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Microdermabrasion Questions (click for answers)












LightPulse RE Commonly Asked Questions (click for answers)




















Laser Hair Removal Answers

Is laser hair removal permanent?
There is no laser that has received FDA clearance for a claim of permanent hair removal. However, the LightSheer™ Diode designed by Lumenis™ was the first to be cleared by the FDA for permanent hair reduction. That is defined by the FDA as 85% or greater hair reduction. It is possible that follicles in the treated area, while not being completely destroyed, will be sufficiently disabled to the point where they produce only fine, light hairs that do not respond to further treatment. This is backed up by extensive clinical studies and you should be wary of anyone who claims otherwise.

Why use the LightSheer Diode over other hair removal systems?
The LightSheer laser is specifically designed for hair removal. We have chosen this laser because of the extensive clinical research which demonstrates its effectiveness for permanent hair reduction. Other Laser Hair Removal systems that we have investigated cannot make this claim. We have used the LightSheer Diode for hundreds of thousands of treatments, so we know it works and provides the kind of long term results that our patients have come to expect from Advanced Laser and Skin.

How does the LightSheer system remove hair?
This laser targets the pigment located in the hair follicle and shaft. The light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle and this energy is converted to heat which results in damage to the hair follicle. This damage causes delayed re-growth of hair and, in most cases, permanent destruction of many of the hair follicles. Unlike electrolysis, which disables one hair follicle at a time, the laser reaches and treats hundreds of follicles at a time.

Is it safe?
The LightSheer system was developed from years of research at the Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine, one of the world's leading medical laser research institutions. The laser is pulsed, or turned on, for only a fraction of a second and the duration of each pulse is just long enough to disable the hair follicles. A unique component of the LightSheer system, the actively cooled sapphire hand piece was designed to protect the skin by actively cooling it before, during and after the laser light is transmitted. It also actively draws off heat from the skin surface, which further protects the skin from injury.

Does it hurt?
The cooling tip has a mild anesthetic property, which allows tender areas to be treated in a relatively painless fashion. You will feel a tingling or stinging sensation during the treatment, but most people tolerate the procedure well. Topical anesthetic is available to increase your comfort, if you choose. Following your treatment, you may experience a sunburn-type sensation in the treated area for several hours.

Who performs the treatments?
Our laser treatments are performed by technicians who are trained and certified in all aspects of Laser Hair Removal. We specialize in Laser Hair Removal, Skin Renewal, and are committed to the industry.

How many treatments will I need?
Advanced Laser and Skin recommends five treatments. In fact, it is not uncommon for a person to need six or seven or more. There are a variety of factors that can influence the total number of treatments any individual may require to achieve the desired results. To ensure maximum results, we offer our unique Written Service Guarantees.

Tell me about the Guarantee?
We offer 1 year Written Service Guarantees. They state that if you require additional treatments beyond your 6th session, we will treat you at no additional charge. This way, you know up front what your total cost will be, regardless of the number of treatments that you may need. During your consultation, we will discuss the Guarantee options further so you can decide what is right for you.

What will I look like / how red will I be after the treatment?
Post treatment reactions vary depending on the coarseness, density and color of the hair and the area being treated. In general terms, most patients experience redness similar to a mild sunburn.

I have dark skin / I tan - can I be treated?
That depends. The melanin content in your skin is one of the factors that must be considered when determining whether or not you are a good candidate for Laser Hair Removal. When you come in for your consultation, we will examine the areas you want treated, determine your Fitzpatrick skin type and discuss your desired results.

What about blonde / red / gray hair?
The laser energy is attracted to the melanin in your hair. The greater the amount of melanin, the better the results. White or gray hair does not contain any melanin and, therefore, does not respond to treatments. However, some hair that many would call blonde or red actually does contain enough melanin to be treatable. That is precisely why we offer a complimentary consultation, so we can evaluate your hair and skin type and discuss your options.

Do I need to grow the hair out before my consultation / treatment?
No, in fact we ask that you do shave the area you want treated. We are actually targeting the anatomical structures below the skin. Surface hair interferes with this process.

Do I have to stop bleaching / tweezing / using depilatories, etc?
It is best, but not entirely necessary. After your first treatment, you will experience a no-growth period in the treated area and will find that it will not be necessary to bleach, tweeze, etc.

How far apart are the treatments spaced?
Typically, our treatments are spaced from 7 weeks to 14 weeks, depending on the area of the body that is treated. Having performed thousands of treatments, we have determined these intervals to ensure optimum results. In fact, as an industry leader, many other providers are now imitating our recommended intervals.

How long before I see results?
You will see some results immediately. It takes a week or two for all of the hair in the treated area to fall out. After that, you will experience several weeks of no growth in the treated area. So you are actually receiving immediate gratification while you are moving toward your long-term goal.

Can I be treated while taking medications?
The only medications that are prohibited for Laser Hair Removal are Accutane and Retin-A, which must be discontinued prior to treatment. During your consultation, we will review any medications or supplements that you are currently taking to help determine the appropriate fluence for your treatment.

I'm pregnant / planning on becoming pregnant. Can I still be treated?
That depends. Pregnancy restricts the use of topical anesthetics and may present some other challenges. While there is no evidence to suggest that pregnant women cannot be treated safely, it is our policy not to treat without written permission of the patient\'s physician. When you come for your consultation, we can discuss the particulars of what you would like to have done and review your options.

 

Microdermabrasion Answers

What is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a quick and convenient procedure that has become very popular with patients showing the early signs of aging, sun exposure and other facial imperfections.

How much does it cost?
Advanced Laser and Skin has multiple packages available, depending on your specific needs. When you come in for your complimentary consultation, we will discuss the options in detail so you can decide for yourself which one is best for you.

How does it work?
Microdermabrasion is a closed vacuum system delivering aluminum oxide crystals to the skin. This process exfoliates the thickened epidermis, and then vacuums away the crystals and skin debris to reveal healthier skin. Microdermabrasion results are best when combined with the ALC skin care regimen.

Is it safe for all skin types?
Yes, Microdermabrasion is safe for every skin type and skin color.

Why should I have a Microdermabrasion treatment?
Microdermabrasion is generally suggested for:

  • Dull, oily or leathery skin texture.
  • Minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores.
  • Exfoliating and suctioning clogged pores in acne cases.
  • Polishing and reducing the appearance of fine lines. (Treatments will not significantly improve advanced deep wrinkles.)
  • Improve mild discoloration from acne scarring.
  • Reduce mild pigment irregularities.
  • Enhancing penetration of therapeutic remedies.
  • Elimination of white and black heads. Keratosis Pilaris.
  • Enhances the overall appearance of the skin.

How often are the treatments given?
Microdermabrasion requires a series of treatments. While results are achieved with a single treatment, it is unrealistic to expect significant results from just one visit. Cumulative results can be significant with as little as six treatments repeated one to three weeks apart. Monthly maintenance treatments are recommended.

How many treatments are needed to achieve significant results?
The number of treatments depends on the type of skin problem(s) the patient has. The Advanced Laser and Skin technician will suggest a treatment plan designed to reach the patients desired result.

Are there any side effects from Microdermabrasion treatments?
Since we are only treating the outer layer of skin (stratum corneum), serious side effects is not an issue. Non-invasive and non-wounding to the skin\'s surface, Microdermabrasion has virtually no discomfort, down time or recovery. Patients typically experience some redness for about an hour after the procedure and some tightness of the skin. Two to three days after the procedure, there may be some minor flaking and skin may be sensitive. Healing time for most is a few days.

What can I expect after my first treatment?
Though Microdermabrasion requires a series of treatments, you can see some visible improvement in the skin after the first treatment. Some patients will notice improvement in the skin texture and the skins ability to absorb any skin care regimen that is being applied.

Is Microdermabrasion limited to the face?
No, there are many areas of the body that may benefit from Microdermabrasion. The most common are the face, neck, chest and hands.

 

LightPulse RE Answers

What is LightPulse RE?
Developed and trademarked by Advanced Laser Clinics, the LightPulse RE concept originated from the need to provide a combination therapy that would result in younger, healthier-looking skin. The combination therapy combines the use of Photorejuvenation (IPL), Microdermabrasion and a specially formulated skin care line, which combine to produce benefits that no single component alone can achieve.

Each component of LightPulse RE therapy has a proven record of accomplishment. LightPulse RE therapy will reduce age or sunspots, freckles, symptoms of rosacea and broken capillaries. In addition, LightPulse RE stimulates the cells that produce collagen, resulting in smoother skin texture, firmer skin tone and a decrease in fine lines. While the therapy produces long term benefits that result in improved skin appearance, the most dramatic and immediate results are often seen with pigment issues (freckles, brown spots & sun damage) and the redness associated with Rosacea.

How does it work?
LightPulse RE is comprised of three distinct components:

  • Photorejuvenation (IPL) technology emits a non-coherent, broad-spectrum light. The light is absorbed by melanin and destroys abnormally pigmented cells, resulting in a more even complexion. Examples of abnormally pigmented cells are age or sunspots, broken capillaries, rosacea and freckles. In addition, the light stimulates the cells that produce collagen, resulting in a smoother skin texture, firmer skin tone and a decrease in fine wrinkles.
  • Microdermabrasion is a closed vacuum system delivering aluminum oxide crystals to the skin. This process exfoliates the thickened epidermis then vacuums away the crystals and skin debris, revealing healthier skin.
  • The ALC skin care regimen is compatible with the Photorejuvenation and Microdermabrasion therapies. Not all skin care lines are formulated for use before and after light-based therapies. The ALC skin care line uses the highest quality ingredients, which are not contraindicated by Photorejuvenation and Microdermabrasion treatments. The product line increases and enhances the beneficial effects of the other components by stimulating cell regeneration.


Do I need all of the combination therapies?
Yes. You will get maximum results by utilizing the series. We have selected these therapies because they compliment, reinforce and enhance each other when used in a precise combination protocol. While benefits can be achieved with any individual component, the combination of all three in a custom series provides the most dramatic results. We customize your series, designing a specific treatment protocol to best address the needs of your skin. Individual treatment sessions are scheduled at custom intervals depending on your specific skin issues (sun damage, rosacea, broken capillaries, fine lines, etc.). Typically, treatment sessions are scheduled anywhere from 1 day to 3 weeks apart.

What are the benefits of the LightPulse RE series?

  • A reduction and fading of freckles, age spots, liver spots, and melasma.
  • Dilated and broken blood vessels and spider veins shrink, fade and gradually disappear.
  • Reduces enlarged pores.
  • Smoother skin, a more even texture, a firmer skin tone and a decrease in fine lines.

How soon will I see results?
Within days of your first treatment your skin will feel smoother and have a more even tone. There is typically noticeable reduction in the appearance of benign brown spots and spider veins. These improvements are gradual and cumulative and become more visible with each treatment.

Are the results permanent?
After completing the LightPulse RE series, healthy new skin cells have formed and damaged cells in the epidermis have been exfoliated. Beneath the surface, LightPulse RE therapy stimulates the production of collagen, which forms the foundation of your new appearance. Once the desired results are achieved, approximately two maintenance treatments per year are recommended to maintain your results.

Does it work on broken capillaries?
Broken capillaries respond dramatically to LightPulse RE therapy. After your LightPulse RE treatments, dilated or broken blood vessels decrease, gradually fade and disappear.

Does it hurt?
You are likely to experience some discomfort with the Photorejuvenation component. However, a mild topical anesthetic is an option. With the application of a topical, most patients find they can receive a more intense treatment with less discomfort. The technician will adjust the intensity of the treatment to suit the individual's desired result and comfort level.

How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments needed depends on the size, location, depth and color of the symptoms that we are trying to eliminate. Some patients report a visible change in as little as 7-10 days. Strict sun protection, of course, is a necessary component in healthy skin care programs and even more important with LightPulse RE.

What is the period between treatments?
Treatments are typically spaced anywhere between 1 day and 3 weeks apart, depending on the symptoms being addressed. Our LightPulse RE specialist will assess your needs, determine the optimal frequency and outline a custom treatment protocol during your consultation.

How long does each treatment take?
Each LightPulse RE treatment takes approximately 45 minutes.

What will I look like after the treatment?
The skin will react differently, depending on the type of damage we are treating. Immediately following treatment, the skin may appear red and flushed, tiny capillaries may appear more visible and brown spots generally appear darker. Makeup applications are permitted immediately after treatment.

Does it work on fine lines?
Fine lines are minimized by the production of collagen. LightPulse RE stimulates the cells that produce collagen, giving your skin a smoother, tighter texture.

Does it work on wrinkles?
Light wrinkles and fine lines are reduced after a series of treatments. If the wrinkle has color, making it appear deeper, then you can expect a softening of the wrinkle. Deeper wrinkles cannot be significantly impacted by LightPulse RE therapy and may benefit from Botox and Collagen injections.

Does it help with dark circles under the eyes?
Dark, pigmented circles can be improved by LightPulse RE therapy. The LightPulse RE specialist can best determine if dark circles are due to pigmentation issues or are the result of transparent, thinning tissue.

Does it work on acne scars?
Acne scars that have color (red or brown) will appear less severe after the LightPulse RE treatment. This treatment will also give your skin a smoother and more even texture.

Does it minimize pore size?
Absolutely. Clinical studies show that pore size is reduced by 30%.

Can I tan during the treatment series?
No, tanning can increase the chances of complications from light-based treatments and should be avoided. A sunscreen must be worn regularly on treated areas throughout the treatment series to ensure maximum results.

Can you treat other areas of the body besides the face?
Yes, many areas such as the neck, chest, shoulders and hands can be treated and similar results achieved.