Laser Hair Removal FAQs >>
Photofacials & Pulsed Light Technology FAQs >>
BOTOX® & Fillers >>
Microdermabrasion & Chemical Peels FAQs >>



Laser Hair Removal

How does laser hair removal work?
The laser works by a principle called Selective Photothermolysis. The laser is pulsed (turned on) for a millisecond emitting a beam of light on to the skin. The light energy passes harmlessly through the skin, but is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle and hair shaft. By absorbing this laser energy, the hair follicles are disabled, impairing their ability to grow. Hair does not actively grow at the same time, and has three stages during the growth cycle. The hair follicles in the first stage of growth are the darkest and absorb the most energy. A patented Chill Tip cooling handpiece protects the outer layer of skin, and has a mild anesthetic property allowing areas to be treated as painlessly as possible.

Does the laser treatment hurt?
Most clients describe it as a little uncomfortable, similar to a rubber band being snapped on the skin. Because some areas of the body are more sensitive, you may want to use a topical anesthetic. Applying this anesthetic prior to treatment will lessen any discomfort.

How long is the treatment?Treatment time can vary based on the area. The upper lip takes only a few minutes while the back or legs can take up to an hour. Results vary based on skin tone, hair follicles, and growth stage. Multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve desired results. Post-treatment effects also vary depending on individual circumstances and stage of treatment.

How many treatments does it take?
The laser works by disabling hair in the active growth stage (anagen) at the time of treatment. Because not all hairs are in this stage during treatment, additional treatments will be necessary to disable all the hair follicles in the treated area. Treatments are usually given at intervals of 4-6 weeks, or when new hair growth is noticed. Our clinicians can discuss your goals to develop a program based on your specific circumstance.

What happens to the skin after treatment?
Within about 30 minutes of treatment, the area may become pink or red. Clients describe it as mild sunburn, and this reaction usually subsides within a day or so. Because the laser does not damage the skin, no bandages are necessary. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe a topical cream to apply to the treated areas.

What should I do after I am treated?
Following treatment, you can return to your normal activities, and treated areas should be handled with care. Avoid: Retin-A, alphahydroxy acids, glycolic acids, and astringents. You may clean the area using mild soap and water. You should avoid tanning and use a sunscreen on any treated areas exposed to the sun.

What should I expect?
Around 3-10 days after treatment hairs will begin to surface. Most of these hairs were treated and are “falling out.” It is not regrowth. The hair follicles need to purge the hairs that remained under the skin. Please refrain from waxing, plucking, or bleaching between treatments (shaving is okay). You may want to use a loofah or glove to help remove the hair as it falls out.

Does insurance pay for cosmetic and laser services?
No, we do not bill insurance companies. We can, however, structure a payment plan to accommodate individual circumstances.
We also accept Care Credit which helps you pay for healthcare procedures not covered by insurance. Extended payment plans and low fixed interest rates are available.  More >>



Photofacials & Pulsed Light Technology

How does Pulsed Light Technology work?
Pulses of intense, concentrated light are directed onto the skin and absorbed by the melanin in pigmented lesions, such as age, sun, and liver spots. Eliminating broken capillaries and treating rosacea is a bit different. The pulsed light weakens the walls of the vessel, heating the hemoglobin, causing it to collapse and disappear. Pulsed light systems are similar to lasers, but use a larger, more diffused beam for safe, fast and comfortable treatments.

Does the treatment hurt?
You may experience a feeling similar to that of a rubber band being snapped on the skin. Most patients do not report this sensation as painful. Protective goggles are worn during procedures, and patients have told us that they are more surprised by the pulse of light and the sound it makes, than the actual sensation.

What will I look like post-treatment?
You may experience temporary redness, akin to a mild sunburn, which can last for a few hours to a few days, depending on your skin type. Only the lesions treated (not the entire surface area) will darken and crust, naturally shedding from the skin after approximately 10 days. It is mildly noticeable, but won’t dramatically affect your appearance. It is important to protect treated skin from the damaging rays of the sun, using a full-spectrum sunblock. Otherwise, you can cleanse and moisturize treated areas normally.

How long will the effects last?
The treated spots will remain darker for approximately 7-10 days. You will notice a gradual lightening of the spots, until they are gone. Sun spots can return if you do not use proper protection, and conditions such as rosacea or birthmarkes may require ongoing treatments.

How many treatments will I need?
It depends upon the condition being treated. You will see immediate results following the treatment of capillaries and pigmented lesions, and some lesions may require several treatments to fully erase or remove. The full results of a Photofacial are not truly seen until the darkened treated spots have shed from the surface of your skin. You will notice a more even tone to your skin, and a healthier glow, in addition to the lessened and/or disappeared lesions. A consultation with your clinician will help determine the amount of treatments you will need to achieve desired results.


Botox® & Fillers

BOTOX®

How does BOTOX® work?
Muscles are given electrical messages to move transmitted by a substance called acetylcholine. These repeated contractions over time can cause lines and wrinkles. BOTOX® Botulinum Toxin Type A blocks the release of acetylcholine so the muscle doesn't receive the message to contract. Once the muscles are unable to contract, the skin becomes smoother.

How is BOTOX® administered?
BOTOX® is injected into the muscles of the facial area being treated with a very fine needle. This must be administered by a licensed physician or our nurse practitioner.

Does the treatment hurt?
Patients have reported slight temporary discomfort from the procedure in the area of injection. The treatment is very quick and involves a minor sting for only a few seconds.

When does BOTOX® start to work?
The results of Botox treatment will start to appear within 24 to 48 hours. The maximal effect occurs within 2 to 7 days. Gradually, over 3 to 5 months, the muscles will regain their ability to flex.

How long does the effect last?
Results will vary from patient to patient but typical results show the effect to last from 3 to 5 months. Some patients have shown results up to 8 months. The effects vary depending on individual circumstances such as age, skin and area being treated.

How long does the BOTOX® injection take?
The treatment takes only a few minutes.

What are the side effects of BOTOX® treatments?
BOTOX® injections are very well tolerated and have very few side effects. BOTOX injections have been shown to actually have an unusual positive "side effect". According to two studies presented at the 1999 annual meeting of The American Association for the Study of Headache in Boston, injecting Botulinum toxin type A (Botox, Allergan) into the muscles of the forehead can reduce the frequency of migraines in both men and women. The need for pain medication was reduced or eliminated in most patients. For more information about the safety and side effects of BOTOX®, please click here.

Restylane

How does Restylane work?
Restylane gel is injected into the skin in tiny amounts with a very fine needle to add volume and smooth out wrinkles.

Which areas of the face can be treated with Restylane?
Restylane can be used to make lips fuller, to restore areas that have developed lines and wrinkles and redefining facial contours. The most common uses are the areas between the eyebrows, from the root of the nose to the angle of the mouth, and the lips, although not limited to these.

What can I expect after the treatment?
Immediately, you will experience slight redness, tenderness and itching in the treated area, and some swelling. This is a normal reaction. It is temporary and disappears within a few days. For more information about the side effects of restylane treatments, please click here.

What causes wrinkles?
Over time, skin undergoes many changes including a
decrease in cell division and the thinning of the inner
layers (the dermis) of the skin. Fat cells beneath the
dermis diminish as well as its network of elastin and
collagen fibers. Permanent small muscle contractions
can also cause common wrinkles referred to as frown
lines or crow’s feet. Sun damage is the most important
cause of premature aging of the skin and skin cancers.

Microdermabrasion & Chemical Peels

How do these treatments work?
Microdermabrasion (Particle Skin Resurfacing) involves a highly controlled spray of fine salicylic acid crystals, with the spray applied under vacuum pressure. The crystals and the vacuum application erase imperfections and sun damage without assaulting the skin’s integrity. The stronger the vacuum pressure, the more effective the procedure, and Essentially Bare uses the strongest vacuum pressure, available to physicians only. The painless result: a dramatically smoother and more youthful appearance.

Chemical Peels are composed of Salicylic acid, or beta hydroxyacid, which is found naturally in the bark of the willow tree. High concentrations of salicylic acid comfortably and safely exfoliate the dead cells of the skin, encouraging the skin’s natural process of regeneration. The peel is applied to the skin and left on for approximately 5 minutes. It lifts off the dead, damaged skin, creating a smooth surface, even complexion, and a youthful, healthy glow.

Do they hurt?
No, Microdermabrasion is relatively painless. Chemical peels have been described as a tingling/hot sensation.
What will I look like post-treatment?
You may experience a temporary pinkness, which can last for a few hours, depending upon your skin type. With a chemical peel, your skin may peel to some degree. Most patients can resume normal activities immediately. It is important to protect treated skin from the damaging rays of the sun, using a full-spectrum sunblock. Your clinician will advise you of post-treatement care.

How many treatments do I need?
Both Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels help improve the skin’s appearance, and can last for weeks. We often use these in combination with Pulsed Light (Photofacial) Technology for more intensive treatments. With a treatment plan, Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels can keep skin looking healthy and younger, and decrease redness left by acne scars and other imperfections. Occasional microdermabrasion and chemical peels are also great for special occasions, when you just want a healthy glow.

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