How does the laser work?
A laser generates a high-intensity beam of light
that has many applications in medicine. The light produced by the laser is a single
wavelength, similar to choosing one pure color from a rainbow. Depending on the color
chosen, the laser energy is only absorbed by certain tissues. For instance, a laser beam
can pass safely through the surface of the skin and destroy blood vessels or hair
follicles lying just beneath the surface. The laser light is converted to heat, causing
thermal damage to the selected tissue without damaging the surrounding tissue. Our lasers
include the YAG that produces an infrared beam and the KTP that produces a blue-green
beam.
What does laser treatment feel like?
Most patients feel a slight stinging or tingling
for a fraction of a second. To minimize any discomfort, a cooling device is used on the
skin, in addition to local anesthetic cream when needed. Photographs may be taken for your
chart and future comparison.
How long does a treatment take?
Based on the condition and size of the area
treated, it may take from 5 to 60 minutes to complete the session. For example, hair
reduction from the lip takes about 5 minutes, whereas a similar procedure on the legs
could take an hour.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments is based on the
condition being treated and the response of the individual patient. For example, removal
of leg veins takes 1 to 3 treatments, and hair reduction takes 4 to 9 treatments.
What are the risks of laser treatment?
We follow the strictest guidelines for laser
safety that minimizes risks. Possible risks or discomforts (side effects) may include
pain, burning, blister formation, stinging sensation, infection, pigment changes including
decrease or increase in skin color at the site of treatment, scar formation, laser induced
"cold-sore-like" blistering, skin eruptions known as "herpetic" skin
eruptions at the site of treatment and poor cosmetic outcome. Recurrence of the condition
treated is also a possibility. Eye injury due to use of the laser is a risk to the patient
and to the physician, however, the risks are almost completely eliminated with the use of
proper eyewear.
What are the costs for laser treatments?
The cost can be as low as $65. The cost is
directly based on the amount of time needed to treat a certain area. These procedures are
not covered by insurance, and payment is expected at the time of service.
Pre-treatment Instructions:
Apply SPF30 sunblock to treatment areas that are exposed to
the sun. You may improve your results by limiting exposure to the sun, tanning beds or
tanning lotions for four weeks prior to treatment.
Tell us if you have taken Accutane in the past six months or
are planning to begin taking Accutane.
Do not take iron supplements or vitamins containing iron
within three weeks of a laser treatment.
Inform us if there has been any change in medical history
since your last visit. Should your treatment be in the area around your mouth, advise us
if you have a tendency to get cold sores.
Call us 48 hours prior to your next appointment if no hair
re-growth in area to be treated.
Shave the area to be treated the morning of your appointment.
(We can shave and prep you at the regular hourly rate. You must schedule additional time
for prep with the front desk.). Apply topical anesthetic as directed prior to coming in
for your appointment.
Prior to treatment, Do Not:
Wax or tweeze for four weeks prior to treatment.
Use Retin-A or glycolics for 3 days prior to treatment.
Use hair removal lotions or hair bleach for 4 weeks prior to
treatment.
