FYI Cosmetics

The Smoothbeam by Candela is a 1450nm diode laser that is versatile and multifunctional. It is the first FDA approved laser for the treatment of acne. Designed to target the root cause of acne, the Smoothbeam provides a precise heating of the upper dermis, while the dynamic cooling device Candela is famous for, known as non toxic cryogen gas, provides a controlled cooling of the skin. The result when this wavelength of light penetrates the skin is a denaturization of the sebaceous glands to effectively treat acne and sebaceous hyperplasia. In addition this diode laser also has the ability to initiate skin rejuvenation by softening fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes as well as a softening the appearance of acne scars.

Acne is the most common cause for visits to the dermatologist. This skin disorder affects millions of people worldwide. Acne is caused by clogged pores, pimples or cysts. The levels of acne range from mild to severe. Many factors can contribute to this condition such as hormones, stress, genetics, diet and the environment. Acne can be seen not only on the face, but also on the neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. Moderate to severe forms of acne can possibly lead to scarring. Acne is caused by an increased production of the sebum from the oil glands, often as a result of hormonal activity. While there are several topical and systemic treatments available to use, occasionally other forms of treatment are needed to clear the area and gain control of an outbreak. This is where the Smoothbeam by Candela comes in.

The Smoothbeam targets the root cause of the acne by causing a thermal injury below the surface of the skin. The heat then alters the structure of the oil or sebaceous glands thus reducing the overproduction of the acne causing oil. The sebaceous glands are the root cause of acne. The thermal injury also initiates the remodeling of collagen to decrease the appearance of wrinkles and acne scars. As the laser penetrates into the upper layers of the dermis the wavelength of light is absorbed by the water within the deeper skin. The dynamic cooling device, which sprays cryogen onto the skin milliseconds prior to the laser beam hitting the skin, assists in minimizing side effects as it preserves the skin integrity and increase patient comfort.

The Smoothbeam targets and heats the collagen and the oil glands in the dermis, denaturing the oil glands and stimulating collagen growth all while protecting the top layer of skin. An advantage of this laser is its ability to treat any skin type from teenagers to older patients with minimal side effects. Side effects include hyper or hypo pigmentation, redness and in rare instances scarring. Contraindications to receive the Smoothbeam treatment include recent use of the oral medication Accutane and tanned skin.

The procedure is said to feel as if rubber bands are snapping on the skin and usually a topical anesthetic is applied prior to the treatment for added patient comfort. A full face can be treated in approximately 30 minutes. 2-6 treatments are needed at 4-6 week intervals for optimal results. Results are seen gradually, with most claiming to see a response after the second or third treatment.

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.

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.

For those men and women who find that they have started to experience the common signs of aging such as dull, unevenly textured and wrinkled skin, then treatments with the Candela VBeam Perfecta may be just what you need. Continual exposure to the harsh elements can do much damage to the exposed skin of the face and neck. Aged and damaged facial skin can cause many individuals to appear older than their chronological age; this is almost always attributed to unprotected skin being exposed to sun and environmental elements for extended periods of time. Skin rejuvenation treatments with the Candela VBeam are a fantastic way to rejuvenate tired, damaged skin.

Over the years there have been many skin rejuvenation techniques have been developed which were designed to help individuals in reducing the visible signs of aging and skin damage, however the advent of the aesthetic laser has brought about a whole new level of treatment. Laser skin rejuvenation treatments with the Candela VBeam provide excellent results without requiring a significant amount of recovery time or downtime. In addition, these treatments never produce the side effects that are commonly associated with other skin rejuvenation procedures such as invasive surgery, ablative treatments, chemical peels and injections.

The Candela VBeam Perfecta pulsed dye laser is known across the board as the gold standard in laser skin rejuvenation. Specifically designed to treat underlying vascular and epidermal pigmented lesions, facial and nasal veins, sun spots and freckles, facial redness and rosacea, psoriasis, wrinkles and fine lines and even unsightly scars and warts can all be treated safely and effectively with the VBeam without causing localized damage to the surface of the skin. The Perfecta’s enhanced micro-pulse technology provides visibly effective treatments without causing any open wounds, facial crusting, “purpura,” or laser bruising; men and women who undergo treatment with this laser can walk out the door without embarrassing side effects commonly associated with other skin rejuvenation treatments.

During treatment, as the laser is passed over the treatment area it penetrates through the outer layers of skin and is attracted to the micro vessels located below. The laser light works to heat and cauterize these vessels which effectively cuts off the blood supply and renders them inactive. Once treated, the vessels are then naturally absorbed and expelled by the body’s lymphatic system. The specific wavelength of the VBeam laser as well as the patented DCD (Dynamic Cooling Device) epidermal cooling and protection system provide both practitioners and patients with simple and complete rejuvenation system. No anesthetics are needed and no skin irritating “topical” ointments or gels are applied for VBeam Perfecta treatment. The DCD is all that patients will ever need for lasting comfort and protection.

Candela VBeam treatments are highly sought after by both patients and laser technicians because they produce an immediately visible results without the need for recovery time. With this treatment, patients have the opportunity come in for their session and then resume normal activities when their treatment is complete. Unlike chemical peels or other more invasive skin rejuvenation procedures that require downtime at home to heal and let bruising subside, patients can treat with the VBeam and then get right back to their daily lives; the VBeam Perfecta is an all in one device that allows patients to be treated quickly and comfortably, with no side effects and no hassles. After a series of treatments patients will see significant wrinkle reduction, and will notice a smoother, more even looking complexion; the best part—results are long lasting