As people grow older they experience many physical changes. Our skin is exposed to damage from weather and the sun every single day. For people over the age of 40, age spots, also known as liver spots become increasingly common, particularly those that spend time in the sun.  While these age spots are benign and require no treatment, many find them to be unsightly, causing them seek out anti-aging and age spot removal methods. However despite their name, age spots are not related to a person’s age but rather their exposure to UV rays.

Human skin has two main layers; the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the outer level and faces the most regular damage. It is also the epidermis that develops age spots as the skin loses its natural ability to repair itself from sun exposure. In order to keep the skin looking and feeling healthy, a variety of anti-aging methods are available.

Many cosmetic products promise to fade age spots and help retain skin’s natural, youthful appearance.  These cosmetics come in the form of creams and are available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms. The most effective fading creams use a concentration of the chemical hydroquinone, with the prescription form being more reliable in age spot removal than the over-the-counter variety. In general these creams can help fade age spots but are unlikely to erase them completely.

For more permanent age spot removal, a dermatologist may recommend one of several different anti-aging methods including:

Laser Therapy

Effective and non-invasive; photodynamic therapy, better known as laser therapy uses focused pulses of intense laser light to selectively destroy damaged and blemished skin.  Laser therapy eliminates age spot discoloration and is favored by dermatologists for their safety and reliability.  Treatments are performed by a trained technician and are typically brief requiring no anesthesia. The recovery time for this sort of procedure can be as short as a few hours.

Superficial Chemical Peels

Also known as derma-peeling works by applying a chemical layer to the skin and removing the damaged outer layer. For anti-aging and age spot removal, a superficial chemical peel that only penetrates the outermost layers of skin is all that is required. As opposed to deeper chemical peels, anti-aging treatments require very little down time, however it can be weeks before significant results are apparent. During this time the patient has a slightly increased risk of infection and must limit exposure to the sun.

Microdermabrasion

A cosmetic procedure to manually remove the outer-layer of a person’s skin. Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical procedure that can be performed by a skin-care professional or even at home. Specialized tools fire a stream of tiny crystals made up of aluminum oxide and sodium chloride to break up the dead layer of skin which is then collected and washed away, leaving a clean layer of skin beneath. Because microdermabrasion can bruise or discolor the skin if done incorrectly it is best left to a professional dermatologist. While microdermabrasion is unsuitable for treating deep wrinkles and deep tissue skin damage, it is very effective for anti-aging and aging spot removal.

Cryotherapy

A minimally invasive procedure that freezes spots of the epidermis. A dermatologist will typically use a sub-zero liquid nitrogen spray to flash freeze age spots, allowing the natural act of freezing to destroy the damaged skin.  Patients typically experience a mild stinging or burning sensation during the treatments but recovery time is usually brief. It is important to take care of the affected tissue to avoid getting the skin wet and by using moisturizer to prevent scarring and infection. The damaged skin must be allowed to heal on its own, which takes approximately two weeks depending on the size of the affected skin.

Anti-aging can be a very important treatment for maintaining self-esteem as the body naturally ages. Age spot removal can be a simple and inexpensive way to look better and feel better.

Contact Island Dermatology for more information on age spot removal and anti-aging treatments. Schedule an appointment today.

Eczema is a general term for inflammation of the skin, causing the outer layer to become red, itchy and uncomfortable.  While no cure for eczema exists and the cause is not fully understood, it is thought to berelated to an overreaction of the body’s immune system to an irritant. Eczema is known to not be contagious and is easily treated in a majority of patients. Eczema can affect people of all ages but because it occurs most commonly in infants and children under five, it is important to be able to identify the symptoms of the different types of eczema at a glance. Eczema affects between 10% to 20% of infants in the United States and roughly 3% of adults experience symptoms later in life. Knowing the difference between the types of eczema can help improve treatment and ensure good health.

Here are the different types of eczema and their symptoms:

Atopic Dermatitis

The most common type of eczema, atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease characterized by inflamed, itchy skin.  The severity of the condition can fluctuate depending on exposure to a variety of factors include food allergies, exposure to pollens, molds and allergens or contact with irritants like certain soaps and detergents. About two thirds of all those who develop atopic dermatitis do so prior to 1 year of age.  Like all forms of eczema it is not contagious but does tend to run in families, so it is not uncommon to see multiple members of the same family with similar symptoms.

Contact Eczema

Another very common form of eczema, contact eczema or contact dermatitis is a reaction caused when the skin comes in contact with an allergen. This allergen could be an irritant such as chemical cleaning agents or acid, or things as common as laundry detergent, soap or cosmetics. Even reactions to poison ivy or poison sumac are considered examples of allergic contact eczema.

Seborrheic Eczema

A form of skin inflammation that manifests as yellowish, scaly patches of skin typically on the scalp and face. Dandruff and “cradle cap” are common examples of seborrheic eczema.  While tending to run in families, seborrheic eczema symptoms are also related to infrequent shampooing, oily skin and stress.

Nummular Eczema

A relatively uncommon condition, nummular eczema is most frequently found in elderly men. The symptoms can be identified as coin-shaped patches of inflamed and irritated skin, typically on the lower back, arms and legs. These patches are usually extremely itchy and may feel crusty or scaly to the touch. Nummular eczema is usually a chronic condition that runs in families.

Neurodermatitis

Also called lichen simplex chronicus, this form of eczema is caused by a scratch-itch cycle. The cycle begins with an itch caused by contact with an irritant such as an insect bite that becomes irritated when scratched. The scratching exacerbates the inflammation, causing scaly, inflamed patches of skin on the head, wrists, forearms and lower legs.  Stress plays a role in the severity of the reaction.

Stasis Dermatitis

A skin condition affecting the lower legs, related to the circulatory problem called venous insufficiency, in which functions of the valves within the veins is reduced or compromised. The insufficient blood flow as a result of this condition causes itching and reddish-brown discoloration in the skin of the legs and if left untreated can lead to the formation of blisters and lesions.  This condition is sometimes called varicose eczema.

Dyshidrotic Eczema

An irritation of the skin localized on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, resulting in itchy, deep blisters.  The cause of dyshidrotic eczema is unknown, affecting males and females of any age equally.  Dyshidrotic eczema is also known as vesicular palmoplantar dermatitis, dyshidrosis, or pompholyx.

If you suspect you might have symptoms matching eczema, it is important to contact your care providor as soon as possible for a diagnosis and treatment options. Eczema is most commonly treated through minor alterations in diet and behavior including avoiding possible food allergies such as dairy, nuts or gluten and through medication.  Treatment and prevention can be as easy as introducing a moisturizing cream or lotion and increasing exercise or other stress-management techniques.

An Island Dermatology specialist can make a diagnosis of eczema and advise treatment.  Make an appointment with Island Dermatology today!

There are various Seattle acne scar treatment options available for those looking for a remedy for skin damaged by acne. But the truth about acne scar treatment is there is no “one size fits all” approach. Selecting the right acne scar treatment for you will depend on a multitude of factors, such as your skin type, the severity of the scarring, and financial concerns. Read on to find out more.

Types of Acne Scars

Acne scars come in many forms. Some scars caused by acne are permanent and some are temporary. It’s important to understand the various types of acne scars before you start looking into treatment options.

- Macules are flat, red spots that can last several weeks. These types of acne scars normally fade away on their own over time, depending on how deep they are.

- Skin discoloration is when a healed acne scar results in discolored skin. These types of acne scars are also known as “post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation.” Skin discoloration may last for several months after an acne lesion has healed.

- Tissue scars may appear as enlarged, raised growths. They’re also known as “keloids” or “hypertrophic scars.” These acne scars are the result of excess collagen production in the skin.

- Loss of tissue is a type of acne scar that is also known as an “ice-pick scar,” “depressed fibrotic scar,” or “soft scar.” They often look like sunken pits on the surface of the skin.

Treatment Options for Acne Scars

Dermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure where a licensed medical professional “freezes” and then “sands” or “planes” your skin with a rapidly rotating brush to reduce the depth of acne scars. This process results in new layers of skin being formed that have a smoother appearance.

Microdermabrasion is an acne reduction technique that’s similar to dermabrasion. The main difference is less surface skin is removed in a microdermabrasion treatment. The procedure works by utilizing a vacuum suction and aluminum oxide “sandblasting” session on your skin. Microdermabrasion may require several treatments to effectively reduce acne depth, but each person is different so talk to your treatment provider to get an idea of what type of results you should expect.

Chemical peels are an acne scar reduction technique used to improve the appearance of the skin. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, which causes it to “blister” and eventually peel off. The new, regenerated skin is usually smoother than the old skin and helps reduce the appearance of acne scars. Depending on the strength of the acid used, you may experience minor side effects such as redness and peeling for several days after a chemical peel.

Retinoic acid products are applied to the skin to reduce acne scars. This type of treatment option can help reduce the appearance of acne scars, especially tissue scars.

There are several different type of acne scar laser treatments available as well. Laser treatments are normally performed by a licensed specialist such as a dermatologist. The procedure works by using a laser to remove the outer layer of your skin, then reshaping and contouring areas with visible acne scars.

- Fillers are acne scar treatments that are injected into deeper scars on your face. They can help “fill out” certain types of acne scars. These types of treatments may lead to temporary side effects such as swelling, redness, and bruising.

- Punch excision is a type of skin surgery that can get rid of pitted acne scars by individually cutting out scars.

- Punch elevation is another surgical treatment that is normally used on deep acne scars that have sharp edges and normal appearing bases. This method can reduce your risk of color or texture differences that may result from a punch excision.

- Subcutaneous incision is performed under local anesthesia by placing a specially designed needle under the surface of the skin to cut the tethering bands that may form from acne scars. Side effects associated with this treatment include bleeding and the formation of subcutaneous nodules.

- Skin grafting is when a physician uses a small piece of skin from another area of your body to fill in an area of acne-scarred skin.

What to do Prior to Receiving Acne Scar Treatment

Before you decide to go through with an acne scar treatment, it’s important to meet with a health care professional to discuss your particular situation. There are many Seattle acne scar treatment options, but not every treatment type may be right for you.

Ideally, you should not have any ongoing, active acne on your skin. If you do, you may have to undergo a separate treatment regimen for several months to get rid of surface acne. Do your homework and come prepared with a list of questions for your doctor, and you’ll be much more likely to have a successful treatment for your acne scars.

To find out more information about acne treatment, please contact us at Island Dermatology.

References:

http://dermatology.about.com/cs/acnescars/a/acnescars.htm

http://www.everydayhealth.com/acne/remove-acne-scars.aspx

http://www.dermanetwork.org/information/acne_scars.asp

A chemical peel is a minimally invasive procedure that can help improve the appearance of your skin. Chemical peels are generally performed on your face, but they can also be used on the skin of the neck and hands. There’s a reason Seattle chemical peels are one of the more popular aesthetic procedures in the northwest: they work. They can help reduce unsightly acne and scars, fine lines and wrinkles, and rough and sun-damaged skin. But the ins and outs of chemical peel treatments can be hard to understand. Read on to find out when to receive a chemical peel and when not to get one.

How Chemical Peels Work

A licensed clinician will begin by applying a chemical peel solution to your skin to remove damaged outer layers. The concentrations of various chemicals used by your physician will be adjusted based on your skin type and individual preferences.

The outer layer of the skin, which is called the epidermis, is comprised of several layers cells that help protect your skin from damage. Chemical peels work to dissolve parts of these cells. There are several variations of chemicals peels, and your physician will work with you to determine which one is best for you. There are plenty of physicians that perform chemical peel treatments in the area. Simply go online and search “Seattle chemical peel” to find one near you.

Types of Chemical Peels

During a superficial chemical peel, also known as “light” or “mild,” a chemical solution is applied to your skin to remove its outer layer. This results in a subtle change to the skin and can give it a smoother appearance and healthy glow.

During the superficial peel, your physician will cleanse your face and possibly give you an oral sedative to help you relax. Then he or she will brush the chemical solution onto your skin. The treatment lasts from 5 to 20 minutes. Afterwards, you may experience mild side effects, such as burning and discomfort. Use a cold compress and a mild painkiller in these instances. You may consider getting a superficial chemical peel when you have uneven pigment, dryness, acne, or fine wrinkling.

A medium chemical peel is used to treat deeper acne scars, wrinkles, skin color abnormalities, and uneven skin. The chemicals used when you receive a medium peel will remove the outer layer of skin and part of the middle layer of your skin. Similar to the superficial peel, your clinician will clean your face and provide a mild sedative or local anesthesia in some instances prior to treatment. The treatment lasts for 30 to 60 minutes, and you may experience moderate pain for a few hours afterwards.

The final type of chemical peel, a deep peel, is used in a small percentage of patients who suffer from deep facial wrinkles, sun-damaged skin, or pre-cancerous skin spots.  A local anesthetic and mild sedative is almost always used in this type of treatment. You can also expect a pre-treatment regimen up to 8 weeks prior that includes taking vitamins and prescription medications. After the treatment, which may take a couple hours, your physician will apply petroleum over the treated area. This jelly must stay in place for up to two days, so you shouldn’t plan on doing too much in the days that follow.

When to Receive a Chemical Peel

You should receive a chemical peel after you’ve consulted with an experienced physician to discuss your medical situation. Generally, people receive a chemical peel to reduce fine lines on the face; to treat wrinkles and sun damage; to improve the appearance of acne-damaged skin; to reduce age spots and freckles; and improve the overall look of the skin.

Generally, people with fair skin and light hair are the best candidates for chemical peels. Those with darker skin complexions may experience good results, but the risk of an uneven skin tone and other complications following the treatment is increased.

When Not to Receive a Chemical Peel

It’s also important to understand when not to get a chemical peel treatment. You may not be an ideal candidate for a chemical peel if you have a history of skin scarring; experience abnormal pigmentation; are of Afro-Caribbean or Asian descent; have facial warts; have red hair and pale freckled skin; or have used certain acne treatments within the past year.

Chemical peels cannot treat deep facial lines; make loose or sagging skin tighter; stimulate collagen production; remove damaged capillaries; change the size of your pores; or get rid of deep-rooted scarring.

Your physician will ultimately determine whether or not you’re a good candidate.

Questions to Ask your Doctor About Chemical Peels

Preparation is important when you’re deciding whether or not to receive a chemical peel in Seattle. Make sure your physician answers all the following questions before you choose him or her to perform your Seattle chemical peel treatment:

• Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
• Why or why am I not an ideal candidate for a chemical peel?
• What can I do to increase my odds of getting good results?
• Who will perform my chemical peel?
• What do I need to do before and after the treatment?
• Where and how will you perform my procedure or treatment?
• How long is the recovery time?
• What are the side effects?
• What type of results should I expect?

Side Effects and Risks of Chemical Peels

As mentioned, mild and medium chemical peels can leave your skin feeling red, splotchy, and irritated. A cold compress and over-the-counter pain medication can help most people get rid of these symptoms within a few hours. Deep chemical facial peels may lead to peeling, redness, and discomfort for several days after treatment.

To find out more information about chemical peels, contact us at Island Dermatology.

References:

http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/guide/cosmetic-procedures-chemical-peel-treatments

http://www.mayoclinic.org/chemical-peel/about.html

There’s no shortage of options available to you when it comes to wrinkle treatments in Washington. Wrinkles appear because of a number of factors, including age, genetics, stress, and lifestyle habits. The good news is there have been significant technological advances in recent years that allow you to reduce the signs of aging. If you’re interested in Bellevue wrinkle treatments, here are a few options you might want to consider.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure where a licensed medical professional “freezes” and then “sands” or “planes” your skin with a rapidly rotating brush to reduce wrinkles. This process results in new layers of skin being formed that have a smoother appearance.

When meeting with a dermabrasion provider, ensure he or she describes the type of anesthesia to be used, what the procedure entails, and what results you should expect. Make sure the physician thoroughly cover the risks and side effects too. Redness, scabbing, and swelling are common side effects from the procedure that generally last a couple of weeks.

There are a number of Bellevue wrinkle treatment professionals that offer dermabrasion services. You can find them by conducting a simple web search for “Bellevue wrinkle treatments.”

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a wrinkle reduction technique that’s similar to dermabrasion. The main difference is less surface skin is removed in a microdermabrasion treatment. The procedure works by utilizing a vacuum suction and aluminum oxide “sandblasting” session on your skin. Microdermabrasion may require several treatments to effectively reduce wrinkles, but each person is different so talk to your treatment provider to get an idea of what type of results you should expect. This may be a good option if you’re interest in wrinkles treatments but minor issues like age spots and fine lines.

Chemical Peel

Chemical peels, also known as chemexfoliation or derma-peeling, are a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, which causes it to “blister” and eventually peel off. The new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. The new skin also is temporarily more sensitive to the sun.

A licensed health care professional, normally a plastic surgeon, will perform the procedure by applying a chemical peel solution to your skin to remove damaged outer layers. The concentrations of various chemicals used by your physician will be adjusted based on your skin type and individual preferences.

Generally, people with fair skin and light hair are ideal candidates for chemical peels.

Laser Treatments

There are a couple different types of laser treatments for treating wrinkles. Ablative laser resurfacing uses a laser beam to get rid of the outer layer of skin and stimulate the production of new collagen fibers. This results in the formation of new skin that’s smoother and tighter. The downside is, healing time may be up to several months for some people.

Non-ablative lasers are less intense. They work by heating heat the dermis and causeing new collagen and elastin production. Non-ablative laser treatment typically has a faster healing period than ablative laser resurfacing. You can expect your skin to feel firmer and younger after treatment. There are several Bellevue wrinkles treatment professionals that offer laser procedures, so this option may be worth looking in to.

Botox

Botox is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles by a healthcare professional. It can help temporarily improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows in people 18 to 65 years of age.

Botox is a relatively simple, 10-20 minute nonsurgical treatment that is injected directly into the muscles between the brows. It works by blocking nerve impulses to the injected muscles.

Soft Tissue Fillers

Soft tissue fillers are wrinkles treatments that are injected into deeper wrinkles on your face. Some examples of soft tissue filler are fat, collagen and hyaluronic acid products like Restylane and Juvederm. They can help plump and smooth out wrinkles and make your skin more voluminous. These types of treatments may lead to temporary side effects such as swelling, redness, and bruising.

Face-lift

Face lifts are surgical procedures in which a surgeon removes excess skin and fat in your face and neck to tighten the underlying muscle. This is a longer-term solution than most wrinkle treatments, with results lasting from 5 to 10 years. The biggest downside to a face-lift is it’s an invasive surgical procedure, meaning you’ll need to get anesthesia and go through a post-operative recovery period, which varies from person to person.

Topical Retinoid Creams

Topical retinoids are prescription products applied to the skin to reduce fine wrinkles on the face and neck areas. Retinoids include products like tretinoin (Renova, Retin-A) and tazarotene (Avage, Tazorac). They can result in side effects like redness, itching, dry skin, and burning. They’re normally used as part of a skin care program that includes the use of sunscreen, as they can make you more susceptible to sunburns.

OTC Wrinkle Creams

The effectiveness of over-the-counter anti-wrinkle creams is largely undocumented, and results will vary depending on the person. However, many people experienced great results with these types of products. Examples of ingredients used in OTC wrinkles treatments products you should look for include retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, kinetin, and coenzyme Q10.

For more information, please contact our knowledgeable staff at Island Dermatology.

References:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/wrinkles/DS00890/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/guide/cosmetic-procedures-wrinkles

http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/dermabrasion-microdermabrasion

http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/guide/cosmetic-procedures-chemical-peel-treatments

http://www.botoxcosmetic.com/FAQs.aspx

There’s no shortage of physicians in Seattle that offer Botox treatment, but if you’re new to this revolutionary wrinkle-reduction method, there are a few things you need to know about what to expect when getting Botox for the first time. Making sure you’re prepared ahead of time will set you up for success down the road, and you’ll be much more likely to be happy with the results. Read on to find out more.

Choosing a Physician/Questions to Ask About Botox

Prior to scheduling a Botox treatment, it’s important to choose a physician who is experienced in the procedure. Set up a free consultation with a Botox specialist (usually a dermatologist) to discuss whether or not Botox is right for you. Be sure to ask lots of questions, such as:

1. Are you licensed to administer Botox?
2. How many Botox procedures have you performed?
3. Am I a good candidate for Botox?
4. What type of results can I expect?
5. What are the side effects and adverse reactions?
6. What can I expect before, during, and after the procedure?
7. How much does Botox cost and are there any promotions available?

What to Expect Before Botox Treatment

Once you choose a physician, he or she will likely discuss your medical history in detail and conduct a physical exam to make sure you’re a good candidate for Botox treatment. There are certain conditions for which you should not take Botox, such as if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients; have had an allergic reaction to any other botulinum toxin product; have a skin infection at the planned injection site; have a disease that affects your muscles and nerves (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease]; have swallowing or bleeding problems; have plans to get surgery; or a number of other factors.

Your physician will likely ask you about your medication use and your expectations for the treatment, and should also cover the costs of the procedure. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of Botox treatment is approximately $400. However, check with your Seattle Botox treatment provider, because pricing may vary across markets.

If you’re considering Botox for excessive underarm sweating, your doctor may ask you to shave your underarms, avoid deodorant use for 24 hours before treatment, and avoid foods or activities that make you sweat more (such as spicy foods) 30 minutes before the procedure.

What to Expect During Botox Treatment

The best way to prepare yourself for the day of the procedure is to know what to expect, and you can do this by making sure you consult with your physician beforehand. While it can be nerve-racking if you’re getting the procedure done for the first time, it’s important to remember that Botox is a safe and effective drug that is FDA-approved and has been on the market for many years.

Your physician may decide to numb the area where you’ll receive the injection. This is a relatively painless procedure, but may be uncomfortable if you have a fear of needles.

He or she will then mark the areas that will be injected and use a thin needle to inject small amounts of Botox into your skin or muscles. If you’re getting a Botox treatment for facial wrinkles or other conditions, your doctor will inject Botox directly into those specific spots. If you’re getting a Botox treatment for excessive underarm sweating, your doctor will inject Botox into the areas under your arms.

The number of injections you will need depends on several things, including the condition of the area receiving the injections.

The actual injections only take between 10 and 15 minutes and are usually done right in your physician’s office.

What to Expect After Botox Treatment

Botox treatments are fast and require very little recovery time. However, there are some side effects that you may encounter. It’s perfectly normal to experience mild pain or rashes after your Botox treatment; however, the majority of people find the discomfort to be minor. Just to be safe and prepared, plan on having a mild painkiller, an ice pack, and some make up with you to cover any temporary blemishes or red spots.

You can expect to resume your normal day right after your Botox treatment, which is one of the biggest benefits of the procedure. If you’re in the market for a Seattle Botox treatment, making sure you’re prepared will help set you up for a speedy recovery, so you can enjoy your new look immediately!

For more information on Botox treatment, contact Island Dermatology today.

References:

http://www.botoxforum.com/articles/botox-preparation/42

http://www.botoxcosmetic.com/FAQs.aspx

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/botox/MY00078/DSECTION=what-you-can-expect

There’s no shortage of treatment options for getting rid of unwanted hair in the Seattle market these days. Whether it’s shaving, waxing, or creams, all of these hair removal methods have one thing in common: they’re not permanent. Laser hair removal, however, is a permanent method of ridding your body of hair. Read on to find out more about how laser hair removal works.

How Hair Removal Works

Laser hair removal is a complex medical procedure in which a laser beam targets individual hair follicles underneath the skin. Laser devices send concentrated light beams through the skin, which are then absorbed by the dark pigments in the hair follicle shafts called melanin.

The laser damages each of these hair follicle shafts, which stunts future growth. Laser hair removal is one of the most effective methods for removing hair; however, it doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal, especially if you only have one treatment or are targeting areas with more hair. It normally takes several laser hair removal treatments to get permanent results, especially when dealing with dense hair.

Types of Hair Removal Procedures

There are several different types of laser hair removal methods, and your physician can tell you which type they use and how hair removal works with their preferred method(s). The first lasers approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for hair removal and reduction were the Ruby, Alexandrite, Diode, and intense pulsed light methods. The Ruby and Alexandrite laser systems have a shorter wavelength, which means they can’t penetrate as deep as other methods. They’ve also been known to produce side effects such as pigment changes, which is the lightening or darkening of the skin. Diode laser systems have a longer wavelength, which means light can penetrate deeper under the skin without causing the side effects of the Ruby or the Alexandrite. This means the Diode hair removal system can be used on darker skin colors. Intense pulsed light delivers the widest range of light, and is used with several different machines, each of which produces different results.

Nd: Yag is a newer laser hair removal system that’s capable of treating all skin colors. However, data on long-term hair removal is insufficient at this point.

Long story short, consult with your physician to determine the method that’s best for your skin type rather than choosing one because it’s the best price or has the best website.

What to Expect with Hair Removal

Laser hair removal should be performed by a licensed physician, most often a dermatologist. It’s important to understand that lasers work best on people with light skin and dark hair, because it’s hard for the dark pigments in the skin to absorb this type of light.

Before you have a laser hair removal treatment, your physician will provide you with goggles to protect your eyes. The physician may also apply an anesthetic to your skin to reduce any discomfort during treatment, depending on your specific treatment type.

During the procedure, your physician will use a hand-held laser on the areas you identified for hair removal. He or she may also use a cooling device to protect your skin. When the doctor initiates the laser treatment, a beam will pass through your skin to the hair follicles. If you’re having a small area treated, such as your face or hands, it may only take several minutes. Larger areas like your back and legs can potentially take several hours.

Once the procedure is complete, you might experience some redness and swelling for a couple hours. A slight burning sensation can also stick around for a day or two. After a laser hair removal treatment, it’s important to wash your skin gently with soap and water. Avoid picking the skin and avoid the sun for at least a week afterwards. Always wear sunscreen when you’re outside in the future. You can expect a 10-to-20% reduction in hair growth with each treatment on average, and you should continue treatments every 4-to-8 weeks, depending on the plan you and your physician decide upon. You may need an additional maintenance treatment every 6-to-12 months after that as well.

Side Effects and Risks of Hair Removal

You can expect to experience minor discomfort and irritation for a day or two. The most common side effects of laser hair removal treatment include temporary discomfort, swelling, crusting, and redness. These side effects should only last a few days at most. If they last longer, call your physician immediately.

Other potential side effects that may occur in a small percentage of patients include blisters, herpes simplex outbreaks, bacterial infections, and temporary skin lightening or darkening.

Again, laser hair removal does not guarantee hair will not grow back. However, by understanding how laser hair removal works and developing a detailed game plan with your physician, you can increase your odds of future success with a Seattle hair removal treatment.

For more information, contact us at Island Dermatology today.

References:

http://www.hairlasers.com/laserremoval/information/howitworks.html

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/laser-hair-removal/MY00134

http://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/cosmetic-treatments/laser-hair-removal

http://www.laserhairremovalreview.com/

Due to the extent of the damage, our dermatologist recommended a Microlaser Peel combined with ProFractional Sciton Laser treatments. Because this laser covers a smaller area of the skin, the skin’s healing response is stimulated to produce new collagen and elastin while leaving the surrounding skin’s tissue intact. Not only does this speed up healing, but it is also much more comfortable for the patient. The combination of treatments allows our dermatologists to both stimulate deeper layers of skin with the Sciton Laser while polishing the surface with the Microlaser Peel.

After hearing the benefits and potential results of the combined treatments, our patient agreed to both, hoping her appearance would be restored to its natural state. Her skin responded as predicted. The colors blended together to create a smooth surface, rather than a splotchy and red one. Additionally, the production of collagen firmed her skin for an even more youthful glow. She was incredibly pleased with the results, and her confidence in her look returned. Schedule an appointment with us today and make your first move to younger looking skin.

The dermatologist recommended a series of laser hair removal sessions utilizing the BBL Laser. Six treatments were recommended for permanent hair removal. The BBL Laser uses broadband light waves to target hair follicles without damaging the surrounding skin and tissue. The laser selectively heats the melanin in the follicle. Melanin gives brown or black hair its dark pigment, which absorbs the heat, so only dark hair can be removed with laser treatment.

The woman refrained from waxing two weeks prior to beginning treatment, and shaved her underarms the evening before. Immediately after treatment, hair was still visible, but the hairs began falling out within two days of the treatment. She experienced some mild redness following treatment, but it quickly subsided. After completing the six-treatment series, she was pleased to not have to worry about unsightly underarm hair. She said the treatments were quick and painless, allowing her to return to her normal activities immediately. She also said the treatments were very affordable and a great value for years of convenience. Contact Island Dermatology today to find out what laser hair removal treatments would best suit your needs.

The BBL Laser can provide noticeable improvement in skin firmness and elasticity without the need for surgery. Skin Tyte uses a broad band light laser to heat collagen under the skin. The treatment promotes denaturation and contraction of collagen, and the laser’s heat activates the body’s natural healing process to create a renewed collagen foundation. Over time, this leads to firmer skin. At least three treatments are typically necessary, with more used to achieve the desired results.

There is no need for topical anesthetic with the procedure, which protects the skin during laser treatment. The laser can be used to treat large areas but is precise enough to effectively treat small areas, as well.

The busy mom was pleased with the quick treatment, which took about 45 minutes each at the Island Dermatology office. While she experienced some mild redness immediately following treatment, it returned to normal within minutes. She was also able to resume her regular activities immediately after each treatment, which was essential as she was keeping up with a growing child. After completing five treatments over four and a half months, she was very pleased with the results. Book an appointment with Island Dermatology today and let us help you see the results you are looking for.