This page is a collective list of each of the Frequently Asked Questions found under each of our individual services.  This page will assist you in answering many of the questions that you may have about any of our services.  If for some reason we didn't answer your question, please feel free to contact us and we will assist you however we can.

Laser Hair Removal  |  Photofacial  |  BOTOX^®  |  The Obagi System  |  VelaSmooth

Laser Hair Removal

How does AFT Hair Removal work?

Without damaging the surrounding skin, controlled flashes of light penetrate the skin and are absorbed by the hair follicles. The heat damages or destroys the potential for re-growth. Because of the significantly large spot size created by this unique technology, backs, shoulders, abdomens and legs can be treated quickly. Facial areas such as the lip, chin, and beard can be treated in minutes.

Who are candidates for treatment?

Men, women, and children may be treated with AFT. Treatments can be customized according to your hair color, texture, and body location. Hair of any color- black, brown, and red- can be treated. Treatment is effective on most skin types. To find out if you are a candidate, ask to schedule a consultation.

What is treatment like?

First, the area to be treated is cleansed, the hair is shaved, and a cool gel is applied. Through the AFT hand piece, gentle pulses of light are emitted and penetrate the skin to begin disabling the hair follicles. Each pulse may feel like a snap of a rubber band or a slight sting or pinch. Most of the hair wipes off immediately; the remaining hair falls out over a period of a week or two.

Are there any possible side effects?

Side effects are rare. Blistering, soft scabbing, or redness sometimes occurs at the treatment site, but resolves quickly or within a few days. In certain cases, the skin could become slightly lighter or darker. You will be notified during your consultation if you are susceptible to these side effects. For 2-4 weeks before and after treatment, you must limit your sun exposure. This will greatly minimize the risk of complications.

Does it hurt?

Most patients describe it as a little uncomfortable, a tingling, stinging sensation during treatment. No local anesthesia or pain medicine is required and you will be able to resume regular activities immediately.

How long is the treatment?

The treatment time can vary based on the area. The upper lip takes only a few minutes while the back or legs can take up to an hour.

How many treatments does it take?

The laser works by disabling hair in the active growth stage (anagen) at the time of treatment. Because not all hairs are in this stage during treatment, additional treatments will be necessary to disable all the hair follicles in the area being treated. Treatments are usually given at intervals of 4-6 weeks, or when new hair growth is noticed. In general, the average patient will require 4-6 treatments.

Are the results permanent?

The FDA has recently authorized the system for permanent hair reduction. This decision was not made lightly, and only after reviewing statistical scientific data on the results obtained with this system. This is a claim very few other lasers in the world are allowed to use.

What should I do before my treatment?

Before your treatment, do not wax, use depilatory cream or have electrolysis for 4-6 weeks. You may shave until 3-14 days before treatment, but leave a 3-day stubble for your visit. This allows us to view the exact area that you wish to have hair removed. Use a sunscreen with 30 SPF to block sun and avoid tanning beds for at least 2 weeks before your treatment, or until your scheduled treatment date.

What happens to the skin after treatment?

Within about 30 minutes of treatment, the area may become pink or red. Patients describe it as mild sunburn this reaction usually subsides within a day. Because the laser does not damage the skin, no bandages are necessary.

What should I do after I am treated?

After your treatment, you can return to your normal activities. The treated areas should be handled with care after treatment. Avoid: Retin-A, alphahydroxy acids, glycolic acids, astringents. You may clean the area using mild soap and water. You should avoid tanning and use a sunscreen on any treated areas exposed to the sun.

What should I expect?

Around 2-3 weeks after treatment hairs will begin to surface. Most of these hairs were treated and are “falling out”, it is not regrowth. The hair follicles need to purge the hairs that remained under the skin. Please refrain from waxing, plucking, or bleaching between treatments (shaving is okay).

What if I have grey or blonde hair?

The laser light energy passes harmlessly through the skin, but is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle and hair shaft. By absorbing this laser energy, the hair follicles are disabled, impairing their ability to grow. Colorless hair (grey, blonde or “peach fuzz”) contain little or no pigment therefore the laser has no target (pigment).
 

Photofacial

What is skin rejuvenation?

Over time, due to the sun, aging, free radicals and lifestyle, your skin can become dull and uneven with early signs of aging.  Our lasers deliver a series of light pulses that penetrate through the skin and is absorbed by abnormally dilated vessels or pigmentation.  The heat of the laser impairs the vessels or lesions and the body begins its natural healing process.

How will I look after the treatment?

If you have sun spots they will become darker and then flake off over the next 7 to 14 days.  If you have rosacea, the redness worsens initially then calms and fades over the next 10-30 days bringing a more even skin tone.  You can use make-up immediately following your treatment and there is no “down time”.

How many treatments will I need?

Usually 3 treatments, 2 weeks apart are ideal for satisfactory results.

May I tan before or after my treatments?

No. The sun is a major reason why this pigmentation has occurred in the first place.  A good SPF 35 sunscreen should be used everyday, rain or shine.  As with all laser treatments, tanning is discouraged.

BOTOX^®

What areas of my face can I receive BOTOX^®?

The forehead, around the eyes (crows feet) and glabella (between the eyes)  all respond well to Botox.

How long does the Botox last?

BOTOX^® lasts anywhere from 3 to 6 months.  Each individual varies.

Is there any down time with Botox?

No.  You may have some tiny bumps where the injection sites are located but these will disappear in a few hours.

What about other procedures?

Whether it's emu oil, Dead Sea minerals, collagen creams, fruit acids, fat injections, or chemical peels, there are more anti-wrinkle procedures and products than you can shake a mascara wand at.

BOTOX^® Cosmetic is the only treatment of its type approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the temporary improvement of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows. What's more, unlike many procedures and over-the-counter wrinkle remedies, BOTOX^® Cosmetic treats the cause of these frown lines by reducing the muscle contractions that cause the lines to form over time.

You may see creams or gels advertised, or products that claim to be "better than BOTOX." However, none of these products is associated with BOTOX^® Cosmetic. The fact is, there is only one BOTOX^® Cosmetic.

The Obagi System

What is Obagi?

Obagi is a prescription strength skin care system designed to repair damaged skin caused by sun damage, aging and lifestyle.

How often do I have to use the Obagi?

Obagi has different systems for different skin types. The Condition and Enhance System is for mature skin and must be used every day morning and night.  The Vitamin C System is for younger skin and is used more for preventative measures and the Clenziderm System is for people with acne problems.

 How will I know which system is right for me?

Our trained staff will set up a consultation with you to decide the best course of action.

Is there any down time with the Obagi System?

There will be some slight peeling and flaking but nothing unsightly that you can’t go out in public.

How soon will I see results?

Most people state that their skin looks more radiant, tighter pores and more even tone in as little as 3 weeks.

VelaSmooth

What exactly is VelaSmooth™?

VelaSmooth™ is a non-surgical, FDA approved treatment for the reduction of cellulite.  VelaSmooth™ uses Bi-Polar Radio Frequency and Light Energies to treat the cellulite.

How many treatments will I need?

For optimal results you will need 10 to 16 treatments.

 What areas of the body do you treat?

We can perform VelaSmooth™ on the hips, buttocks, thighs, abdomen, upper arms and neck.

Does it hurt?

VelaSmooth™ is relatively non-invasive.  Most people feel that it is similar to a deep tissue massage.  There may be limited bruising but this varies with each individual.