What Is It?Laser or intense pulsed light may be used safely & effectively to destroy hair follicles beneath the surface of the skin. The treatment may be performed on any area of the body & on any skin type if the correct source of light is used. Treatments are spaced several weeks apart. Common areas of treatment for men & women include the legs, chest, face, abdomen, back, bikini line & underarms.
How Does It Work?Because of the varying sizes of treatment areas, one session of laser or ipl hair removal can take anywhere from about 15 to 90 minutes to perform. Patients often report a mild stinging sensation, similar to a rubberband, snap during treatment, but various methods of cooling may be used during treatment to help reduce this. Anethesia is generally not needed.
The Light, Which Is Directed at the Hair Follicles in the Area of Treatment, Penetrates the Skin & Is Absorbed by the Follicle Beneath the Hair. As the Light Is Absorbed, It Is Converted to Heat, Destroying the Follicles's Ability to Grow New Hair Without Harming the Surrounding Skin.
Laser or Ipl Hair Removal Needs to Be Performed in Stages Because Hair Grows in Stages. It Is Only in Its Active Stage of Growth That Hair Can Be Removed Successfully.
What to Expect After Treatment?Patients can continue on w/ normal daily routines immediately following treatment, but do need to keep the treated areas out of the sun. Some redness may be existent, but should only last several hours, or occasionally up to a couple days. This is easily camouflaged by clothing or makeup.
Is Hair Removal Temporary or Permanent?
How Many Treatments Will It Take?Hair removal is both temporary & permanent. During a short series of treatments, patients will rarely have to shave, tweeze, or pluck. However, if the treatments stop, some of the hair will return in a few months which will be finer & lighter than before. The more treatments, the less hair will ultimately come back. Hair grows in cycles. Some hair follicles are actively growing while others remain in a dormant phase. The laser or ipl hair removal eliminates only hair follicles in the active growth phase. Approximately four weeks later, additional hair follicles enter the growth phase. Usually 4 to 6 sessions, 4 to 6 weeks apart, are necessary before all hairs can be treated.
Are the Treatments Safe?The palomar medilux laser is fda approved for hair removal. Treatments are non-evasive & very safe. Rare complications include burning, blistering, & extra pigmentation. All of which will usually resolve in a few days to a few weeks.
Do Laser or Ipl Treatments Cause Cancer?No, the light is in the visible range & has never to shown to produce cancers of the skin or any other organ.
Photo Rejuvenation
What Is Photorejuvenation?It is the process of using light on the skinís surface to effect changes beneath the surface of the skin. Blood vessels, brown pigment, hair follicles may be removed & wrinkles may be reduced w/ this treatment. Photorejuvenation is a procedure intended to rejuvenate the skin on the face, arms, legs, neck, & chest. It is performed in a series of treatments of intense pulsed light, or ipl.
Sun Damaged Skin
Red Spots & Facial Veins
Rosacea
Acne
Brown & Age Spots
Wrinkles & Fine Lines
Redness & Flushing
How Does It Work?Photorejuvenation is performed w/ a series on intense pulsed light treatments. The light penetrates the top layer of skin & acts upon the underlying layer of the dermis. The light energy seals small blood vessels, destroys melanin pigment, destroys hair follicles, & stimulates cells to produce new collagen which reduces wrinkles. Treatments are scheduled 3-4 weeks apart.
What to Expect After Treatment?Results should become especially noticeable after several treatments, as wrinkles, redness, & age spots fade away. Patients also enjoy a reduction in pore size, & an overall better skin tone & texture. There is virtually no downtime associated w/ photorejuvenation. Some patients experience slight redness after their ipl treatment, usually lasting less than 24 hours. Occasionally, age spots will darken first & then fade away in about a week.
Faqs
What Are the Side Effects of Photorejuvenation?Photorejuvenation treatments are very safe. Common side effects include: mild redness (which usually can be covered w/ make-up) & darkening of age spots (which can last up to a week before fading away). Rare side effects include: burning, blistering, & extra pigmentation on the skin which usually resolve in a week.
How Long Will the Changes From Photorejuvenation Last?After a series of 3-6 treatments, the improved appearance should last for 1-2 years.
What Are the Treatments Like?A cold gel is applied to the area to be treated. A slight stinging sensation is felt. At first, the skin may be flushed but these effects will generally fade within 24 hours. A topical anesthetic may also be applied 30 minutes prior to treatment to help reduce any mild discomfort.
Microdermabrasion
What Is Microdermabrasion?Microdermabrasion is a skin rejuvenation procedure which smoothes wrinkles & fine lines, improves the appearance of scars, reduces the size of pore, & helps improve age & sun spots. It can be described as an intense mechanical exfoliation treatment which removes the top layer of the skin.
How Does It Work?A controlled spray of very fine aluminum oxide is applied to the surface of the skin, removing the upper layer of the epidermis. While emitting the spray, the device simultaneously works to clear excess oxide crystals & the skinís cellular debris. This process helps the skin cells to stimulate new collagen, resulting in increased skin firmness & tone, revealing a fresh youthful looking face.
Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Scars That Have Resulted From Acne, Surgery or Even Chicken Pox
Enlarged Pores
Age Spots
What to Expect After Treatment?There is no downtime involved w/ this procedure, though microdermabrasion patients are asked to wear sunscreen after treatment, as skin will be extra sensitive to light. Immediately following treatment, the skin will have a slightly pink hue, creating a fresh look. Self-conscious patients can easily camouflage the redness w/ makeup. Skin imperfections are diminished & the skin seems softer & rejuvenated. The best results come to patients who continue a series of microdermabrasion treatments over time.
Faqs
Is Microdermabrasion Similar to a Chemical Peel?Yes, both treatments rid the skin of the top layer of cells. Microdermabrasion is done by physical means while a peel uses chemicals to remove surface cells.
Will Microdermabrasion Treatments Give an Improvement in the Skin Texture?Yes, a series of treatments will make the skin smoother, softer, & w/ less fine wrinkles.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?To obtain optimal results, a series of 6 rejuvenating treatments spaced 1 week apart is recommended. Continued improvement is best achieved w/ maintenance treatments every 4 to 6 weeks.
Pricing
95.00Microdermabrasion
Chemical Peels
Peel PrepPrepares skin for a treatment by gently stripping oil & softening surface cells, so that the chemical exfoliant can absorb & react quickly & effectively.
EnzymeA gentle exfoliant of fruit enzymes & salicylic acid to help break down dead cells for smoother skin. Promotes clarification to reduce oiliness for a clearer skin.
LacticOffers exfoliation & moisture retention properties & will promote softer, smoother skin as well as improvement in the appearance of fine lines. Great treatment to layer w/ another chemical or coupled w/ a microdermabrasion.
Glycolic 30%A chemical exfoliant that will promote the repair & regeneration of skin. Recommended to aid in the elimination of actinic keratosis, improves the appearance of aging skin & uneven texture & tone.
Salicylic 30%An antiseptic exfoliant that deeply cleanses pores. Excellent treatment for acne & aids in overall skin rejuvenation.
Glycolic 60%An aggressive chemical exfoliant that promotes the repair & regeneration of skin. Recommended to aid in the elimination of actinic keratosis & to improve the appearance of aging skin.
Modified JessnerA synergy of effective acids to help reduce the appearance of melasma, freckles, acne & mild cases of rosacea.
Tca 15%A medium depth peel w/ benefits formulated especially for those w/ mature skin problems, such as sun damage, fine lines & hyperpigmentation.
Micropeels
The Skinceuticals Micropeel Is a Three-Step Clinical Procedure Combining Dermaplaning (Physical Exfoliation), Chemical Exfoliation, & Cryogenic Therapy to Reduce Signs of Photo-Aging Including Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Dullness, & Visible Skin Imperfections in a Series of 4-6 Procedures.
Formulated w/ Niacin, Lactic Acid, & Usnic Acid, This Mild Clinical-Grade Peel Gently Exfoliates & Decongests Pores While Hydrating Skin. Micropeel Sensitive Skin Solution, an Optimal Starter Peel, Is Suitable for All Skin Types, Especially Sensitive.
Improves Skin Texture & Radiance
Helps Reduce Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Supports Healthy Collagen Levels for Firmer Skin
The Micropeel PlusProcedure is a unique one-step treatment of chemical exfoliation designed to reduce acne, keep problematic skin clear of breakouts, & help correct enviormental skin damage. Micropeel plus 30 solution is formulated w/ a combination of salicylic acid to refine pores & help reduce the apperance of acne & glycolic acid to aid in the improvement of rough texture, blotchiness, & uneven skin tone.
The Micropeel Plus 30 SolutionFormulated w/ 30% salicylic acid, is applied in one easy step & self-neutralizes once the optimal level of salicylic acid had been deposited. One week following a micropeel plus procedure, skin will undergo its renewal process & light to moderate peeling may occur. For optimal results, two series of 4-6 procedures per year are recommended.
The Pigment Balancing Masque Is a Customizable Medical-Only Treatment Targeting Hyperpigmentation to Dramatically Improve the Uneven Appearance of Photo-Damage, Mottled Skin After a Series of 4-6 Treatments. The Masque Combines High-Performance Brightening & Anti-Inflammatory Agents w/ a Peeling Acid Solution to Accelerate Cell Renewal & Diminish Uneven Skin Tone & Localized Hyperpigmentation. A Seperate Sanitizing Booster Allows for Additional Customization.
Accelerates Cell Renewal & Breaks Up Existing Melanin Clusters
Sanitizing Booster Sanitizes Areas Affected by Trauma Such as Acne-Related Pigmentation
Botox
Why Botox?Botox is a safe, effective treatment to reverse the visible signs of aging.
What Areas Can Be Treated?The most common areas treated are frown lines between the eyebrows, crow's feet & horizontal forehead lines. Fine wrinkles around the mouth can also be treated.
What Are Botox Treatments Like?Botox treatments are simple & take only a few minutes. No preparation is needed prior to a treatment. No sedation or local anesthesia is required, allowing you to resume normal activities immediately.
What Results Can You Expect?Botox treatments are a highly effective means of reducing facial wrinkles leading to a more youthful pleasant appearance. The majority of patients find that their results continue to improve w/ sequential treatments.
How Long Do Botox Treatments Last?Treatments generally last between 3 to 6 months. Each sequential treatment tends to last longer.
How Does Botox Work?When botox enters a muscle, some nerve impulses to contract the muscle are blocked. As the muscle weakens, the overlying skin relaxes & wrinkles disappear.
Are Botox Treatments Safe?Botox has been safely used for over a decade. The most common side effect is slight bruising at the injection site. Rarely, botox® can cause weakness to adjacent muscles, resulting in a drooping eyelid. This condition is temporary & can be treated w/ eye drops.
Am I a Candidate for Botox?If you are unhappy w/ signs of aging, such as crow's feet, frown lines, or worry lines then you are likely a candidate for botox® therapy.
Restylane
What Is Restylane?Restylane is a gel that is injected into the skin in order to add volume to lips & lift up wrinkles & folds. Restylane® consists of hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance already present in your body. Once in the skin, restylane® works by creating volume. Some dermal fillers are derived from animal substances. The hyaluronic acid in restylane® is non-animal.
How Does It Work?During treatment, the crystal-clear restylane gel is injected into the skin in tiny amounts w/ a very fine needle. The gel produces volume under the wrinkle, which is lifted up & smoothed out. When enhancing lips or facial contours, restylane® adds volume & shape to the treated area.
What to Expect After Treatment?Immediately after the treatment, you can expect slight redness, swelling, tenderness or an itching sensation in the treated area. This is a normal result of the injection. The discomfort is temporary & generally disappears in a few days. After a lip treatment, the lips may become swollen & look somewhat uneven. This can persist for a few days (up to a week). If the discomfort continues, please contact your nurse or physician.
Faqs
How Long Will the Treatment Session Take?Treatment w/ restylane is a very quick & easy process. As no pre-test is needed, the treatment can be carried out immediately. A treatment generally takes 30 minutes. The time differs somewhat, depending on the correction you wish to have performed.
What Should I Bear in Mind After My Treatment w/ Restylane?During the first 48 hours after your treatment, do not massage or rub the treated area. If you have had a lip enhancement, avoid puckering your lips for the first two days after the treatment. Until the initial swelling & redness have resolved, do not expose the treated area to intense heat (e.G. In a solarium or by sunbathing) or extreme cold.
Can Restylane Be Removed?No. However, restylane dissolves naturally w/ time. If you feel uncertain about the desired result, you can choose to have the treatment done in steps on different occasions.
Can Restylane Replace Surgical Procedures?No. However, restylane is sometimes used in conjunction w/ surgery to fill out wrinkles that cannot be removed by surgery.
What Should I Think About Before I Have a Restylane Treatment?Look at yourself in the mirror & think about the result you are expecting. Try to convey your expectations to your nurse or physician before the treatment & ask him or her what is possible.
Radiesse
How Does Radiesse Work?Radiesse works w/ your body, below the skin's surface. It is an injectable filler made of synthetic minerals. A gel carrier delivers the particles & holds them in place. When injected, the gel carrier creates a temporary fill, lasting anywhere from three to six months. The calcium particles left behind create a scaffold for your tissue to build around which creates the longer term fill.
What Is Radiesse Made Of?Radiesse is composed of tiny microspheres of a synthetic material called calcium hydroxylapatite that is combined w/ a common hydrogel used in a vast array of products. The result is a white, creamy substance w/ similar structural characteristics as bone & teeth.
Where Can Radiesse Be Used?For facial contouring, radiesse can be used for smoothing & contouring smile lines or nasolabial folds; acne scarring; cheek, chin or jawline augmentation; or non-surgical rhinoplasty.
Is There Any Downtime w/ the Procedure?Radiesse allows you to resume your daily activities immediately. You may experience some mild swelling or redness at the injection site that typically last no longer than a day.
How Long Will the Results of a Radiesse Treatment Last?One treatment may last a year or longer. By having a touch-up treatment, results may last 18 months to two years.
Sclerotherapy
What Is Sclerotherapy?Sclerotherapy is a simple procedure where veins are injected w/ a sclerosing solution, which causes them to close & thereby fade. The procedure may also remedy the bothersome symptoms associated w/ spider veins, including aching, burning, swelling & night cramps. The treatment only eliminates veins that are no longer used, so there are no effects on blood circulation.
How Quickly Will I See Results?Results occur immediately after treatment. Once the swelling subsides, after a few days, the results are even better.
Is There Downtime Associated w/ a Sclerotherapy Treatment?Compression tape or compression stockings may be worn for one to three days after the procedure. Otherwise, there is no downtime. Hot showers, spas, swimming, & sun exposure should be avoided three to seven days post treatment. Patients can resume normal activity immediately after the treatment.
Fractional Laser Resurfacing
How Does Starlux 1540 Fractional Laser Resurfacing Work?Unlike ablative lasers that remove the top layer of skin, fractional laser resurfacing produces tiny, microscopic sites of thermal impact separated by areas of unaffected, healthy tissue. The healthy tissue between treatment areas contains viable cells that promote rapid healing of the outer skin layers. At the same time, collagen fibers are coagulated in the treated areas resulting in skin improvement. The innovative 1540 fractional laser resurfacing is specially designed to alter fractional volumes of the target tissue at a time. Similar to digital alteration of photographs & paintings, the clinical effect of this treatment technique is to alter the appearance of aging & sun-damaged skin.
What Is Starlux 1540 Fractional Laser Resurfacing Used For?
Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Acne Scars
Surgical Scars
Periorbital Wrinkles (Vertical Lip Lines)
Pigmented Lesions Including Lentigos (Age Spots), Solar Lentigos (Sun Spots), & Dyschromia (Skin Discoloration)
Melasma
Pore Size
Overall Skin Quality Improvement
What Is a Fractional Laser Resurfacing Treatment Like?Treatments take approximately 30 minutes to 45 minutes, & are performed w/ a topical anesthetic ointment. For optimal results, patients should receive four treatments.
Are There Side Effects From a Fractional Laser Resurfacing Treatment?Starlux 1540 fractional laser resurfacing offers the benefits of speedy healing & no downtime. Side effects are minimal & typically involve swelling & redness. Mild swelling should subside within a day or so, & the redness usually fades over several days. Patients can apply make-up immediately after treatment & return to routine activities. There is limited, if any, risk of infection or scarring.
Where Is Fractional Skin Resurfacing Laser Used?The nice thing about the starlux factional laser is that is can be used anywhere on the body: face, neck, chest, arms, hands, back or legs. Previous lasers were only applicable to the face because body area healing took considerably longer & did not heal as well as the face. The starlux laser has made treatments to all areas safe & effective.
What Type of Post-Treatment Care Is Necessary?You will need to avoid excessive sun exposure for 2 weeks following the procedure. You should wear a moisturizing sunscreen daily w/ a minimum spf rating of 15, preferably spf 30. make up can be gently applied after the procedure if desired.
Skin Tightening
Faq's
How Does Palomar Skin Tightening Work?Our deep ir uses the most advanced cooling system to cool the surface of the skin better than older technologies using radiofrequency (such as thermage), thus allowing the use of higher energies to penetrate deeper into the skin for more impressive results. Skin tightening through soft tissue coagulation delivers infrared light, extending up to 6mm into the dermis, to create islands of deep heating. These heated islands coagulate tissue in the dermis & hypodermis, yet preserve the epidermis. The body's natural healing response generates new tissue, thereby reducing skin laxity & causing the skin to appear tighter. Austin med spa highly recommends combining photofacial, fractional resurfacing, & skin tightening for a total skin rejuvenation package which allows for the best results..
Who Is a Good Candidate for Skin Tightening?Anyone w/ mild to moderate skin laxity who is not yet ready for the expense or the down time of surgery is a good candidate.
What Areas Can Be Treated?Skin tightening can be used anywhere on the body. Loose skin in the face, neck & jowl area are the most popular procedures. Laxity in the abdomen, under the arm & buttocks are also frequently requested areas.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?The skin tightening procedure can take anywhere between a few minutes to an hour, depending on the area treated.
What Are the Treatments Like?First the skin is cooled, then the infrared heat is applied. Patients will feel a gradual heating of the treated area, then cooling is applied again. This protects the surface of the skin & also allows more effective penetration of the infrared light. It is one of our most comfortable procedures. Many patients actually find this treatment relaxing!
When Will I See Results?With our revolutionary technology results will be seen in 2 phases. The initial phase consists of tightening of the collagen that is already present. This result is seen immediately! The second phase occurs more slowly as the body initiates a natural wound-healing response & creates new collagen which provides long term tightening. Tightening will continue to improve for four to six months after the last treatment, then will stabilize.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?Many patients see some results after one treatment, however four to six treatments are generally recommended for best results. Treatments are generally recommended 2 to 4 weeks apart. Maintenance treatments & the use of cellex-c vitamin c serum are recommended to maintain & enhance results.
When Can I Resume My Normal Activities?There is absolutely no down time associated w/ this procedure! A few people may have mild redness but this usually resolves in a few hours. You can return to your normal activities immediately, although as always sunscreen should be used.
Ultherapy
Ultherapy Frequently Asked Questions:
What Is Ultherapy?Ultherapy is a non-surgical face treatment that uses ultrasound to actually lift & tone loose or sagging skin without any downtime.
What Is Unique About the Ultherapy Procedure?Ultherapy is the only non-invasive treatment that can specifically target the deep foundation below the skin – typically addressed in cosmetic surgery – without cutting or disrupting the surface of the skin. It also is the only procedure to use ultrasound imaging, which allows us to actually see the layers of tissue we target during the treatment & ensure the energy is deposited precisely to where it will be most effective.
What Kind of Technology Does Ultherapy Use?Ultherapy uses tried & true ultrasound technology, which has received fda clearance for use in this new type of medical procedure.
What Does the Ultrasound Therapy Do?Ultherapy deposits focused ultrasound energy below the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s creation of new collagen. As a result, skin will actually begin to lift & tone over time.
What Does Collagen Do? How Does Ultherapy Stimulate the Creation of Collagen?Collagen is a natural protein that gives the skin its youthfulness by keeping it firmed, toned & elastic. As we age, collagen loses its elasticity & its ability to stand up to the effects of gravity that pull the skin downward. Ultherapy jump starts a repair process that produces fresh, new collagen.
Is Ultherapy Surgery?No. Unlike a face lift, ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure that addresses the skin & support layers below it, but doesn’t entail cutting or disrupting the surface skin.
Can Ultherapy Replace a Face Lift?Ultherapy is an “uplift,” not a “face lift.” while it is not a replacement for surgery, it is a viable option for those not ready for a face lift or those looking to prolong the effects of cosmetic surgery.
How Is Ultherapy Different From Lasers?Lasers typically address issues in the superficial lasers of the skin (e.G. Fine lines, wrinkles, pigment changes). Ultherapy addresses the deep skin layer & the foundational layer addressed in cosmetic surgery that lift & lend support to the skin. Therefore, the two technologies are quite complimentary!
Is Ultherapy Safe?The procedure has been cleared by the fda after demonstrating safety in clinical studies, & tens of thousands of treatments have been performed safely worldwide. In addition, ultrasound energy is a proven track record, w/ use in the field of medicine for more than 50 years.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Ultherapy?A good candidate for ultherapy is someone w/ skin that has “relaxed” to the point of looking, & often feeling, less firm. A lowered eyebrow line or sagging skin on the eyelids, for instance, is often the first sign of “maturing” skin. Typically, those in their thirties & older who have mild to moderate skin laxity are candidates.While ultherapy is not a replacement for a surgical face lift, there are many people who want some lifting but are not ready for surgery, either mentally, financially or logistically. There are also younger people who want to “stay ahead of the game” as well as those looking to prolong the effects of cosmetic surgery.
How Long Does the Treatment Take?A full face treatment takes 45-60 minutes, & a partial face or brow lift treatment can take around 30 minutes – neither w/ any downtime.
What Problem Areas Does Ultherapy Target? What Kind of Results Do You Get?Ultherapy addresses mild to moderate loose or sagging skin. Specifically, by reconditioning & renewing the skin from within, ulthreapy will lift the brow, which in turn reduces excess skin on the lids, opens up the eyes, & gives a more refreshed look overall.
How Long Until I See Results?Patients may enjoy some initial effect but the ultimate lifting & toning will take place over 2-3 months, as tired collagen is replaced w/ new, more elastic collagen. As this collagen-building process continues, further improvements can appear up to 6 months following a procedure.
How Long Do Results Last?Patients treated w/ ultherapy still have fresh young collagen after a year’s time following the procedure, but skin continues to age. Future touch-up treatments can help keep pace w/ the aging process, which varies by individual.
Will I Need More Than One Treatment?The majority of patients only need one treatment; however, some may benefit from more than one treatment (depending on how much laxity they have & their body’s own biological response to the ultrasound & the collagen-building process).
Is There Any Downtime?Ultherapy is an entirely non-invasive procedure & as such, there is no downtime. You are able to return to your normal activities right away, & there are no special measures you need to take.
Will I Feel the Ultrasound During the Treatment?Yes. What you are feeling during the treatment is actually tiny amounts of focused ultrasound energy being deposited below the surface of the skin.
What Does It Feel Like?Patients have noted there can be some discomfort while the ultrasound energy is being delivered. This is temporary & a positive signal that the collagen-building process has been initiated. We will consult w/ you prior to your skin treatment to make your experience as pleasant as possible. Patients typically leave comfortable & excited about the benefits to come.
Are There Any Side Effects?There may be slight redness for up to an hour or so following the treatment, & a small percentage of patients may have slight swelling, tingling or tenderness to touch, but these are mild & temporary in nature. There is always the possibility for other less common post-procedural effects, which we will review w/ you.