Frequently Asked Questions
Difference Between a Laser Peel and a Chemical Peel
Spray Tanning Pre/Post Care Instructions (Printable PDF)
Laser Hair Removal
- How Does a Laser Work?
- Can All Hair Be Treated?
- How Will my Skin Be Affected?
- Does The Treatment Hurt?
- How Will I Look After The Treatment?
- How Many Treatments Will I Need?
- How Often Will I Have Treatments?
Q. How Does a Laser Work?
A. A laser produces a beam of concentrated light. Different types of lasers produce different colors of light. The color of light produced by a laser is the key to its effect on hair follicles.The pigment located in the hair follicle absorbs the light. This fraction of a second pulse of light vaporizes the pigment, destroying several follicles with each pulse.
Q. Can All Hair Be Treated?
A. All hair that has pigment can be treated. The laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle. Pigment is only present during the hair’s growth cycle. Red and white/gray hair does not respond to laser treatment. Alternative treatments include electrolysis or waxing and are services we also provide.
Q. How Will my Skin Be Affected?
A. The cooling hand piece protects the skin while the laser is bringing energy to the pigment.
Q. Does The Treatment Hurt?
A. There is a slight stinging feeling. Most people tolerate it with no problems. Topical anesthesia is always available if you request it. We also use a zimmer Chiller for your comfort.
Q. How Will I Look After The Treatment?
A. You may have a minor redness or swelling at the treatment site. This usually goes away within a short period of time.
Q. How Many Treatments Will I Need?
A. Approximately 20-30% of your hair grows in one area at any given time. You will have reduction after each treatment based on the amount of pigment present at the time of the treatment. Unfortunately, this is not an exact science and we cannot guarantee an exact number of treatments each individual will need. Plan on at least six. We have a program for half price treatments for touch ups if they are needed after six treatments at the appropriate intervals.
Q. How Often Will I Have Treatments?
A. You can expect to need treatments every 4 to 8 weeks for up to 4 to 6 treatments total for optimal hair reduction. For follow up after the initial treatments, you may need to schedule a touch-up appointment if you see re-growth.
532 Diode Laser
- How Does the Vascular Laser Work?
- What Conditions Can Be Treated With the Laser?
- What Can a Patient Expect Before and After Treatment?
Q. How does the vascular laser work?
A. A laser generates an intense beam of light. This beam brings energy to a specific site, through a small hand piece connected to the laser console.
The laser light is absorbed by oxyhemoglobin (bright red blood cells carrying oxygen) and melanin/pigment (black or brown pigmnet found in the skin) causing decomposition or destruction by heat of unwanted cells while leaving healthy cells intact.
Q. What conditions can be treated with the laser?
A. All of the following:
Vascular Lesions
Telangiectasia- facial spider veins caused by a dilation of capillary vessels or arterioles.
Cherry Angiomas- slightly raised, red lesions.
Rosacea- red facial lesions around the nose and cheeks that causes a sunburn look.
Lentigines- flat brown spots on the skin. They present on skin with frequent sun exposure.
Keratoses- slightly elevated pigmented spots that are often found on backs and on hands.
Freckles- brownish spots on the skin. They are common on people with fair skin.
Dermatosis Papulosis Nigra- small, black marks seen primarily on people of Asian or African decent.
Q. What can a patient expect during and after treatment?
A. Treatment may vary depending on patient characteristics and the area being treated.
You will be asked to wear special goggles to protect your eyes from the intense beam of laser light.
You will be placed in a reclined position depending on the location of the treatment. The technician will use a pencil thin hand piece to direct a beam of light to the lesion. In most cases anesthesia is not required.
Some patients report feeling a slight stinging sensation during the treatment followed by some redness, which usually goes away in 2-4 hours. Some swelling may also be experienced and may last 1-2 days. There will not be any purple skin discoloration or bruised appearance to the treated skin.
Post treatment care is minimal. You may need to use an antibacterial ointment on the treated area for a short period of time and might need to stay out of the sun during the healing process.
RADIESSE Wrinkle Filler
- What is RADIESSE wrinkle filler?
- What is the difference between RADIESSE filler and other fillers?
- How does RADIESSE work?
- How soon can I expect results?
- How long do the results last?
- How much does RADIESSE cost?
- Does it hurt?
- What is it made of?
- How is the treatment performed?
- Are there any side effects?
- How long is the recovery time?
- Where can I find out more about RADIESSE wrinkle filler?
- Important RADIESSE® Wrinkle Filler Treatment Considerations
Q. What is RADIESSE wrinkle filler?
A. RADIESSE® wrinkle filler is an injectable filler that works by immediately restoring facial volume to smooth out the signs of aging. Once injected, it works with your body to stimulate the production of your own natural collagen for results that may last a year or more in many patients.
Q. What is the difference between RADIESSE filler and other fillers?
A. RADIESSE filler is the only calcium-based filler that stimulates collagen production for long-lasting results. Furthermore, RADIESSE wrinkle filler has the unique ability to treat a broad range of patients no matter how moderate or severe their wrinkles are. Just one RADIESSE syringe can provide the full correction you need!
Q. How does it work?
A. Once injected, RADIESSSE wrinkle filler does exactly as it says: it fills or replenishes volume lost over time for a more refreshed looking you. Then it goes to work by stimulating your body to produce its own natural collagen. Over time, your body absorbs the product and leaves behind only your own natural collagen for long-lasting results.
Q. How soon can I expect results?
A. Instantly! Immediately upon injection, RADIESSE wrinkle filler restores volume to smooth out the signs of aging.
Q. How long does it last?
A. Not only does RADIESSE wrinkle filler provide immediate correction, the natural, beautiful results may last a year or more in many patients.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. That is the best part about RADIESSE wrinkle filler – it is affordable for everyone! Because of multiple syringe sizes, RADIESSE filler can treat a broad range of patients based on their individual needs. Just one syringe can provide full correction! After your consultation, we will be able to determine what syringe size is best for you and provide you with a customized cost estimate.
Q. Does it hurt?
A. RADIESSE® wrinkle filler is FDA approved to mix with lidocaine (an anesthetic). That means you can experience a more comfortable wrinkle treatment. In fact, in a clinical study, using RADIESSE wrinkle filler mixed with lidocaine significantly reduced pain in 90% of patients treated.
Q. What is it made of?
A. RADIESSE wrinkle filler is made of tiny calcium-based microspheres which are suspended in a natural, water-based gel. These calcium based microspheres are similar to a mineral that is found naturally in your body so allergy testing is not required. Over time, your body absorbs these tiny microspheres and the gel and leaves behind only your own natural collagen.
Q. How is the treatment performed?
A. RADIESSE wrinkle filler is injected into the skin in a simple, safe, quick
procedure that can even be done over your lunch hour. RADIESSE injections are more comfortable because it has been FDA approved for mixing with lidocaine, a kind of anesthetic.
Q. Are there any side effects?
A. Just like any injection, you may experience mild irritation, swelling, itching, redness, bruising or tenderness at the injection site. These typically resolve on their own. If any of these side effects persist, contact us immediately.
Q. How long is the recovery time?
A. There is very little to no down-time involved in a RADIESSE procedure. In fact, most patients return to their normal, daily activities right after their visit. Every patient is unique, so be sure to discuss your plans with Dr. Pittman or Patricia Stupfel, NP in your consultation.
Q. Where can I find out more about RADIESSE wrinkle filler?
A.www.RADIESSE.com is a great source to find more information about the product. To get more personalized information, the best thing to do is call us at 503.371.VEIN (8346) to schedule a consultation with us.
Q. Important RADIESSE® Wrinkle Filler Treatment Considerations
A. RADIESSE wrinkle filler is FDA-approved for subdermal implantation for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds. After injection, patients may experience redness, bruising, swelling or other local side effects. Most side effects of treatment resolve within a few days. More rare side effects may include swelling that lasts longer, unevenness or firmness in the area injected, and as with any injection, there may be a risk of infection.
Copyright © 2010 BioForm Medical, Inc. All rights reserved. MERZ AESTHETICS is a trademark of Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KGaA. RADIESSE is a registered trademark of BioForm Medical, Inc.
Difference between a laser peel and chemical peel
