Laser Hair Removal
Is laser hair removal permanent?
It is permanent hair reduction. Every person is different, but most experience 80% or more permanent hair reduction. Maintenance sessions may be necessary in some cases. In a recent study Palomar's Laser Hair hand pieces were found to as effective as old legacy lasers and far more comfortable.
Is there any pretreatment?
You can not pluck, wax, use a depilatory or have electrolysis in the areas you want to treat for 6 weeks prior to laser hair removal. Do not tan the areas for 2 weeks prior to treatment. Avoid using self-tanning products for 2 weeks prior to treatment.
What post treatment is necessary?
You will need to wear sunscreen regularly during your laser treatment package and for 6 weeks after completing your packages. Avoid irritants for seven days after treatment.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
There is minimal discomfort. It feels like a rubber band snap. Topical anesthesia can be used for areas that are more sensitive.
Botox ®
What is Botox?
A natural purified protein produced by Clostridium botulinum bacterium.
Is Botox dangerous?
Generally no and the FDA does not require allergy testing. It is a purified form of the protein and is injected in very small amounts into the muscle causing the wrinkle.
How does Botox work?
It is injected into a muscle to temporarily paralyze the muscle to prevent movement and assist wrinkle reduction. It is the repeated movement of muscles that causes wrinkles so by preventing movement it helps reduce or soften wrinkles.
Is there any pre-treatment?
You should refrain from medications with aspirin, ibuprofen and/or Vitamin E in them for 1 week prior to treatment. This will decrease the bruising at the injection site.
Is there any post treatment?
You will need to keep your head up for 4 hours after treatment, but that is it.
Do Botox injections hurt?
There is very minimal discomfort, however no local or topical anesthesia is necessary.
Restylane ®
What is Restylane?
Restylane is a natural substance that already exists in the human body called Hyaluronic Acid that restores fullness and smoother contours to your face.
Does Restylane correct all of my wrinkles?
You will have an 80 to 100% improvement in the appearance of the injected lines and wrinkles temporarily.
How long does Restylane last?
Since everyone's body metabolizes differently it can last from 6 months to one year. Recent studies suggest that Restylane injections actually stimulates collagen growth. Many clients find that the frequent injections result in less volume needed to fill a given area.
Does it go away completely?
Yes, if you stop getting the injections the material is degraded by the body, leaving no traces of the dermal filler in the body.
Is there any pre-treatment required?
Avoid any products containing aspirin, Ibuprofen, St. John's Wort or high doses of Vitamin E for 1 week prior to treatment to help decrease bruising and bleeding at the injection site.
Is there any post treatment required?
You will need to leave the area alone for 6 hours after treatment and refrain from aerobic exercise for 24 hours. There might be redness, swelling and minor bruising at the injection sites.
Does Restylane hurt?
There is minimal discomfort, but a topical or local anesthetic is available if needed.
Perlane ®
How is Perlane different from Restylane?
Both Perlane and Restylane are composed of Hyaluronic acid. The primary difference between Restylane and Perlane is that the Hyaluronic acid gel particles in Perlane are larger than those found in Restylane. This gives Perlane additional ability to lift and fill the areas of injection that require a denser formulation. Perlane and Restylane are perfect complements to one another.
How do Perlane and Restylane work?
Perlane is injected into the skin to smooth away wrinkles and folds. Perlane’s water-loving nature attracts and binds water molecules to help maintain volume.
Perlane is composed of Hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that already exists in the body. The Hyaluronic acid in Perlane is a crystal clear gel that is chemically cross-linked (the long chemical strands are tied together) to delay breakdown by skin enzymes. Perlane is non-animal-based and free from animal protein. This quality prevents disease transmission. Allergy pre-testing is not necessary. Also distinct from other Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, Restylane and Perlane are minimally cross-linked, making them similar to the natural Hyaluronic acid found in the body. Also view the Restylane-Perlane website.
Can Perlane be used in tandem with other fillers?
Forever Young MedSpa finds that most facial correction needs beyond superficial lines will be restored most naturally by the use of product layers. Perlane is the ideal "middle layer" for deep folds. Beginning with Radiesse in the very deep skin layer, we will add Perlane or Hyaluronic Acid filler as a topper.
"Much like the pillow top on a mattress, when used along with Radiesse, Perlane is supported by the firmer properties of Radiesse while offering a softer upper layer that is extremely natural to the touch."
For other wrinkles or folds, Perlane may be chosen as the support layer with Restylane or Juvederm used as the top product. Depending on the level of correction needed, we will recommend the most advantageous combination.
What is Hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural complex sugar found throughout all living organisms that retains water -- absorbing more than 1,000 times its weight -- and adds volume to the skin’s surface. In addition, Hyaluronic acid binds with collagen and elastin and transports essential nutrients to these fibers. The triple combination of collagen, elastin and Hyaluronic acid provides structure, elasticity and volume to the skin and contributes to its overall appearance.
As the skin ages and is exposed to environmental pollutants and ultraviolet rays, the cells lose the ability to produce Hyaluronic acid. As a result, the skin begins to lose volume, often resulting in the formation of facial wrinkles and folds. Dermal fillers compromised of crossed-linked Hyaluronic acid are used by physicians to help temporarily replace lost Hyaluronic acid and to restore skin volume and a smooth, natural appearance.
Palomar 1540 Fractional Laser
How is the Palomar™ Laser different from other types of laser treatments?
Until the development of fractional skin resurfacing, there were only two types of laser treatments available – ablative and non-ablative. Ablative laser treatment is effective but requires some recovery time. Non-ablative laser treatment has little or no side effects and almost no healing time, but requires multiple treatments within a extended period of time. The Palomar™ fractional skin resurfacing laser offers the same effectiveness as the ablative laser treatment, but with the speedy healing time associated with the gentler, non-ablative lasers.
Palomar 1540 Treats:
- Improves tone, texture and pore size.
- Melasma and uneven skin
- Smoothes and fills acne and surgical scars.
- Periorbital wrinkles
- Rejuvenates neck, chest and hands.
How does the Palomar™ laser work?
The Palomar™ fractional skin resurfacing laser is designed to target aging and sun damaged skin by zeroing in on damaged tissue. The Palomar™ creates an array of beams and each beam penetrates into the dermis, far below the outer most epidermal layer of skin. When the beam penetrates deep into the dermis layer of skin, it eliminates the old epidermal pigmented cells. Surrounding each of these beams is healthy, unaffected tissue. The healthy, surrounding tissue triggers the body's natural healing process, accelerating the production of collagen and the formation of new, tighter tissue to replaces the skin's imperfections.
How is the Palomar™ laser Different from the Fraxel® laser?
The Palomar™ Fractional Laser is part of a new generation of laser treatments called fractional skin resurfacing. These lasers are similar in that they only treat a portion of the skin, 20 to 25 percent, during each session. However, there are subtle differences in the lasers manufactured by Palomar™ and Reliant's Fraxel®.
With the Palomar™ laser, no messy tinted guide lotion or topical anesthetic is required, making the treatment session very pleasant and easy for the patient. The Palomar™ laser contains a unique sapphire cooling tip, which cools the skin and minimizes discomfort during treatment.
What are the benefits of the Palomar™ laser treatment?
The Palomar™ fractional skin resurfacing laser provides similar results as ablative lasers, but offers the gentle benefits of the non-ablative treatment with little to no downtime except for a mild to moderate sun burn.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of sessions will depend upon the condition treated. On average, an effective treatment regimen is 4 sessions, spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. Depending on the severity of the condition being treated, it could take up to six treatments. Results are immediate and progressive. Over the course of a few months, new collagen begins to form, creating healthy, more youthful skin. Following your last session your results will continue to improve for up to 6 additional months.
How are Palomar™ fractional skin resurfacing laser treatments performed?
Once safety goggles are in place your treatment begins one area at a time, cooling the area before moving onto the next section. No topical anesthetic is required (however some patients request a topical anesthetic) because of the unique sapphire cooling tip. The cooling tip helps control the temperature of the skin, making the treatment a comfortable experience. A treatment session may last up to about an hour, depending on the size of the area being treated.
Is Palomar™ skin resurfacing laser treatment painful?
Most patients report that this procedure as uncomfortable but not painful. The Palomar™ laser has a unique sapphire cooling tip that cools the skin before, during and after each pulse light which minimizes discomfort to most people. Patients describe the treatment as having a mild “snapping” sensation or sunburn sensation.
What should I expect after a Palomar™ skin resurfacing laser treatment?
For the first 24 to 72 hours after treatment, your skin may feel like it is sunburned and it will appear slightly pink or red with some mild to moderate swelling. The redness or pinkness will fade within that period of time. As you continue treatment, the redness or pinkness process will repeat. Using a moisturizer will help to reduce the flakiness and you may apply mineral makeup the following day.
What precautions should I take after a Palomar™ skin resurfacing laser treatment?
Before and following treatment, it is important to apply a sunscreen of SPF 30 at least twice a day. Also, avoid direct sun exposure during the healing process and for at least three months following treatment.
VelaShape™
What is the VelaShape™?
The VelaShape is the first Class II medical device cleared by the FDA for the treatment of cellulite and body contouring without surgery or needles. The VelaSmooth was the first generation system that combined vacuum suction, mechanical rollers, and heating through infrared light and bipolar RF energy. Since opening in 2005 Forever Young has performed over 2,300 VelaSmooth procedures. The VelaShape is the next generation system from Syneron that offers a clinical FDA approved reduction in cellulite and contouring of lipodystrophies (unwanted lumps, bumps and bulges).
How does the VelaShape™ work?
Vacuum suction and massage from the mechanical rollers draw circulation into the local area for increased oxygen availability, as well as manipulation of the tissue for drainage of trapped fluids through the lymphatic system. You may have heard of Endermology which uses this type of technology. The VelaShape however adds intense heat from the infrared light source and the bi-polar RF is deployed into the hypodermis to facilitate the use of energy from adipocytes in this layer. The VelaShape has 10 times the effective power of the original VelaSmooth. Use of these stored triglycerides results in the shrinkage of the actual fat cell and reduces the total volume within the fat chamber. This is how cellulite appears reduced even after only a few treatment sessions. Focal aggressive treatment to specific lipodystrophic areas such as “love handles” and “saddlebags” results in contouring of the area. There is often visible and measurable contouring of the lumps and bumps as evidenced by post-treatment photos, girth measurements, and what most patients love the most….how their favorite pair of jeans seem to fit much better! In fact in the VelaShape FDA trials the average patient lost from 1 inch up to as much as 3 inches.
What is cellulite?
Cellulite is a phenomenon which occurs primarily in women but sometimes in men as well. Uneven tension within the hypodermal layer of fat creates an uneven skin surface and dimpling. Hypertrophied adipocytes, trapped lymph and poor circulation all contribute to the cellulite phenomenon.
What results can one expect from the VelaShape treatment?
Where the original VelaSmooth required 15 sessions to obtain results the VelaShape only requires 4 sessions. Improvement of cellulite in treated areas, firmer and tighter skin surface is also reported. Most patients notice re-contouring of areas such as saddlebags, love handles which are measurable by a reduction in circumference or girth from 1 inch on average up to as much as 3 inches. Added benefits of treatment include improved circulation and relief from muscles aches in the treated areas.
How often are treatments done?
The initial treatment series consists of 4 treatment sessions & treatments are performed once a week per area being treated. Many patients treat more than one area per week. Maintenance treatments are typically done once a quarter after the initial series in order to keep up the results achieved. Each treatment session is between 20-45 minutes long but this time varies depending on your size and how many treatment sites are indicated.
How many treatments are needed?
Most patients achieve noticeable improvement after just a few sessions. Some patients with more severe cellulite or lipodystrophy may not be good candidates or would benefit from additional sessions after the initial treatment series. Maintenance treatments are done quarterly thereafter.
What happens after each treatment?
The treated area may appear flushed or pink from the heat for a short while, and may feel warm for several hours after treatment. One can resume normal activities immediately.
How does the patient tolerate VelaShape™ treatments?
The treatment is comfortable; it feels like a warm deep tissue massage for most patients. There is some pinkness to the skin and the areas feel warm for a short while after a completed treatment session. Normal activities are resumed immediately.
Is treatment with the VelaShape™ safe?
Treatment is very safe for all skin colors and can be performed even on tanned skin. There are no long-term health hazards from light or RF energies.
Who should get VelaShape™ treatment for cellulite?
Anyone who wants improvement of the appearance of cellulite in the thighs, hips, buttocks or Body Contouring of unwanted bulges and disproportionate fatty areas. The effects of body contouring and reduction of girth for some patients may be enhanced by compliance to healthy lifestyle.
IPL Photofacial
What is IPL?
Intense Pulsed Light; is a broad spectrum light that evens out the skin color and treats vascular or pigmented imperfections.
What types of things can be treated?
Broken capillaries, unwanted freckles, facial spider veins, sun damage on hands, face and decollate, hyper/ hypopigmentation and Rosacea.
Is there any post treatment necessary?
A good sun block is required daily while in treatment and for 6 weeks after treatment. Also unlike other IPL’s Palomar’s PhotoFacial only requires 3 sessions not 5 or 6.
Does it hurt?
There may be some discomfort. No anesthetic is necessary. Most patients rate it at as mildly uncomfortable but not painful.
How will I look and feel after the treatment?
You won’t look much different immediately after the procedure, but over the next 24 hours your skin will probably become somewhat pink and a bit swollen, similar to mild sunburn. The skin may also feel sensitive: these side effects are normal and expected, and will subside after about 48 hours. Most guests are delighted with the outcome, even after just one treatment. Typically skin is younger and healthier looking.
Corrective Laser ACNE Treatments and Chemical Peels
Palomar Laser Acne Treatment Description
Acne is the most commonly diagnosed skin disorder in the United States, topping the list of reasons that patients seek out the help of a dermatologist. While studies show that acne is not caused by diet or stress but by physiological factors such as hormones, excess oil and bacteria, patients often place the blame on their own shoulders.
Acne lesions are prevalent on parts of the body where there is a high concentration of pores that contain oil-producing sebaceous follicles, such as the face, neck, chest, shoulders and upper back. When these follicles become clogged and inflamed, blackheads and whiteheads develop, If a whitehead or blackhead ruptures, its infected contents come into contact with the skin and the infection spreads - producing what is classically referred to as pimples. In a worst-case scenario, the pimples become so badly infected it turns into a cyst that is located deep in the skin. If left untreated, these painful lesions can lead to an acne scar.
Today, the Palomar LUX V is used almost exclusively to successfully treat active acne. The main benefit in the use of the LUX V is that it can clear acne without producing a notable injury to the outer layer of the skin. Non-ablative therapy works by targeting the overactive sebaceous glands that are responsible for acne. The laser emits a wavelength of light that is strongly absorbed by water within the skin. This generates heat in and around the sebaceous glads. By creating a mild thermal injury just below the skin's surface, the LUX V alters the structure and function of the sebaceous glad, leading to prolonged acne clearance.
The LUX V treatment typically takes about 20 minutes depending on location and amount of lesions. The patient will experience a slight snapping or stinging sensation that is alleviated by the patented cooling technology of the LUX V. A series of treatments are delivered at different intervals in order to achieved the desired clearance.
Marked reduction in acne lesions often occurs within a couple of treatment sessions, and a series of treatments should result in acne clearance for more than six months. Side effects are limited to mild redness and swelling which will not interfere with a patient's daily activities
Chemical Peels
How do they work?
Salicylic Acid and/or Glycolic acids are used to remove the dead skin cells, improve skin texture, fine lines and overall appearance of the skin.
Are chemical peels painful?
There maybe mild discomfort with some of the stronger peels. Most guests say there is a stinging or itching sensation depending on the type of peel you are having.
Is there any pretreatment necessary?
No.
Is there any post treatment necessary?
Use of sun block is recommended. There will be some mild peeling or redness after the treatment. A home care regimen will be explained to you to follow to maintain the benefits of the treatments.
DNA Live Stem Cell Cryo Therapy
Where do the stem cells come from?
They are obtained from bovine (cow) amniotic fluid. A special herd of bovine is raised under controlled conditions in France. They are organically fed, nurtured and no vaccines or hormones are administered to ensure the highest standards of health. The extractions are carefully timed to achieve maximum amounts of stem cells, which have not become specific to the bovine genetic composition but contain the DNA information to convert to human genetic composition, specifically that of human skin. Science already knows that animal cultivated organs have made medical history while co-existing with the human body once implanted. This compatibility also applies to human skin.
Are the bovines harmed during the extraction?
No. This process has not and will never harm animals. The amniotic fluid is quickly replenished by fresh fluid.
How are the stem cells preserved?
The cells are cryogenically (frozen) preserved. Keeping them frozen allows them to stay fresh and active.
Is this a safe therapy?
Yes. It has been extensively studied and tested to meet the strictest of consumer safety standards. It has also been approved by the FDA since 2000.
How do the stem cells work?
Stem cells are the most powerful living thing that can reorganize, heal and create new tissue for skin regeneration. When the stem cells come into contact with living human skin it begins to reorganize and share its biologically flawless information with the aged and/or damaged cells. This allows future generations of skin to regenerate much stronger and younger looking skin.
How many treatments do I need to see results?
The results are virtually immediate. You will see a change after the first treatment. The benefits from each treatment will gradually increase over a period of 144 hours (6 days) after treatment. It is recommended that you have a series of 6 treatments and after the 6th treatment you will have affected 6 generations of skin.
VibraDermabrasion
How does VibraDermabrasion works?
Vibraderm tackles dull skin, fine lines and wrinkles, pore size, acne scars, and age spots. It can even help to elleviate or minimize dry or oily skin. Like other treatments such as MicroDermabrasion, Vibraderm works by sloughing off the dull, damaged top layers of the skin, Vibraderm lets the healthy glow of the newer layers appear, But Vibraderm goes farther than other treatments by also encouraging new collage production. This means that not only will the surface of your skin look better, but that it will also be more firmly supported by the deeper layers. Skin becomes less slack, and more firm and supple.
In addition, Vibraderm creates less redness and discomfort, making it the preferred treatment in studies comparing it with MicroDermabrasion.
How does Vibraderm differ from older MicroDermabrasion?
In the past, microdremabrasion machines have used particles of aluminum oxide or other crystals to "Sandblast" the skin. These older machines, including the Diamond Tome™ (which is now considered older technology), treat a very small spot size, making it difficult to treat a large area. Both crystal-type machines and Diamond Tome™ are rough and irritating to the skin.
Older machines are outdated and have been shown to be dangerous and toxic because of the crystals or contaminants. Aluminum oxide and crystal microdermabrasion machines have been shown to leave residues in the skin causing inflammatory reactions and contact dermatitis and actually worsening the skin condition one is trying to improve.
Further, studies have shown aluminum oxide and crystal machines cause respiratory tract problems for both patients and technicians. VIBRADERM USES NO CRYSTALS AND USES NO SUCTION! These older and out-dated machines that use crystals and suction can cause erythema (redness) for a couple days to weeks. Further the “suction” component of these older machines has been known to cause and worsen blood vessel formation on the skin.
How do VibraDermabrasion treatments feel?
Vibraderm uses a unique, vibrating stainless steel paddle that exfoliates the skin in four simple passes. It has four different paddle sizes and can be adjusted to work at different levels – this way many different parts of the face and body can be treated. Vibraderm works well on the face, the neck, the chest and the hands.
Unlike other methods which use Aluminum Oxide to “sandblast” the surface of the skin, Vibraderm’s unique paddles have fixed surface abrasives. This means that the treatment is much cleaner with less “mess,” and that larger areas can be treated at once.
Treatments typically take less than 30 minutes to perform and require virtually no downtime. This makes Vibraderm easy to fit into busy schedules and ensures that people can get back to their active lifestyles. Sometimes a temporary redness will be visible for up to one hour after treatment.
What can VibraDermabrasion treat?
Vibraderm uses “sonic vibration technology“, the state of the art, and the most expensive machine in the industry. The Vibraderm hand-piece uses a large surface coated with fixed abrasives.
Large areas can be treated evenly with less irritation. Areas treated can include most any place on the body. The face and neck remain the most popular areas. Patients have also had their backs, arms, hands, knees, legs, and thighs treated. Nearly any part of the body can be treated.
Some patients and clinics have found Vibraderm useful for cellulite smoothing. Vibraderm has been shown to be an excellent complimentary treatment with Thermage Non-Surgical Rejuvenation. It has been shown to be an excellent smoothing and exfoliation method for acne, acne scarring and other scars.
Vibradermabrasion can improve keratosis pilaris (the fine permanent goose bump type lesions on arms and legs). Syringomas and hyperplastic sebaceous glands on the face also frequently respond to Vibraderm.
Common treatment conditions for VIBRADERM include:
- Acne Prone Skin
- Blackheads and Whiteheads (Comedones)
- Acne Scarring
- Sun Damaged Skin
- Rough Skin Any Location
- Fine Wrinkles
- Hyperpigmentation
- Melasma
- Superficial Age Spots
- Oily Skin
- Keratosis pilaris
- Sebaceous hyperplasia
- Syringomas
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