Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Intense Pulsed Light is also known as photorejuvenation. IPL technology is a non-invasive treatment used to treat the visible signs of aging. IPL can be used to diminish slight skin surface imperfections such as large pore size, fine wrinkles and elastic skin changes. IPL improves the appearance of facial redness caused by superficial capillaries and most brown pigments including sun-induced freckles and melasma. With a series of treatments, IPL can improve overall skin tone and color giving the skin a more youthful appearance.
Who are the candidates for this treatment?
Most people, including children, may be treated. However, your doctor and esthetician should determine if your condition is suitable for the treatments. This may require a consultation visit.
What is a treatment like
Treatment involves a pulsed light, similar to the flash of a camera. A cold gel is applied to the area to be treated and you will be given dark glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from the bright light. The smooth glass surface of the IPL handpiece is gently applied to your skin and pulses of light are applied. You may feel a slight pinch or snap. An anesthetic topical gel is available prior to treatment.
Are there any side effects?
You may experience some short-term side effects. This may include slight reddening of the skin or local swelling which goes away within a few days. In rare instances, there may be bruising that will last one-two weeks.
How many treatments are required?
Freckles, age spots, and sun spots often clear up after three to five treatments. Each session generally lasts 30-45 minutes. Your esthetician will determine how many sessions are required. Often, microdermabrasion is also used following and IPL treatment.
Will insurance cover my treatment?
Treatments of a cosmetic nature are often not covered.
Are there any restrictions on my activity following treatment?
You can return to work the same day and resume all regular activities after 24 hours. Vigorous exercise is not recommended immediately following the IPL procedure. You should limit your exposure to the sun and sun block is mandatory.
MEDICAL MICRODERMABRASION
Who are the candidates for this treatment?
Most people may be treated. Often microdermabrasion treatments are used in conjunction with IPL treatments and chemical peels.
What is a treatment like?
Treatment involves the use of aluminum oxide crystals deposited on the skin surface under pressure, similar to mild sandblasting and suctioned away. Dead epithelial cells on the surface of the skin and oily plugs in pores are removed. Collagen formation is stimulated by the mild, controlled suction.
Are there any side effects?
Immediately after treatment, the skin appears flushed and feels soft and smooth. Normal activities may be resumed immediately.
How many treatments are required?
Generally, treatments vary depending upon the needs of the patient. It is most commonly recommended at two week intervals for five sessions. It can be used in conjunction with IPL treatment and chemical peels.
Will insurance cover my treatment?
Treatments of a cosmetic nature are not covered by insurance.
Are there any restrictions on my activity following treatment?
Normal activities can be resumed immediately.
BOTOX
Who are the candidates for this treatment?
Botox has been used for 11 years to treat various medical conditions. For cosmetic purposes, any adult may be a candidate for Botox. Your physician can determine if Botox is right for you.
What is a treatment like?
Botox is injected into the affected muscle(s). Some people report minor, temporary discomfort from the injection.
Are there any side effects?
There can be side effects from Botox. The most common side effect is localized pain and tenderness and bruising of the injected area. Your doctor will explain and possible side effects with you before the procedure.
How many treatments are required?
The effects of the treatment will be visible within 3-5 days. The treatment usually lasts 3-4 months. Because symptoms can change over time, the amount and duration of relief you'll experience can vary. Consult your doctor who can best determine the frequency of Botox injections.
Will insurance cover my treatment?
Procedures of a cosmetic nature are not covered by insurance, If you are using Botox to treat a medical condition, there may be insurance coverage.
Are there any restrictions on my activity following treatment?
You can return to work the same day and resume all regular activities after 24 hours. Vigorous exercise is not recommended immediately following a Botox treatment.
RESTYLANE
Who are the candidates for this treatment?
Most adults are candidates for Restylane treatment
What is a treatment like?
Restylane is injected into the skin usually in skin folds below the nasal area. An ultra fine needle is used, resulting in minimal discomfort. Your physician may anesthetize the treatment are for comfort.
Are there any side effects?
The most commonly reported side effects are temporary redness and swelling at the injection site.
How many treatments are required?
Studies show that the average treatment lasts 6 months.
Will insurance cover my treatment?
Procedures of a cosmetic nature are not covered by insurance.
Are there any restrictions on my activity following treatment?
There are no restrictions on activity. The injection site should not be touched until the Restylane has completed filled the injection site.
Visia Digital Skin Analysis
How often do I need to have a VISIA Digital Skin Analysis?
A copy of your initial VISIA Digital Skin Analysis, which provides a baseline on the health of your skin, will be filed in your skincare chart. Depending on your skin condition and goals, your medical esthetician may choose to perform an additional analysis to measure the effectiveness of treatment and determine further treatment options.
Will I experience any discomfort during the session?
No. There is no discomfort involved in the VISIA Digital Skin Analysis.
Is there a minimum age recommendation for a VISIA session?
No. A VISIA Digital Skin Analysis can be done at any age or any skin type.
Will insurance cover VISIA Digital Skin Analysis?
No, insurance will not cover VISIA.
FACIAL PEELS
Who are the candidates for this treatment?
Most people, including teenagers may be treated. Your esthetician will determine which peel is right for you. Can be used in conjunction with IPL and microdermabrasion.
What is a treatment like?
A smooth gel is applied to the skin for a short period of time and then removed. The skin will be cleansed prior to applying the peel and following the removal of the gel. After the peel, the skin will be moisturized and protected from the sun with sunscreen.
Are there any side effects?
There are no side effects.
How many treatments are required?
Facial peels can be used in conjunction with IPL and microdermabrasion. Usually 5 sessions 1-2 weeks apart will provide the best result.
Will my insurance cover my treatment?
Procedures of a cosmetic nature are not covered by insurance.
Are there any restrictions on my activity following treatment?
There are no physical restrictions. Use of sunscreen is strongly advised.
LASER HAIR REMOVAL
Laser Hair Removal uses laser or light (thermal) technology that targets pigment in the follicle of unwanted hair. Laser Hair Removal is the best way to remove hair quickly and permanently. It is less time consuming and less painful than waxing or electrolysis.
Who are the candidates for this treatment?
Any one with unwanted brown or black hair. Any child under the age of 18, must have parental consent. All skin types can be treated for hair removal, but deeply tanned skin is not recommended. Ethnic skin types are safely treatable.
What is a treatment like?
The area to be treated is shaved and cleansed of any oils or lotions. A laser is passed over the skin where the hair is to be removed. Multiple hairs are affected with each flash of the laser resulting in a feeling of a slight snap or pinch. Individuals with extremely dense hair may require an anesthetic cream before treatment.
Are there any side effects?
Treatment areas must be protected from the sun during treatment to avoid skin discoloration. In rare instances, there may be mild crusting or burning.
How many treatments are required?
In most cases, the majority of hair will be removed with 3-5 treatments at 4-6 week intervals. After a laser treatment, it takes 1-3 weeks for the affected hairs to fall out of the skin. You may continue to shave between treatments. Once the initial series of treatments has been completed, 1-2 touch-up sessions per year may be required to maintain results.
Will my insurance cover my treatment?
Procedures of a cosmetic nature are not covered by insurance.
Are there any restrictions on my activity following treatment?
Vigorous physical activity should be avoided for 24 hours following treatment when large areas have been treated. Your esthetician will advise you regarding activity.
