Alaska Body Aesthetics
Linda C Wrigley MD
Mena Hippert - Marketing Director
3260 Providence Dr
Building C, Suite 520
Anchorage, AK 99508
907-868-8989
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Please use the form below to contact us with any questions you may have.
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Alaska Body Aesthetics - FAQ and Criteria
Below are some very commonly asked questions, the criteria for treatments and post-treatment instructions.
1. Is laser hair removal permanent?
Hair is natural to the body and grows in stages. At any given time, not all hairs are growing. Lasers and light sources are most effective at targeting growing hair. In practice, no laser destroys all of the hair follicles. Some follicles are destroyed, while others are miniaturized into fine hair, and others are shocked into prolonged dormancy. Multiple treatments are needed for the best results, and the best interval for retreatment depends on the hair cycle growth pattern in that area of the body. It is possible that with a sufficient number of treatments true "permanent hair removal" can ultimately be achieved. Age, ethnicity, weight, metabolism, medication and hormones all play a role in the location, resilience and thickness of hair. It is difficult, if not impossible, to predict how many treatments each individual will require to achieve the best long term reduction in hair growth. We typically recommend a package of 6 treatments to achieve optimum results.
2. What body areas can I get treated?
Any area, except directly around the eyes. The face, neck, chest, arms, hands, legs, etc. can all be treated quickly and safely.
3. What are RejuveLux treatment sessions like?
Quick and easy! After your initial preparation, your treatment provider will move the Palomar pulsed light handpiece over your skin. The handpiece emits a light that breaks up the pigment in the lesions. Most people perceive the light as a gentle 'snapping' sensation, which causes little to no discomfort.
4. What should I expect after treatment?
• Immediately after treatment, you can expect a mild sunburn-like sensation, possibly accompanied by some minor swelling. This usually lasts 2-24 hours, and can be soothed with cold gel or ice packs.
• Sunspots/sun Damage: The sunspots will darken after treatment and be naturally shed from the skin within 1-2 weeks.
• Rosaccea: Skin tone will be more normal, with less pronounced redness within a week after treatment.
• Spider Veins: Vessels may disappear after treatment or they may appear darker and then fully pr partially fade within 10-14 days.
• Typically, several treatments will be necessary to achieve complete clearance of sunspots, rocessea, and vessels.
5. What is the difference between RejuveLux pulsed light and laser treatments?
Pulsed-light systems and laser are very similar and treat lesions in basically the same way. However, the RejuveLux process uses new technology that removes lesions much faster than lasers. RejuveLux treatments can fit even the busiest person's schedule.
After a patient has met the necessary criteria for treatment, a pertinent medical history should be obtained to determine any exclusionary criteria. Exclusionary criteria for light therapy includes, but is not limited to:
1. Unprotected sun exposure or use of tanning beds or creams in areas to be treated.
This applied to all hand pieces except the LuxR and LuxRs, which are designed to treat all skin types, including tanned skin. Protected sun exposure means wearing protective clothing or the daily us of an SPF-30 or greater sunscreen, reapplied every 2 hours. Patient should be advised to discontinue tanning for weeks prior to treatment, during treatment course and 4-6 weeks after treatment. This will reduce the chance of skin color changes and development of new pigmented lesions.
2. Pregnancy
There is no clinical evidence at this time of fetal harm from light-based systems, but the results of the treatment may be erratic or unreliable due to fluctuations in hormone levels, hair growth cycles and physiological skin conditions.
3. Menstral dysfunction
Patients with menstral dysfunction or hyperandrogenism should be referred to an endocrinologist for evaluation and possible medical treatment. These patients tend to have hirsutism secondary to their disease, which may respond to medical treatment.
4. Use of mechanical epilation less than six weeks prior to treatment for patients seeking hair removal
This includes plucking, waxing, tweezing, electrolysis, or sugaring. Patient should also refrain from these practices during the treatment course.
5. Allergies
Confirm with patient any allergies to medications, latex, foods or other substances which may be used during the treatment course.
6. History of seizures
Flashing lights may trigger seizure.
7. Medications
Both prescription and non-prescription. Be sure to include herbal and natural remedies as some of these may cause photosensitivity. Patients should not be taking Accutane, anti-coagulants or St. John's Wort. For patients taking a photosensitizing medication, preform test spots 24 hours before treatment. Accutane changes the underlying structure of the skin, which may cause unreliable results. It may also increase skin sensitivity to light.
8. History of keloid and hypertrophic scar formation
Although scarring is rare, picking or pulling off scabs or crusting can result in scarring. For this reason it is recommended to exclude from treating patients with known tendency to form keloid or hypertrophic scars.
9. Active infection / Immunosuppression
Actuve infections and immunosuppression comprimise the healing ability of the body. Reschedule the patient when infection is cleared.
10. Open lesions
Treatment should only be done on intact, healthy skin, with the exception of acne affected skin.
11. Herpes I or II within the treatment area
Patients should consult their primary care providers for medical evaluation and possible prophylaxis prior to treatment.
12. Tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova)
Although tretinoin used in the area to be treated is not absolutely contraindicated, it is known to make skin more sensitive and prone to exfoliation. Patient is better advised to discontinue the use of exfoliating creams and other exfoliating products 2 weeks prior to and during treatment course.
General
• A mild sunburn-like sensation is expected. This usually lasts 2-24 hours but can persist up to 72 hours. Mild swelling and/or redness may accompany this, but it usually resolves in 2-3 days.
• Apply ice or cold packs to the treatment area for 10-15 minutes every hour for the next four hours, as needed. An oral, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, such as acetaminophen may be taken to reduce discomfort. Use according to manufacturer's recommendations.
• In some cases, prolonged redness or blistering may occur. An antibiotic ointment may be applied to the affected area(s) twice a day until healed.
• Bathe or shower as usual. Treated areas may be temperature sensitive. Cool showers or baths will offer relief. Avoid aggressive scrubbing and use of exfoliants, scrub brushes and loofa sponges until treatment area has returned to its pre-treatment condition.
• Until redness has completely resolved, avoid all of the following:
• Applying cosmetics to treated areas.
• Swimming, especially in pools with chemicals, such as chlorine
• Hot tubs and jacuzzis
• Activities that cause excessive perspiration
• Sun exposure to treated ares. Apply an SPF-30 or greater
..
sunscreen to prevent development of new pigmented areas.
• Appearance of hair growth or stubble will continue for 7-30 days post-treatment. This is not new hair, but the treated hairs being expelled from the skin.
• In patients with facial hirsutism who have been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome and presenting ovarian hyperrandrogenism, there is a risk of paradoxical effect resulting from the activation of dormant hair follicles in untreated areas close to hirsute-treated areas.
For Hair Removal
For Pigmented Lesion Treatment
• The lesion may initially look raised and/or darker with reddened perimeter.
• The lesion will gradually turn darker over the next 24-48 hours. It may turn dark brown or even black.
• The lesion will progress to scabs/crusting and will start flaking off in 7-14 days. Do not pick, scratch or remove scabs.
• The lesion is usually healed in 21-30 days. It will continue to fade over the next 6-8 weeks.
For Vascular Lesion Treatment
• The vessels may undergo immediate graying and blanching or they may exhibit a slight purple or red coloring. The vessels will fully or partially fade in about 10-14 days. Do not pick, scratch or remove scabs.
• Repeat treatments may be performed every 7-10 days if skin has fully recovered.
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