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Laser light pulse technology is highly effective at hair removal but can also be used as a non-invasive way to resurface the outer layer of the skin. This allows treatment of several types of skin blemishes, including fine lines and wrinkles, sun or age spots, uneven pigmentation, and loose or stretched skin.

Laser skin resurfacing can also be used to treat uneven skin texture and traumatic scars, including acne scars.

What Type of Laser is Used?

Lasers used for skin resurfacing differ from those used for hair removal in one important respect. Instead of creating light pulses that are focused onto hair follicles beneath the skin’s surface, lasers used for skin resurfacing are known as fractionated lasers. These lasers create thousands of very fine lines of focused light energy.

How do Fractionated Lasers Work to Resurface the Skin?

The light energy is concentrated into fine lines, which penetrate relatively deep into the skin. The light energy does not damage the outer layer of the skin but leads to the creation of new tissue underneath. It also stimulates ongoing collagen production – collagen is key to the skin’s resiliency, elasticity, and overall tone. The overall effect is to accelerate skin healing, leading to effective rejuvenation of the skin from deep inside.

The fractionated nature of the light energy limits the percentage of affected skin cells in the area being treated to between 20% and 25%. This means that only a fraction of skin cells are exposed to the laser light during each treatment session. Limiting the number of cells that are exposed to the laser energy results in faster overall healing in the targeted area and reduces undesirable redness and swelling after treatment.

The treatment is typically repeated between three to five times, performed every four to six weeks. This allows time for the skin to heal after each treatment; multiple treatments allow for the most complete effect to be achieved while minimizing the recovery time and allowing improvements to become apparent in a more gradual and natural-looking manner.

How Well Can Lasers Treat Scars?

Acne scars can take several forms, ranging from various degrees of skin depression and skin pigmentation changes to more severe cases where the skin has become raised and thickened. They are also typically accompanied by skin texture changes. The fractionated resurfacing laser is well-positioned to treat thick and/or bumpy scar tissue. The laser treatment may not be able to make severe scars disappear entirely, but it should be able to reduce the visibility and severity of the scar significantly.

The skills and experience of the practitioner performing the procedure are extremely important – the technique requires considerable skill on the part of the person wielding the laser, and the procedure is capable of producing poor or even dangerous results in the hands of an inexperienced or poorly trained practitioner.

In some cases, the best results may be obtained by combining laser skin resurfacing with other non-invasive cosmetic treatments, such as dermal fillers. Our recommendation is to find a qualified and experienced practitioner who specializes both in laser skin resurfacing as well as in a wide range of other cosmetic procedures.

Your Laser Skin Care

Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and highly experienced in performing laser skin resurfacing. We can provide expert advice on the best ways to address your particular situation and will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you have. We also have extensive experience with a wide variety of other non-invasive cosmetic procedures, including dermal fillers. We can help you choose the safest, most effective, and most cost-effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation, or visit us online for more information.

As we’ve discussed several times, laser hair removal is a popular and effective way to remove unwanted hair from pretty much anywhere on the body. However, due to the cyclic way that individual hair follicles pass through dormant and active growth phases, achieving complete (or nearly complete) hair removal from any particular area requires multiple treatments.

Hair Follicle Growth Phases

Individual hair follicles actually cycle through multiple phases: starting with a growth phase, followed by a transitional phase during which the hair stops growing and starts to separate from the follicle. Finally, follicles pass through a resting phase, during which they prepare for the next growth cycle. Hair strands are shed during this phase.

The growth phase can last anywhere from two to seven years, while the transitional phase is far shorter, between two and three weeks. The final phase lasts around three months.

The multiple phases are important as the laser hair removal technique is only effective when individual hair follicles are in their growth phase; at any given time, perhaps 75% of hair follicles are in this state.

The important thing to remember is that individual hair follicles follow this cycle independently of each other. If you look at any area of the body, you’ll find a mixture of hair follicles in all of the growth phases.

Speed of Hair Follicle Growth

The actual speed that hair grows varies widely from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the age of the individual, various external environmental factors, and their genetic and racial backgrounds. In addition to this, hair on different parts of the body grows at different rates.

Recommended Laser Treatment Intervals

Your initial laser hair removal treatment will be able to target the 75% of hair follicles that are in their active growth phase; subsequent treatments will have to wait for the remaining hair follicles to cycle through their transitional and resting phases before they too can be effectively treated.

Your practitioner will evaluate your particular situation before suggesting a specific treatment interval – it’s typical to wait between 3 and 5 weeks between treatments and to repeat the treatments between six and twelve times. Facial hair often has a faster growth cycle, and a two-week interval between treatments may be recommended. Treatment intervals may also be adjusted to take account of your particular hair type and condition.

Your Laser Skin Care

Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and highly experienced in performing laser hair removal. We can provide expert advice on the best ways to address your particular situation and will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you have. We also have extensive experience with a wide variety of other non-invasive cosmetic procedures. We can help you choose the safest, most effective, and most cost-effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation, or visit us online for more information.

Sculptra Aesthetic is an FDA-approved injectable that can help combat the wrinkles and facial sagging that occurs when the body’s natural production of collagen decreases as we age. Sculptra Aesthetic can also promote natural-looking progressive rejuvenation as it helps to stimulate the ongoing production of collagen.

Men’s faces are every bit as likely as women’s to develop lines as they age; although men are typically less sensitive to minor wrinkles, the weakening in facial structure that occurs as collagen becomes scarcer can produce changes to one’s appearance than can be every bit as distressing.

The Role of Collagen

Collagen is a protein that is synthesized by the body – it forms fibers that form the basis for the body’s connective tissue. As such, it plays a crucial role in our skin, muscles, tendons, and cartilage, as well as in other vital parts of the body, such as corneas and blood vessels. Collagen also plays a key role whenever the body needs to heal from wounds or damage.

Collagen, together with elastin and keratin, is responsible for our skin’s strength and elasticity. The body starts to produce slightly less collagen as we age – a gradual reduction in collagen production starts when we’re in our 20’s, and the cumulative loss of collagen is the primary reason for the externally visible cosmetic changes that come with advancing age.

Loss of skin volume and tone, and the lines, wrinkles, and sagging that develop are primarily caused by the depletion of collagen over time.

How Does Sculptra Work?

Sculptra Aesthetic contains a synthetic biodegradable polymer (PLLA) that is injected into the underlying layers of the skin. It acts to replace lost collagen by increasing the resiliency and volume of the skin, but it also acts to stimulate the body’s natural production of collagen.

What Problems Can it Address?

In the hands of a skillful practitioner, Sculptra Aesthetic can be used to restore lost facial volume, fill sunken areas, and greatly reduce lines, wrinkles, folds, and the appearance of many types of scar tissue.

It’s often used to reduce the appearance of the nasolabial lines that form between the lower region of the nose and the corners of the mouth; it’s also widely used to reduce the appearance of loose or sagging jawlines and uneven skin texture around the chin.

Sometimes quite subtle improvements can be achieved with Sculptra Aesthetic, rejuvenating your appearance while maintaining and even enhancing your masculine characteristics.

Are Results Natural-Looking?

Sculptra Aesthetic is normally injected over the course of several treatments, spaced apart by approximately four weeks. The results develop slowly after each treatment, so the overall effect is that of a natural, gradual improvement. Of course, the skill and experience of your practitioner are also extremely important – they can help ensure that facial changes remain natural-looking and well balanced while not making it obvious that you’ve undergone a cosmetic procedure.

Your Laser Skin Care

Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and highly experienced in using Sculptra Aesthetic on both male and female patients. We can provide expert advice on the best ways to address your particular situation and will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you have. We also have extensive experience with a wide variety of other non-invasive cosmetic procedures and can help you choose the safest, most effective, and most cost-effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation, or visit us online for more information.

Laser hair removal is one of the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedures performed today. It can be used on pretty much any area where you’d like to stop having to regularly shave, wax, tweeze, or apply depilatory cream. It has several advantages over other hair removal methods, ranging from eliminating stubble, skin irritation, razor burn, and ingrown hairs. It can help stop the hyperpigmentation that those with dark complexions can be prone to. But its big advantage is that it can provide a permanent solution by preventing hair regrowth and with it the need to regularly repeat the hair removal process.

Progressive Hair Removal

Laser hair removal uses the same principle wherever it’s used – energy from focused laser light pulses is used to heat up and damage individual hair follicles in the area being treated. All hair follicles go through periodic cycles where they grow and then lay dormant. Laser pulses only have the desired effect on hair follicles that are in their growth phase, and hence several treatments are needed to effectively treat all hair follicles in a given area.

Treated hairs don’t immediately fall out following treatment – they’re shed gradually in the days following each session. Some hairs may re-grow after falling out, but typically much finer and lighter-colored than before. As sessions are repeated, this re-growth slows and eventually stops altogether.

Underarm Hair Removal

Using laser hair removal under-arm is very similar to using it on other body parts. You may find that your under-arm hair is coarser than other parts of your body, and your armpit skin may be more sensitive and irritation-prone than other areas. You’ll find that laser hair removal will, over time, substantially reduce or eliminate this irritation.

Your practitioner will supply you with a list of several ways to prepare for the procedure, including avoiding using cosmetics, deodorants, and other lotions or creams immediately before treatment. You’ll need to avoid direct sun exposure for several weeks beforehand, as well as stopping using any artificial tanning products. You’ll be asked to shave the area being treated the day before treatment.

Underarms can be quite sensitive, and the laser light pulses can be uncomfortable. Your practitioner will use various techniques to minimize this discomfort, ranging from anesthetic sprays or lotions to the use of cooling jets or pads that numb the area being treated.

In common with laser hair removal in other areas, several laser removal sessions will be needed to permanently stop hair re-growth. You should expect to see increasingly fine hair re-growth after your initial sessions, as each hair removal procedure affects progressively more of the hair follicles.

Choose Your Practitioner with Care

Although the laser hair removal procedure is straightforward, it will pay you to carefully research who you use to perform the procedure. Lasers, although relatively simple to use, can be misused by inexperienced practitioners. You risk not only having to repeat the procedure more than necessary but also unnecessary irritation, burns or even scarring in the hands of inexperienced or inadequately trained practitioners.

Your Laser Skin Care

Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and highly experienced in performing laser hair removal procedures. We can provide expert advice on the best techniques to address your particular situation and will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you have. We also have extensive experience with a wide variety of other non-invasive cosmetic procedures and can help you choose the safest, most effective, and most cost-effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation, or visit us online for more information.

Sunspots are a common type of skin discoloration, typically indicating that excessive exposure to the sun’s UV rays has resulted in skin cell damage accompanied by uneven concentrations of skin pigmentation. They should not be confused with freckles, which are also associated with UV rays exposure but tend to fade when the UV exposure ends.

Lighter-complexions are more susceptible to developing sunspots, but there’s also a genetic component – some people are simply more likely to develop them than others.

Minimizing Sun Exposure

At the risk of stating the obvious, the best way to reduce your chances of developing sunspots is to reduce your exposure to excessive sunlight. You should avoid not only direct high-intensity sunlight but also lower-intensity sunlight, even on cloud-covered days. The UV light that causes sunspots is present on sunny and on cloudy days and can also be intensified when reflected off surfaces such as water, snow, or sand.

Minimizing sun exposure is best achieved by applying a high-SPF rated sunscreen, in combination with wearing sun visors (or loosely fitting hats), sunglasses, and by ensuring that vulnerable body areas are covered by clothing.

Overheated skin is also more likely to develop sunspots, even without direct sunlight exposure. You can use ice, cool water, and even frozen food bags to cool your skin if it’s uncomfortably hot. Water sprays are a particularly effective way to cool down quickly.

Applying Skin Protection

Basic high-SPF sunscreen products are highly recommended, but some products also contain antioxidants that can help to counteract some of the damaging effects of sunlight. Hydrating skin products should also be used to help minimize skin damage – hyaluronic acid-based products are particularly effective at counteracting the dehydrating effects of sun and heat exposure. Some products also combine skin moisturizers with high-SPF sunscreen protection. Your doctor or dermatologist should be able to provide advice on the best product for your skin type and lifestyle.

And if you use sunscreen and/or moisturizer, don’t forget that they need to be re-applied regularly during the day.

Healthy Diet Options

Eating a balanced and healthy diet is, of course, a great idea, whether or not you spend any time in the sun. But there’s some evidence that eating a nutritious diet that contains a variety of antioxidants can also improve your body’s ability to resist and recover from damage caused by excessive sunlight exposure.

Skin Damage Repair

Aloe Vera is a natural product that has been used for generations as a way to help maintain healthy skin, as well as assisting it to recover from damage caused by too much sunlight. It can help reduce discomfort caused by sunburn, as well as dry or irritated skin caused by other irritants.

Your Laser Skin Care

Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and highly experienced in performing non-invasive cosmetic procedures to treat sunspots and other skin imperfections. These can include laser and/or pulsed light treatments and a variety of chemical peels. We can provide expert advice on the best techniques to address your particular situation and will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you have. We also have extensive experience with a wide variety of other non-invasive cosmetic procedures and can help you choose the safest, most effective, and most cost-effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation, or visit us online for more information.

Laser hair removal is a highly effective and simple way to achieve long-term hair removal. However, due to the use of precisely tuned laser light pulses, there are a few precautions you should take prior to the procedure to maximize the benefits and minimize any chance of complications.

For at Least Two Weeks Beforehand

Avoid direct sun exposure to the area being treated and any artificial tanning products and UV tanning beds. Apply sunscreen every day, regardless of the weather. The sunscreen should ideally be at least SPF 30.

Avoid any other cosmetic procedures on the area to be treated during this period, including Botox, dermal fillers, and chemical peels. Also, avoid using any abrasive skincare products.

For Two or Three Days Before Treatment

Avoid the use of creams and lotions containing compounds that might increase your sensitivity to light. Ingredients to be avoided include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinol, and hydroxy acids.

The Day Before

The area to be treated should be completely shaved 24 hours beforehand. It’s important to avoid any other hair removal products or techniques, such as chemical hair removal products, as well as waxing or pulling hair out. This is to ensure that hair follicles (which will be targeted by the laser light pulses during the procedure) are not damaged before treatment. It’s a great idea to also try to get a full night’s sleep before the treatment as a way to help reduce your stress level the day of your treatment.

On the Day of the Procedure

Shower thoroughly, but avoid any and all creams, perfumes, lotions, deodorants, powders, and cosmetics. Ensure that you drink plenty of water during the day – this may also help reduce your pain sensitivity. It may also be a good idea to avoid coffee or tea beforehand, as caffeine can lower your pain threshold. Your practitioner may also recommend that you use medications before treatment to minimize the pain later on. This could include pain killers, numbing creams, or antihistamines.

During the Procedure

The practitioner will review your recent medical history and verify that you’ve avoided using any proscribed products immediately before treatment. Then, they’ll review the proposed treatment and will probably verify that your expectations are reasonable, and that you understand that hair loss will be progressive after treatment, and that several procedures will probably be required.

Depending on the areas being treated, they may supply protective eyewear, as well as ensuring that all body areas not being treated are shielded from any stray light. They will also normally use one or more techniques to minimize any pain or discomfort. This may include taking mild pain killers before treatment, applying numbing cream or lotion, and/or using an ice pack to numb the skin. 

Your Laser Skin Care

Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and highly experienced in performing laser hair removal procedures. We provide expert advice on the best techniques to address your particular concerns and will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you have about the procedure and how best to prepare for it. We also have extensive experience with a wide variety of non-invasive cosmetic procedures. We can help you choose the safest, most effective, and most cost-effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation, or visit us online for more information.

Maintaining a Youthful Look

Reduced Sweating

Muscle Relaxant

Chronic Headaches

Minimal Recovery Period

High Satisfaction Rate

Your Laser Skin Care