Arnold David Panzer, M.D. - Aesthetic Skin Care  
Home
About Us
Skin Conditions
Skin Treatments
Skin Care
Contact Us
Forms
 
   

Laser Treatments

PhotoRejuvenation | PhotoDynamic Therapy
Laser Hair Removal | Tattoo Removal
Laser Vein Therapy
| Laser Scar Treatment
Tissue Tightening | Sclerotherapy
Sciton Erbium Laser Skin Rejuvenation | Smart Lipo

 

 

PhotoRejuvenation

PhotoRejuvenation is a series of Intense Pulsed Light treatments, performed with the Lumenis Quantum SR Intense Pulsed Light System, that improve the appearance of Rosacea, flushing, sun damaged skin, age spots, skin texture, and photo aging. Treatment also improves mild acne scars, reduces large pores, corrects dark circles around the eyes, and reduces fine lines. This exciting treatment involves little or no "down time." You can resume normal activities immediately.

How does the treatment work?
An intense light is applied in a series of gentle pulses over the treatment area. Without damaging the skin, the light penetrates through the skin and is absorbed by the abnormally dilated vessels or pigmentation. The heat causes damage to the vessel or lesion, and the body begins its natural healing process. The lesion will darken before it flakes off or the body absorbs it. Treatment can be given as frequently as every three weeks.

What improvement will I see?
Patients have a high degree of satisfaction with their results. Many have seen 70% to 90% improvement. After each treatment, the skin will feel smoother and appear to have a more even tone.

How many treatments will I need?
For optimal results, a series of 5 treatments are recommended. Some patients see significant improvement in 2 to 3 treatments; others require more. Follow-up treatments may be desired once a year to maintain results.

What is a treatment like?
Treatment may vary from 15 to 45 minutes. First, the treated area is cleansed and a cool gel is applied. When the pulse of light is delivered, the sensation is similar to a snap of a rubber band. After treatment, the gel is removed, the skin cleansed, and a sunscreen is applied. Pain is minimal; however, topical anesthesia can be used for maximum comfort. For sensitive skin, a cool compress is applied following treatment.

PhotoRejuvenation in treating Rosacea
As many as seventy-million Americans have undesirable redness and/or sun damaged skin. Sun exposure, alcohol, medications, stress, and aging are common causes of Rosacea. Rosacea is a common skin condition characterized by redness and flushing skin. PhotoRejuvenation treatments control flushing and, in many cases, reduces the need for topical cortisone creams and antibiotics.

Previous Page | Back to top


PhotoDynamic Therapy

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), also know as ALA/PDT, is a treatment performed with a topical photosensitizing agent called Levulan (5-aminolevulinic acid or ALA) that is applied to your skin and then activated with the correct wavelength of light. These treatments remove sun damaged pre cancerous spots called Actinic Keratoses. Treatments also improve sun-damaged skin, fine lines, blotchy pigmentation and rough skin patches. Photodynamic Therapy treatment also has the unique ability to minimize pores and reduce oil glands, effectively treating stubborn acne vulgaris, acne Rosacea, and improve the appearance of some acne scars.

How is the procedure performed?
First, the area being treated will be cleansed and properly prepared for treatment. In some cases, microdermabrasion or an exfoliating scrub may be performed. On some skin types a gentle cleanser will be used. The Levulan is applied evenly to the area and may be left on the skin for up to an hour. Once removed, several techniques may be used to correct your skin including Blue Light therapy, Intense Pulsed Light treatment, or Laser Skin Rejuvenation. In some cases, a topical anesthetic is applied for added comfort.

How much improvement can I expect?
You will see improvement after each treatment. People with severe sun damaged skin, Actinic Keratoses, rough skin patches, poor skin texture, and uneven pigmentation may see excellent results. Treatment improves the appearance of large pores and some acne scars. Active acne can improve dramatically.

How many treatments will I need?
To achieve maximum improvement sun damage, texture, and skin tone, a series of three or more treatments performed 2 – 4 weeks apart is often recommended. Some skin conditions respond with a single treatment. Additional treatments can be performed as needed or to maintain your desired result.

What are the side effects?
The treated area can appear red and you may experience some peeling for up to 7 days following treatment. Mild swelling can occur around the lip or eye area. If swelling occurs it is usually temporary and will subside within a day or two. Sensitive skin may appear very red for the first couple of days. Pigmentation spots can become temporarily darker and then will peel off leaving the skin smooth and even toned. You will be advised to stay out of the sun and to consistently use a sun block. You will be photosensitive for several days and must protect the treated area.

Previous Page | Back to top


Laser Hair Removal

Who are candidates for treatment?
Men, women, and children have been successfully treated. Treatments are customized according to hair color, texture and body location. Nearly all hair colors – black, brown, and red – can be treated. Treatment is effective on all skin types, including dark-skinned individuals of all ethnic origins. To find out if you are a candidate, ask to schedule a consultation.

Is treatment painful?
The laser flashes so quickly that you may only feel a mild sting. Most patients tolerate the procedure well. No local anesthesia or pain medication is required, but topical anesthetic is an option for more sensitive areas.

What is treatment like?
First, the area to be treated is cleansed and the hair is shaved. The laser produces a beam of highly concentrated light. Without damaging the surrounding tissue, controlled pulses of light penetrate the skin and are absorbed by the hair follicles. The heat damages or destroys the potential for regrowth. After treatment the area is cleansed and a sunscreen is applied. Large areas such as backs, shoulders, abdomens, and legs can be treated quickly. Facial areas such as the lip, chin, and beard can be treated in minutes.

How many treatments are required?
Because the laser affects hair follicles only when they are in the growth phase, more than one treatment may be necessary to disable hair follicles that subsequently enter the growth phase. During your consultation, you will be advised as to the approximate number of treatments.

Are there any possible side effects?
Side effects are rare. Blistering, soft scabbing, or redness sometimes occurs at the treatment site, but resolves quickly or within a few days. In certain cases, the skin could become slightly lighter or darker. You will be notified during your consult if you are susceptible to these side effects. You must limit your sun exposure for 2 to 4 weeks before and after treatment. This will greatly minimize the risk of complications.

Previous Page | Back to top


Tattoo Removal

Lately, getting a tattoo has become more popular than ever and so has removing them! An estimated 20 million Americans have tattoos and many of them now feel that having a tattoo does not fit their new image. Those remorseful about their tattoos are consulting with cosmetic laser physicians to determine if the removal of their tattoo is possible. With today’s advanced laser technology, your tattoo can be removed safely and quickly and in most cases, without leaving a scar.

How does the treatment work?
Today, cosmetic medical lasers designed to eradicate tattoos range from a single wavelength of light to a broad spectrum of light, all of which are intended to remove the ink in the tattoo without damaging the skin. Certain colors of light are absorbed by specific colors of the tattoo ink. The light energy vaporizes or fragments the ink particles. Your body then absorbs theses ink fragments naturally and the color fades over the next couple of weeks. This treatment is very similar to treatment that has been done for years to treat birthmarks.

What are treatments like?
First, the tattoo is cleansed and photographed. The laser hand piece glides over the surface of the tattoo emitting laser or pulsed light. The size and color of the tattoo determines the length of treatment time. A tattoo the size of a quarter would take approximately 3-5 minutes to treat. Some patients request a topical anesthetic cream that when applied prior to treatment, can minimize the stinging effect of the laser or intense light. Many patients tolerate treatment without topical anesthetic and report the treatment as feeling similar to numerous rubber band snaps. An ointment is applied following treatment to keep the area moist and then it is covered with a protective dressing.

How many treatments are required?
Size, color, location and the age of the tattoo determine the number of treatments necessary to effectively remove the tattoo. During the consultation, your treatment regimen will be reviewed and any questions you have will be answered. Be sure to contact your physician if you experience side effects not described during your consultation.

What results can I expect?
The results and appearance of the tattoo vary from patient to patient. After each treatment session you will see the tattoo become lighter. Due to the various types of inks used in tattooing, the results and the number of treatments may vary. Typically, multiple treatments will be required and are scheduled 4 to 8 weeks apart.

Are there any possible side effects?
Some patients experienced redness, swelling, tenderness, crusting, sunburn sensation, or itching immediately following treatment. Your physician will discuss your treatment program with you at the time of your consultation and be happy to tell you more about what you can expect from your treatment. If you experience anything different than what is discussed with you following your treatment, report back to your physician for a follow up visit.

Previous Page | Back to top


Laser Vein Therapy

Today, lasers are safely used for a wide variety of cosmetic non-invasive treatments. This exciting treatment is extremely safe and effective on leg veins, as well as veins visible on the face, neck, and chest - just about anywhere! Laser Therapy also treats benign pigmented lesions such as age spots, birthmarks, and tattoos. These non-invasive treatments are increasingly popular because there are very few side effects, and you can resume your regular activities immediately following treatment!

Which type of veins can Laser Therapy treat?
Laser Therapy treats many types of leg veins, including shallow spider veins and reticular veins.

  • Spider Veins are very small veins caused by a dilation of the small venules under the skin. This occurs when the pressure inside the vein increases enough to overcome normal resistance of the vein wall. The ability of veins to resist increased pressure is reduced in women when the body's estrogen level is reduced.
  • Reticular Veins are small, bluish-colored veins that carry blood to the skin venules and, therefore, are larger. These veins have thin walls and dilate with excessive venous pressure. When this occurs, they become large enough to be unsightly, but are not considered to be varicose veins.

Spider veins and reticular veins respond extremely well to Laser Therapy.

Who are candidates for treatment?
Men, women, and children may be treated. Light and dark-skinned individuals can now safely and effectively benefit from Laser Therapy. Patients on blood thinners or with serious illness generally are not candidates for treatment. Patients with dark suntans or photosensitivity disorders, diabetes, bleeding disorders, or currently taking photosensitizing medications are not good candidates. Schedule a consultation today to determine if you are a candidate and how you can benefit from Laser Therapy.

How many treatments are required?
The number of treatments necessary to resolve your vein problem depends on the size of the vein and your body's ability to heal. During your consultation, an approximate number of treatments will be recommended.

What does the treatment involve?
Treatment may vary from 15 to 30 minutes. As a result of treatment, the walls of the veins are damaged by the heat of the laser. The body then begins the healing process. The veins shrink and become less visible or disappear altogether. Medical studies have documented exceptional results on veins with Laser Therapy. Laser Therapy allows customized treatment of virtually every small vein disorder, including deep veins and veins that do not respond to other treatment methods.

What are the side effects and is there "down time"?
The beauty of this treatment is there is no down time involved. You can resume regular activities immediately. Pain is generally mild. Swelling and mild bruising can occur, but most always resolve over time. Limiting sun exposure will greatly minimize the risk of complications.

Previous Page | Back to top


Laser Scar Treatment

This is a non-invasive approach in which the laser energy penetrates the skin, damaging the deepest tissue layers. The damage causes the skin to repair itself and stimulates the production of collagen. As the underlying skin thickens, the top layers of the skin begin to contour more smoothly. Multiple treatments may be recommended. This treatment does not require anesthesia, there is no skin surface change and there is no downtime. Pain is minimal. Depending upon the type of scar, a ND 1064 YAG laser or combination 1064/532 Q Switch laser would be used.

Previous Page | Back to top


Tissue Tightening

Tissue tightening can be performed using a safe, non-surgical process utilizing an infrared light source to tighten skin and reverse the signs of aging. The light source heats the dermis, or inner layer of the skin, to cause collagen contraction while protecting the epidermis through continuous cooling. In addition, the treatment can stimulate the production of brand new collagen resulting in younger looking skin.

The procedure treats lax and redundant skin throughout the body ­ including the face, neck, chin, abdomen, thighs and underarms ­ and is also used to tone, lift and tighten skin on the face and neck as well as affecting a brow lift.

Previous Page | Back to top


Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy was developed over 75 years ago and today is one of the most common treatments for spider and varicose veins. During the treatment, a sclerosing agent is injected into the vein through a tiny needle. Treatment can last from 15 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on the number of veins treated in a particular session. The solution, once injected into the vein, replaces the blood in the vein and causes irritation and corrosion to the walls of the vessel. The body then begins the natural healing process and the vein begins to decompose, shrink and eventually disappear.

Who is a candidate?
The physician or his/her staff will determine if you are a candidate. During your consultation, your medical history will be reviewed to determine the cause and severity of your condition. Depending on the types of veins, a combination of different treatment modalities may be suggested. Schedule your consultation today and find out how this exciting procedure can benefit you!

How many treatments will it take?
Several treatments may be required to achieve the optimum result. In some cases, as few as two or three treatments will achieve the desired outcome.

What is treatment like?
The problem veins will be examined and reviewed with you by the physician or staff member. A treatment strategy will then be decided upon to eradicate these veins. You may be asked to stand while the problem veins are marked and photographs taken. The sclerosing agent will then be injected into the targeted veins. Discomfort is minimal and no anesthesia is required. You may be asked to bring support hose or supportive wrap to your appointment. This precautionary post-treatment measure will apply compression to the treated vessels to prevent recurrence.

What are the side effects?
In most cases, you will be able to resume regular activities immediately. However, vigorous activities or excessive standing is not advised for 24 to 48 hours. Following treatment, the affected veins may darken and the area may appear bruised. Support hose or a snug wrapping to the treated area may be recommended. This application of pressure will help reduce side effects and aid in more effective healing and treatment. After the treatment of larger vessels, the affected area may appear pigmented but this is temporary and will fade over time.

Previous Page | Back to top


Sciton Erbium Laser Skin Rejuvenation

The Sciton Erbium Laser's innovative Broadband Light (BBL™) technology utilizes the power of pulsed light to deliver excellent results in photo-rejuvenation therapy and can be used to treat sun and age spots, and other skin blemishes. As a result your skin's youthful appearance will be restored.

Who is a candidate?
The physician or his/her staff will determine if you are a candidate. During your consultation, your medical history will be reviewed to determine the cause and severity of your condition. Schedule your consultation today and find out how this exciting procedure can benefit you!

How many treatments will it take?
Depending upon lesions treated anywhere from 2 to 5 treatments will produce the desired results.

How long will it take to recover?
This minimally invasive and gentle procedure can be performed during lunch-time with virtually no down-time.

What should I expect after the treatment?
Typically you may experience some redness that will resolve within a few hours. For some pigmented lesions you will see a darkening of the treated areas followed by fading and flaking off at a later stage. Since results vary depending on patient condition, number of treatments and area treated, your physician will provide you with complete information about the post treatment effects and results.

Will it be uncomfortable?
The procedure is gentle and non-invasive. There should be minimal or no discomfort. You may feel a worming of the skin, or a rubber band snap like sensation, as the procedure is performed. This varies from patient to patient and depends on the depth of the treatment. There is no need for any topical anesthesia, however, patients may choose to use it on more sensitive areas. Your physician will recommend the best options during consultation.

What will happen during the procedure?
Your eyes will be protected with safety shields or glasses. You may briefly feel a worming of the skin, or a rubber band snap like sensation, as the light is absorbed by the targeted areas. Your procedure may take a few minutes to half an hour depending on the size of the area to be treated and the type and depth of the procedure performed. Your physician will discuss all the options with you.

What aftercare do I need?
It is important to follow your physician's instructions. You may be given some skin care products and instructions on how to use them. This will minimize your risk of inflammation or redness and ensure the shortest healing time. You will be sensitive to ultra-violet light and you must avoid direct sun exposure until fully healed. Fully cover your skin or use a good sun screen whenever you go outdoors.

Previous Page | Back to top


Smart Lipo

Smart Lipo is a treatment of unwanted fat with the use of a laser fiber. This is called laser lipolysis. Unlike traditional liposuction it is minimally invasive, safe and produces no significant down time.

Smart Lipo Before/AfterHow long does the SmartLipo procedure take?
The SmartLipo procedure takes an average of 2–3 hours per session.

How many SmartLipo treatments are required?
Most patients require only one treatment. SmartLipo can also be used to touch-up areas that previously had regular lipsuction.

Smart Lipo Before/AfterDoes SmartLipo treat cellulite?
The SmartLipo procedure will improve the body's shape and may reduce cellulite to a certain degree.

What is the long-term outcome for most people?
Most patients can see results within a few weeks. The skin retracts over time and by six months...an excellent result should be apparent. Compression garments should be worn to maximize the results.

How does SmartLipo work?
First, in the area to be treated, local anesthesia will be administered. This is called Tumescent anesthesia. The laser fiber is inserted into the fat tissue and melts the fat. The heat that is produced from the laser also tightens the skin itself. It also cauterizes the blood vessels so there is very little bleeding and minimal bruising. The liquid fat and fat cells are then aspirated from the treatment area.

Smart Lipo Before/AfterDo I have to stay in the hospital?
No. SmartLipo is performed as an out-patient procedure under local anesthesia. You won’t be required to stay in the hospital, since recovery from SmartLipo works best within the comfort of your home.

What if I've already had regular liposuction?
SmartLipo may be extremely effective for improving upon body areas that have been previously treated with traditional liposuction. With the SmartLipo procedure your doctor can further sculpt or contour those areas on the body that have “droopy” skin, especially if you are a relatively thin, healthy person who wants additional toning and tightening.

Smart Lipo Before/AfterWhat are the benefits and advantages of SmartLipo?

  • It offers the best, smoothest body-contouring results.
  • Much less down time and recovery time than traditional liposuction..
  • Minimal discomfort.
  • Safe.
  • Much less pain and bruising than traditional liposuction.
  • It tightens the skin over the treatment area.
  • It can be used for skin tightening only.
  • Less chance of dimpling and rippling than traditional liposuction.

Smart Lipo Before/AfterCan SmartLipo work on areas that regular liposuction can't?
Yes. Since the aiming beam at the tip of the SmartLipo laser allows the doctor to know exactly where he or she is at all times, the procedure is very precise. As such, SmartLipo is very effective in body areas that are not suitable for traditional liposuction, such as the face, neck, back and knees.

Does the SmartLipo procedure hurt?
Since the SmartLipo procedure is performed under local anesthesia, there is very little pain or discomfort involved. You may feel a minor stinging sensation and an impression of tugging at your skin during the SmartLipo treatment, but these discomforts are minimal.

Who is the ideal candidate for SmartLipo?
A male or female who is conscientious about their health and weight and who have areas of fat deposits that they just cannot lose with dieting and exercise. SmartLipo is considered body sculpting or liposculpture.

What are the anatomical areas that can be treated with SmartLipo?
Ideal for treating various areas of the body such as neck, male breasts, arms, thighs, lower legs, love handles, abdomen, back and hips.


Previous Page | Back to top

         
         
Copyright © 2005 Arnold David Panzer, MD
Web site developed by Aesthetic Marketing Concepts