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Laser heats up the collagen proteins to specific temperatures, creating a natural biological reaction that causes the collagen to contract and thicken. The result is the beginning of tighter, smoother skin. In addition to the initial thickening of collagen, the body responds in another way to the heating of the collagen fibers. When the skin is wounded, its natural response is to heal the wound by creating new collagen. This creation of new collagen produces results such as the immediate tightening of the skin. It also adds to long-term effects. The procedure can be performed on the face or any other part of the body such as the décolleté, hands, arms, abdomen, and legs. The treatment intervals of 2 to 4 weeks are commonly used for a total of 4 to 6 treatments.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Your risks from the treatment procedure are minimal. Side effects may include redness and mild swelling in the treated area. If these occur, they usually do not last more than a few hours.

PATIENT PRE AND POST TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

What to Do Before Laser Treatment

1. Avoid sunbathing for at least few days before treatment.
2. Remove all makeup before treatment.

What to Do After Laser Treatment

No special post treatment care is usually required although sunscreens with at least with SPF 30 is recommended to be worn daily to protect skin from sun exposure.

Do I need skin testing?

Because these treatments are composed of substances that already exist naturally in the body, the possibility of an allergic reaction to Restylane®, Perlane®, Juvederm® or Radiesse is extremely remote.  No prior testing is required.

How long do the effects last?

In most individuals, Restylane® and Perlane® usually lasts over six months, the effects of Juvederm® can last up to a year.  The results of Radiesse® can also last a year or more.

What kind of wrinkles can be treated?

All types of lines and wrinkles can be treated using one of these products, including:

•  Wrinkles between the eyebrows
•  Deep creases found in the nasolabial folds (smile folds)
•  Wrinkles above and around the lips

In addition scars such as acne scars can be lessened using dermal fillers.

What can you tell me about the actual treatment?

Treatment is a very easy and quick process and can be carried out without prior testing.  The procedure takes around 30 minutes and the results are instantaneous.

Is the treatment painful?

The injections may prick a little initially.  Normally, no anesthesia is needed for these treatments.  However, if treatment of the lips is uncomfortable, a nerve block or local anesthetic can be used, thereby ensuring comfort.

Immediately following your procedure and for 24 hours thereafter, please avoid the following:

• Strenuous exercise

• Sun/Heat exposure; tanning beds

• Alcoholic beverages

• Massaging or pressing treated areas

• Extreme cold temperatures

48 hours following the procedure, you may resume consumption of Gingko Biloba, garlic, flax oil, cod liver oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, or any other essential fatty acids

72 hours to a week following the procedure (dependent on the sensitivity level), you may resume your regular diet, which may include high sodium foods, high sugar foods, refined carbohydrates, caffeine, alcohol, flush-free Niacin, and spicy foods.

Special Note: If you are considering other treatments such as Laser Treatment, Chemical Peel later after the procedure, it’s possible that inflammation could result. However, this can be reduced by having any additional treatments 1-2 weeks before or after the procedure.

General Guidelines

• Avoid Chemical Peels or Laser Treatments

One to two weeks prior to procedure, please avoid any types of chemical peels and laser treatments.

• Discontinue Medications, Supplements and Herbs a Week Before Treatment

One week prior to procedure please discontinue your usage of any of the following: Aspirin/Ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve, etc.), Gingko Biloba, garlic, flax oil, cod liver oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and any other essential fatty acids like omega 3, GLA, CLA, and EPA or DHA.

• Because Foods Can Affect Your Results, Follow These Additional Guidelines

1-2 Days Before Treatment

Right before your treatment (24 to 48 hours), it’s important not to use or consume any of the following:

•  Niacin supplements

•  High sodium foods

•  High sugar foods

•  Refined carbohydrates (foods with added sugar, fructose, corn syrup, etc.)

•  Spicy foods

•  Caffeine

•  Alcohol

•  Cigarettes

The Most Popular Fillers in Los Angeles

Restylane®, Perlane®, Juvederm® and Radiesse® are four different dermal fillers that are all used for similar purposes but each with their own special qualities.

Restylane®

Restylane® is a natural product from Sweden consisting of a gel containing hyaluronic acid, which is used primarily to smooth out wrinkles and to provide a fuller lip. Dermal fillers can also be used at the corners of the mouth and above the lips to smooth out smile lines. Because hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the body, it dissolves naturally over time, with effects lasting about 6 months. Contact Your Laser Skin Care to experience Restylane in Los Angeles.

Perlane®

Perlane® is similar to Restylane®, but the primary difference is that the hyaluronic acid gel particles in Perlane® are thicker than those found in Restylane®. These thicker particles lift and fill the areas of injection to a greater degree than can be accomplished with Restylane® by itself. So Perlane® and Restylane® can be used together.
Perlane® also contains hyaluronic acid and is non allergenic. It dissolves naturally over time and the effect lasts about 6-8 months.

Juvederm®

If you are looking for a facial filler to replace lost volume, diminish lines and wrinkles, and last, at least 6 months, Juvederm® might be the best choice for you. Containing Hyaluronic acid, Juvederm® eliminates the deeper nasolabial folds and fills the hollows in your cheeks or chin smoothly and naturally. Results are instantaneous, side effects are minor and it’s only a short trip to Your Laser Skin Care expert, Dr. Ella Fedonenko, for Juvederm® Beverly Hills!

Radiesse®

Radiesse® is the latest of the dermal filler treatments to be developed. As the body ages collagen production slows down, causing signs of aging. Rather than simply being a dermal filler, Radiesse® works by stimulating the body’s own natural collagen production to plump up skin and rejuvenate the face naturally.
Radiesse® can be used to reduce lines, wrinkles and scars. It contains calcium hydroxylapatite which is the main component of our bones, so it is unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction. And an extra added attraction? Radiesse® is one of the longest-lasting fillers with results that often last up to one year!

What to Expect During Your Filler Procedure

Dermal fillers are injected into the skin of the face or lip, with the procedure taking only about 30 minutes. The duration of the effects will vary from individual to individual, depending on skin type, age and lifestyle. Studies have shown that the majority of treated patients enjoy the effect of Restylane® and Perlane® for about 6 months following treatment.

Are there any side effects?

It should be kept in mind that a small percentage of patients may experience swelling and bruising, which may last 5 to 7 days after treatment.

Call us now to experience for yourself the effect of dermal fillers in Los Angeles.

Do you use a local anesthetic?
No local anesthetic is used because it would be more painful than the Sclerotherapy injections. The needle used to inject the solution is very small.

I am afraid of needles. Can this be done under general anesthesia?
This procedure is not performed under anesthesia unless it is performed in combination with a surgical procedure such as vein ligation and stripping. An anesthetic cream may be applied to the area.

How long does the treatment take?
The treatment takes about 30 minutes, depending on how many veins are treated.

What kind of dressing is used?
A thigh-high compression stocking is applied to each treated leg after the injections and is worn for 1-3 weeks, depending on the size of the vessels treated.

Can I drive myself home?
You should be able to drive home after the treatment.

Do I need to take days off from work?
You may want to take off a day from work on the day that you have your Sclerotherapy treatment. This way, you can keep your legs elevated. It’s okay to return to work the next day.
Exercise is limited for 1 week to 10 days due to the necessity of wearing the compression stocking.

• Immediately following your procedure, it’s important to wear support hose and walk for 10-30 minutes. This is why it’s also important to have loose-fitting slacks/skirt and comfortable walking shoes with you.
• About 24 to 48 hours after the treatment, the compression pads/cotton balls that were placed over the veins are gently removed. Note: If you develop a tape allergy as seen by redness or a rash, simply remove the tape and put on support stockings.
• If you remove the tape prior to 24 hours, try to wear support hose. If sclerotherapy was not performed on your ankles, you may cut the feet off the support hose and wear them like this.
• Maintain normal activities as much as possible. Walk as often as you can and avoid standing in the same position for a prolonged period of time
• Avoid strenuous physical activities, such as high-impact aerobics, running, and weight lifting for the first 48-72 hours following treatment.
• Avoid hot baths for 2 weeks; Cool your legs with cold water after each shower.
• Avoid sunbathing and ultraviolet exposure for at least one week following treatment.
• Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools for 48 hours following treatment.
• Avoid blood-thinning medications, such as Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, etc.) for 24-48 hours following treatment.
• If you experience any redness or a small lump, use warm compresses over the area several times a day.
• Apply Polysporin Ointment (NOT Neosporin) along with warm compresses.
• Avoid flying for 48 hours after Sclerotherapy treatment.