Archive for April, 2008
When most people think of tennis they don’t think of inner-city children in Compton, California, but thanks to the South Coast MedSpa Gives Back program and DonorsChoose.org that is changing. South Coast MedSpa is a leading laser hair and acne scar removal center in Orange County, CA, and coming soon to Los Angeles.
South Coast MedSpa recently made a charitable donation to help inner-city students get the rare opportunity to learn how to play tennis. A spokesman for South Coast MedSpa, said, “we know how important sports can be in childhood development and felt compelled help expose less fortunate children to the wonderful world of tennis. So many of our patients live and work in Los Angels that we felt like this would be a great way to give back”.
Dr. Jagusch is the Medical Director at South Coast MedSpa, which was recently recognized for successfully treating over 35,000 patients for laser hair removal. Dr. Jagusch said, “We are committed to helping our community in as many ways as possible, and we felt like this would be a great way to impact the lives of the inner-city children involved in the project”.
Javier Magana a physical education teacher who teaches inner-city children in Compton said, “Students that I thought would never participate are now looking forward to P.E., and really getting into tennis. South Coast MedSpa’s donation not only gives these kids a chance to try a new sport, but also gives them hope that there really are caring individuals in the world”.
South Coast MedSpa is a leader in the field of laser hair removal and laser acne scar removal, and hopefully will help the less fortunate rise above crime, drugs and violence through the power of tennis.
To learn more about the South Coast MedSpa Gives Back program visit www.southcoastmedspa.com/givesback.html
April 17th, 2008
How laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal is the use of laser energy to produce permanent hair reduction. This is accomplished by producing heat in the hair, which is transferred to the hair follicle.
What is a laser, really?
First of all, what is a laser? A laser is a device that produces light of a single color or wavelength. In dermatology, these lasers produce pulses of high-energy light that is taken up by the desired target. In the case of hair removal, the target is the melanin pigment contained within the hair shaft.
A delicate balance
The tricky part of laser hair removal is targeting the hair shaft without damaging the melanin pigment in the surface of the skin. Thus the laser light has to be on long enough to heat the hair, but not too long to allow that heat to spread to the surrounding skin causing damage. In addition, the darker a patient’s skin, the more difficult it is to avoid injuring the surface of the skin while treating the hair. For this reason, there are three main types of hair removal lasers that are used today, and depending on the thickness of the hair and the color of the skin, one laser may provide benefits as compared to another.
When Performing Laser Hair Removal, Experience Matters
In addition to lasers, intense pulsed light sources are also used for hair removal. These light sources do not emit a single color or wavelength of light, but emit light containing many colors. It may be more difficult to predict the outcome and avoid complications when using light sources that contain many wavelengths of light. However, the results with any device depend upon the experience of the practitioner.
How many treatments?
Normally, a series of six are administered at four to eight week intervals depending upon the location of the hair. Following the initial series of treatments, subsequent treatments are administered, usually at longer and longer intervals. Some number of maintenance of treatments may be needed to keep all the hair away in a given area. After a single treatment, the hair in a given area is usually reduced in amount and thickness.
By: Dr. Eric F. Bernstein
Clinical Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
President, Yale School of Medicine, 1986
Medical Director, Mainline Cosmetic Laser Center
April 11th, 2008
A Series of Treatments Needed
Laser hair removal is accomplished in a series of sessions generally done monthly or every other month. The average number of sessions to achieve over 80 percent permanent hair reduction in 80-90 percent of good candidates is approximately 5 to 7 sessions.
In between these monthly sessions some of the hair will regrow as hairs cycle. Hairs that may have been dormant during your previous laser hair removal session may now be in the growth phase. This is where the need for multiple treatment sessions arises. Multiple sessions ensures that all the hairs are subjected to the treatment. These hairs may be shaved by the patient between sessions if desired.
Some Maintenance Sessions may be Required
Many patients find that maintenance sessions done once or twice a year are ideal for keeping hair at bay after completing the initial treatment protocol.
By: Dr. Melanie Grossman
Clinical Instructor, Dermatology, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center
Researcher, Laser and Photodynamic Therapies
Author and International Lecturer
April 11th, 2008
As today’s image-conscious population matures, greater numbers of patients
are seeking procedures to eradicate or minimize acne scarred skin,
photodamaged skin and wrinkles. Fortunately, there are several
technologies to meet the aesthetic needs of your patients, from the
gold-standard of laser resurfacing.
CO2 laser resurfacing continues to be an ideal method for
eliminating acne scars, moderate to deep lines and creases due to aging
and photodamage. With the ActiveFX peel using the CO2 lite
feature, it is now the ideal method for a lighter minimal downtime peel.
Skin resurfacing with heavier settings is a tried and true approach to skin
rejuvenation precisely removing layers of skin to correct fine lines and
wrinkles, acne scars and smooth skin, soften pucker marks, and repair
skin discoloration. The results of laser resurfacing are generally quite
dramatic and long-lasting.
UltraPulse high-energy, short-pulsed carbon dioxide laser technology creates
a precise wound by means of thin layer ablation and controlled dermal
coagulation, with a predictable zone of residual thermal damage. Clinically,
there is global improvement in the appearance of the skin, with a reduction in
solar lentigines, actinic keratoses and rhytids, and an improvement in overall
pigmentation and skin tone. Histologically, there is cytologic and architectural
normalization of the epidermis, and the formation of a dermal repair zone
consisting of youthful dense, parallel arrays of collagen bundles in an expanded
papillary and reticular dermis.
The depth of dermal heating from residual thermal damage dictates the degree
of clinical and histologic improvement that will result, along with the duration
of wound healing and postoperative erythema. With ActiveFX moderate to deep
resurfacing, occlusive or open wound care techniques are employed and
reepithelialization occurs over a 7- to 10-day period postoperatively. Erythema
typically endures for 3-4 months following the procedure.
Years of experience and an extensive reference base including dozens for
peer-reviewed research papers have standardized the UltraPulse laser resurfacing
treatment protocol, ensuring safe, repeatable and consistent results. This
collective experience has not only amplified the merits of CO2
technology but broadened its utility as well. Since the introduction of laser
resurfacing in 1994 we have learned that:
- CO2 delivers the best effect for deep wrinkles
and acne scars due to its superior ability to provide continued
histologic improvement over time.
- Fewer passes yield the same results with less chance for
complications.
- CO2 can be used less invasively for treating
milder indications or for when a shorter recovery time is desired.
- Darker skin tones can be treated safely and effectively
when treatment is superficial.
- Upon long term follow-up, physician, patient and
histologic evaluations have proven that clinical benefits persist.
Q: How does laser skin resurfacing work?
A: The CO2 laser is designed to offer the versatility of
both deep and light – minimal downtime, skin resurfacing. The wavelength of
light emitted by a CO2 laser is very well absorbed by water in the
skin. “Ultrapulses” of the laser vaporize lines, wrinkles, acne scars,
dark spots and other irregularities, layer by layer. This process also
stimulates the formation over time of new, underlying collagen to provide better
elasticity and support for the skin.
With upper eyelid blepharoplasty, the CO2 laser removes loose
skin, and if present, fat pads. On the lower lid, fat pads are removed with no
visible incision and no stitches. Because the laser beam seals blood vessels as
it touches them, the technician can clearly judge how much tissue to remove, and
there is less swelling and bruising than with traditional eyelifts.
Q: Can CO2 laser technology be used less invasively for
treating milder indications?
A:With Lumenis’ CO2 laser technology, skin resurfacing is
so precise that you can tailor treatment according to the nature and extent of
acne scarring, photodamage, wrinkling, skin type and
individual requirements for recovery time. For instance, the Active-FX peel
using the unique CO2 Lite feature allows you to achieve a superficial
laser peel with just one pass. CO2 Lite utilizes fluences that are
below the ablation threshold and with a single pass imparts intraepidermal
coagulation that is confined to the epidermis with little to no thermal injury
in the dermis. In addition, the CoolScan program on the CPG places pulses in
such a manner as to minimize thermal conduction of heat to deeper tissues and
reduce the recovery period. The epidermis is typically left intact and serves
as a natural wound dressing. The coagulated epidermis sloughs off in 3-5 days.
Downtime is typically 4-7 days and offer substantial results.
Q: What results can I expect, and how long will the benefits of treatment
last?
A: Laser resurfacing can restore your skin to a healthy state, similar
to that of skin that has not experienced sun damage or scarring. With proper sun
protection, results can persist for more than five years. In areas where muscle
activity is strong, lines may begin to reappear sooner. After laser eyelid
surgery, the cosmetic improvement is usually sustained. Typically, only one
blepharoplasty procedure is needed to remove excess skin and fat pads. With
cosmetic laser surgery you will have definitively ‘turned back the clock.’
Q: What are the advantages of using authentic CO2 vs. erbium
lasers with extended pulse widths?
A: A bilateral study comparing resurfacing with long pulse erbium:YAG
followed by traditional short-pulse erbium ablation to CO2 followed
by short-pulse erbium ablation (Rostan E, Goldman M, Fitzpatrick R. Laser
Resurfacing With a Dual-Mode, Long-Pulse Erbium:YAG Laser Compared to the 950-µs
Pulsed CO2 Laser. Am J Cosmetic Surg. 2000; 17(4):227-231.) found
that there was no statistical difference in healing between the two sides and in
5 patients (26%), greater clinical improvement in periorbital lines, perioral
lines, or both was noted on the CO2 side. (A reprint of this article
can be ordered from the Lumenis web site, Lumenis Lit. # 5448).
The value of utilizing authentic CO2:
- When addressing moderate to severe acne scarring
and wrinkles, true high-energy short-pulsed CO2 technology
has proven to be the superior modality.
- Physicians report that continued, progressive improvement
in solar elastosis is seen post UltraPulse CO2 laser resurfacing.
- The hemostatic effect only afforded by CO2
provides superior visualization of clinical endpoints.
- For surgical incisions, the cutting ability of CO2
is unsurpassed.
For more information about Lumenis and their products, visit
www.lumenis.com
April 10th, 2008
With the ever-increasing popularity of laser hair removal, the ability
to offer unsurpassed results to the greatest range of patients is crucial.
Lumenis products have led the way in high patient satisfaction and making
effective hair removal a mainstay of leading aesthetic practices.
With the LightSheer diode lasers for laser hair removal, physicians
are able to:
- Provide a treatment regimen which results in lasting hair
removal, permanent hair reduction and high patient satisfaction.
- Effectively treat virtually all hair colors and hair
textures
- Remove hair from all skin types (Fitzpatrick Skin Types I
– VI) and tanned skin.
- Quickly and efficiently eliminate hair from all parts of
the body, regardless of follicle depth or how large or small the area. This
includes sensitive areas like the lip, under the arms, and around the bikini
line, as well as large areas like a man’s back or a pair of woman’s legs
- Perform successful hair removal with minimal patient
discomfort, side effects or interruption of routine activities
- Expand aesthetic services by offering comprehensive,
clinically proven hair removal treatments, individually or in conjunction with
other cosmetic procedures
The key to successful laser hair removal is destroying the entire hair
follicle and the germinative cells, while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.
Laser hair removal is most effective when the hair is in its active
growth phase called the anager phase; consequently, multiple treatments
scheduled several weeks or months apart are typically required to achieve
optimal results.
Laser light sources gently remove unwanted hair based on the principle of
selective photothermolyisis. This refers to the process whereby the
characteristics of the light energy including wavelength and pulse duration are
optimized to selectively cause thermal injury to the hair follicle without
injuring the surrounding tissue. The light penetrates through the skin and is
absorbed in the target pigment (melanin) found in the hair shaft. This causes
the temperature to reach a sufficiently high level in the hair follicle so that
the targeted hair structures are destroyed and regrowth is inhibited.
The LightSheer Diode Laser System, with its unique combination of parameters,
penetrates tissue to destroy the germinative cells at the base of the hair
follicle and stunt hair regrowth. At the same time, the aggressive cooling
provided by the LightSheer’s ChillTip™ handpiece minimizes potential collateral
epidermal damage caused by light absorption by melanin in the epidermis. The
patented ChillTip combined with efficient, reliable, high-power diode
technology, makes the family of LightSheer lasers the most advanced hair removal
system available and the recognized gold standard for hair removal in the
aesthetic marketplace.
Q: How does the LightSheer Diode Laser System work?
A: The system emits near-infrared laser light that is absorbed by the
pigment located in the hair follicle. The laser is pulsed, or turned on, for
only a fraction of a second. The duration of each pulse is just long enough to
damage the follicle, while the system’s unique, patented contact-cooling
handpiece, the ChillTip, helps protect the skin by conductive cooling during the
laser energy delivery.
Q: What advantages does the LightSheer have over other laser hair removal
systems?
A: The LightSheer Diode Laser System was designed from the ground up
for laser hair removal, so it has the wavelength, fluence, pulse width,
and active epidermal cooling system—the ChillTip ideally suited for laser
hair removal. The system is small, compact, and (in some models) portable,
so it fits well into virtually every type of existing practices. The system’s
solid state construction makes it durable; it’s state-of-the-art user interface
makes it easy to use. Finally, Lumenis has been in the business of making
medical and cosmetic lasers for more than 30 years, so we’ve been able to
develop unparalleled service and support—from our extensive training and
practice building resources to our stand-alone systems’ 24-hour replacement
service (not available everywhere in the world). No other laser hair removal
system offers the same combination of product excellence and customer service
and support.
Q: Why should I use the LightSheer Diode Laser System rather than the
methods I’ve been using for years?
A: The LightSheer Diode Laser System’s design provides for enhanced
comfort during treatment, minimal risk of infection, speed and accuracy. Since
the system uses a unique cooling handpiece, it minimizes skin irritation that
other methods may create. Since it is non-invasive (no needles to penetrate the
skin), the risk of introducing bacteria into the skin is reduced. Because the
system is fast, it allows for larger areas to be treated, considerably
increasing the efficiency of the hair removal process, which allows more
patients to be treated during a typical day. Finally, the LightSheer Diode Laser
is a precise instrument that can be adjusted to damage only the hair follicle
while minimally affecting the surrounding skin.
Q: Does the LightSheer work on tanned or different skin colors?
A: The LightSheer diode laser system safely and effectively treats all
skin types (Fitzpatrick Skin Types 1-6) as well as tanned skin. For darker skin
types and people with tans, appropriate fluences are generally lower and
appropriate pulse widths are generally longer to prevent damage to the
epidermis. Using the appropriate treatment parameters, however, people with all
skin types can benefit from laser hair removal with the LightSheer.
Q: Are the Results Permanent?
A: The LightSheer laser has been cleared by the FDA for laser hair
removal and permanent hair reduction on all skin types and tanned skin. To
achieve a satisfactory level of clearance, 6 treatments are typically required.
For more information about Lumenis and their products, visit
www.lumenis.com
April 10th, 2008
Since the beginning of civilization people have struggled with unwanted body hair; the origins of removing unwanted body hair dates back to ancient Egyptian societies. Fortunately modern science has developed Laser Hair Removal.
South Coast MedSpa is a leading laser hair removal center that mastered the art of laser hair removal. Located in Newport Beach, California the medical staff has performed over 35,000 laser hair removal treatments during the last 4 years.
Laser Hair Removal was first approved by the FDA in 1995, but like all technology has constantly improved over the last 10 years. South Coast MedSpa’s trademarked Full Body Laser Hair Removal package has eliminated the need for waxing, shaving or plucking for thousands of Southern California residents.
South Coast MedSpa’s medical director Christian Jagusch, MD explains, “Not all the patients we treat are female, in fact nearly 40% of our clients are men who remove the hair from their back, chest, abdomen or facial areas”.
As a leading laser hair removal center, South Coast MedSpa utilizes only the worlds most advanced laser systems. The laser hair removal systems are approved to treat all skin types. “We treat a wide range of patients with very diverse ethnic backgrounds”, explains Dr. Jagusch.
Since laser hair removal has become the most popular cosmetic treatment option for patients under the age of 35, it is important that patients go to an experienced reputable clinic. All of the laser hair removal treatments performed at South Coast MedSpa are done by Nurse Practitioners or Registered Nurses and are closely supervised by Dr. Jagusch.
In addition to improving your appearance and self confidence laser hair removal can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. More and more patients are discovering the benefits of laser hair removal when it is performed by a qualified, reputable clinic.
April 9th, 2008
