Why use the LightSheer Diode Laser over other hair removal systems?
The LightSheer laser is specifically designed for hair removal. We have chosen this laser because of the extensive clinical research which demonstrated its effectiveness for permanent hair reduction. Other laser hair removal systems that we have investigated cannot make this claim.

How does the LightSheer system remove hair?
This laser targets the pigment located in the hair follicle and shaft. The light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle and this energy is converted to heat which results in damage to the hair follicle. This damage causes delayed re-growth of the hair, and in most cases permanent destruction of many of the hair follicles. Unlike electrolysis, which kills one hair follicle at a time, the laser reaches and treats hundreds of follicles at a time.

Is it safe?
The LightSheer system was developed from years of research at the Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine, one of the world's leading medical laser research institutions. The laser is pulsed, or "turned on," for only a fraction of a second and the duration of each pulse is just long enough to disable the hair follicles. A unique component of the LightSheer system, the actively cooled sapphire handpiece, was designed to protect the skin by actively cooling it before, during and after the laser light is transmitted. It also actively draws off heat from the skin surface, which further protects the skin from injury.

Does it hurt?
The cooling tip has a mild anesthetic property, which allows tender areas to be treated in a relatively painless fashion. You may feel a tingling or stinging sensation during the treatment, but most people tolerate the procedure well. Topical anesthetic is available to increase your comfort, if you choose. Following your treatment, you may experience a sunburn-type sensation in the treated area for several hours.

What affects the look of body hair?
Age, ethnicity, medication, hormone levels, and body site influence the length, coarseness and color of body hair. How much hair you have depends on how many hairs are in the active growth phase, and how long that phase lasts.

How many treatments will I need?
Interestingly, not all hairs are actively growing at the same time. They actually go through three distinct phases: growth, regression, and resting. The LightSheer works by disabling hair that is principally in the active growth phase at the time of treatment. Since other hairs will enter this active growth phase at different times, additional treatments may be necessary to disable all hair follicles in a given area. Treatments are usually given at intervals of 8-12 weeks, depending on the particular area of the body being treated and the density of the hair in that area. Our staff will work with you to develop the best program that fulfills your needs.

Are the results permanent?
The LightSheer causes permanent hair reduction and delayed regrowth of the treated hair follicles. A long-term clinical study was done to evaluate the LightSheer Diode Laser for hair removal. Of 92 patients, all had temporary hair loss and 89% had long-term hair loss. Also, regrowing hairs were shown to be thinner and lighter than previously. Because the laser tends to treat hair follicles that are in an active growth phase, more than one treatment will be required to disable hair follicles that subsequently enter this growth phase. However, one treatment may result in a significant enough improvement that it may be all you desire or require.

What happens after treatment?
Within several minutes, the treated area may become slightly red and puffy. This reaction usually subsides quickly and returns to normal within a day or so. Depending on the area treated you should plan work or social engagements accordingly. Around day 3-7 after treatment you may experience what seems to be regrowth of hair. Actually, most of these hairs are being shed as a result of your treatment and are not regrowing. In-between treatments you should not wax or pluck your hairs but it is permissible to shave.

Who is a good candidate for the LightSheer laser?
The ideal candidate for most hair removal lasers has dark hair and light skin. Darker hairs absorb more of the laser light, and lighter skin allows more transmission of the laser light into the hair follicle. Although dark or tanned skin may run a higher risk of pigmentation changes following the procedure, the LightSheer's unique longer wavelength at 810nm allows treatment of all but the darkest-skinned patients. No other hair removal lasers have this property.

What is FotoFacial^™?
IPL™ Photorejuvenation is a non-invasive treatment that erases skin damage without disrupting the skin's surface. The patented non-laser technology supplies a broad spectrum of light which reaches deep down to the collagen producing level of the skin, remarkably reducing the signs of aging.

What areas can be treated? 
FotoFacial^™ Treatments can be used on any part of the skin.  They are especially effective for improving the appearance of the face, neck and chest.

What results can I expect? 
You can expect to see a gradual decrease in overall  redness, flushing and dilated capillaries. People with  visible aging from the sun can expect to see their skin  become smoother with a decrease in fine wrinkles,  reduction in pore size and fading of sun spots. Many  people with rosacea see an improvement in breakouts and are able to decrease or discontinue their medications. 

What is a FotoFacial^™ Treatment like?
Each treatment takes approximately 20 to 40 minutes.  A mild amount of discomfort can be expected.  Many patients prefer to use a topical anesthetic cream available at our office or by prescription from their personal physician. Immediately following a treatment, the skin may appear red and flushed and tiny capillaries may appear  more visible. Brown spots generally appear  darker. All of these changes gradually fade over a  period of a few hours to a few days.  

How soon will I see results? 
After your first treatment, your skin will feel smoother and will have a more even tone.  These improvements are gradual and will be more visible after each treatment. Five treatments  are performed for optimal results. Some patients will benefit from an  additional treatments.

Who are the best candidates for a  FotoFacial^TM Treatments?

The best candidates for FotoFacial^™ Treatments are: 
      
       People who suffer from rosacea and experience flushing  and redness of their skin.
       People with early aging changes and sun damage who desire healthier more youthful appearing skin.
       People who don't want to take the time off to heal  from laser resurfacing or chemical peels. 
       

What is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is the latest scientific method using fine inert (micro) crystals to progressively abrade the skin's surface. It is used for skin resurfacing and treating a range of skin abnormalities. This treatment has been used in Europe for years, now this exciting procedure is helping men and women in the United States experience remarkable improvements in their skin texture, regardless of skin color. With our Microdermabrasion skin treatment program, you can see immediate improvements in your skin's appearance. This unique approach removes dead and flaking skin cells and stimulates the production of fresh young skin cells and collagen.

What results can you expect?
Depending on the area treated, you will notice an improvement in your skin's appearance. Stretch marks and acne scars will be less obvious. Age spots and fine lines are reduced and many patients report that their skin seems softer, tighter, smoother and younger-looking.

What are Microdermabrasion treatments like?
With the aid of micro-crystals vacuumed through a delicate hand piece, held at a precise angle to the skin, the procedure produces a skin polishing peel. In as little as thirty five minutes this gentle abrasive technique efficiently produces satisfying results. Treatments are applied through a course of weekly sessions. Microdermabrasion enhances the skin condition by stimulating collagen production and does what no other available non-surgical treatment can do in combating the signs of aging skin. Most importantly, it is safe to use on all skin types and colors.

How soon will I see results?
After your first treatment, your skin will have a fresh pink glow and smoother texture. Improvements continue throughout your treatment program. The number of treatments recommended for maximum results ranges from six to eighteen treatments utilizing Advanced Laser Clinics skin care line and bi-monthly treatments to maintain results.