LASER 101: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

By: Millie Roberson, RN and Debbie Pierceall, Development Director

With fall here and open house approaching, it's the perfect time to talk about lasers. Contrary to what some people think, lasers treat a wide variety of issues, not just unwanted hair. In this Laser 101, we will briefly recap the lasers we have here at Hull Aesthetics, the recommended number of treatments, and the skin conditions they help remedy.

LASER HAIR REDUCTION:  RECOMMEND 4-8 TREATMENTS
Lightsheer® Duet: Perfect for hair removal, this laser allows us to treat all areas without topical anesthetics or gels. 
Elos: This laser uses radiofrequency energy and is adaptable to a variety of skin types.
Nd:YAG: This laser uses light energy and is safe and effective for darker skin types.

TATTOO REMOVAL:  RECOMMEND 6-8 TREATMENTS
PicoWay:  It treats a broad range of colors and can be used on different skin types. What makes it unique is that it shatters the ink particles instead of just breaking them. It even has it's own wavelength for green tints. It's lightning fast so it takes fewer treatments and offers less discomfort than other tattoo removal lasers on the market.

BROWN SPOTS:  RECOMMEND 2-4 TREATMENTS
IPL: This intense pulsed light precisely targets unwanted browns. Although it isn't technically a laser, it still operates similarly. It's idea for reds and browns. For more information, see Tammy's article in this newsletter.
Excel-V: This laser emits a pinpoint beam of light that triggers the elimination of melanin, which then destroys the brown spots.
PicoWay: Like with tattoo removal, this laser's picosecond technology safely blasts brown spots from the skin.

COLLAGEN STIMULATION:  RECOMMEND 3-6 TREATMENTS
Excel-V: Uses signature laser genesis technology to heat the upper dermis and promote collagen growth.
IPL: Stimulates collagen when light passes through the skin. Energy stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagen.
Picoway Resolve: Encourages the production of new collagen by causing microscopic injuries in the deeper layer of your skin. This causes the body to rush to heal, repair and rebuild new skin cells.

VASCULAR:  RECOMMEND 2-4 TREATMENTS
Vbeam: Targets blood vessels all over the body, heating them and causing them to collapse. A cooling spray accompanies the laser pulse to reduce pain from this process.
Excel-V: Uses high performance dual wavelengths to treat both deep and superficial vascular conditions. Excel-V can be used all over, including those pesky spider veins in the legs.
IPL: Provides a solution to general redness and tiny broken vessels in the face with minimal downtime.

BIRTHMARKS:  RECOMMEND 4-6 TREATMENTS
Vbeam: Works effectively to treat vascular birthmarks by heating them and causing them to collapse.
Excel-V: A vascular laser that treats various types of birthmarks by heating them and shutting down the blood supply, causing them to collapse.
Picoway: Uses the same technology for pigmented birthmarks that it does on tattoos.

We hope this overview helps to show how many things can be treated with our laser technology. Open house is a great time to take advantage of fantastic deals on lasers. Call 479.254.9662, Option 2, to schedule a complimentary consult to see which laser is right for your skin needs.

Fall is here! So, what does this mean for our skin? Did you know that skin loses up to 25% of its ability to hold moisture in winter months? And not only that, but many comforts we normally seek in cold weather such as long baths, hot showers and even the heat sources in our homes and cars all contribute to further drying our skin, making it look dull and feeling rough in texture.

Two main "favors" you need to do for your skin during this time of year (and throughout the year) are:

1) EXFOLIATE
Exfoliation is key for radiant skin! Sloughing off dead, dry skin cells either weekly in your own home or every 4 weeks with an Aesthetician, this process allows your skin to breath and take in moisture a lot easier than if you were to try and pile on tons of creams and lotions!

Ask about our MOST popular exfoliation facials!!
Dermaplane: $50    Microdermabrasion: $50

2) MOISTURIZE
KNOW YOUR SKIN!! When you know your skin, you'll know the RIGHT moisturizer for you! Just because it looks and feels nice (coconut oil) doesn't mean it's good for YOUR skin!

Come see me at The Skin Solution and I'll help you find the CORRECT regimen for your skin TYPE.

By: Tammy Casteel, LPN

ELOS skin rejuvenation, also known as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), is used to treat rosacea and freckles on face, chest, arms and legs. Most people will need a series of treatments (between three and five) spaced 4-6 weeks apart to achieve clear skin to the site.

I am a fair complected redhead who has had lots of sun to my face that has left me with several freckles. I wanted to clear up the sun damage I had acquired over several years last fall and choose to treat with ELOS IPL.

How does ELOS IPL treatment feel?
I would describe treatment as a hot pinch or snapping feeling with a flash of bright light. The sensation only last for a second and then the warm sensation after treatment lasted 15-20 min.

What happens after the treatment?
Temporary pinkness in the skin that lasted a few hours with some swelling/edema. The next morning all of my freckles where darker like coffee grounds all over the treated area. I was able to cover with makeup and return to work. It took about two weeks for all of the dark freckles to resolve. I was very pleased with the results after just one treatment but understood I would need two more treatments for full clearance.

Expectations after Treatment:
I have heard several people state that they experienced great results from IPL but over time their browns returned. I just want to say when you decide to even out your skin tone you have to be dedicated to maintain those results. This involves a life style change by using sunscreen and antioxidants daily, reapplying sunscreen every 90 minutes when out for an extended period of time and wearing a wide brim hat. The sun put those freckles/browns on your skin and if not protected, they will return.

Combination treatments will always deliver best results. I would recommend a series of IPL to debulk reds/browns and then to maintain results you need a great skincare program. One our favorites here at Hull is the Obagi Nu-Derm system. Stop by The Skin Solution store for more information on our skin care line and book a free consultation today for IPL.

I turned 40 this year and have noticed my skin hasn't bounced back from the summer like it used to. One great treatment I have added to my skin care regimen is microdermabrasion.

Microdermabrasion is my go-to treatment for dull skin in need of exfoliation. This treatment quickly brings my skin back to life with no recovery or downtime.

Microdermabrasion uses suction and a diamond-tipped wand to slough off the top layer of skin which feels like light sand abrading (rubbing) the skin.  By doing this we are stimulating new skin growth. This technique also helps to thicken your collagen, which results in a younger looking complexion. Personally, I love how soft and smooth my skin feels afterwards.

This painless procedure takes about 20 minutes.  It takes less than 30 minutes and the best part- cost is only $50.00 which is a great value for your money. Call us and schedule your complimentary consultation at 479-254-966, Option 2.