FYI Cosmetics

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 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.

If you are one of the many individuals having regrets over a permanent tattoo, know that you are not alone. The reasons for possibly wanting to undergo a tattoo removal procedure are endless; every single day more and more men and women are looking for the best tattoo removal options. The fact of the matter is we all make decisions in our lives that we eventually come to regret; but the good news is with tattoos, now we can do something about it. If you’re wondering how to get rid of your unwanted tattoo, know that there are many tattoo removal treatments currently available. In order to get successful results, it is important to fully research all of your options in order to find the treatment that will best suit your individual needs.

Undergoing treatments for tattoo removal has greatly increased in popularity among both men and women because it allows patients to no longer be burdened with a permanent design they seriously regret. When searching for an effective tattoo removal option, you must take into consideration the overall size of your tattoo, the ink colors that make up your tattoo and whether or not the tattoo is amateur or professional. By considering these variables, you’ll be able to determine how to get rid of your unwanted tattoo properly.

Below you’ll find several tattoo removal options that can help men and women to remove unwanted tattoos.

Creams/Peels: One of the most widely used methods for tattoo removal are over the counter methods such as creams or chemical peel agents. These treatments work to fade away unwanted tattoos. While some individuals have seen great success from these methods, because they are not medical grade treatments, it is highly unlikely that users will see 100% removal of unwanted tattoos. The most important factor that individuals should consider when utilizing creams and peels is to be patient. These remedies need to be continually applied over an extended period of time in order for users to see significant fading results.

Excision: Excision is a form of tattoo removal that is no longer widely used; it is the only 100% invasive form of tattoo removal. This tattoo removal treatment involves surgically removing the skin where the tattoo resides. The Excision method is really only successful for very small tattoos because when used for larger tattoos, skin grafts may need to be taken from other body areas in order to close the wound successfully. Once the tattoo is removed, the skin will then be sutured together; this will remove the tattoo but will result in permanent scarring.

Dermabrasion/Salabrasion: There are several tattoo removal methods that involve abrading the skin with a solution and a rotary device, the two most common being dermabrasion and salabrasion. By effectively abrading the outer layers of skin, tattoo ink can be removed; however, these methods are only truly successful for tattoos that lie close to the surface of the skin. Tattoos of this nature most oftentimes include amateur tattoos; tattoos applied professionally do penetrate deeper into the skin. In addition, these tattoo removal treatments can be very painful and can leave the treated area very raw, red and exposed. Proper care of the treated area must be taken in order to minimize scarring.

Laser Tattoo Removal: The newest method for removing unwanted tattoos, laser tattoo removal is truly revolutionary because it provides results without causing permanent damage to the skin. The laser energy, when passed over the treatment area, penetrates through the epidermis and is attracted to the tattoo pigment below. When administered, it transforms into heat which works to fragment the tattoo ink. Fragments are then absorbed into the body and naturally expelled. A series of laser session are needed to see successful tattoo removal results, but this is by far the best method for removing unwanted tattoos.

With a variety of instruments for tattoo application, as well as over one hundred different tattoo inks out on the market today, all permanent tattoos are uniquely different and therefore may warrant different avenues of treatment for removal. Research all of your tattoo removal options thoroughly and then discuss with your physician which option may be for your particular situation. With the right treatment, freedom from unwanted tattoos is a realistic possibility!