March 11, 2009
What Skin Problems can be Treated with Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is the process of using air-blown sand type crystals to gently clean the skin and remove blemishes. Epidermal abrasion is a safe process that is performed over several sessions. Age and skin condition will determine the number of treatments. For most skin disorders, a minimum of five treatments is recommended. It is an effective way of improving the skin without using chemicals or laser treatments.
Epidermal abrasion treatments remove the dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells from the top layers of the skin. The process is usually performed on the face, but other areas where it has been effective include the neck, chest, hands, back, and feet. The result is smooth and soft skin.
What Skin Problems does it treat? Microdermabrasion is performed on men and women who are afflicted with clogged or enlarged pores, acne, wrinkles and fine lines, sun damaged skin, age spots, blackheads, stretch marks, discolorations, and skin blemishes. The process can also treat acne scarring and reduce oily and dry skin. This also stimulates the development of collagen.
How does it work? A microdermabrasion treatment involves a ‘microderm machine’ that produces a pressurized stream of crystals on the skin’s surface. There are a variety of crystals used and include aluminum oxide, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, corundum, and sodium chloride. Aluminum oxide tends to be main crystal that is used. Treat alternatives include Vibraderm, which uses a vibrating paddle. The speed of the device acts as a gentle abrasive which removes the surface layers of the skin. Removing the surface layers leaves the skin smooth and clean. The microdermabrasion also stimulates the flow of blood which carries nutrients that regenerates and repairs the skin. The result is much healthier skin.
Treatment of the face can be performed in 15 to 30 minutes. You should allow a week between each session. .Pre-consultations are required before treat is performed. The skin will be more sensitive to sun exposure so most physicians recommend using sunscreen following a microdermabrasion session.
Can treatment be used on all skin types? The benefit of using epidermal abrasion is that it is safe to use on all skin types. Chemical peels and laser treatment can be harsh on sensitive skin. It is not painful so it does not require anesthesia. There are minimal side affects which may include temporary redness or swelling that lasts only a couple of hours. If there is slight crusting on the skin, it can be treated with a skin cleanser and topical antibiotic. Although treat is a safe procedure, there are people who should not have it. This includes people with herpes lesions, rosacea, open sores or lesions, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and lupus
Treatment Preparation To prepare your skin for treatment, make sure it is clean, free of oil, and dry. The skin should not be afflicted with a sunburn or rashes. If you have any skin diseases, inform your physician before starting treatment.
What about the Costs? The cost of treat varies according to the type of Micro-dermabrasion device used, your skin, geographic location of where you are receiving the treatment, and who is performing the treatment. The average cost can range from $75 to $350 per session. For a more accurate cost, consult your physician.
Our skin is composed of millions of cells. Each day thousands of these cells die and are replaced by new cells. The harsh elements in the environment take a toll on our skin. Debris and bacteria build up on the skin’s surface and prevents dead skin cells from falling off. The microdermabrasion process safely and effectively peels off the dead skin layer leaving healthy and rejuvenated skin.
Filed under Laser Hair Removal by Adriana Noton
March 10, 2009
Laser Treatment Classes of Med Spas Defined

Aesthetic lasers commonly in use by cosmetic dermatologists typically have low outputs of energy and power, and are usually placed in ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Class 2 category. Another organization is the LIA (Laser Institute of America). The majority of medical lasers fall into the ANSI Class 3 or 4 categories with most surgical lasers being in ANSI Class 4. Most medical and/or surgical lasers that are used to perform cosmetic laser treatments are classified by the FDA as Class II or Class III medical devices.
Class 1
This class of lasers is considered not to pose any hazard when operated under and according to normal operating conditions. This category includes lasers which are completely enclosed such as CD players, fiber-optics systems, or laser printers. These devices that cannot have emissions exceeding the maximum permitted exposure (MPE) under any conditions are considered to be class 1 systems.
A potential hazard can occur during the repair of such devices if the repair process involves operating the laser outside of the enclosure case.
Warning labels are required for this class inside the unit or underneath the cover.
Class 2a
Few lasers qualify for this class of low-power, visible light lasers. Lasers in this class do not pose a threat if the beam of light is directly viewed for periods of time less than 16 minutes or so. Visible light lasers with a total output power less than 1 milliwatt, but greater than a few microwatts.
Class 2
Another class of visible light lasers that are intense enough that when shined in your eye can cause the normal aversion response. (The aversion response is when the eyelids close, or the head moves in order to avoid the light. It occurs within 0.25 seconds and includes the blink reflex time.)
Class 3a Lasers
This includes those lasers emitting ultraviolet or infrared light as well as visible light. All devices within the Class 1 AEL (Allowed Exposure Level) with laser output between .18μm and 1mm fall in this class. (Common Laser pointers are class 3a laser devices.)
Class 3b
This class of lasers includes the same laser output spectrum as class 3a, but increases the output level to that of Class 2 AEL.
Class 4
Lasers with any power output that exceeds the Class 2 AEL.
Laser clinics that are performing aesthetic laser treatments are now treating medical patients. All of the components of aesthetic medical care play an even more important role when designing post-procedure treatment plan for the patient who just underwent a laser treatment or the Rosacea patient who just underwent an IPL (intense pulse light) treatment. When working in a med spa or laser clinic, you’re the ‘medical’ skin care expert in your recommendations of skin care products and laser treatments to your clients. Of course, you’re also a critical support to the plastic surgeons who have planned an aggressive therapy treatment for their patients.
Filed under Laser Hair Removal by Grayson Dell,
March 4, 2009
Types of Laser Surgery Available Today
Since lasers have been invented, medicine took a giant leap forward. Surgery is less painful and the scars heal much faster with modern laser methods. Patients need less hospitalization days.
There are many myths in this files, so we are going to stick with what we know. I’ve been thinking about some of the important lessons I learned in the very early days of eye surgery. Classic surgery methods were painful and dangerous. Laser is much different, if handled correctly.
Eye sight correction is not the only field where lasers found their applications. Dermatology benefits from them as well. Operations like hair removal and hair restoration are common nowadays. Many hairy persons choose the get rid of their hair for good.
While they are very efficient and easy to endure, laser treatments aren’t cheap. Technology is still expensive and clinics and hospitals have to earn their profits from such activities. This is why lasers are not so affordable for the middle class persons.
It is more probable that you get insurance money for a laser eye surgery to prevent you from going blind, rather than obtaining the money for some scars removal or for hair stimulation procedures. Baldness is ugly, but it is not considered medical priority.
These types of laser hair removal are the most popular today: laser comb, Hairmax, diode laser and Pulsed Light laser. I expect most laser treatments users know the value of having laser comb. I want to avoid being reactive about this.
Over the past decade, lasers became more and more popular, as the technology manufacturing costs decreased. We can now find such laser devices in all corners of the globe, on all continents. Well, maybe at the North Pole they don’t have any, but still, having laser surgery became a common thing these days.
Medical sccools already teach the laser methods, so we hope they will soon become mass treatments. This is about progress in technology and in conscience.
Filed under Laser Hair Removal by Susan Snailcomb
March 2, 2009
Atlanta Laser Hair Removal: Should Men Do It?
Shaving is a daily ritual for most men. The clean-shaven look is the most popular around, but shaving every day can be problematic for some men. Many males are turning to laser hair removal as a solution to their shaving woes. Not only is it useful for eliminating facial hair, but unwanted hair anywhere else on the body can be permanently removed.
The technology behind laser hair removal is simple. An invisible light penetrates the skin, and the hair follicles absorb the light. This process damages the follicles in such a way that they are no longer able to create more hair. The end result is that your hair will not grow back.
While a single hair removal session can be quick, the entire process is drawn out. At the moment, its not possible to completely wipe out all hair in one area in one session ” though the smaller the area, the faster your hair will be gone. Often youll need to go in for several sessions before the hair is completely removed. However, once your sessions are complete, the area will be hairless as desired.
One of the drawbacks to laser hair removal is that it is an expensive venture. Sessions usually cost in the hundreds of dollars, and you need to go to more than one session to get rid of all the hair. Thankfully there are some affordable laser hair removal solutions, and it is not difficult to find them. Check your local listings for clinics, and do some quick research to determine who offers the best price.
Before going through laser hair removal treatments, however, be aware that there are some minor side effects. Men with tanned or darker skin are often more prone to white marks on their face. While lighter colored skin is not immune to these side effects, its been known to happen to those males as well. Even with the small risk of side effects, laser hair removal is still an effective way of managing your hair.
Filed under Laser Hair Removal by Fiona Fidelis
