FYI Cosmetics

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.

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 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.

Every day we look in the mirror and notice the signs of aging creeping in. Friends and family swear that they don’t see a difference, but we all know that our skin doesn’t lie. Anti-aging techniques have quickly grown in popularity due to the fact that men and women are continually becoming more body conscious. There are several different levels of treatments available to combat the various signs of aging, some are highly invasive whereas others utilize advanced technology to provide great results without having to go under the knife; laser resurfacing one such treatment. Laser resurfacing is a revolutionary anti-aging treatment that is specifically designed to combat skin ailments such as fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, uneven pigmentation, acne scarring and stretch marks. This non-invasive laser treatment works to rejuvenate the skin and restore the natural youthfulness for a smoother younger appearance.

For any individuals currently suffering with skin ailments caused natural aging or scarring, the laser resurfacing treatment can most definitely help. This laser treatment works by way of soft tissue coagulation; the handpiece delivers the laser light to the treatment area in an array of high precision microbeams which in turn create deep, narrow columns of tissue coagulation. These columns of coagulated tissue cause localized damage to the skin which initiates the natural healing process within the skin. This healing process involves the natural production of collagen, and collagen is what heals damaged skin. The sudden increase in collagen production creates new, healthy skin for an overall healthier appearance.

A variety of facial and body areas can be treated with laser resurfacing including the face, neck, abdomen, knees and arms; honestly wherever there are textural issues, this treatment can be administered. In addition, for those men and women that suffer from acne scarring, fine lines, large pore size, crow’s feet, general scarring, stubborn stretch marks and overall skin texture concerns, this non-invasive rejuvenation treatment may be just what you need.

Like many non-invasive laser treatments, laser resurfacing treatments can be mildly uncomfortable for some; level of discomfort will really all depend on pain tolerance. It is important to know that the technology utilized features a built-in cooling mechanism that works to there is always the option of utilizing a topical anesthetic; discuss this with your practitioner before starting treatment. Once the treatment has been administered, individuals may experience skin redness, warmth, swelling or tightness in the treated area; this typically fades in one or two days following the treatment. Laser resurfacing is truly extraordinary because a positive change in skin tone and texture is noticed by most patients within just a few days.

Laser resurfacing is a revolutionary skin rejuvenation treatment because it is non-ablative; this means that no incisions are required therefore no downtime is needed following the procedure. Even though treatments are quick and easy, it is important to remember that it is still a medical aesthetic procedure; therefore the upmost care is taken before, during and after the treatment to ensure that you get the rejuvenation results you desire. Feel confident that you are getting the safest, most effective rejuvenation treatments when undergoing laser skin resurfacing. This innovative procedure can have you looking and feeling years younger in no time!

The process of restoring the skin to a more youthful condition is the definition of skin rejuvenation. Many procedures and techniques are available today to give skin a total refreshed regenerated look. Procedures can vary from lasers to dermal fillers to facial surgery. As the skin begins to age, the connective tissue that provides firmness to the skin begins to break down and dry dead skin cells that would previously have a rapid turnover, begin to accumulate and build up. The connective tissue then starts to break down is due to sun exposure, heredity and the normal aging process. Collagen, beneath the skin, weakens, skin becomes loose and then starts to sag and wrinkle. As all this is happening, dry skin and dead skin cells reflect the light making lines appear deeper as the skin appears dull and lackluster.

Skin rejuvenation techniques are used to assist in reactivating the collagen within the structure of the skin. The result is a firm more taught and youthful appearance. This can be accomplished through surgical means such as lifts for both face and body, lasers either ablative (removing tissue) or non ablative, skin care products, peels, diet and exercise.

In the fight to revive skin to its once younger looking state the major culprit in causing skin to appear aged are wrinkles. Wrinkle reduction as part of skin rejuvenation can be lessened in a variety of ways depending on if the wrinkles are fine lines, dynamic wrinkles or skin folds: Fine lines can be decreased or even eliminated with a good skin care regime, microdermabrasion, or even light chemical peels such as alpha hydroxyl acid. These aggressive topical skin treatments work to remove the top layer of skin that causes skin to look dry and dull.

Dynamic wrinkles and skin folds can be treated by lasers, surgery, dermal fillers and injectibles:
Laser skin resurfacing with fractional laser and skin tightening laser treatments are effective in reducing the appearance of dynamic wrinkles and fine lines. The lasers can initiate a thermal injury within the skin to stimulate collagen which tighten the skin and decrease the wrinkles.

Surgical procedures such as face and body lifts and deep laser peels can dramatically alter the skin to give a renewed and rejuvenated look. Surgery lifts and tightens the face and body areas. Deep laser peels will remove the upper layers of skin and induce tightening and resurfacing as the skin heals. Surgical treatments generally have recovery time and should be considered when deciding which procedure to choose.

Injectibles such as Botox can be used for forehead rhytids to relax the muscles in that area thereby decreasing the appearance of wrinkles.

Dermal fillers are used to plump up lines and folds by injecting a gel under the skin. The gels add volume to the depleted areas thereby eliminating the wrinkles temporarily.

Combinations of treatments generally work best in order to rejuvenate the skin to a more youthful state. Several options are available and should be discussed with your aesthetic skin specialist to determine which treatment will benefit your needs best.