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Skin Resurfacing

Laser

Alma Accent XL for Body Reshaping

The Accent XL has been shown to breakdown fat and change the appearance of cellulite. Progress is immediately visible after each treatment. Herniation of fat into the dermis (the cause of cellulite) is prevented by collagen contraction. This reduces both the production of new cellulite and the dimpling associated with existing cellulite.

Rebuilding collagen results in younger looking skin. It is used successfully on the abdomen, arms, back, bra line, upper chest, buttocks and thighs. The Accent XL has been shown to not only improve cellulite and reduce fat but also produce actual weight loss.

With this procedure, hydration status is important so drink lots of water before and after your treatment.

Non-Ablative vs. Ablative Lasers

Non-ablative lasers are preferable for patients who want skin tightening and color and texture improvement with no downtime.

The early generation lasers required vaporization of skin at a very high temperature which would remove skin but have significant side effects including possible scarring. Ablative lasers also required a lengthy healing period. For these reasons, Dr. Flynn rarely uses traditional ablative lasers such as CO2 or Erbium or the newer generation ablative lasers such as Portrait or Fraxel.

Dr. Flynn prefers to achieve skin tightening and wrinkle reduction with the Alma Accent XL radiofrequency device. Improvement of brown or red spots is achieved with intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments and V Beam treatments. These treatments are from the Synernon Fotofacial (Synernon’s founder invented and developed the IPL technology) and the Alma Harmony. The V Beam Perfecta (V is for vascular) acts on spider veins (telangectasias) and specific red spots.

With advances in laser technology, particularly with radiofrequency and intense pulsed light, very significant skin tightening and coloration improvement is possible.

Intense Pulsed Light

What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)?

Intense Pulsed Light is a skin rejuvenation technique that is best performed by a physician. Dr. Flynn performs IPL treatments himself on his patients. IPL technology is used to treat medical disorders of the skin such as sun damage induced dyspigmentation (brown spots) and vascular changes (red spots).

IPL is a phenomenal new procedure that diminishes or fully rids brown spots, red spots, and fine line wrinkles. IPL gives the benefit of a medium depth laser without the side effects and long recovery times associates with lasers. There is minimal downtime.

IPL treatment is based on emitting high intensity pulses of light (not laser) from a xenon flash bulb. A highly advanced computer in the delivery system (Synernon Fotofacial and Alma Harmony) controls the level and type of skin penetration. Age spots, freckles, spider veins and other types of discolorations are targeted.

IPL differs from lasers in that where a laser emits only one specific wavelength of light, IPL emits a broad spectrum of light with each pulse. This allows treatment of a variety of skin imperfections at the same time.

What can IPL do?

IPL provides an average of 70-90% improvement in sun damage (brown spots, redness, etc.) There may also be some improvement in fine lines and pore size. Usually the treated skin stays red for one to three days and brown spots usually flake off within five to seven days. Sometimes there is a “peppering” of brown spots before they flake off. This is a consolidation of the pigment in the skin which gives a “coffee ground” appearance to the brown spot before it flakes off.

Three treatments are usually recommended. The cost is $500 per treatment but the IPL cost is only $250 per treatment if it is done in conjunction with an Accent XL radiofrequency skin tightening treatment. See “Menu of Skin Rejuvenation Treatments” for costs of all treatments including packages.

What is treatment like?
Treatments average 30-45 minutes in length. The treatment area is cleaned and a cool gel is applied. When the pulse of light is delivered, the sensation of discomfort is minimal. Immediately following treatment, the skin may appear flushed and brown pigmented spots may appear darker. Following treatment patients can immediately resume normal activities. Within two to three weeks your complexion will be clearer and younger looking.

V Beam Perfecta

The V Beam laser treatment is the best way to remove red spots from broken blood vessels in your face or other areas of your body.

What is it?

The V Beam Perfecta is a pulsed dye laser that delivers an intense but gentle burst of light into selectively targeted areas of the skin. The light is absorbed by specific blood vessels or melanin pigmented areas in the dermis depending on the condition being treated.

Protective eyewear is worn but no anesthetic is necessary. Most patients see beneficial results right away. Some patients experience redness or mild swelling in the treated area that usually disappears in a few hours. Occasionally purpura (a laser bruise) occurs and is temporary and usually disappears in three to five days.

This treatment is effective for the treatment of reddened scars, rosacea, veins, sunspots, birthmarks or reddish stretch marks.

The pulsed dye light is absorbed by the blood vessels in the skin. These blood vessels are coagulated and reabsorbed by the body’s natural healing process.

Patients are thrilled to see persistent redness in the face and other areas suddenly disappear. This is followed by a clear complexion with more youthful appearing skin.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels containing glycolic acid may be used on your entire face (avoiding your eyes, brows and lips).

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Skin Revitalizing

Gentle Skin Treatments

Skin texture, superficial blemishes, age spots, enlarged pores and fine lines may be improved by a number of noninvasive skin revitalizing treatments.

Glycolic acid is one of a larger group of alpha hydroxy acids derived from natural sources such as fruit and milk. It is used in varying concentrations as a light but prescription-strength peeling solution to reduce the visible signs of aging and sun damage. A single glycolic acid peel performed in Dr. Flynn's office may produce the freshening effect you are looking for. Many patients, however, elect to undergo a series of light peels to achieve greater improvement. A prescription-strength glycolic acid cream or lotion may also be recommended for home use. Glycolic acid preparations work beneath the skin's surface to help loosen and eliminate damaged skin cells, unclog pores and impart a healthier glow. Glycolic acid creams and lotions may sometimes include bleaching agents that further improve irregular pigmentation.

Retin-A is another home treatment frequently prescribed by plastic surgeons. Used for many years as an acne treatment, Retin-A has also been shown to be effective in reducing skin damage caused by excessive sun exposure. Tretinoin, the active ingredient in Retin-A, promotes exfoliation and accelerates skin renewal. Microdermabrasion is effective in reducing fine lines, “crow’s feet," age spots, acne and other surface imperfections by superficially abrading the skin. It can also be used on the neck, upper chest and the backs of your hands to improve skin texture and minimize the effects of sun damage. A hand-held wand directs a stream of micro-crystals and suction to gently "polish" your skin, giving your complexion a healthy-looking glow. Each session takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the areas being treated. An initial series of weekly sessions is often recommended, followed by periodic maintenance treatments.

Although your skin may be slightly pink or sensitive immediately following a revitalizing treatment, in most cases you should be able to return to work or social activities immediately.

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