FYI Cosmetics

The most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure performed in the United States is Botox®. This FDA approved treatment is a solution that is injected into the skin to quickly and effectively eliminate some of the facial lines and wrinkles caused by the environmental, age and stress. Originally Botox® was designated to treat eye muscle disorders. However doctors observed an unusual side effect of the treatment was that the Botox softened the frown lines between the eyebrows. Made from Clostridium Botulinum bacterium, Botulinum Toxin Type A (aka Botox®) has been proven effective in several medical applications such as decreasing muscle spasticity, jaw clenching, migraine headaches and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) in addition to its fast effective aesthetic abilities. Botox® works to temporarily reduce the muscle activity that causes those frown and squint lines around the forehead and eyes.

Wrinkles can be generated from the movement of facial muscles as we make expressions. With the passage of time, the continuous movement of the facial muscles can often increase the depth of these wrinkles and make them appear more pronounced How does Botox® Cosmetic work to eliminate the fine lines and wrinkles? A small amount of the solution is injected in several places along the muscle that has created the wrinkle. As the solution begins to take effect, the nerve impulses within the muscle are blocked causing the muscle to begin to relax and weaken. When the muscle is weak and relaxed it is physically unable to form a wrinkle. Because of this, the skin that lies over the treated muscle becomes smooth making the lines and wrinkles disappear almost magically.

Improvement to the treated areas can be seen in a little as 3 days and as long as 2 weeks after the initial injections. Occasionally complete relaxation of the treated muscle is not achieved and a touch up to area may be required. Areas of the forehead, around and between the eyes can achieve a smoothing of the moderate to severe lines without downtime or surgery. Treatments can take only a few minutes and do not require any sedation or anesthesia. Discomfort during the treatments in minimal. Results of treatments can last from one to five months and sometimes longer with repeated treatments.

Ideal candidates for Botox® Cosmetic are those who want to see an improvement in the lines and wrinkles noted on their forehead, between and around their eyes. These candidates usually do not yet need or want to commit to a surgical procedure at this time or they are unable to have a surgery. Botox® is also used in conjunction with other facial procedures such as face lifts or laser resurfacing and skin tightening to enhance the cosmetic outcomes. As with any procedure there are some minimal side effects that have been noted. Not everyone will experience these side effects and in most cases tolerate the procedure very well. The possible side effects include slight discomfort during the injection, bruising at the site of injection and for a very small percentage of people (less than 3%) the development of a droopy eyelid known as ptosis. This will usually return to normal as the solution wears off.

Botox® is proven safe and effective for most people and has been used on millions of people for several years. If facial wrinkles and fines lines are your concern consider Botox® cosmetic and consult your cosmetic physician to determine if it right for you.

The Alma Soprano XL laser system is one of the most technologically advanced lasers available for safe, effective hair removal. With so many lasers on the market today that treat unwanted hair, it is difficult to know which to choose. There are several types of laser hair removal lasers and each is designed to specifically treat certain skin tones. Alexandrite lasers are designed to treat patients with very light skin and Nd: YAG lasers are designed to treat those patients with darker skin tones. Each utilizes a different laser wavelength that allows the laser energy to penetrate to different depths beneath the skin. The Soprano XL is a Diode laser and diode lasers are designed to treat all patients no matter their skin type. Why mess around with two different lasers when there’s one that can easily do the job of both?

The Soprano XL is the gold standard 810-nm wavelength laser diode that continually provides reliable hair reduction results. Like all other hair removal lasers, this technology works to effectively target and treat actively growing hair follicles. As the laser is passed over the area being treated, the laser energy passes through the outer layers of skin and targets the hair follicles below. That laser energy transforms into heat and it is the heat that effectively disables actively growing hair. A series of treatments will be needed in order for patients to experience successful results, but the Soprano XL has a long history of getting patients the hair free results they were searching for.

So what makes the Alma Soprano stand out among the rest? The Soprano offers both patients and practitioners:

• Safe, effective hair reduction results utilizing the 810-nm diode laser wavelength.
• Permanent reduction of unwanted hair for patients with all skin types, including tanned skin.
• Faster treatment times than its laser counterparts; the 12X10 mm spot size in combination with the 10 Hz repetition rate makes it one of the fastest lasers available for hair removal.
• Easy to operate and low cost to practitioners – only one laser is needed to do the job of two, efficiently and effectively.
• Virtually painless procedures due to the Sapphire DualChill tip and the optional Zimmer Cryo 5 air chiller adapter.

In addition to hair removal, the Soprano XL by Alma now also offers near-infrared deep dermal heating treatments. Not sure what this entails? This innovative new procedure joins the ranks with many other non-traditional healing treatments such as aromatherapy, acupuncture and medical massage. This treatment utilizes the NIR or Near-Infrared hand piece and a specially designed IN-Motion technology to deliver uniform energy distribution throughout the targeted area that effectively produces dramatic, yet comfortable deep dermal heating without causing damage to the epidermis and surrounding tissue. This technology is fantastic for treating a variety of ailments such as minor muscle pain, joint stiffness and pain and minor pain associated with arthritis. In addition, it has also been found to help alleviate muscle spasms, minor pains and strains and minor muscular back pain.

Whether patients are looking to remove unwanted hair or are looking to treat minor ailments such as muscle pain, the Alma Soprano laser technology may be exactly what you need. Find out more about this innovative laser hair removal technology today

In the realm of non ablative lasers, Candela offers the VBeam series. Known for being the industry’s Gold Standard, the VBeam is a pulse dye laser that can be used to treat a variety of vascular and pigmentation issues. The pulse dye laser delivers an intense but gentle burst of light into selective colors of the skin for safe and effective treatments. The light energy produced targets the chromophore oxyhemoglobin, the predominant protein in red blood cells. The heat energy is then absorbed by the specific blood vessels or pigmentation that has been targeted within the dermis and is then destroyed. The VBeam treats skin anomalies while saving the surrounding tissues. The vascular and skin issues that can successfully be treated with the VBeam series include port wine stains, rosacea, hemangiomas, Poikilderma of Civatte, dyschromia and small veins on the face and legs less than 3mm in diameter. Added benefits of this laser include photorejuvenation and treatment of fine lines and wrinkles.

The VBeam series offers three versions of this laser to fit individual practice needs. The Aesthetica performs skin rejuvenation by improving skin tone. It effectively removes red veins and discoloration. Because it has limited itself to just aesthetic treatments, this model in the series can also be upgraded to include additional parameters of treatment. The Platinum VBeam can treat a broad range of vascular lesions, rosacea, acne, port wine stains and both facial and leg veins. Uniform and consistent heating time after time provides consistently excellent results with minimal to no bruising of the treated areas. And finally, the VBeam Perfecta. The Perfecta is a combination of the first two lasers. The Perfecta does it all from skin rejuvenation for fine lines, wrinkles and skin tone, to rosacea and red veins, to pigmented areas and much more. With the patented Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD) along with micro-pulse technology, the Perfecta offers practically no down time and no bruising or purpura to the skin.

All of the VBeam lasers utilize an easy access touch screen to provide guidelines for safe starting energies for patient treatment parameters, making the operative of the laser easy to use. The micropulse technology allows gentle vessel healing to eliminate downtime and provide effective and consistent results. With the VBeam anesthesia needs are minimal to non existent because of the DCD.

Determining factors as to whether or not lesions can be treated will depend on the color, age, location and type of lesion. Ideal treatments should result in elimination of the target with no hypo-pigmentation, hyper-pigmentation, scarring or change in skin texture. Wrinkles and broken capillaries from sun damage can be lessened and even eliminated with a series of treatments. Stretch marks and scars can also be treated effectively as the light energy removes the redness and stimulates collagen production to decrease the look of the scar.

For most 2-5 treatments as 6 week intervals are required for maximum benefits. Side effects can include redness or mild swelling in the treated area immediately following treatment, usually resolving within a few hours to a few days. Occasionally a laser bruise (purpura) may occur. Purpura is short lived and will often disappear in less than a week. It is recommended to avoid the sun before and throughout treatments for the most effective results. Many patients report seeing a difference immediately with a feeling of firming or tightening to the treated area. Results vary depending on the area being treated and multiple treatments may be needed for clearance of vascular lesions.

For the highest quality fractional laser resurfacing treatments, don’t settle for anything other than the Alma Pixel CO² OMNIFIT. As the aesthetic market continues to rise in popularity, patients are now looking for treatments that are designed to get the same results as more invasive procedures, but with less risk, less pain and less downtime. Any individual who has ever undergone a chemical peel knows the success that can come of it, but the harsh chemicals do a number on your skin in the mean time and this requires significant downtime to heal. The Alma Pixel CO² laser is designed to get the same chemical peel results, without the harsh chemicals or need for significant downtime. Patients are quickly discovering how this innovative treatment is helping them to look and feel years younger.

The Pixel CO² OMNIFIT utilizes a revolutionary new fractional laser handpiece that is specifically designed to upgrade any CO² laser so that it can employ advanced fractionated capabilities that provide the same level of treatment as traditional CO² lasers but greatly reduce long recovery times normally associated with fractional ablation treatments. Since its inception, the Pixel CO² laser by Alma has quickly become the ‘go to’ laser for fractional ablation. Patients and practitioners alike only continue to realize that there is no other technology like it.

Now, before fully understanding the benefits this technology provides, you must first understand how the fractional laser resurfacing treatment works. During Alma’s Pixel Perfect™ dramatic skin revitalization treatment, the laser handpiece will be passed over the treatment area and the laser light will penetrate into the deeper layers of skin where it is fractionally ablated. Fractional ablation, also known as fractional skin resurfacing, delivers mild ablation which causes localized damage to fractions of the lower layers of skin. Because only a fraction of the skin is ablated at one time, the procedure is much less invasive than other skin resurfacing techniques such as chemical peels. By causing localized damage to the skin cells in the dermis layers, the natural growth of collagen is promoted; collagen is naturally produced to help heal the injury. By causing ‘injury’ to the skin, the collagen growth ultimately helps to heal and smooth damaged skin.

The unique handpiece on the Alma Pixel CO² OMNIFIT allows practitioners to change ablation levels according to the severity of the skin damage. By having a Q-switch function on the handpiece, practitioners can seamlessly switch between two different laser wavelengths; the different wavelengths can target different depths beneath the skin in order to produce a more uniform appearance above. This new technology is truly innovative because it provides patients with the same results as traditional CO² laser treatments while minimizing discomfort, risk of complications, and the need for extensive downtime. Patients have experienced a significant improvement in both tone and texture after just one single treatment, with results that are long lasting. If you are searching for a way to experience complete skin rejuvenation without undergoing a risky procedure that requires significant downtime, the Alma Pixel CO² OMNIFIT offers the perfect alternative for you.

The Alma Harmony XL has broken all the barriers in aesthetic laser technology to bring practitioners and patients a device that provides ten different technologies that are capable of treating over 60 popular aesthetic treatments; to date, there is no other laser device that can compare.  In the trying times of this aesthetic industry, the Harmony allows practitioners to minimize their investment while maximizing on treatment potential.  So what does this mean for patients?  More affordable treatments that provide lasting results—this technology provides a winning situation for all.

In the short amount of time that laser technology has been available to consumers; great strides have been made to advance the technology to a point where it made sense for both patients and practitioners.  In the past, separate laser devices have been needed to treat each aesthetic ailment, therefore in order to provide a wide arrange of treatments, practitioners needed to invest in a wide variety of aesthetic technology.  Laser devices don’t come cheap therefore financially, for many practitioners, having multiple laser devices didn’t make sense.  However, the introduction of the Harmony XL by Alma brought about an aesthetic laser revolution.  Now, this one device can do the work of ten, and this allows patients to receive safe, effective results for over 60 aesthetic laser procedures.

While the Harmony has applications for dozens of procedures, it is most often used to treat the following:

Hair Removal – With the addition of the AFT 650 handpiece (before only available on the Alma Soprano XL), the Harmony can now also offer Pain-Free, Hair-Free™ treatments to all men and women.  This specialized handpiece eliminates the need for topical anesthetics and other cooling devices.  Patients can now experience smooth, hair free lasting results easily and painlessly.

Skin Rejuvenation – Alma’s Laser360™ complete skin rejuvenation treatment combines three technologies utilized over 60 days to bring patients complete skin rejuvenation.  This application gets patients a complete range of skin rejuvenation results, the most apparent of which are anti-aging techniques.  These technologies are completely safe for rejuvenation of the face, neck, chest, hands or anywhere else patients harbor signs of aging or photo damage.

Acne & Acne Scar Removal – The AFT 420 acne handpiece allows the Alma Harmony to successfully treat problem acne.  The blue light wavelengths effectively target the porphyrins that are produced when p. acnes bacteria is naturally metabolized.  The integration between the porphyrins and the blue light creates oxygen which rapidly destroys these bacteria without damaging the surrounding tissue.  This can effectively reduce problem acne without the need for more invasive techniques.

Tattoo Removal – The Q-Switched Nd: YAG handpiece on the Harmony XL is a safe and effective way to remove unwanted tattoos.  This handpiece incorporates two different laser wavelengths—1064nm and 532nm to treat a wide arrange of tattoo colors.  By incorporating a handpiece that utilizes this dual wavelength technology, practitioners can remove multi-colored tattoos seamlessly.

Vascular & Pigmented Lesions – Some of the tell tale signs of aging include vascular and pigmented lesions.  In order to maintain a more uniform complexion, the Alma Harmony XL utilizes the AFT 540 VP handpiece for the safe and effective reduction of both vascular and pigmented lesions.  This technology works to target and treat these ailments, the laser light penetrates into the treatment area, targets the lesions and utilizes the heat from the laser energy to effectively break apart the pigmented area, thus giving the skin younger look overall.

Wrinkles – To help remove wrinkles and fine lines for a younger appearance, patients can undergo treatments on the Harmony XL with the 1320 Nd: YAG handpiece.  This handpiece is specially designed to reach deeper within the skins layers to target water-containing tissue.  The laser energy heats this water-containing tissue which effectively raises the dermal temperature.  This rise in temperature is the catalyst for the natural production of collagen; it is that collagen that works to fill in lines and wrinkles for a smoother, younger appearance.