What makes Juvéderm™ so effective?
Juvéderm™ is a hyaluronic acid dermal filler. There are other FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal fillers on the market, but they are gels of a more granular texture. Juvéderm™, however, is processed using an advanced technology that yields the highest cross-linked hyaluronic acid
concentration of any similar product.
This translates into a more liquid-like gel with smoother consistency that flows more easily and more evenly into the skin for a superior look, with longer-lasting results. In fact, Juvéderm™ is the first hyaluronic dermal filler that has demonstrated its safety and effectiveness in persons of color.
Compared to other dermal filler alternatives, such as collagen, Juvéderm™ has even greater benefits. While collagen is an animal-based product, Juvéderm’s™ hyaluronic acid is natural in humans. No skin allergy test is necessary prior to treatment.
How does the LightSheer™ Diode Laser System work?
The system emits near-infrared laser light that is absorbed by the pigment located in the hair follicle. The laser is pulsed, or turned on, for only a fraction of a second. The duration of each pulse is just long enough to damage the follicle, while the system's unique, patented contact-cooling handpiece, the ChillTip™, helps protect the skin by conductive cooling during the laser energy delivery.
Why is the LightSheer™ Diode Laser System better than other methods?
The LightSheer™ Diode Laser System's design provides for enhanced comfort during treatment, minimal risk of infection, speed and accuracy. Since the system uses a unique cooling handpiece, it minimizes skin irritation that other methods may create. Since it is non-invasive (no needles to penetrate the skin), the risk of introducing bacteria into the skin is reduced. Finally, the LightSheer™ Diode Laser is a precise instrument that can be adjusted to damage only the hair follicle while minimally affecting the surrounding skin.
What should I expect during and after treatment?
The length of a laser treatment may last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more, depending on the size of the area being treated. Because the laser tends to treat hair follicles that are in an active growth phase, more than one treatment may be required to disable hair follicles that subsequently enter this growth phase. Side effects, if any, are minor. They may include mild temporary redness and swelling around the hair follicle, which are, in fact, desired clinical results that indicate the follicle has responded to the treatment. These side effects may last from a few hours to 2-3 days, but are generally quite mild and not bothersome to most people.
The laser treatment itself can cause a slight tingling sensation. Most patients tolerate the procedure well. But because some areas of the body are more sensitive than others, topical anesthesia can be an option.
The appearance of the treated area immediately after a laser session will vary from patient to patient depending on the extent of treatment and skin type. Immediate after-effects, if any, are minor. They may include redness and swelling, which disappear in a short time. Most people return to normal activity right away.
How does microdermabrasion work?
A precise stream of very fine crystals is directed through the handpiece onto the skin to loosen the layer of dead skin cells that form on the surface. It then suctions away both the skin debris and the crystals to reveal fresh, invigorated skin. Typically, only the uppermost layer of the skin is removed. This is why there is minimal discomfort and virtually no recuperation. In select cases, however, a more aggressive abrasion may be chosen, and appropriate aftercare will be discussed.
Are there any side effects?
The suctioning action may impart tautness and a slight redness to the skin, but this will subside within a few hours. Although uncommon, some patients may experience streaking of the skin from increased blood flow, which will fade gradually over a day or two.
Microdermabrasion is a valuable skin care tool in and of itself, but does not take the place of either surgical procedures or therapeutic skin care products. It is ideally used as part of a broader skin care program. The skin care specialist will tailor a home skin care regimen that will complement treatments and help achieve your desired results.
