1. Lyra Laser and Hair Removal

2. Leg Vein Removal

3. DioLite™ 532 Laser and Vascular and Pigmented Lesions

1. Lyra Laser and Hair Removal

How does the Lyra from Laserscope differ from other lasers?

A.

The Laserscope Lyra Nd:YAG laser produces a very long wavelength which is pulsed over long time intervals. This combination of the wavelength, long pulses and high energies makes the Lyra laser unique when compared with most other laser systems. The principal reason for this design was to produce a system that would be safe and effective on all skin tones, including very dark and tanned patients. Before the Lyra became available, no other laser could be used on all skin tones.

Who is a perfect candidate for laser surgery with the Laserscope Lyra?

A.

For hair removal, patients with any skin color with brown or black hairs. For patients with leg veins, those with blue, red or purple vessels up to 4mm in diameter. Additionally, any skin tone patients that have deep vascular malformations, such as hemangiomas or resistant PWS, are good candidates for Lyra.

How does it work?

A.

The laser light penetrates the skin keeping it intact until it reaches its target - either a hair (for hair removal) or a vessel (for leg vein removal). Once the laser energy reaches the target, it is immediately absorbed. At this point, the energy turns into heat and destroys the target without harming any surrounding tissue. It then takes a short while for the hair or vessel to dissipate into the body. The laser energy is delivered through a chilled window to protect the patient’s skin and provide comfort.

How many treatments will the patient need for complete hair removal?

A.

Hair growth involves several cycles and, thus, some hairs may be affected during a single treatment and some may not. We have seen that after several treatments most terminal (mature) hairs are replaced with miniature hairs of lighter color. Some hairs are completely eliminated. Although absolute hair removal may not be achieved, hair density and color get so much lighter, the hairs become less visible and, thus, less bothersome. The number of treatments is completely dependent upon the individual. It may take anywhere between 3 and 15 treatments several weeks apart to achieve the desired effect. This is related to the patient’s age, hormonal balance, gender, area on the body, diet, and even the time of year.

How "permanent" is "permanent" following the course of epilation treatment?

A.

Since the procedure is very new and people go through so many stages in their lives it is impossible to completely determine at this time. However, we have seen up to 3 years with no hair re-growth following several treatments.

3. DioLite™ 532 Laser and Vascular and Pigmented Lesions

How does the laser work?

A.

A laser generates an intense beam of light. This beam brings energy to a specific site, through a small handpiece connected to the laser console. The laser light is absorbed by oxyhemoglobin (bright red blood cells carrying oxygen) and melanin/pigment (black or brown pigment found in the skin) causing decomposition or destruction by hear of unwanted cells while leaving healthy cells intact.

What is a vascular lesion?

A.

A vascular lesion is formed by abnormally large or numberous blood vessels located directly under the surface of the skin. These vessels may be visible through the skin or result in a red appearance of the skin. Spider Angiomas, pictured to the right are examples of vascular lesions.

What is a pigmented lesion?

A.

Melanin is the dark pigment present in skin and is produced by melanocytes. Pigmented lesions occur when an abundance of melanocytes are found in the skin. When dark pigment multiplies, it forms freckles, brown age spots and moles. Lentigines, pictured to the right, are an example of a pigmented lesion.

What should a patient expect during and after treatment?

A.

Treatment may vary depending upon patient characteristics and the area being treated. You will be asked to wear special goggles to protect your eyes from the intense beam of laser light. You will be placed in a reclined position, depending on the location of treatment. The doctor will use a "pencil thin" handpiece to direct a beam of laser light to the lesion. In most cases, anesthesia is not required.

Some patients report feeling a slight stinging sensation during the treatment followed by some redness which usually goes away in 2-4 hours. Some swelling may also be experienced and may last 1-2 days. Unlike old technologies, DioLite™ 532 treatment will not cause any purple skin discoloration or bruised appearance to the treated skin.

Postoperative are is minimal. Your doctor may ask you to use an anti-bacterial ointment on the treated are for a short period of time and will suggest that you stay out of the sun during the healing process.

Final treatment results should be evident within 1-14 days after treatment for vascular lesions and within 2-3 weeks after treatment for pigmented lesions. In the meantime, normall daily activiites can be resumed with only a slight resness evident at the treatment area.

What conditions are treated wtih the laser?

A.

Vascular Lesions:

• Facila Telangiectasia - spider veins caused by a dilation of capillary vessels or arterioles
• Cherry Angiomas - slightly raised, red lesions
• Spider Angiomas - slightly raised, red spiderlike lesions
• Rosacea - red facial lesions around the nose and cheeks causing a sunburn look

Pigmented Lesions:

• Lentigines - flat, brown spots on the skin; present on skin with frequent sun exposure
• Keratoses - slightly elevated pigmented spots often found on the back and hands
• Freckles - brownish spots on the skin common on people of Asian or African descent
• Flat warts, active acne and acne pockets

What are the benefits of laser treatment?

A.

Excellent and consistent outcome - minimal care before and after treatment.

An example: Patients who suffer from Rosacea which is a vascular disorder have numerous small to large vessels on the cheeks and hose area which cause the patient to have a red sunburned or blushing appearance. Sometimes these vessels will cause eruptions that have an acne-like appearance and can cause deep pocket scarring. After treatment wit the DioLite laser the vessels diminish and the area loses its sunburn appearance. Patients who are on high doses of antibiotic to minimize this condition find that they can discontinue oral therapy altogether or reduce their therapy to a maintenance dose.

How will I know if laser treatment is right for me?

A.

Ask your doctor. After a brief examination, your doctor can determine if laser treatment is appropriate for you.