Laser Treatments:

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Fractional Erbium

What is Fractional Erbium?

Fractional Erbium resurfacing is a popular cosmetic treatment that helps to rejuvenate and rebuild the skin using controlled laser energy. This technology tricks the skin into creating new cells to replace the damaged and dead skin cells that often accumulate on the epidermis. More than sloughing off a blanket of damaged cells, fractional laser resurfacing works on a cellular level to stimulate the production of healthier, more radiant skin cells over time.

The fractional laser resurfacing process is gentler than traditional CO2 resurfacing. It is much less ablative but just as capable of reducing blemishes, scarring, sun damage, and other concerns. Fractional resurfacing affects tiny areas of the skin, leaving bridges of untouched tissue in between pinpoint dots. This technique promotes profound tissue rejuvenation as well as a faster recovery.

What are the benefits of Fractional Erbium?

Adjustable fractional erbium devices are versatile and effective. This technique may be appropriate for all skin tones and types due to adjustable settings. It can produce outstanding improvements, as well. These include:

• More radiant skin
• Reduction of sun damage
• More even skin tone
• Smoother skin texture
• Reduced pore size
• Reduction in acne scars
• Reduction in stretch marks
• Smooths fine lines and superficial wrinkles

Fractional Erbium resurfacing is also:

• More comfortable than standard ablative laser resurfacing
• Versatile enough to address multiple concerns simultaneously
• Capable of achieving noticeable results after just one treatment

What is the Fractional Erbium Procedure?

All treatments begin with a consultation. Once it has been determined that fractional laser resurfacing is the appropriate modality, we may be able to perform the brief procedure immediately. This laser treatment is performed after the skin has been mildly numbed with a topical anesthetic. After a few minutes, the numbing cream is removed and a handheld device is moved over the surface of the skin. The handpiece delivers pulses of laser light into the deeper layers of the skin as determined by our treatment plan. The heat causes controlled damage in the lower layers of tissue, leaving much of the epidermis untouched. Depending on the size of the treatment area, the procedure may take from 15 to 60 minutes.

 

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Is Fractional Erbium safe?

Yes. Fractional Erbium resurfacing is generally considered safe and effective. All laser procedures carry potential risks. These include scarring, infection, reactivation of herpes cold sores, pigment changes, and burns or blisters. A trained, experienced provider conducts fractional laser resurfacing carefully and monitors the skin throughout the process to ensure a normal response.

Are there any side effects of Fractional Erbium?

Common side effects associated with Fractional Erbium include redness and tenderness. These feel like a normal sunburn and may last from a few hours to a few days, depending on the depth of the procedure and how the body naturally heals. Our team provides patients with instructions regarding how to care for their skin, including how to moisturize and reduce side effects as needed. Patients are typically ready to resume normal activities within a week following their treatment.

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GentleLASE Laser

What is the GentleLASE Laser?

The GentleLASE laser device is an Alexandrite laser that emits longer wavelengths of high-energy light than other lasers. This allows the GentleLASE to reach deeper into hair follicles during short treatment sessions. The GentleLASE can be used just about anywhere on the face or body to halt hair production.

What are the benefits of GentleLASE laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is beneficial because it enables you to end the rut of shaving, waxing, plucking, or removing hair using other conventional methods. The GentleLASE device offers the additional benefits of speed and comfort. These benefits are achieved through longer pulses of light and a building Dynamic Cooling Device that reduces the buildup of heat in the skin.

How is laser hair removal performed with GentleLASE?

Before laser hair removal, it is best to stop plucking or waxing in the desired area. The longer this is avoided, the better. Shaving may continue and should be done the day before laser treatments are performed. It is also necessary to stop using glycolic or salicylic acid products on the treatment area several weeks before beginning laser hair removal. To increase the contrast between the hair and skin colors, stop tanning (even self-tanning lotions).

At your laser hair removal appointment, you will be given a pair of goggles to place over your eyes to protect you from the bright light of the device. The provider will adjust the machine to the appropriate setting and begin moving the handheld device over the treatment area. As this is done, you may feel warming and snapping sensations, disrupted periodically by the cooling feature on the device.

Is GentleLASE safe?

Yes. The GentleLASE device is customizable according to each person’s skin and hair color, hair texture, and the area being treated. This hair removal laser is safe even for sensitive areas such as the bikini area, the upper lip, and the nipples.

Are there any side effects of GentleLASE hair removal?

The side effects of GentleLASE hair removal are mild and transient. After your treatments, you can expect to resume normal activities right away. Your skin may feel slightly sensitive, like you have a sunburn, so it may be necessary to wear loose, soft clothing for a day or two. Some people feel a mild stinging or tingling sensation and notice some redness. If needed, a cold compress can be applied to the treatment area for about 20 minutes at a time. Ice should never be applied directly to the skin; place a thin towel or piece of clothing between you and your ice pack.

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Renuvion J Plasma

What is Renuvion J Plasma?

Renuvion is a non-surgical procedure for skin tightening. Renuvion uses what is called sub-dermal plasma energy to instantly tighten and lift the skin. Helium gas is combined with radiofrequency energy to create a precise stream of plasma energy. This J Plasma is delivered under the skin through a tiny entry incision that doesn’t require sutures to close.

The energy delivered by Renuvion contracts the tissues under the skin, providing impressive skin tightening across the treatment areas. It also triggers new collagen production, thanks to the delivery of heat energy under the skin.

How does Renuvion J Plasma work?

The secret to this impressive skin tightening is Renuvion’s cold plasma energy. This is different from any other rejuvenation treatment. Cold plasma is created through a combination of helium gas and radiofrequency energy. The RF energy energizes the helium gas, and this is delivered through the Renuvion handpiece.

What’s so special about this cold plasma beam? It has unique qualities. When the beam comes into contract with the undersurface of the skin it causes contraction and tightening that are unmatched by other current technologies such as ultrasound, RF in isolation, or laser energy. The plasma heats the undersurface, but at the same time the helium is much cooler than laser energy, making Renuvion a much safer alternative for skin tightening.

What areas can be treated with Renuvion?

We’ve found J Plasma to be perfect for loose, wrinkled skin anywhere on the body. It tightens and lifts skin to give you a more youthful look. Plus, it gives you a nice boost in self-confidence seeing your tightened, firmer skin. These are areas Dr. Walker has been using this brand-new treatment for our patients:

• Upper arms
• Abdomen
• Flanks
• Buttocks
• Thighs
• Lower face
• Neck
• Knees

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