News

LASER HAIR REMOVAL - APRIL 2010

Lasermed offers two advanced forms of therapy for hair removal, namely Alexandrite (755nm) and ND:Yag (1064nm) Lasers. With these lasers, Lasermed is able to offer safe and effective treatments for all skin types.

What is a Laser?

Lasers vary according to wavelengths, beams and energy. Laser emits a gentle beam of light that when it comes into contact with the correct chromophore (melanin, haemoglobin, water), is transformed into heat. The heat is responsible to destroy/ damage the target. It is, therefore, important to ensure that you are being treated with the correct laser.

Why are the Alexandrite and ND:Yag Lasers best for hair removal?

These lasers are FDA approved and regarded by dermatologists world wide as the gold standard for hair removal.

In order to penetrate deep enough into the layer of the skin which holds the hair follicle, you need to use a laser which is capable of accurately targeting a precise point with the correct energy, heat and depth. The Alexandrite and ND:Yag Lasers are highly absorbed by the melanin (colour) in the hair follicle. The heat produced by the Laser will destroy the hair follicle on impact - once destroyed this follicle will never grow back. Hair grows in cycles therefore each growth cycle will need to be treated with the laser in order to obtain Permanent Hair Reduction.

Why choose the Alexandrite Laser rather than IPL?

It is important to remember that the difference between IPL and LASER used for Hair Removal is that a laser is capable of accurately hitting a target, whereas IPL is not a specific wavelength and thus very difficult to predict what will happen to the mix of wavelengths when they hit the body. Do not think that because the equipment has a light it's a laser!

How many treatments will you need to achieve Permanent Hair Reduction?

Hair grows in 3 cycles. However, laser can only target hair in one of the cycles, namely Anagen. This is the growing stage when the root of the hair is the largest and has an abundance of melanin. Anagen can last several weeks normally and at any time about 15-20% of a person's hair is in this stage. There can be as many as 2500 hair follicles per square inch, however, less than 100 hairs are actually actively growing. Typically, a course of 4 to 10 treatments is needed to achieve Permanent Hair Reduction. Results may vary from person to person. Many factors such as hormones, age, ethnicity, weight, metabolism and medication all influence the body's hair growth.

Who is a good candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

If you have unwanted dark hair, are tired of waxing, react to shaving and suffer from ingrown hairs, you are an ideal candidate. The choice of laser will be determined by your skin colour. A patch test may also be done to ensure that your hair responds well and that the surrounding skin is not damaged.

Is it safe?

Lasermed follows strict laser safety guidelines as set out by the American Surgical Laser Society. Patients and laser operators wear the appropriate eye protection at all times. The FDA has approved our lasers for safe and effective hair removal. Treatments can be customised to each person's individual skin type, making it safe. Results are also safe, provided the area has not been exposed to the sun for four to six weeks. Winter is now the ideal time to have laser hair removal.

How much will Laser Hair Removal cost?

Prices vary from person to person, depending on how much dark hair needs to be removed. During your initial free consultation, our experienced laser operators will give you a quote. Lasermed is currently offering a package; purchase your first 4 treatments and receive your 5th treatment free.

If top South African Dermatologists recommend the Alexandrite and ND:Yag Lasers for hair removal, shouldn't you?

Steps to Total Skin Rejuvenation

MANAGING THE AGEING FACE: THE 6 R'S OF FACIAL REJUVENATION

In order to achieve a youthful, radiant and even appearance, one often needs to undergo a course of treatments. It is, unfortunately, not possible to address all skin concerns with just a single modality. There are numerous anti-ageing systems, but each one performs a specific function. It is for this reason that we need to address the 6 R's of facial rejuvenation.

REMOVE * RESURFACE * RECONTOUR * RELAX * REPLACE * REDRAPE

To remove is to work on a clean canvas. In other words, remove lesions such as sun spots, solar keratosis, telangiectasia (broken facial veins) and diffused redness. This can be done with a Q-switched Alexandrite Laser, an Intense Pulsed Light, a Vascular Laser, Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and freezing.

To resurface is to improve the texture and appearance of the skin. Lines, wrinkles, uneven skin colour and enlarged pores are common signs of ageing and can be addressed with gentle superficial treatments (microdermabrasion or chemical peels to remove outer layers of dead skin) or more intensive treatments that penetrate the epidermis (intense pulsed light) and dermis (fractional laser resurfacing) of the skin. It is important to determine where the skin concern lies and to address it at the correct level of the skin structure.

Recontour, relax and replace with the use of wrinkle-reducing injections and fillers. Botox® (a protein) is injected most commonly to relax expression lines to prevent frowning and crow's feet around the eyes. It can also be used in moderation to treat very fine lines around the mouth, chin and neck. Fillers (hylauronic acid – moisture found in the body) are injected to recontour/ plump up nasolabial folds, lines around the mouth and augmentation of the lips. The overall appearance is one of general wellbeing. Fractional resurfacing, used to penetrate into the dermis of the skin, will stimulate collagen production and with time will improve the contour of the jaw line.

To redrape is to "iron out the tablecloth". This will require plastic surgery, such as a face lift or a technique called threading to treat sagging skin. Dr Nerina Wilkinson, a Plastic Surgeon, consults at Lasermed Tyger Valley.

However, many people are looking for non-invasive treatments that do not require downtime. The ideal treatment regime would be to alternate chemical peels/ microdermabrasion with intense pulsed light therapy. With each treatment, the results will improve. Every 3 to 5 months Botox® could be injected.

HOME SKIN CARE

The correct skin care products will enhance your treatments and ultimately your results. There are 5 vital ingredients that should be applied topically to your skin, namely:

SUN PROTECTION * LACTOBIONIC ACID * ALPHA HYDROXY ACID * VITAMIN A * PIGMENT LIGHTENING
A sun protection factor (SPF) of 20 or more should be applied at least twice daily. 80% of extrinsic ageing is due to sun exposure. Lactobionic Acid, found in certain Neostrata products, is a powerful antioxidant protecting the skin against free radicals, is extremely hydrating and repairing. Alpha Hydroxy Acids are ideal to moisturise and exfoliate the skin (an ideal choice for a dry, severe sun damaged skin). Vitamin A, available in various forms (some more active than others), is excellent to speed up cellular renewal, treat sun damage and stimulate collagen production. Kojic Acid is one of the most powerful natural ingredients to lighten pigmentation, sun spots and freckles. By alternating and applying these products on a daily basis, once can reverse and prevent further sun damage.

WHAT IS NEW AT LASERMED?

Lasermed Tyger Valley now proudly offers:

Intense Pulsed Light Therapy: Treatment of Rosacea, diffused redness, sun damage, fine veins, enlarged pores and collagen production

Cosmetic Tattoos/ Permanent Make-Up: By experienced Conny Brand

Professional Brow Shaping and Defining: Sonja Du Plessis, one of our skin therapists/ laser operators at Tyger Valley and Helderberg, is a natural artist with a fantastic flair for professional make up. Lasermed has noticed a demand for professional advice regarding the aesthetics of brow shaping and correct choice and use of foundation. Sonja will reshape your brows based on the shape of your face, personality and lifestyle. The trend is to have a well defined brow that is not thin and that frames your face. Sonja will also show you how to define your brows at home, enabling you to look well groomed at all times.

Lasermed City Bowl:

Based on the valuable information/ tools provided by the Visia Complexion Analysis System at Lasermed Tyger Valley, the City Bowl branch now also has this system. This is a value added service to our skin care clients, enabling us to measure lines, wrinkles, UV damage, brown and red lesions, pores and bacteria in the epidermis and dermis of the skin. The Visia is designed to compare your readings to other ladies/ men in your age group. Treatments and home care can be customised for you. At a later stage, another Visia can be done to measure the improvement in your skin.

Lasermed Helderberg:

The centre has moved to a new location at Waterstone Village (above the new Virgin Active Gym) Professional Brow Shaping and Defining: Sonja Du Plessis, one of our skin therapists/ laser operators at Tyger Valley and Helderberg, is a natural artist with a fantastic flair for professional make up. Lasermed has noticed a demand for professional advice regarding the aesthetics of brow shaping and correct choice and use of foundation. Sonja will reshape your brows based on the shape of your face, personality and lifestyle. The trend is to have a well defined brow that is not thin and that frames your face. Sonja will also show you how to define your brows at home, enabling you to look well groomed at all times.

News - GREAT EXPECTATIONS - June 2007

With all the media hype associated with plastic surgery and medical aesthetics, are you aware of achievable and realistic results?

Unrealistic ideas about what treatments can achieve are a sign of the times and reality television makeover shows presenting quick-fix dramatic results from plastic surgery and non-surgical procedures are the norm.

With facial rejuvenation becoming increasingly popular, both men and women enter clinics wanting to quickly change something about the way they look. Having seen these "miraculous" makeovers on television, do you think your expectations could be inflated? Are you aware of the potential results, the risks involved, safety procedures, downtime, bruising, swelling, pain and discomfort?

Unfortunately, in reality, there are no quick-fixes.

It is for this reason, that dermatologists opened various laser clinics (Tyger Valley and Helderberg) under the umbrella name of LASERMED. Lasermed endeavours to promote skin health and rejuvenation through the ethical and scientific use of state-of-the-art technology.

Facial Skin Rejuvenation Stairway

Introduced by Lasermed, this allows you to consider all possible options to achieve realistic results. In many cases, it is not just one specific treatment that may be required.

Consultation is key

An initial consultation is the most valuable tool for you and the dermatologist or skin care professional. A good relationship between you and the dermatologist or skin care professional is essential to understand your motivation for treatments and your goals. During a consultation you will be provided with all the facts based on research and clinical trials.

Visia Complexion Analysis System

From July, Lasermed will offer a comprehensive skin analysis by means of the Visia Complexion Analysis System.

The Visia objectively establishes clinical information on skin conditions. The Visia imaging device enables one to see beneath the skin surface, visualizing specific conditions related to both vascular disorders and hyperpigmentation. Visia’s standard and UV photos measure wrinkles, spots, pores, evenness (colour variation in the skin tone), UV spots (characteristic of sun damage) and porphyrins (evidence of bacteria lodged in pores, which may lead to acne).

This is an exciting and effective visual communication tool for skin rejuvenation patients. Based on evidence, we will be able to personalize your therapy which may include laser therapy, photorejuvenation, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, wrinkle-reducing injections and cosmeceuticals (active topical creams). Follow-up imaging sessions would be used to demonstrate the results of these treatments.

Every patient who is imaged with Visia will receive a printed report and treatment plan to take home. This information will ensure that patients at Lasermed are better equipped to elect correct treatment options for their conditions.

What should your decisions be based on?

What is my main concern?
What are my treatment options?
What are the potential results, both positive and negative?
Are my expectations realistic?
How long will it take to obtain realistic results?
What risks and complications are involved?
How much money is this going to cost?
Can I afford to take leave from work, if necessary, or am I looking for non-invasive treatments that require little, if any, downtime?
What options are available?

Non-invasive treatments

Chemical Peels – Superficial, Medium-depth and Deep Peels

Growing in popularity worldwide, chemical peels can be viewed as one of the best controllable mediums for rejuvenation of the skin, improving its overall appearance and texture due to increased collagen and elastin production. The result is a smoother, younger complexion that is noticeably thicker and firmer.

Chemical Peels can be used to treat a variety of indications, from the damage caused by the accumulated effects of sun exposure and pollutants, to fine lines and wrinkles, acne and mild scarring. Enlarged pores will be refined.

Superficial Peels – Neostrata Glycolic Acid Peels dissolve outer layers of dead cells in the stratum corneum, requiring little skin recovery time and done in a series of controlled treatments.
Medium-Depth Peels – 20% Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA). These peels are stronger than superficial peels and penetrate into the skin to the epidermal and upper dermal layers. This is beneficial for small wrinkles, blemishes, photo damage, epidermal growths and solar keratoses. As the treated area is swollen, red and crusted, downtime of a week is normal. This procedure is done by a dermatologist only. To achieve optimal results, pre and post care is vital.
Deep Peels – Phenol penetrates the lower dermal layer of the skin. It is not suited for certain indications or skin types. Due to the longer recovery time (several weeks), it is not always an option.

Medical Microdermabrasion

This is a safe, controlled and progressive approach to skin care. Using vacuum pressure, the machine and specially designed handpiece allow micro-fine crystals to pass over the skin. The procedure removes one or two layers of dead skin cells, while stimulating circulation and collagen production. By removing outer layers of skin, topical creams will penetrate better. This results in a smoother, healthier and brighter complexion.

To treat melasma, our dermatologists recommend microdermabrasion and a prescribed lightening cream. As this is a non-invasive method, a course of treatments is required.

Wrinkle-reducing Injections

Botox is a protein that is used to relax muscles. It is mainly indicated for the treatment of frown lines and crow’s feet around the eyes. The final results are only visible after 14 days. Results may last between 3 to 5 months.

Restylane or Perlane is hyaluronic acid (moisture) that is used to plump up naso-labial folds and lines around the mouth. It can also be used to augment lips. These injections are performed by dermatologists who specialize in these procedures. Our dermatologists recently attended another advanced training course by the highly acclaimed Dr Koenraad De Boulle from Belgium.

Pigmented Lesion Laser

Due to excessive sun exposure over the years, lentigines (sun spots) may appear on all parts of the body. After correct diagnosis by a dermatologist, we can laser these lesions offering cosmetically pleasing results.

Vascular Laser

Unlike our hair removal laser that targets melanin, this laser targets blood related problems such telangiectasia (broken facial capillaries) and keloid/hypertrophic scars.

These treatments are performed by dermatologists only.

Fraxel Laser

Fractional resurfacing of the skin offers similar results to CO2 laser without the downtime. This treatment is ideal for someone requiring "quicker" results for the treatment of lines, wrinkles, melasma and pitted acne scarring. Fraxel offers excellent results for an ageing neck. As Fraxel Laser stimulates 20% of collagen and elastin at a time, Dr Ean Smit recommends a minimum of 2 treatments. Certain conditions may require up to 5 treatments.

In conclusion, a patient who is correctly informed, who understands the expected outcomes and who wants the best from their treatment, will be a happy and satisfied patient.

Lasermed strives to offer these results. We thank you for your continued support.