Laser Treatments in Seattle

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Laser treatments can treat many types of skin ailments.

There are many options available today and the best choice for treatment will depend on the skin condition to be treated.  Having a more youthful appearance can be achieved now by less invasive procedures and often dramatic changes can take place in 1 single office visit.   and are the two primary non-surgical processes that can turn back the clock for a more youthful appearance.   There are certain risks involved with both as well as unique benefits each will provide to the patient. Understanding the risk factors and benefits of each procedure will help you make an educated decision on what procedure is right for you.

Laser skin resurfacing is also known as laser vaporization and laser peeling and is the process of removing the top layer of skin.  This will reveal the fresh layer of skin underneath. Small to moderate facial blemishes are also removed during this process with a more concentrated pulsating laser focused on the affected area.  Lasers for skin treatment come are 2 forms.  Co2 and erbium.  Both remove damaged skin cells. The skin resurfacing procedure is performed in an outpatient facility and in most cases requires merely a sedative and a local anesthetic. In less than 2 hours you could be out of the office and on the road to recovery.

Some examples of what types of skin improvements can be gained with the use of resurfacing are:  wrinkles, scars, hair removal, mole removal, wart removal, birthmarks, and more. The recovery period for skin resurfacing generally takes as little as a week and will very rarely take more than 2 weeks. The recovery time with laser is significantly less than surgical procedures. Once the affected skin has healed from the laser you can expect the results to last for many years to come.

The advancement in laser technology has enabled the physician to be very precise and focus on only those areas in need of removal.  This limits the damage of the skin the other areas and helps to speed recovery.

As a patient You can expect some mild discomfort and can be best described as having a mild sunburn. The newly exposed fresh layer of skin will be a bit swollen and will be red and inflamed for about a week following the treatment. The patient will be sent out of the office with medication and topical cremes to help with some symptoms such as burning, itching, or isolating areas of stinging.

It is very important to carefully watch the treated areas during the healing process and be on the lookout for changes in surface color, and infections. Some forms of laser resurfacing will not be recommended by those suffering from moderate to severe forms of acne.

More information on Laser treatments in Seattle.

Web MD has more information about laser resurfacing.  http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/guide/laser-resurfacing

Skin Fillers

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are a very effective way of reducing fine lines and wrinkles and plump up areas like lips.

When wrinkles, sagging skin, fine lines, and creases begin to appear many people look for a solutions that will provide an immediate improvement. Immediate visual improvement of these conditions are usually attainable through the use of skin fillers.

As we age the collagen eventually breaks down and causes the skin to weaken and sag. A quality skin filler will fill the void below the surface of the skin and help the lines and creases disappear. fillers will also help with the production and thus greatly enhance the strength of the skin and help you have a more youthful appearance.

The right skin filler for you will depend on your particular skin problem and what you would like to achieve.

Juvederm is a smooth-consistency gel. It is infused with lidocaine to improve comfort during treatment. Juvederm gel is injected with a syringe into the dermis layer of the skin.

Restylan is non animal based and is comprised of hyaluronic acid gel and made of calcium-based microspheres suspended in a water-based gel  and is an integral part of the ‘ground substance’ in most tissues.

Radisse filler is injected into the skin through a simple and minimally invasive procedure giving you immediate, visible improvement of folds and wrinkles, and providing long-lasting and beautiful results.

The most effective type of skin filler that can have the greatest impact is a collagen based injection. If your wrinkles are not to deep often a collagen injection will have amazing immediate results. Collagen fillers are made from a couple different sources.  One type is a purified and pasteurized protein typical coming from cows.  Another type comes from fat cells typically taken from your body and placed in needed areas. Fat cells harvested from your body are very safe to inject. A well placed collagen injection can last for several months and even up to a year before a another collagen injection will be needed.  The main disadvantage to using your own fat cells is that they are sooner absorbed by your body so you may need another treatment sooner. A skilled and qualified cosmetic technician will be able to keep the pain from the injection to a minimum.

There are over the counter fillers that can have some impact on fine lines and wrinkles but generally will not have much immediate effect.  More options in Seattle, including a dermatology guide here:  skincareseattle.org

Acne Treatment in Seattle

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Acne is a very controllable skin condition.

Acne begins with overactive glands at the base of  the which causes a localized skin inflammation.  When the oil is unable to escape it causes a build up underneath the skin.   How deep the clog is will determines the type of acne presentation.

The main types of acne are:  Whiteheads, Blackheads,Papules &Pustules.  Certain types of foods are known to be  contributing factors in the appearance of Acne.   Foods high in saturated fat should be avoided as well as refined sugar. There are other foods which may be causing an allergic reaction and contributing to the problem as well.

I addition to dietary changes there are some clinical  treatments which can yield fast results for severe on-going acne.

can help resurface the bumpy skin and open the pores.   Lasers are also used to facilitate the skin drying and keep the cells deep in the derma layer from getting clogged.  Acid peels are also commonly used.

The right course of action will depend on your skin type.  Cleansing the skin twice daily with a gentle astringent/toner to wipe away oil will be particularly important for those with oily skin.

Products containing glycolic acid or  alpha hydroxy acids are also very helpful in clearing the skin by causing the superficial layer of the skin to peel.

Steaming and “deep-cleaning” pores is useful  in addition to any medical treatment that may be prescribed.  This is especially the case for those suffering from  “whiteheads” or “blackheads.”  Having your pores unclogged by a professional treatment process  reduces the temptation to do it yourself which can lead to future problems.

You may be prescribed topical cremes such as topical antibiotics and antibacterials:

These inculde: erythromycin, clindamycin (Benzaclin, Duac), sulfacetamide (Klaron), and azelaic acid (Azelex).

Retinoids: Retin-A (tretinoin) has been used succesfully for many years and  milder and gentler formulations have emerged in recent years while still maintaining the effectiveness. Newer retinoids include adapalene (Differin) and tazarotene (Tazorac). These medications are especially helpful for unclogging pores. Side effects may include irritation and a mild increase in sensitivity to the sun. With proper sun protection, however, they can be used even during sunny periods. In December 2008 the U.S. FDA approved the combination medication known as combination preparation, known as Epiduo gel, which contains the retinoid adapalene along with the antibacterial cleanser benzoyl peroxide. This once-daily prescription treatment was approved for use in patients 12 years of age and older.

Isotretinoin:  Also known as Accutane is now sold as:   Claravis, and Amnesteem.) Isotretinoin, Sotret. This product is an excellent treatment for severe  acne and has been used on millions of patients since it was introduced.

Laser Hair Removal in Seattle

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The laser process

is essentially A targeted laser beam focused on hair follicles. This procedure differs from . The intense light and energy produced from the laser is sent deep into the pigment of the shat of the hair. This energy damages the follicle and thus enables the essential dead and most often will not regrow hair. Both women and men alike suffer from unwanted hair and the best way to remove this unwanted and unsightly hair is to have it removed by a professional.

Shaving, tweezing and waxing will only give you a few weeks of relief at a time. The most common areas for unwanted hair are on the back, shoulders and buttocks for men. Women can have unwanted hair on the upper lip, chin, abdominal area, thighs and bikini areas.
Because of the permanent effect of the unwanted hair removal process, it is becoming an increasingly popular treatment. The laser hair removal process has become a safe and effective way to treat large areas of the body often times in a single session. Occasionally a follow-up visit will be needed to deaden the most stubborn follicles. The main advantage electrolysis has over laser is that it is more effective on very light or white hair.
The disadvantage is that electrolysis can require several office visits and can be painful. Staying out of direct sun exposure for more than a few minutes at a time is a strict post treatment requirement that must be followed.

Because the laser light is attracted to pale skin it generally works the best on light skin with darker shades of hair. ELOS or (Electro Optical Synergy) is a new advancement in the treatment of unwanted hair and has proven to be more effective on darker skin and light colored hair. Another effective use of hair removal lasers is for the treatment of pseudofolliculitis. Also know as ingrown hairs. Make sure to let your doctor know about any prescription drugs because some may make your skin particularly sensitive to the laser light.

Be wary of any home laser hair removal treatments. Most of these are scams and should be avoided. if you find one that seems to good to pass up at least make sure to only use the device if it has been cleared by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The most important thing to remember is to do your research when choosing a hair removal practitioner. For a better understanding of your options and resources available you can visit the site below for more information.

skincareseattle.org

http://www.scmhr.org/index.php

Facials

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are an essential component of keeping a

youthful appearance.

Your skin type and skin condition will determine what kinds of products and facial treatments would best suite your needs.

The most basic form of a facial will include a deep cleansing and a steam, and of course a facial massage to stimulate your pores. A gentle facial is also the preferred choice for those with sensitive skin and may be particularly prone to skin irritations from chemicals.

If you are in need of  wrinkle prevention,  or need help with dark under eye circles, or other free radical skin damage such sun damage or air and water pollutants Collagen improving facials may be the best choice.  Several pampering steps are involved after the cleansing. Your treatment will begin with a deep pore exfoliation, a vapor mist and then a therapeutic lymphatic massage. The final step is a collagen producing mask which will erase years from your appearance.

If you are suffering from acne, may be the perfect solution and remedy for acne skin conditions.  Acne is not only limited to teenagers. Adult acne is also fairly common. Acne facials are essentially treatments that deep clean with an enzyme or glycolic acid exfoliation,deep pore pimple extractions ,a vapor mist, and completed with an acne reducing anti-inflammatory facial mask.

Deeper lines and wrinkes as well as heavily pigmented skin can benifit from a more aggressive AHA Facial. This facial will use an Alpha Hydroxy Acid mix from plants and flowers to rejuvenate the skin and give you a renewed and youthful appearance. While the process of all specialized facials-such as this one-incorporates the same cleanse, steam, and massage protocol; in this instance, a special topical cream is applied that offers the benefits of AHA.

Anti-Oxidant Facials are a great way to go to fight free radicals and skin problems associated with them.

anti oxidants are cancer fighting cells that benefit the entire body. Good natural sources of anti oxidants include: green-tea, broccoli and blueberries. Products made from these natural ingredients will  protect the skin from  cancer-causing free radicals in the environment. Face creams made with potent amounts of antioxidant vitamins are used on the face to remove pollutants, deep clean, and protect the face from future damage. If you have sun damage from overexposure getting this type of facial will be extremely beneficial.

More information about the spa treatments and solutions in Seattle can be found at skincareseattle.org

Micro Dermabrasion

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Micro Dermabrasion  starts with deep cleaning the skin.

is a safe, non-surgical, in between lunch, procedure that provides many
benefits.
Microdermabrasion is a skin-freshening technique that helps repair facial skin that takes a
beating from the sun and the effects of aging. The plastic surgeon uses a device like a fine
sandblaster to spray micro crystals across the face, combining soft abrasion with suction to take
away the dead, outer layer of skin. As with other skin rejuvenation techniques, more than one
treatment may be required to reduce or get rid of fine creases and unwelcome pigmentation.
Microdermabrasion reduces or eliminates fine facial lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging;
it improves the appearance of acne scars and other light scarring; and it makes skin of all
colors and types a fresh, healthy-looking glow. It does all this with virtually no side effects. And
because microdermabrasion applies non-allergenic crystals to treat the skin, it is an superb
intervention for skin that is sensitive to chemicals.
Microdermabrasion does not present any serious risks when it is executed by a qualified
provider. Some people may experience slight skin irritation after microdermabrasion. Since
everyone’s skin differs to some extent, the risks and benefits of microdermabrasion must be
advised on a case-by-case basis.
The cost for a one microdermabrasion treatment ranges from $100 – $200. Microdermabrasion
takes about 20-45 minutes of your time, with no down-time for tyour skin to recover. Majority
of the patients can actually return to work the same day or the very next day of work without
worrying that people are going to be staring.
As with anything, before you decide that Microdermabrasion is for you. Make sure that you
research your findings and the have a list of places to check out first. Once you have done your
research, get ready to have smoother, more refreshing, glowing skin.