IPL
IPL treatments use light energy to target vascular and pigmented lesions in the skin. With several treatments, these undesirable patches and spots slowly disappear with the body’s natural healing process. This procedure helps to restore the skin to a more youthful state. It also treats the discoloration of sun damage and aging as well as red blotchiness from small vessels, redness, and rosacea. Please note that we do not typically recommend IPL for patients with melasma, as this condition may be aggravated and worsen with the light energy and heat.
Our office uses a newer generation device, the Syneron Elos Plus, which combines both light energy (IPL) and bipolar radiofrequency for even futher results. The radiofrequency energy will slowly help to improve the texture of the skin with repeated treatments.
FAQs
What is the difference between pulsed light and radiofrequency?
These are two different types of wavelength energies that target different areas of the skin. The light energies can target brown discoloration on the surface from sun damage and red blotches from vessels and rosacea. Meanwhile, the radiofrequency energy goes deeper to stimulate new collagen production and improve the skin’s tone and texture.
How many treatments will I need?
Depending on the extent of your skin condition and your ultimate desired results, you may require anywhere from 3 to 5 monthly treatments. A typical treatment protocol is at least 3 treatments, performed once a month. Many patients will repeat a session or two every year thereafter to further improve the health of their skin and remove additional sun damage. We can discuss our overall plan with your at your first IPL appointment.
How do I prepare for the treatment?
We have a detailed handout with specific information for you to follow before and after each treatment. For starters, you will need to avoid sun exposure before and after each treatment to prevent any complications. Please contact our office if you no longer have your instructions before your scheduled visit.
Does it hurt?
Most people feel little to no discomfort during the procedure. You may feel a warm, prickly sensation as the energy enters the skin.
How long does a treatment take?
Depending on the treatment area, IPL sessions may last anywhere from 20-45 minutes.
How quickly can I return to work?
Most patients resume regular daily activities immediately and return to work the next day. The treated area will be pink like a mild sunburn. This redness typically lasts 24 hours and can be easily covered with makeup. However, we don’t recommend undergoing this procedure within one week of an important social engagement, such as a wedding.
How do I know if IPL is right for me?
We prefer to evalute each patient prior to scheduling th efirst treatment. IPL is not right for everyone, and we want you to have the best results possible. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of Dr. Brown’s assistants.
Laser Hair Removal
Light energy from the laser is “tuned” to be attracted to the dark pigment (color) of the hair. As the laser light strikes the hair, the energy travels down the hair shaft and reaches the bottom of the hair follicle. This creates some damage to the hair follicle. The hairs will begin to fall out about 2 weeks after treatment. A damaged hair follicle does not produce hair, and many of them are permanently destroyed. Some follicles will rebuild and heal themselves as part of the body’s natural healing process, and they will need to be treated again. The laser can only kill the follicles in the active growth phase (1 of 3 phases). That is why you need several treatments to catch all of the hair in its active growth phase.
FAQs
Which laser do you use?
We use the GentleMax-Pro by Candela. This is the latest technology, which is much less painful and more effective than the older hair removal lasers.
How many treatments will I need?
Most patients will need at least 6 treatments, once a month. With each treatment, you typically lose 20-25% of your hair growth. So, each treatment leaves you with less and less hair, and you don’t have to shave as often. You should gradually notice the difference after each treatment.
What does the treatment feel like?
Treatments with the GentleMax laser is actually rather comfortable compared to many other lasers. No type of anesthesia is required because this laser features a patented Dynamic Cooling device which releases a quick burst of liquid cold spray before and after each laser pulse. The spray cools the outer layer of the skin and makes the treatment much more comfortable. Some patients may feel a very mild stinging or popping sensation with each pulse of the laser, but this is very well tolerated.
Will it work on blonde hair?
No, it really doesn’t. We recommend electrolysis for light, fine, or grey hairs. Laser treatment can only work on hair with some color.
Can I have it done if I am dark-skinned?
Absolutely! Laser hair removal works best in patients with light skin an dark hair, but others can also be treated with good results. While everyone should avoid the sun before and during treatments, this is especially important for darker-skinned individuals. Sun exposure can cause discoloration (brown patches) or blisters with laser treatments. We recommend doing laser in the fall or winter to minimize this risk with darker skin.
I am a woman with hormone problems and facial hair. Will laser treatment work?
It is important to have your hormonal problems corrected first. Otherwise the laser hair reduction will not be permanent. Once that is under control, you should respond well.
Is the hair loss permanent?
All laser hair treatments are described as permanent hair reduction, because the body may decide to grow some hairs later. You typically don’t have regrowth of all of the hairs. Laser permanently destroys hair follicles. But, the body may decide to grow a few new ones. Some patients never need any more treatments. Some may have a few scattered hairs and decide to have a touch up treatment, which may be years later. We cannot predict nor guarantee what your body will do. If you have hormone problems, the hair may likely regrow.
What should I do and not do before my treatment?
No waxing or plucking of the area for 4 weeks prior (or 2-3 weeks on the face). You CAN shave. The treatment area SHOULD be shaved 1-2 days before laser, so that we can see only the short stubble in the area. It is extremely important to avoid tanning the treatment area for at least 3-4 weeks before each treatment, since this could potentially cause blisters or discoloration.
Vbeam Laser
The Candela laser uses Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) technology to treat unwanted vessels and redness of the face, neck, and chest. It also treats bright red spots (cherry angiomas) and red scars. Spider veins on the legs do not typically respond with this treatment.
FAQs
Is it painful?
The Vbeam laser has a cooling system which sprays the skin before each pulse to minimize pain. For children, we often recommend applying a topical numbing cream for 30-40 minutes prior to keep them at ease. After the treatment, the skin can feel like a mild sunburn for some patients.
How long does it take?
Depending on the treatment area, laser treatments may last anywhere from 5 minutes to 20 minutes.
How do I prepare for the treatment?
To optimize results, avoid getting a tan or sunburn prior to your treatment. Sun protection is recommended before and after all laser treatments.
What should I expect?
After this laser treatment, patients can expect bruising of the treated areas. Depending on how aggressively the patient wants the area treated, bruising can last up to 1-2 weeks. We can provide more gentle treatments with minimal bruising. However, more aggressive treatments yield much better results.
How many treatments should I undergo?
Depending on the area, 1-3 treatments may be needed. Angiomas typically respond with only 1 treatment. Redness on the neck and chest need at least 2 treatments for optimal results.
Is Vbeam covered by insurance?
Unfortunately, insurance companies do not typically cover laser treatments. However, Vbeam treatments are often less expensive than many other laser options. The cost depends on the size of the area being treated and can be determined at the time of the evaluation.
How do I know if Vbeam is right for me?
We prefer to evaluate each patient prior to scheduling the Vbeam laser treatment. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation.
Laser Tattoo Removal
Having second thoughts? Fortunately, tattoos don’t have to be permanent.
We use the Q-switched Nd:Yag laser, which sends an intense pulse of energy directly to the tattoo pigment. This produces a shockwave-like effect that shatters the ink into smaller pieces. After the laser procedure, your body’s immune system then slowly flushes away the particles over the next several months.
FAQs
How many treatments are needed?
Depending on many factors, such as the color of tattoos, expect to need anywhere from 5 to 15 treatments. Removing tattoos is a slow process. We recommend spacing your laser appointments every 2 to 3 months (and not every month). This allows the area to heal properly and minimizes the risk of scarring. It also gives your body the best chance for flushing out the smaller pigment particles before the next treatment. Every session will produce some level of fading. Please note that different colors respond differently to laser tattoo removal. We can discuss these details at your first appointment.
Is there numbing cream for the pain?
Laser treatment for tattoos is not painless, however, topical numbing creams or injections can limit the results with laser, so we highly recommend against this. We want the best results possible for you. Please refer to our laser tattoo removal instruction sheet before your first appointment so that you can be prepared with over-the-counter pain medications prior.
How should I prepare for my first treatment?
Limit sun exposure for 2 weeks before and after your treatment. Also avoid spray tans in the laser treatment area.
If you have hair in the tattoo area, please shave the area right before each treatment. Plan to avoid exercise for the rest of the day after your treatment.
What is the healing process?
You will have small scabs or rarely small blisters that will take 1-2 weeks to heal. Do not scrub, scratch or pick at the area. You can gently cleanse the wound and apply antibiotic ointment, then cover the area. You may experience swelling, itching, or mild tenderness during the healing process. You can apply cool compresses or gentle ice packs to help reduce the discomfort and inflammation. The initial color of the tattoo pigment may be significantly brighter or darker right after the laser procedure. This will fade slowly as the area heals.
How much is the cost?
Tattoos come in all shapes and sizes. We would love to see yours and give you an estimate! You can schedule a consultation with our laser specialist prior or get a general cost estimate over the phone before your first laser appointment. Please make sure to get a copy of our laser tattoo removal instructions before your first scheduled laser treatment. We are eager to be part of your journey!