laser treatment san diego

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Laser Treatments

All of our laser treatments use the Sciton laser and BBL broadband light, the fastest, most comfortable and safest system available. We offer complimentary consultations to discuss treatment options and pricing.


Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a safe, fast, and effective alternative for dealing with unwanted hair. Lasers work by emitting a specialized light that is passed through the skin and is absorbed by melanin (color) in the hair follicle which damages the follicle and removes the hair.

Laser hair removal is safe enough to be used on all body parts, including the face, back, underarms, bikini line, legs and arms.

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Laser Therapy FAQ

How does laser hair removal work?

The Sciton laser selectively targets your hair follicles and heats them with infrared energy. The laser employs a unique computer guided scanning system that automates the treatment, ensuring that you skin is rapidly and evenly treated. The computer sets the parameters and places the beam in an optimum pattern for your skin. You will have a safe, fast, effective and gentle treatment.

Can all skin colors be treated?

Yes all skin types I through VI can be treated. Skin Type I is very fair, always burns and never tans (usually blonde hair and blue eyes). Skin Type VI never burns (black skin, black hair).

Can tanned skin be treated?

Tanned skin can be treated safely, but always inform your physician if you have been tanning or exposed to the sun within the last three weeks, and he will adjust your treatment regime accordingly to give you the safest and most effective experience.

What happens during hair removal treatment?

The area of your skin that is to be treated will be scanned with laser light from the Sciton system. Treatment time will depend upon the area to be treated. A system for cooling your skin will be used to remove heat as it leaves the follicles and should ensure a comfortable treatment. However, since the sensation varies from individual to individual, a topical anesthesia may be needed for comfort.

How do I prepare for my appointment?

On the day of your treatment, plan on wearing clothing that will allow easy access to the area being treated. Laser hair removal works best when the hair is 1-2 millimeters in length so shave the area to be treated before your appointment.

What should I expect after treatment?

Generally, some redness will remain for approximately five to seven days. For some patients recovery time will be less while other patients will have prolonged redness. Some redness and slight swelling may be present in the area that has been treated, however, this should subside within a few hours. If any prolonged redness or swelling occurs then consult your physician. To help protect your post-laser skin, keep the area clean and use at least SPF 15 sunscreen when outdoors.

Is there a risk for complications?

There is a low risk of pigmentary changes, however discuss your concerns with your physician prior to your treatment.

Can pseudofolliculitis be treated?

Yes. Pseudofolliculitis is a type of chronic acne disorder caused by ingrown coarse or curly hairs. This disorder affects darker skin types, and the infrared energy delivered by the Sciton laser is the preferred method of treatment.

Is treatment permanent?

On average, each laser treatment will be associated with some permanent hair loss. So in most cases hair removal can only be achieved after several treatments. The number of treatments will depend on your individual response to laser therapy, and the amount of hair to be removed. Remember that the goal may not be total hair removal. Many patients are happy with a reasonable degree of hair reduction. Also remember that the hair that remains is often lighter in color and thinner than the original hair prior to laser surgery. As with other treatments for unwanted hair, there is no guarantee that laser hair removal treatment will be permanent.

How many treatments will I need?

You may need to be treated about 3-5 times at approximately 5-8 week intervals. There are three phases of hair growth; anagen, catagen, and telogen. Only hairs in the active growth phase, anagen, can be successfully treated.

Does treatment hurt? What can I expect with the procedure?

Most patients describe laser hair removal as feeling "prickly," or like the light snap of a rubber band against the skin. Afterwards, it might feel like a bad sunburn. Each patient has his or her own level of skin sensitivity and pain threshold. Different areas on the body are also more sensitive than others.

How much does treatment cost?

Treatments start at just $50. Click here for current promotions.

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Skin Tightening

The uniquely gentle and effective approach of laser remodeling takes anti-aging technology to a new level - a revolutionary way to tighten skin without the down time and expense of surgery. The treatment is specifically designed to be safe for every skin type. The treatment requires no injections and leaves no lingering redness or tenderness. The laser light pulse stimulates the growth of collagen fibroblasts deep in the dermis. As these little collagen factories come to life and begin to reproduce, your skin will rebuild from the inside. The result is younger looking skin and an almost "mini face-lift." Results are quite visible as the signs of fine lines and sun damage begin to fade away. You will begin to notice smoother, younger looking skin immediately. Best results require 3-5 treatments, 4 weeks apart.

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Skin Tightening FAQ

How does BBL Skin Tightening work?

The light energy delivered by the BBL will gently heat up the upper layers of your skin. The heat absorbed by the targeted areas will stimulate your skin cells to generate new collagen and tighten the existing collagen. This will help restore your skin to its natural beauty by making it smoother, vibrant and younger looking.

What areas can be treated?

Any area of your body can be treated. The most popular treatments are for the face, neck, back of the hands and chest.

How many treatments will I need?

From 3-5 treatments, at a 4 week interval, will produce the desired results. You may benefit from additional treatments depending on the severity of your condition.

How long will it take to recover?

This is a non-invasive and gentle procedure with virtually no downtime. In most cases you will be able to return to work, apply makeup and resume most of your activities right away.

What should I expect after the treatment?

You may experience some redness that should resolve within a few hours. Your treated skin will feel smoother and fine wrinkles will be less noticeable. Results depend on your condition, the number of treatments and the area treated.

Will it be uncomfortable?

The procedure is gentle, non-invasive, and safe. There should be minimal or no discomfort, however this varies from patient to patient and depends on the depth of the treatment. There is no need for a topical anesthesia; however your physician may choose to use one on more sensitive areas.

What will happen during the procedure?

Your eyes will be protected with safety shields or glasses. You may briefly feel a warm sensation as the light is absorbed by the targeted areas. Your procedure may half an hour or longer depending on the size of the area to be treated.

What aftercare do I need?

You will be given recommendations for skin care products that will minimize your risk of inflammation or redness and ensure the shortest healing time. You will be sensitive to ultra-violet light and you must avoid direct sun exposure until fully healed. Fully cover your skin or use a good sun screen whenever you go outdoors.

How much does treatment cost?

$400 per full face treatment. $600 per full face and neck treatment. Buy four treatments and get one free.

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Photorejuvenation

This treatment, performed with the Sciton Profile BBL Broadband Light, leaves you with glowing, smooth skin with finer lines and a more youthful appearance with minimal downtime. Photorejuvenation can erase red and brown skin discoloration associated with long-term sun exposure. Your treatment will be tailored to match your skin's condition and your desired results.

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Photorejuvenation FAQ

What conditions can be treated with BBL?

Fine wrinkles, Age spots, Small facial veins (telangiectasia), Rosacea, Redness and flushing, Solar lentigines (freckles), Cafe' Au Lait maculae, Brown spots, birth marks, Port wine stains, Red spots (hemangiomas), Enlarged pores, Poikiloderma, Burn Erythema, Hyperpigmentation.

How does BBL work?

The light energy delivered by the BBL will gently heat up the upper layers of your skin. The heat absorbed by the targeted areas will stimulate your skin cells to generate new collagen. This will help restore your skin to its natural beauty, blending its natural colors and making it smoother, vibrant and younger looking. In addition the phototherrmal energy will target and eliminate many of the fine vessels that cause redness and the unwanted melanin responsible for pigmented lesions.

What areas can be treated?

Any area of your body can be treated. The most common areas are those most exposed to the damaging effects of sun light. The most popular treatments are for the face, neck, back of the hands, chest and shoulders.

How many treatments will I need?

From 2-5 treatments, at a 2-4 weeks interval, will produce the desired results. You may benefit from additional treatments depending on the severity of your condition.

How long will it take to recover?

This is a non-invasive and gentle procedure with virtually no down-time. In most cases you will be able to return to work, apply makeup, and resume most of your activities right away.

What should I expect after the treatment?

You may experience some redness that should resolve within a few hours. For some pigmented lesions you will see a darkening of the treated areas followed by fading and flaking off at a later stage. Your treated skin will feel smoother, fine wrinkles and pores will be less noticeable, and sun spots or uneven pigmentation will fade. Results depend on your condition, the number of treatments, and the area treated.

Will it be uncomfortable?

The procedure is gentle, non-invasive and safe. There should be minimal or no discomfort, however, this varies from patient to patient and depends on the depth of the treatment. There is no need for a topical anesthesia; however your physician may choose to use one on more sensitive areas.

What will happen during the procedure?

Your eyes will be protected with safety shields or glasses. You may briefly feel a rubber band snap or warm sensation as the light is absorbed by the targeted areas. Your procedure may take a few minutes to half an hour depending on the size of the area to be treated and the type of the procedure performed.

What aftercare do I need?

You will be given recommendations for skin care products that will minimize your risk of inflammation or redness and ensure the shortest healing time. You will be sensitive to ultra-violet light and you must avoid direct sun exposure until fully healed. Fully cover your skin or use a good sun screen whenever you go outdoors.

How much does treatment cost?

$400 for a series of two treatments.

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Vascular

The Sciton CLEARSCAN laser precisely treats visible vessels, broken capillaries, spider veins, vascular lesions and discoloration of your skin. Unwanted vessels will be preferentially heated by the laser's energy and become less noticeable.

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Vascular Therapy FAQ

What conditions can be treated?

Rosacea, Redness, Facial Veins, Telangiectasia, Spider Veins, Broken Capillaries

What areas can be treated?

All skin areas can be treated. Popular areas are the face, neck, chest and legs.

Are there any risks?

There is little risk in the treatment of benign conditions. In some cases repeat treatment will be necessary depending on your response to the treatment and the result desired. Your doctor will discuss potential risks of your specific condition prior to treatment.

How long will it take to recover?

Your healing time will depend upon your actual treatment. There is virtually no downtime and you may resume moderate activity immediately. Your skin will have a pink or red color that will resolve over several days. You will need to avoid direct sun exposure, or use a sun block of at least SPF 15 when outdoors.

Will it be uncomfortable?

There should be little to no discomfort, however this varies from patient to patient and depends on the depth of the treatment. There is no need for anesthesia and your physician will discuss your options to properly manage any discomfort from the treatment. There should be no lasting post treatment discomfort.

What will happen during the procedure?

Your eyes will be protected with safety shields or glasses. The laser beam will be delivered to the area of your skin being treated. You may briefly feel a warm or hot sensation as the laser pulses are preferentially absorbed in the unwanted vessels, heating and destroying them. Your procedure may take a few minutes to half an hour depending on the size of the area to be treated.

What aftercare will I need?

You will be given recommendations for skin care products that will minimize your risk of inflammation or redness and ensure the shortest healing time. Any vessels denatured by the laser will be reabsorbed by your body over a period of time in a natural cleansing process. Most small capillaries will become invisible almost immediately since they will no longer contain blood flow. Your skin will be sensitive to ultraviolet light, and you must avoid direct sun exposure. Many of the conditions treated by the laser will have been caused by sun exposure, so avoiding the sun will prolong your new youthful appearance. You need to fully cover your skin or use a good sunscreen whenever you go outdoors.

How much does treatment cost?

Treatments start at just $150.

 

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Acne

This treatment uses light therapy to create a chemical reaction in hair follicles to kill acne-related bacteria. Eight treatments, twice per week for four weeks, are usually needed to reduce acne for an extended duration.

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Acne Treatment FAQ

What is acne?

Acne, commonly known as 'pimples', is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the sebaceous gland present in the skin. In mild to moderate cases, there may be black heads (comedones), whiteheads (papules) or pustules. In severe cases, there are nodules, cysts and abscesses which lead to scarring if not treated on time.

Does acne occur only in teenagers?

Acne is more common in the age group of 13 - 30 years but it may occur or persist even beyond this age limit. Males are more frequently affected than females.

How does the Sciton BBL™ work?

The Sciton BBL™ uses a 420mm blue light filter to cause effects similar to the ClearLight™ and BLU-U®, but is a true IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) device. The photothermal energy delivered will gently heat the upper layers of skin, stimulating the skin cells to generate new collagen and eliminating redness and the unwanted melanin responsible for pigmented lesions. This also reduces pore size and destroys the bacteria that cause acne.

How many treatments will I need?

Eight treatments, twice per week for four weeks, will produce the desired results. You may benefit from additional treatments depending on the severity of your condition.

How long will it take to recover?

This is a non-invasive and gentle procedure with virtually no down-time. In most cases you will be able to return to work, apply makeup and resume most of your activities right away.

Will it be uncomfortable?

The procedure is gentle, non-invasive, and safe. There should be minimal or no discomfort, however this varies from patient to patient and depends on the depth of the treatment. There is no need for a topical anesthesia; however your physician may choose to use one on more sensitive areas.

What will happen during the procedure?

Your eyes will be protected with safety shields or glasses. You may briefly feel a rubber band snap or warm sensation as the light is absorbed by the targeted areas. Your procedure may take a few minutes to half an hour depending on the size of the area to be treated and the type of the procedure performed.

What aftercare do I need?

You will be given recommendations for skin care products that will minimize your risk of inflammation or redness and ensure the shortest healing time. You will be sensitive to ultra-violet light and you must avoid direct sun exposure until fully healed. Fully cover your skin or use a good sun screen whenever you go outdoors.

How much does treatment cost?

$200 per treatment.

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Pre and Post Treatment Information

Laser Hair Removal Pre Treatment Information

Laser Hair Removal Post Treatment Information

IPL Photofacial Pre Treatment Information

IPL Photofacial Post Treatment Information

Vascular Therapy Pre Treatment Information

Vascular Therapy Post Treatment Information

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