FYI Cosmetics

There has been much discussion over which hair removal treatments work more efficiently, intense pulsed light (IPL) or laser. IPL is often confused as a laser, however it is not. It is a non coherent light source which uses every wavelength of light in the visible spectrum and a little into the infrared spectrum, from 550nm to up to 1200nm. Laser light is coherent and uses a specific wavelength depending on the medium used (for example an Alexandrite laser has a wavelength of 755nm). The differences between IPL and Laser for hair removal are specific to the kind of light used and the size and shape of the spot.

The IPL is sometimes also called flash lamp therapy. The light emitted is filtered to settings for its indicated use, in this case hair removal. This filtered light is flashed from a rectangular hand piece onto the skin, targeting the pigment in the hair. The light is intended to cause thermal and mechanical damage to the hair follicles without affecting the surrounding tissue. The filtered light of the IPL cannot always successfully block out the wavelengths of light. Inconsistent energies emitted can cause the IPL to become confused and attracted to numerous targets at the same time. This includes pigmented lesions, skin color, and hair follicles. Deeper wavelengths within this broad spectrum are attracted to water in the skin and increase the chances of hyper pigmentation (brown or dark spots). While IPL is used for permanent hair reduction, its main function is to treat sun damage, poilkerderma, rosacea, broken capillaries, and vascular pigmented birth marks. For this reason the learning curve is very high when using an IPL, increasing the chances of untoward side effects and unhappy clients.

Laser light uses a specific wavelength of light enabling it to emit consistent reproducible energy every time. In the case of hair removal, it causes thermal and mechanical damage to the hair cells and it is attracted to the pigment. The Alexandrite lasers, often considered to be the “gold standard” for permanent hair reduction for skin types I-III use wavelength of 755nm. Darker skin types ranging in the Fitzpatrick scale of IV-V benefit from ND:Yag at 1064nm. This wavelength goes below the surface of the skin to the skin pigment and attracts to the chromospheres in the hair. The spot sizes for lasers are generally round and can be adjusted for custom treatments. Using smaller of larger spot sizes depending on the area of the body being treated.

The Cynosure Affirm is an innovative piece of laser technology that is designed to provide patients with complete skin rejuvenation results, no matter the treatment they are undergoing. Not only is this laser innovative, but it is also versatile—the Affirm is capable of treating a multitude of skin conditions including wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, age spots, uneven pigmentation, stretch marks and other trauma caused scarring. This revolutionary technology not only rejuvenates the skin, but it also provides faster, safer, longer lasting results that are less painful and require less downtime. The Cynosure Affirm is a complete skin rejuvenation package—what more could you ask for?

So you may be wondering just how the Affirm is capable of treating such a wide range of skin ailments both safely and effectively; the answer is in its unique combination of three leading laser technologies which together create a total skin rejuvenation system designed to target all layers of damaged and aged skin. The three technologies utilized by the Cynosure Affirm are the1440-nm CAP technology, the XPL technology and the 1320-nm MultiPlex technology. The 1440-nm CAP technology effectively targets superficial layers of sun damaged tissue, the state-of-the-art XPL technology provides enhanced clinical treatments for both skin redness and uneven pigmentation, and the Affirm’s newest feature—the 1320-nm MultiPlex technology— works to effectively target deep layers of collagen structures to reverse skin laxity and enhance tightening.

The Cynosure Affirm is truly revolutionary because it works on multiple levels for skin rejuvenation. The three technologies that combine to create the Affirm work simultaneously to both correct skin ailments that are found on the skin’s surface as well as reach down into the deeper layers of the dermis to promote the natural growth of collagen. By targeting the skins surface, this laser technology effectively reduce sun spots, age spots, redness caused by rosacea and acne and acne scarring and by targeting the deeper layers of skin, the natural growth of collagen is promoted which helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The Affirm is capable of providing complete skin rejuvenation leaves patients with lasting results.

Instead of utilizing just one single heat intensity level, this fractional laser can penetrate through the outer layers of skin and deliver a multitude of intensity levels to the surrounding area depending on the severity of damage in need of repair. Because this laser uses fractional technology, only a portion of the skin is treated during the procedure, thus providing successful results with less pain and faster recovery time. The thermal injury caused by the heat of the laser does not penetrate into the deep layers of the dermis therefore the recovery period is lessened considerably. While repairing skin damage, the heat also works to stimulate collagen growth which further assists in the overall healing process. Following treatment, as healing takes place, scars will begin to soften in their appearance, pore size will be gradually reduced, skin texture will be significantly improved and pigmentation will start to even out.

Because this treatment is so mildly invasive, there is no need for patients to use a topical anesthesia; patients report only minimal discomfort (if any at all) while undergoing the procedure. Procedures with this treatment are also very quick, a treatment for the full face takes merely 10 to 30 minutes to complete. Side effects experienced with this treatment are also minimal; most patients report experiencing slight redness in the treatment area (similar to mild sunburn) but this dissipates after only a few hours. While patients will see results after just a single session, physicians most often recommend undergoing at least 3 to 6 treatments for best results. For fantastic skin rejuvenation results that last, don’t look any further than the Cynosure Affirm.

Another laser in the long line of the Candela family of lasers is the SmoothPeel. The SmoothPeel is a 2940nm Erbium: YAG (ER: YAG) laser FDA approved to treat minor skin variations. The erbium laser works to ablate (or remove) the top layer of skin giving results beyond the standard microdermabrasion treatments and faster and more controlled than a chemical peel. When treating for fine lines, photo-damage, wrinkles, solar lentigines and skin rejuvenation the results often reveal younger looking skin, smaller pores, more even complexions and minimal downtime.

SmoothPeel has reported superior ablative capabilities with its ER: YAG which delivers consistent and precise outcomes time after time. Results appear in far fewer sessions than with the standard microdermabrasions. A typical microdermabrasion will peel at a depth of 1-2 microns into the skin. The SmoothPeel laser provides tissue ablation with only very superficial injury into the skin at depths of up to 10 microns. Because this laser has only 2 parameter settings there is less risk of input and operator error. The two different spot sizes available on the laser also permit a more customized treatment which allows for either a mild, skin refreshing type peel or a medium to deep peel which requires up to a week of recovery time.

SmoothPeel provides the results of microdermabrasion and chemical peels, but with more control and less risks. Chemical peels are one of the most frequently performed aesthetic procedures done today. Often the amount and depth of tissue destruction as well as the ideal amount of time the chemical is left on the skin can be difficult to determine. This can lead to a variety of undesirable complications as well as inconsistent results. The benefits of the SmoothPeel are that the results can be reproduced time and again with minimal to no untoward side effects.

A typical treatment is performed on clean very dry skin. Since the ER: YAG is attracted to the water within the skin, it is important for the skin to be dry in the areas to be treated. Topical anesthetic can be applied if the medium to deep peel is to be done. An air cooling device is also used to maximize patient comfort. The skin is then treated with one or two passes of the laser depending on the depth of the peel chosen. The ablated or dead skin is wiped away using iced saline gauze. Immediately afterward the skin will appear like mild sunburn. This fades away over a period of 1-3 days with some residual peeling of the skin during that time. The deeper laser peel will have a 4-7 day recovery time with increased redness and peeling. Optimal results are experienced with 3 sessions at 3-4 week intervals. Each session builds upon itself for progressively better results.

Actual treatment times are quick, and a full face can be treated in approximately 20 minutes. These rapid and effective treatments assist in an increase patient satisfaction ratio. Because the Erbium: YAG laser is more technologically advanced than the standard microdermabrasion and chemical peels it offers a significant advantage over these conventional therapies. First the quicker treatment times allow the patient to come in on their lunch hour and return to work with minimal observable effects. Second, the quicker treatment times are designed to also increase general patient comfort during sessions. Thirdly the SmoothPeel laser has the ability to treat thinner skinned areas such as the neck and chest with minimal difficulties.

The GentleMax laser from Candela combines the best of both worlds, the gold standard GentleLase alexandrite laser for hair removal and the multipurpose GentleYAG laser in one convenient package. The two lasers in one package allow for smoother transitions between treatment types as well as conserve space for the practitioner. Candela continues to use the dynamic cooling device as a means of skin coolant and protection during treatments and with the Gentle Max this is no exception. This two in one laser can provide treatment for hair removal on all skin types, facial and leg veins, pseudo follicular barbae (beard bumps), pigmented lesions, age or sun spots, freckles, vascular lesions, wrinkle reduction and skin tightening.

The Alexandrite laser portion of the GentleMax is a 755 nm wavelength of light that is excellent for hair removal, as well as some vascular treatments and pigmentation spots. While it does have the ability to treat all skin types, it is best slated for the lighter skin colors known as the Fitzpatrick’s I- IV. The vascular lesions such as hemangiomas, venous lakes and blue facial veins can also be effectively eliminated as well as the reduction of some facial wrinkles. Typical hair removal treatments initiate the use of the dynamic cooling device or DCD to cool and protect the skin during the session. The rapid evaporative cooling also assists in maximizing comfort as well the providing epidermal protection which aides in faster recovery.

The YAG laser portion of the GentleMax utilizes the 1064nm wavelength of light. YAG wavelengths are excellent and safe for their ability to provide permanent hair reduction on tanned or very dark skin, as well as effectively eliminate spider veins, reduce wrinkles and tighten skin. With its use of long pulse high energy laser light technology, the beam of light that is emitted passes through the skin where it is absorbed by the targets without risk or damage to the surrounding skin. The GentleYAG provides superior non invasive non ablative methods to reduce wrinkles and tighten the skin on the face, neck and larger areas of the body. Laser facials with the YAG treat superficially to reduce wrinkles virtually painlessly with almost immediate results. YAG skin tightening treats the deeper dermis causing a thermal reaction to stimulate collagen beneath the surface of the skin causing skin to be firmer and tighter. Results can be seen in 4 to 6 weeks with 4 treatments needed to achieve optimal results.

The GentleMax provides several spot sizes to be able to customize the many cosmetic procedures this system can provide. A major benefit with the use of the Candela lasers is that it provides for the largest treatment spot size in industry. In regards to laser hair removal for example the 18 mm spot size can treat a man’s back in 30 minutes, as opposed to smaller spot sizes that can take an hour or more to treat. The varieties of treatment target sizes are available to maximize the effectiveness of each pulse for both the alexandrite and YAG lasers. The flexible pulse duration and adjustable epidermal cooling technology also allow for maximum patient safety and comfort. With the highly innovated computer controls and touch screen, deciding on treatment parameters are made easy when the proper treatment and skin types are put in the system. Not only is the GentleMax easy to use, but it will also provide consistent and reproducible results time and again.

The Alex TriVantage laser by Candela is the fastest and most powerful laser to date for tattoo and pigmentation removal. This technologically advanced laser combines the uniqueness of a Q switched laser with laser pump laser technology giving it the ability to be able to treat a variety of colors for both tattoos as well as pigmented spots. The Q switched Alexandrite laser utilizes a 755nm wavelength of light to successfully treat the blue, black and green inks of tattoos. In addition The Alex TriVantage also incorporates a 1064 nm and a 532nm that are pumped with flash lamps, creating the Laser pump laser effect and thereby giving it the name TriVantage.

The original AlexLAZR by Candela was considered the industry standard for removing green, blue and black inks. Unfortunately there was insufficient absorption at this wavelength for the removal of other colors, specifically for red tattoos. With the development of the laser pump laser, the 532nm wavelength has to ability to effectively remove these reds along with brown inks. Additionally the 1064nm, the 3rd added wavelength to the AlexTriVantage has the ability to enhance tattoo removal on darker skin types especially when treating the blue and black inks.

A Benefit of using the Alex TriVantage is its unique pulse duration. This laser provides a slightly longer pulse duration than the other Q switch lasers. The longer pulse duration proves it is gentler on the skin, creating less side effects of divots under the skin of the tattoo ink or pigmented lesions. Another benefit with the AlexTriVantage laser is its limited disposables. The treatments do not require cryogen as with some of their other products and spot size skin guards are reusable, keeping ancillary costs low.

Because pigments from tattoos are sometimes deep within the skin, it will often take several treatments before a tattoo can be removed completely. The type of ink, length of time the tattoo has been in the skin and the wavelength of light used will determine how effectively the removal will be. Tattoo removal works by targeting the ink with pulses of highly concentrated laser light. The wavelength of light breaks up the ink, initiating the immune response from the body to then absorb the ink. Typical side effects and possible complications that can occur from laser tattoo removal can include scarring or changes in skin texture, temporary discoloration or redness around the treatment site, scabbing, blisters and possible infection. Additional side effects could include temporary lightening or darkening of the skin at the site of the tattoo.

Frequently treatments require a topical numbing medication to be applied prior to treatment along with a cooling method during the actual procedure to increase client comfort. Many clients report sessions feel like a hot snapping on their skin. The size of the tattoo and type of ink used may assist in determining the number of sessions that will be required. The number of treatments typically will range from 4-15 at 8 week intervals.

The GentleLASE Alexandrite laser by Candela is the gold standard for permanent hair reduction. While it has the ability to be used on all skin pigments, it reveals its best and safest work on the lighter skin colors. Combined with Candela’s patented dynamic cooling device, treatments are faster and more comfortable than ever before. Not only does this laser prove to be fast and effective for patients for hair reduction it will also successfully treat pigmented lesions such as sun spots, age spots, freckles, café-au-lait spots and melasma. In addition this 755nm wavelength laser can also assist in eliminating vascular lesions such as hemangiomas, venous lakes and blue facial veins as well as decrease wrinkles.

Candela lasers are the only lasers in the industry that have the benefit of the dynamic cooling device or DCD. The DCD sprays cryogen on to the skin milliseconds before the beam of light hits the skin. The rapid evaporative cooling ability of cryogen will maximize comfort and protect the epidermis as well as permit a quick recovery. Treatment disposables are decreased as the need for cooling gel and some costly topical anesthesia are eliminated by the use of the DCD.

The GentleLASE provides several spot sizes to be able to customize the laser hair removal treatment for efficiently. A typical hair removal treatment requires hair to be clipped or shaved down to the skin level. No lotions or gels should be on the area to be treated. Several treatment spot sizes are available to maximize the effectiveness of each pulse of the alexandrite laser. The laser targets the color within the hair follicle to destroy it as it leaves the surrounding delicate pores and structures of the skin intact. Because hair cycles through growth and dormant phases, the hair needs to be targeted in a growth cycle, when the pigment is at its darkest. Therefore a minimum of 3 treatments are needed to achieve desired results.

A major benefit of the Candela laser is that it provides the largest spot size in the laser industry for hair removal that can deliver fluences up to 100 joules/cm2. The spot sizes can target from 12-25 or more hairs in one laser pulse. The 18mm spot size for example can treat a full back in thirty minutes. The flexible pulse durations and adjustable epidermal cooling technology allow for maximum patient safety and comfort. In addition integrated computer controls within the unit assure consistent, reproducible results time after time. Because of the versatility of the GentleLase darker pigments can also be treated with extended pulse durations to increase skin tolerance.

Pigmentation issues can also be effectively treated with the GentleLase. Hyper-pigmented patches caused by the sun and do not have possible malignant potential can successfully be destroyed with often only one treatment. The brown or pigmented lesion can be found on the face, hands neck chest and sometimes legs. Generally treatments for these spots and areas are considered cosmetic in nature. The long pulse of the Alexandrite GentleLase makes for a fast safe and effective treatment. Typical treatments will cause the treated area to become red for a few hours to a few days, with minimal to no side effects after healing.

The newest laser to join the Candela family of lasers is the QuadraLASE. QuadraLASE is a fractional CO2 laser that brings laser skin resurfacing to a new level, by incorporating an innovative scanning technology called the QuadraSCAN. This scanning technology assists in minimizing the thermal buildup within the skin and increases comfort during the procedure. The beauty of the QuadraLASE is it combines the effectiveness of the carbon dioxide lasers of the past with the new fractional technology and requires no disposables. Years ago CO2 laser skin resurfacing was the Gold Standard as a powerful wrinkle remover and over all skin rejuvenator and skin firmer. However the recovery time and side effects were long and harsh. This new version of fractional CO2 laser treatment has the ability to deliver powerful results with less downtime and fewer side effects and complications.

As the skin goes through the natural aging process the main protein within the skin that keeps it wrinkle free, collagen, begins to break down. This break down is assisted by exposure to the sun and other environmental factors. Laser skin resurfacing is the process of removing the upper surface layers of skin to decrease lines, even out pigmentation, reduce acne scars, reduce pore size and assist in the rebuilding of the body’s own collagen. The heat from the laser as well as the skin injury stimulates the natural collagen into production. The results produce softer, smoother, more even toned, youthful looking skin. The ablative forms of skin resurfacing generally penetrate deep into the skin layers to remove or vaporize heavy wrinkles, acne scars and some forms of pigmentation. Significant down time, usually associated with severe redness, swelling and oozing are the typical reactions. Healing takes place as the skin begins to regenerate itself, revealing fresh new revitalized, tighter skin.

Fractional CO2 skin resurfacing will ablate a portion of the skin to treat photo-damage, wrinkles, scars, and pigmentation. The treatment works by treating a “fraction” of the skin. This means the laser will create areas of treated tissue that is surrounded by untreated healthy tissue. The QuadraLASE targets a pattern into the skin leaving micro portions of the skin intact, generally in a dot or pixel like pattern. The laser creates narrow deep columns that extend into the epidermis and in some cases into the dermis with an intense micro-beam of light. The intact areas maintain the tissue’s stability as the treated areas begin to heal, assisting in faster healing. Topical anesthesia and an air cooling system are used for patient comfort during the treatment. Patients are required to remain out of the sun as well as use a sunscreen of at least 30spf during the healing phase as well to optimize results.

While some will see some immediate improvements, the greatest progress is seen between 3-6 months after last treatment, giving the skin time for complete healing and collagen rebuilding. To further enhance the powerful results the fractional CO2 laser dermal fillers and injectables such as BOTOX cosmetic can be used. The results provide for very effective and satisfying results.
Determining if the QuadraLASE is right for you should be made with your cosmetic physician.

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.