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A woman receiving laser hair removal treatment at a clinic.

Laser hair removal is widely used as an effective long-term solution to unwanted hair. With a year-round sunny climate, there is a high demand for this cosmetic procedure here in Los Angeles. While laser hair removal can provide effective and lasting results, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects and know how to prevent them. In this blog post, we’ll explore common side effects of laser hair removal and how to minimize or avoid them.

Common Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal

Skin Irritation, Redness, and Itching

One of the most common side effects of laser hair removal is skin irritation and redness. The laser targets the hair follicles, which can cause short-term inflammation and redness in the treated area. This usually subsides within a few hours to a day after treatment.

Skin Infection

The laser treatment opens your skin pores, which makes them more prone to infection. You can minimize this problem by keeping your skin clean by using mild cooling creams and by avoiding cosmetics and deodorants on the treated areas. It may seem obvious, but you must resist any temptation to scratch the treated area.

Swelling and Discomfort

Some individuals may experience swelling and discomfort immediately after the procedure. Applying a cold compress and using over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate these symptoms.

Skin Discoloration

Changes in skin pigmentation, such as darkening (hyperpigmentation) or lightening (hypopigmentation), can occur after laser hair removal. This is more likely to happen in individuals with darker complexions. However, these changes are usually temporary and fade over time.

Blisters and Crusting

In very rare cases, laser hair removal can lead to blisters or crusting. This is far likelier to happen if the treatment isn’t performed correctly or if the treated area is not properly cared for afterward.

What to Do to Avoid Unwanted Side Effects

To minimize your chance of developing any unwanted side effects, we recommend the following:

Choose a Reputable Practitioner and Follow Their Instructions

Selecting a reputable and experienced clinic for your laser hair removal procedure is crucial. Ensure the technicians performing the treatment are trained and certified to minimize the risk of complications. Carefully follow all instructions your practitioner provides both before and after treatment.

Minimize Sun Exposure

Perhaps the most important recommendation is to avoid excessive sun exposure both before and after treatment. Even artificially tanned skin is more prone to side effects. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to reduce your chance of problems.

Avoid Further Skin Irritations

In the days after treatment, avoid using harsh skin care products, exfoliants, and retinoids on the treated area.

Keep the treated area well-moisturized and hydrated – this will promote faster healing and reduce irritation. Choose gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers if possible.

Your Laser Skin Care

Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and highly experienced in performing laser hair removal procedures. 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.

A woman performing laser vein therapy to minimize the appearance of her patient's spider veins.

Laser vein therapy is a non-invasive procedure for treating varicose veins and spider veins. By using targeted laser energy, this technique can close off damaged veins, leading to improved circulation and enhanced appearance. If you’re considering laser vein therapy, here are some tips to ensure a successful treatment and a smooth recovery.

Choose a Reputable and Experienced Practitioner

Selecting the right vein specialist is crucial for a successful laser vein therapy treatment. Look for a reputable medical professional with specific expertise in performing these procedures. Check reviews to identify a specialist who has a proven track record.

Understand the Procedure and Its Benefits

Before undergoing laser vein therapy, make sure you fully understand the procedure and its potential benefits. Being well-informed about how laser vein therapy works and its expected outcomes will help you feel more confident and prepared. The provider you have selected should be willing to answer any questions you have.

Follow Pre-Treatment Instructions Carefully

The practitioner you select should provide you with instructions prior to treatment. These directions will help you to get the best results and also minimize any risks from the procedure. They may include avoiding certain medications, supplements, or lifestyle habits that could interfere with the procedure.

Try to Stay Relaxed During the Procedure

Being relaxed will simplify the procedure and maximize the benefits. If you’re nervous or if you experience any discomfort, make your practitioner aware. They should be able to reassure you and make adjustments to ensure that you’re comfortable.

Follow Post-Treatment Directions

Your practitioner should provide you with post-treatment care instructions. These guidelines are critical for a successful recovery and optimal results. They may direct you to wear compression stockings, avoid heat exposure, and refrain from vigorous activities for a specified time. Following these instructions will aid the healing process and improve the effectiveness of the treatment.

Be Patient

Results from laser vein therapy may not be immediate. Be patient and realistic about the timeline for seeing significant improvements. Some individuals may notice immediate changes, while others may need multiple sessions to achieve their desired results. Your practitioner should ensure that you have realistic expectations from the procedure.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

To give you the best chance of maintaining the benefits of laser vein therapy long-term, you should try to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Getting regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding habits that can negatively impact your vein health will help you achieve this.

Your Laser Skin Care

Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and highly experienced in performing laser vein therapy and sclerotherapy. 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.

woman getting botox to prevent further definition of wrinkles in her forehead

While Botox is well-established as the most cost-effective way to remove lines and wrinkles, using Botox proactively before these lines and wrinkles have started to develop is gaining in popularity.

Using Botox to prevent future development of the signs of aging is naturally most attractive to young adults who have yet to develop the fine lines that can grow into more visible wrinkles later in life. If you’re older but are still fortunate to have avoided developing visible lines, you should also look to this technique to prevent these problems further down the road.

Most people only consider using Botox after they have started to develop signs of aging, at which time Botox can be used to lessen or eliminate these signs. However, it’s often more effective to stop the future development of these unwanted visible marks. By doing so, you can maintain youthful, smooth skin tone for longer, and perhaps also with fewer Botox sessions.

The following types of lines and wrinkles can be prevented from forming by judicious use of Botox in advance.

Dynamic Wrinkles

Dynamic wrinkles are linked directly to movement of facial muscles, for example when smiling, frowning, or squinting. Over time, these wrinkles deepen, and risk becoming permanent, meaning they are visible even when you are not actively using the associated facial muscles. By using Botox early on, you can reduce the muscle activity that leads to the formation of these dynamic wrinkles, before they become a bigger problem.

Forehead Lines and Frown Lines

Regular facial expressions such as raising eyebrows or frowning frequently lead to the formation of deep lines on the forehead and between the eyebrows. Early use of Botox can limit these facial expressions, preventing the development of these associated lines.

Crow’s Feet

The fine lines that develop at the corners of the eyes are usually a result of squinting or smiling. Starting Botox before these lines become pronounced can help to maintain a youthful appearance around the eyes.

Drooping Eyebrows

Regular use of Botox can also help maintain a more youthful brow position. By injecting Botox into the muscles that pull the eyebrows down, you can prevent the sagging that often occurs with age.

Botox works by blocking the nerve signals in the muscles where it is injected. This reduces the activity of these muscles, preventing the skin above from forming wrinkles. However, the effects of Botox are temporary, typically lasting three to six months, so regular treatments are necessary to maintain the benefits long-term.

In common with other non-invasive cosmetic procedures, you should carefully evaluate the experience and qualifications of the medical practitioner you choose to administer Botox. The results of the procedure are directly tied to the skill of the person who performs it. Choosing a qualified doctor will also help you to obtain the best possible results, while minimizing any chance of unwanted side-effects.

Your Laser Skin Care

Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and highly experienced in performing FDA approved cosmetic Botox procedures. 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.

woman getting botox near her eyebrow to help with migraine relief

In the world of aesthetics, Botox is widely recognized as the go-to solution for smoothing out facial lines and wrinkles. But you may not know that Botox’s therapeutic benefits reach far beyond simple cosmetic enhancements. We’ll take a look at some of the surprising and less commonly known uses of Botox that extend from treating crossed eyes to managing migraines.

Botox for Crossed Eyes and Eyelid Spasms

Botox (Botulinum toxin) was first used in the 1980s as a treatment for strabismus, commonly known as crossed eyes. By relaxing overactive eye muscles, Botox can help realign the eyes. The same principle is applied to treat Blepharospasm, a condition that causes uncontrollable blinking or eyelid spasms. Botox injections provide a temporary but often much-needed relief from these conditions.

Botox for Migraines

The FDA approved Botox as a treatment for chronic migraines back in 2010. Patients suffering from chronic migraines can find relief using regular Botox treatments. By blocking certain chemical signals that cause muscles to contract, Botox can prevent migraines before they start, offering hope to those plagued by these debilitating headaches.

Botox for Foot Pain

For individuals suffering from plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes intense heel pain, Botox has also shown promise as a treatment option. It works by relaxing muscles surrounding the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, which results in relief of the associated pain.

Botox for Overactive Bladder

Botox has also emerged as a powerful tool in urology, particularly for patients dealing with overactive bladder symptoms. A Botox injection into the bladder muscle can help reduce sudden urges to urinate and related incontinence by relaxing the bladder, which increases its storage capacity.

Botox for Stomach Issues

Interestingly, Botox is also used to treat certain gastrointestinal conditions. For example, achalasia a condition where the esophagus struggles to move food into the stomach. The toxin relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, making it easier for food to pass through.

Botox for Depression

Recent studies have suggested that Botox might be beneficial in treating depression. The “facial feedback hypothesis” suggests that our facial expressions can influence our mood. By preventing the formation of frown lines, Botox could help alleviate symptoms of depression.

Botox for Premature Ejaculation

Botox is also being investigated as a potential treatment for premature ejaculation. Botox is injected in the bulbospongiosus muscle to help prolong the duration of the intercourse. However, this is not yet an approved use for Botox.

Botox for Abnormal Heartbeats

Botox has shown promise in reducing the occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (abnormal heartbeats) in patients undergoing heart surgery. It’s believed that injecting Botox into the fat pads surrounding the heart can reduce the occurrence of irregular heartbeats post-surgery, offering a novel approach to cardiac care.

Your Laser Skin Care

Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and highly experienced in performing FDA-approved cosmetic Botox procedures. 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.

A practitioner holding up a CoolSculpting device to view how cold the device settings are.

CoolSculpting is a non-invasive fat reduction procedure that uses cryolipolysis to freeze and destroy fat cells in targeted areas of the body. The origin story behind CoolSculpting is quite unusual and starts with a serendipitous observation made in the 1970s.

A phenomenon called “popsicle panniculitis” has been noted in the medical literature. It described how some children who regularly ate frozen popsicles developed swelling, inflammation in their cheeks, and ultimately dimples. It was discovered that this was a result of the cold popsicles freezing and damaging fat cells in their cheeks, leading to inflammation and eventual elimination of some of the fat cells.

Drs. Rox Anderson and Dr. Dieter Manstein of the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School, started to investigate this phenomenon in 2007. They discovered that under carefully controlled conditions, subcutaneous fat cells are more vulnerable to the effects of cold than surrounding tissue. Equally importantly, unlike most other cells in the body, fat cells do not regenerate. This means that once eliminated, fat cells do not grow back.

They formed a company (EHR International) and put their energies into developing a medical device that could achieve the required cooling under carefully controlled and reproducible conditions. They named the process of killing fat cells by freezing “cryolipolysis,” meaning “breaking apart fat by cold.” An important part of their research was to identify the optimal conditions for killing fat cells while minimizing any possible damage or inflammation in adjacent skin cells.

Their device applied the principle of cryolipolysis to selectively freeze and eliminate fat cells without damaging the skin or surrounding tissues, leading to the creation of the procedure known as CoolSculpting.

Further research continued into discovering which body areas could best be treated using CoolSculpting, which resulted in the development of specialized applicators used to efficiently target fat deposits in different parts of the body.

Zeltiq Aesthetics acquired the CoolSculpting trademark and technology in 2010 and continued development. More recently, Allergan acquired Zeltiq in 2017; they have continued to develop CoolSculpting technology and today market it for use by licensed healthcare professionals.

Your Laser Skin Care

Table of Contents

Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and highly experienced in performing CoolSculpting procedures. 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.

A woman receiving Botox by her injector.

Botox is a widely used cosmetic treatment due to its ability to diminish fine lines and wrinkles. Despite its popularity, there’s a lot of misinformation circulating about the procedure. Here are the most widespread myths about Botox.

Myth 1: Botox Will Make You Look Frozen and Unnatural

This is probably the most common myth about Botox. While it’s true that a highly expressive face might be less animated after using Botox, a skilled practitioner will administer Botox in a way that maintains your natural look. An experienced practitioner will use the appropriate dose in the correct place. When skillfully applied, Botox will refresh your appearance without looking frozen or unnatural.

Myth 2: Botox is Only for Wrinkles

While Botox is predominately used to treat wrinkles, it has several other approved medical uses. It can help relieve chronic migraines, excessive sweating, certain eye disorders, and even some forms of bladder dysfunction.

Myth 3: Botox is Dangerous Because it’s Derived from Botulinum Toxin

Botox comes from botulinum toxin, but it’s refined to be used in tiny amounts that have been proven safe for humans. The FDA has approved its use, and there’s considerable scientific research supporting its safety. It’s only dangerous in large doses, much larger than what would be used for cosmetic or medical purposes.

Myth 4: Once You Start Botox, You Can’t Stop

There’s a widespread belief that once you start using Botox, your wrinkles will worsen if you stop. That’s not true. Your wrinkles won’t worsen; they’ll simply return to how they looked before you started Botox. Botox is temporary – it relaxes the muscles that create wrinkles, and when it wears off, muscles regain their original function.

Myth 5: Botox Is Painful

Pain is, of course, subjective – tolerance of pain varies widely. Most patients describe Botox injections as feeling like a minor pinch, more discomfort than pain. Your practitioner can apply a topical numbing cream before treatment to minimize any pain or discomfort.

Myth 6: Botox is Only for Women

Women certainly represent the majority of Botox users, but men can and do benefit from the procedure. The number of men opting for Botox has started to increase in recent years. It works in exactly the same way as it does for women – by reducing wrinkles and fine lines, men can look more youthful and vibrant.

While it’s always a very good idea to do your own research before considering any cosmetic procedure, it’s equally important to distinguish myths from facts. If you’re considering Botox or any other treatment, always consult with a qualified and experienced practitioner who can guide you based on their expertise and your particular needs.

Your Laser Skin Care

Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and highly experienced in performing Botox procedures. 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.

A woman showing off her freshly lasered skin after her laser hair removal appointment.

Laser hair treatment offers a highly reliable and long-lasting way to remove unwanted hair, freeing you from tedious grooming routines. However, to maximize the effectiveness of the procedure and to minimize any problems, it’s very important to follow these recommendations before and after treatment:

Pre-Treatment Recommendations

  • Before starting any laser hair removal treatment, it is essential to consult with a licensed professional to discuss your goals and evaluate your skin type. Mention if you’re taking any medications that could make your skin more sensitive to light.
  • Ensure the treatment area is clean and free from lotions, creams, or makeup before your appointment.
  • Avoid waxing, plucking, or using depilatory creams on the treatment area for at least 4 weeks before your session.
  • Avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least two weeks before your treatment to minimize the risk of skin damage. Spray tan products should also be avoided.
  • Stop using skincare products containing retinol and alpha-hydroxy acids a week before your appointment.
  • Shave the area to be treated 24 to 48 hours beforehand to remove any hair above the skin’s surface.

Post-Treatment Recommendations

  • Use a cold compress or ice packs to reduce any swelling or discomfort after the treatment.
  • Apply a fragrance-free, gentle moisturizer to the treated area to keep your skin hydrated.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing to avoid irritation of the treated area.
  • Avoid direct sun exposure. Keep the treated area covered and use sunscreen with a high SPF to protect it from direct and indirect sun exposure.
  • Avoid using skincare products with active ingredients, fragrances, or alcohol for at least a week after treatment.
  • Refrain from strenuous physical activity or exercise for at least 24 hours after treatment to prevent irritation and swelling.

Laser hair removal works best when there’s a significant contrast between your skin color and your hair color. That’s why you should avoid anything that darkens your skin, as this risks reducing the effectiveness of the procedure.

Lastly, keep in mind that several laser hair removal procedures are typically needed to effectively remove hair in any part of the body.

Your Laser Skin Care

Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and highly experienced in performing laser hair removal. 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.

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  • Botox $11 per unit (20 units minimum)*
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Meet Dr. Fedonenko

Dr. Fedonenko is a member of the American College of Physicians and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine.

She completed her Residency at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in 1998 and has since specialized in Cosmetic Dermatology.

She obtained additional training in aesthetic medicine procedures soon thereafter, and the results of her extensive training and experience show in each and every patient’s face. She’s a doctor that can truly been trusted with your skin care and anti-aging needs.

Our location

6221 Wilshire Boulevard,
Suite 102, Los Angeles, California 90048
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