Laser Treatments

• This laser utilize very short bursts of light energy to vaporize skin layers at the surface. Since the light is focused and controlled, the technique can be used to remove precise amounts of skin with minimal damage. This technique is designed to reduce irregularities in the skin including acne scars, blemishes and even wrinkles.
• The treatment is meant to remove the upper layers of the skin to create a smoother, more even surface. The procedure itself also stimulates skin to produce collagen, which aids in building a more stable structure. As new skin is produced during the healing period, improved appearance and tone can be expected several weeks after.

• A numbing agent will have to be administered to minimize pain. This is usually given in the form of topical or local anesthesia. In some patients, anesthesia may be combined with sedatives taken orally.
• Treatment could take 30 minutes to an hour. It is out-patient. You can expect to go home immediately after treatment. If sedative is given, you will need a driver.
• After the procedure, Aquaphor will be applied to the treated area to protect it. Since the outer layer of the skin is exposed during the first few days post-treatment, it is recommended that patients stay indoors to prevent exposure to sunlight, pollutants and other irritants that may lead to infection.
• It is normal for the treated area to feel and look like a sunburn for the first few days. Full recovery can be expected in 1-2 weeks. With continued improvement for the next several weeks to months post treatment.

• Discomfort: You may experience discomfort, a burning sensation, or pain during the first few days.
• Redness of Skin: This is expected for at least 1-2 days after treatment. However, it may occur 2-6 months and possibly longer.
• Skin Tightness: Sensation of skin tightness may occur (peaks at 3-8 weeks post treatment).
• Skin Pigment Changes: Transient hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) could occur 3-8 weeks post laser treatment. Hyperpigmentation may be resolved with bleaching solutions but hypopigmentation is difficult to correct.
• Skin Itchiness: Can occur in the early healing phase. Using Aquaphor will help. You may take 25mg Benadryl at bedtime to help relieve symptoms.
• Acne Breakouts: Immediately follow the treatment, some patients may experience acne breakouts. These often fade away as the skin heals.
• Herpes Simplex (Fever Blisters): Occurrence or recurrence of herpes simplex is a possible short-term effect. Please inform us of your history before laser treatment. It will be necessary to pre-treat with oral antiviral medication.

Preparation for Treatment

• One week prior to procedure, discontinue use of topical tretinoin (Retin-A) cream and these oral medications: Ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oil & Vitamin E.
• Notify us if you have a history of fever blisters as you may need to be pre-medicated with antiviral medication.
• Prior to procedure, purchase:
  • Aquaphor healing ointment
  • Cetaphil face wash
  • Prescription(s) sent to pharmacy
  • May want spray bottle on hand

Procedure Day

• Come to office with clean skin. No makeup, creams, perfumes or lotions.
• Plan to arrive 1 hour early to sign consent, take pictures, and have topical numbing applied.
• Immediately after consent is signed take prescribed sedative, Valium. You are to bring this with you. You will need a driver.
• Immediate Post Treatment Care
  • Keep area covered with topical ointment. Do not wash face.
  • Do not apply makeup.
  • Apply cooling compresses.
  • If desired, may spray water mist on skin using distilled or spring water.
  • May take an analgesic Tylenol for discomfort.
  • At night sleep with head slightly elevated.

General Post-Treatment Instructions
 

• Wait until next morning to wash your face. Cleanse with Cetaphil 2-3 times a day. Use this for the duration of the healing process. Pat skin dry, do not rub. Do NOT use any scrubs, Retin-A, Benzoyl Peroxide or hydroquinone.
• Hydrate: Apply Aquaphor a few times a day to keep skin well moisturized. Avoid other moisturizing agents for at least 5 days. Do NOT pick or scratch if crusting occurs.
• No makeup for at least 5 days post treatment.
• No Sun Exposure: Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 1-2 months post treatment in order to reduce the chance of dark or light spots.
• No tweezing, waxing, bleaching or chemical peels while healing.
• May resume regular skin care once treated area is healed (no exfoliation).

Treatment costs depend on the area and condition being treated. Below are per-session estimates. Actual costs may vary.

• Full Face - $1300
• Partial Face - $800

• Avoid bleaching, plucking or waxing the hair for six weeks before treatment.
• Limit sun exposure six weeks before treatment — let your tan fade.
• Talk with your health care provider if you have previously suffered from facial cold sores. Medication may be prescribed to minimize recurrence.

• Hair growth is variable after treatment — you may notice more fine hair.
• Apply moisture to treated area for the first 24 hours.
• May apply cold compresses to treated area for 10-15 minutes.
• Use sunscreen and minimize sun exposure.
• Call our office if you notice any blistering or drainage.
• For optimal results, most laser hair removal treatments require an average of three to five sessions every four to six weeks.

Treatment costs depend on the area and condition being treated. Below are per-session estimates. Actual costs may vary.

Upper lip...............$250
Chin......................$300
Beardline..............$400
Under arms..........$300
Bikini line..............$300
Entire pubic..........$500
Back.....................$800 & up
Upper legs...........$550 & up
Lower legs...........$550 & up
Full Legs...............$800 & up

• Expect mild tenderness after treatment to area. May have mild blistering.
• May take several weeks to months before notice tattoo fading.
• Moisture is to be applied to treated area for the first 24 hours.
• May apply cold compresses to treated area for 10-15minues.
• Use sunscreen and minimize sun exposure.
• For optimal results, most require an average of 5-7 treatments every 3 months.

Treatment costs depend on the area and condition being treated. Below are per-session estimates. Actual costs may vary.

Tattoo Removal (small/medium)........................$300
Tattoo removal (medium/large)...........................$500 & up

• Expect mild tenderness after treatment to area.
• Moisture is to be applied to treated area for the first 24 hours.
• May apply cold compresses to treated area for 10-15 minutes.
• Use sunscreen and minimize sun exposure.
• For optimal results, most require an average of 1-2 treatments.

Treatment costs depend on the area and condition being treated. Below are per-session estimates. Actual costs may vary.

Full face..........................................................................................$400
Sun spots.......................................................................................$250 & up

• Expect a little bit of red or purplish discoloration after the treatment
• Avoid saunas, hot tubs or strenuous activity for the next 24 - 48 Hours
• Moisture is to be applied to treated area for the first 24 hours.
• May apply cold compresses to treated area for 10 - 15 minutes.
• Use sunscreen and minimize sun exposure.
• Call office if notice any blistering or drainage.
• For optimal results, most require an average of 1-2 treatments.

Treatment costs depend on the area and condition being treated. Below are per-session estimates. Actual costs may vary.

Nasal veins..................................................................................$250 & up
Partial face..................................................................................$450

Nose Telangiectasia after one complete Vascular Laser Treatment
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