 hours. The mild ache can be relieved with over the counter pain medications.
Q. When do I see the results?
A.
Soon after the laser the treated area will appear tighter, compact and smaller. Within the next 6-8 weeks, the skin and surrounding area will remodel and adjust to the body contour. The remodeling is a gradual process and the best results are seen after 2 months.
Q. How many sessions can one have?
A.
It all depends on the area and location. Generally 1-3 sessions are more than adequate for most individuals. Repeat sessions are only done after an interval period of 3-6 months.
Q. When can one return to work after CoolLipo?
A.
One can return to work within 24 hours.
Q. Can CoolLipo be used with liposuction?
A.
Yes, CoolLipo is designed to treat small and harder to get areas of fat. After conventional surgical liposuction is done and if small amounts of remodeling are required, Cool Lipo is an excellent adjunct.
Q. What are the advantages of CoolLipo over other procedures?
A.
• CoolLipo offers minimal discomfort during the procedure
• There is minimal pain which only lasts 24-48 hrs
• Majority of individuals can return to work in 24 hrs
• There is minimal bleeding or bruising
• There is no loosening or hanging skin after the procedure
• There are no side effects of general anesthesia
• There are no incisions or suturing involved
Q. Is CoolLipo approved for use in USA?
A. The CoolLipo treatment received clearance from the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) for its skin tightening mode.
Top of Page ˆ
