SAGGING/LOOSE SKIN

One of the least glorious signs of aging, is the development of lax, sagging skin. No one likes to see their skin going south. In the past, to tighten sagging facial skin, the only viable option was a surgical facelift. Thermage’s radiofrequency technology now provides us a new option. Thermage is the only non-invasive treatment which delivers skin tightening, renewed facial contours and healthier collagen- without surgery and without downtime. After just one Thermage treatment, your skin can feel tighter, smoother and more youthful. The skin tightening continues to improve over six months time, and the beneficial effect can last for years. Sagging arms, tummies, and thighs can be treated, as can the loose skin around the eyes and neck.

For those who have milder, finer wrinkles in more localized areas, Aluma can be an excellent option. This is a radio frequency treatment similar to Thermage, but is generally used to spot-treat trouble areas. Treatment around the eyes has been shown to reduce fine lines and wrinkles up to 50% in clinical studies.

Please see our sections on Thermage and Aluma for more information.

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DEEP WRINKLES

Deep wrinkles form as collagen breaks down and the skin becomes structurally weakened. Contracting muscles by smiling, frowning and gesturing can also create deep grooves in our skin. These processes can create deep lines extending from the nose to the edge of the mouth, (nasolabial folds), worry lines on the forehead, frown lines, crow’s feet and lines at the edge of the mouth called marionette lines.

Wrinkles are classified by their response to facial expression. Dynamic wrinkles worsen with facial muscle
contraction; static wrinkles are present even when the muscles are relaxed. These two types of wrinkles are
treated very differently.

Static wrinkles often respond nicely to Thermage or Portrait® Resurfacing, which boost collagen production. Collagen and Restylane injections are also a wonderful means of filling in deeper static lines, such as nasolabial folds.

Dynamic wrinkles, such as those apparent with smiling or frowning, often respond magically to Botox. Botox can also help to prevent the etching of new wrinkles into the skin by relaxing overactive facial muscles.

For more information, please see our sections on Thermage, Portrait® Resurfacing, Restylane or Botox.

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FINE LINES

Fine lines are the first tell-tale sign that our skin is starting to age. Years of stress, smoking, UV rays, and
environmental pollutants take their toll on our skin, causing the unwelcome fine lines and wrinkles.

Department stores are filled with costly cosmetics which claim to improve the appearance of fine lines and
wrinkles- the truth is, these expensive ‘wonder cosmetics” rarely produce the results patient’s desire. For those who want to put their efforts toward truly effective solutions, we need to consider scientifically proven methods for softening fine lines and wrinkles.

Treatments can range from simple Microdermabrasion, to Photodynamic Therapy and Thermage. If the fine lines are numerous, Portrait® Resurfacing may also be an option. There are also special collagen injections specifically intended for fine lines. Botox Plus combines the best of the wrinkle-relaxer Botox, with fine collagen injections. All of these options are simple compared to more radical surgical options. Our professional staff can help determine which would be the best option for you.

Please see our sections on Microdermabrasion, Portrait® Resurfacing, Botox, Photodynamic Therapy, Thermage or Restylane for more information.

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TIRED EYES/LINES AROUND EYES

When asked if they could change anything about themselves, almost 60% of women would like to reduce lines, crow’s feet and under-eye bags. Many also want to reduce sagging, drooping eyelids. Fortunately, today these problem areas can be addressed without surgery and without down-time.

“Eyes by Thermage” helps to recapture the eyes you used to have. Thermage’s collagen-boosting effect produces younger-looking, more lifted eyes. Eyes look brighter, and the skin around the eyes feels tighter and smoother.

Had enough of tired-looking eyes? After “Eyes by Thermage” treatment, eyes appear more open and alert.
Under-eye bags are reduced. Crow’s feet and fine lines are softened. Tighter, smoother skin is seen all around the eyes. The newly tauter skin of the eyelids produces brighter, more refreshed eyes. Even make-up application is easier as a result of treatment.

Thermage is performed without bruising, swelling or sutures. In fact, you can re-apply your make-up and return to your regular routine immediately after the “Eyes by Thermage” procedure.

The Aluma treatment can also spot treat fine lines around the eyes, but does require a series of treatments, as opposed to Thermage’s single treatment. A series of Aluma treatment has shown to reduce wrinkles around the eyes by up to 50% in clinical studies.

If you are interested in the non-invasive path to more youthful eyes- please see our sections on Thermage and Aluma.

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FACIAL REDNESS/ROSACEA

A blush of pink on the cheeks looks healthy and fresh, however, blotchy, broken facial blood vessels can make the skin look ruddy and dull. Furthermore, the redness can be just plain embarrassing, as some consider a red face to be a sign of alcohol use.

Why do certain individuals have such crimson complexions? In truth, facial redness is not due to alcohol consumption, nor poor hygiene, but often arises when broken capillaries become visible under the skin. Sun-damage, environmental irritants and age can all contribute to the development of a ruddy complexion.

Rosacea is another common reason for ruddy skin. This disorder affects adults and causes dilated blood vessels and pimples to break out on the face. Rosacea can significantly impact one’s lifestyle. In fact, 70% of rosacea patients reported that rosacea had impacted their self-confidence and self-esteem. Furthermore, almost half had canceled social engagements due to flares of rosacea. Left untreated, irregular bumps and pimples develop and, in advanced cases, the nose becomes swollen and bumpy- a condition known as rhinophyma. As timely treatment can slow rosacea’s progression, early diagnosis and treatment is important.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) has revolutionized the treatment of broken capillaries and facial redness. We are proud to offer the ultimate in Intense Pulsed Light technology: the Lumenis One®. There are more clinical studies with Lumenis IPL than any other IPL in the world.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments, also known as Photofacials, use non-invasive light energy to coagulate unsightly broken capillaries. After treatment, the vessels are absorbed by the body’s natural healing process. Facial flushing, redness and broken capillaries are significantly reduced. As an added plus, IPL treatments also clear age spots, mottled pigmentation, and sun-damage.

Should there be any residual or larger facial veins that need to be treated we also have a Fotona ND-Yag laser available. This is a vascular laser which can be used for clean-up of stubborn vessels, birthmarks or cherry angiomas.

For more information, please see our sections on Photofacials and Vascular Lasers.

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SUN SPOTS/AGE SPOTS/FRECKLES

Freckles and age spots are a result of photoaging. Photoaging occurs when chronic sun exposure accelerates the skin’s aging process. Sun spots, age spots and freckles are accumulations of the pigment ‘melanin’ within the top layers of skin. Although a smattering of freckles across a child’s nose looks cute, numerous freckles and age spots invading territory on the face, chest and hands, can be unsightly.

New revolutionary light-based therapies can make brown spots a distant memory. Older treatments such as cryotherapy, acid peels or ablative laser treatments, not only carried a risk of scarring but also entailed lengthy recovery times. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments, on the other hand, cause minimal discomfort and offer immediate return to activities. Furthermore, IPL treatments, also called Photofacials, can also treat the neck or hands. IPL provides gradual, natural improvement with excellent long-term results.

For more information, please refer to our section on Photofacials.

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MELASMA/BROWN DISCOLORATION

Dark blemishes, especially on the face and hands, are one of the greatest aesthetic concerns to men and women alike. A common cause of dark discoloration is melasma, also known as the “mask of pregnancy”. Melasma is a hormone-induced release of pigment, which causes irregular, dark discolorations on the face. Estrogen is a trigger of melasma, as is sun-exposure. This frustrating problem is commonly treated with hydroquinone and bleaching agents with variable success. Unfortunately, some respond poorly to hydroquinone, while other patients can be sensitive to the hydroquinone itself.

If you are affected by melasma, don’t worry. Today, there are new treatments available which can provide very satisfying results. One of the most reliable is Cosmelan® Depigmentation treatment, developed in Spain. Cosmelan® offers major advantages compared to other types of melasma treatment. First and most importantly, Cosmelan® is very efficient in all types of melasma. In fact, many patients note as much as 95% disappearance of their blemishes. The effect is quite rapid, with a noticeable improvement observed even within the first week. Cosmelan® is compatible with all skin types, and treatment can be accomplished year-round. The light peeling effect of Cosmelan® rejuvenates the skin and effectively clears acne as well.

If you would like more information, please refer to our section on Cosmelan depigmentation treatment.

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UNWANTED HAIR

Unwanted hair can cause considerable aggravation. Women frequently desire a more permanent solution to troublesome hair, especially of the lip or chin, as well as hair of the legs, bikini and under-arm areas. Men often have unwanted hair on their back, chest, or between the eyebrows. In the past, men and women have tweezed, shaved, or waxed regularly, only to have hair grow in darker than before. Furthermore, not only are these methods uncomfortable, time consuming and expensive, but they are only temporary fixes at best.

Laser hair removal is making electrolysis obsolete by providing a faster, long-lasting solution to unwanted hair. Even for women with excessive amounts of hair growth, such as those with polycystic ovarian syndrome or hirsuitism, modern lasers can provide excellent results.

Ever wonder how much time you could save by not shaving? If you spend a mere 10 minutes a day shaving, after a year, over 60 hours will have been consumed performing this useless task. Our laser hair removal patients are not only thrilled by their soft, smooth skin but also enjoy the time saved not having to shave.

Does never having to shave your legs again sound like a luxury too good to be true? Imagine taking a
spontaneous trip to the beach and not having to worry about waxing or packing a razor. If you would like to make annoying stubble a memory, consider laser hair removal- it is now more affordable than ever before!
At Advanced Skin and Laser, we have three FDA-approved hair removal lasers available to individualize your treatment.  And we are proud to be one of the few practices to offer the Soprano "Super Hair Removal" system.  The Soprano's new laser technology dramatically decreases the discomfort associated with laser hair removal.  In fact, some have described the experience as comfortable as a hot stone massage. For your peace of mind, we provide the reassurance of a written, 1 year guarantee.

For more information, just click into our laser hair removal section.

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SHAVING BUMPS/PSUEDOFOLLICULITIS BARBAE

Psuedofolliculitis Barbae is the medical term for painful, inflamed shaving bumps on men’s beards. If shaved over, these bumps can convert into disfiguring scar tissue. For this reason, in the military, soldiers are given shaving waivers when this condition develops.

Today, for those who desire a clean shaven appearance, the modern solution is laser hair removal. Typically, after about the second treatment, the inflamed razor bumps will begin to subside. Since we have three different lasers at our center, we can treat even dark skin types. Laser hair removal is conveniently priced and at AS&L your treatments come with a 1 year written guarantee. Would you like a smooth, clean neck line that always looks good? Call us at (480) 844-8346 to get started.

For more information, please see our laser hair removal section.

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BIRTHMARKS

Birthmarks come in many shapes and sizes. They vary from pinpoint red dots, to large purple blotches, and everywhere in between. Many vascular birthmarks fade spontaneously in the first few years of life. Although harmless, birthmarks can negatively impact an individual’s self image.

There are various forms of birthmarks. Hemangiomas are bulging, raised lesions which typically appear within the first month of life. Many regress spontaneously over several years time.

Adults sometimes notice small red bumps which “pop up” on the chest, arms and face. These abnormal dilations of blood vessels, because of their round shape and deep red color, are called “cherry angiomas”. Sometimes, adults develop red bumps which have fine red lines emanating from a red center. These are aptly named, “spider angiomas”.

Port-wine stains are yet another type of birthmark. These red, purple blotches on the skin, do not fade with time. The former Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachov is the most famous individual with a port-wine stain. These birthmarks are formed by a web of dilated capillaries within the skin structure. Almost 3 out of every 1,000 babies are born with a port-wine stain. If not treated early, the stain may grow darker and thicker over time, and can become more difficult to treat. Port-wine stains were the first condition to be successfully treated with lasers and light technology.

Whether your birthmark is one of those described above, or a brown or pigmented birthmark, chances are you can receive benefit from modern electrosurgery, laser or intense pulsed light treatments. These treatment modalities can safely make birthmarks which have been with you a lifetime, quietly fade into the past…

As each case differs, consult with us for a precise assessment of your individual situation.

In the meantime, you may wish to peruse our sections on vascular lasers and intense pulsed light or mole removal.

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POOR SKIN TONE/DULL SKIN

Somewhere around age 30, skin begins to lose its youthful luster, and the skin’s healthy glow can dim. For those wanting to recapture their skin’s beauty, Microdermabrasion and chemical peels are safe, quick and convenient ways to rejuvenate the skin. These treatments exfoliate the dead, dull layers of skin and expose the vibrant, new skin below. In addition, microdermabrasion promotes the production of new cells in the basal layers of the skin, while also stimulating collagen growth. Microdermabrasion can help to keep skin looking bright and blemish-free.

These age-defying treatments can give a brighter, smoother appearance to any area of the skin. The face, neck, chest and hands can all benefit from exfoliation. Safe for all skin types, treatments are virtually pain-free and leave the skin silky smooth. You can enjoy microdermabrasion and chemical peels alone or as an enhancement to another service.

Want to keep your healthy glow? Today you can, easily and economically!

For more information, please see our Microdermabrasion section.

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ACNE/ACNE SCARRING

Almost everyone experiences acne as a teenager, but did you know that up to 25% of the population will continue to experience acne as an adult? More than just a “cosmetic” problem, acne suffers can experience low self-esteem and depression because of the unsightly pustules and bumps. Even routine social interactions- a trip to the mall, a day in the office or at school- can be a nightmare of stress and anxiety for acne sufferers.

The good news is today we have more treatment options available than ever before. Chances are, we even have a regimen that would work for YOU.

Acne is caused by several factors. And, contrary to popular belief- chocolate and hygiene have nothing to do with acne.

Acne begins when hair follicles become plugged and sebum accumulates in the blocked follicles. Bacteria, (Propionibacterium Acnes), flourish in this environment, causing swelling, redness and pus. This causes the characteristic bump we call a pimple. Acne is most common on the face, neck, back and arms. Acne comes in various types, with the most severe cystic acne leaving disfiguring acne pitting and scars.

As a medical office, we can provide the full range of medical-grade treatments, including Photodynamic Therapy, medical grade cosmeceuticals, deep cleansing facials and microdermabrasion to clear blocked pores. We also offer steroid injections for acute treatment of inflamed nodular acne, as well as acne extractions. Portrait® Resurfacing can help to reduce the appearance of acne scarring/pitting. A special light called Blu-U® can be used to eradicate acne-producing bacteria. We even carry a device called Xeno which can be used to spot treat pimples at home.

Whether you want to look your best for a special occasion or need a long term plan for keeping acne at bay, we have a multitude of ways to help your skin looking clear and blemish-free.

To best determine the best regimen for you- one of our licensed professionals will evaluate your specific situation. Just call (480) 844-8346 for your complimentary consultation.

For more information see our sections on Microdermabrasion, Portrait® Resurfacing, Blu-U®, Photodynamic Therapy and Xeno.

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MOLES/SKIN TAG

Removal of unwanted moles and skin tags is easily accomplished with electrosurgery. Radiowave technology uses high-frequency energy to make cosmetically appealing incision without use of a
scalpel. Healing is rapid and virtually bloodless with little bruising or swelling. With electrosurgery
suturing is rarely needed.

If you have moles, skin tags or other raised growths that you would like removed, electrosurgery may be an excellent option for you!

Please see our section on Mole Removal for further information.

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VARICOSE/SPIDER VEINS

Spider veins are unsightly and varicose veins may progress to stasis dermatitis, leg ulcers, phlebitis or blood clots. Today there is a modern arsenal of treatments which can help patients avoid surgical vein stripping.

Please see our separate website, www.betterveins.com for complete information regarding our modern non-surgical vein treatments.

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OTHER CONDITIONS

Do you have another cosmetic concern or condition not listed here? We have other treatment modalities, not listed on our website, which may be of benefit to you.

If you have a cosmetic issue not addressed by our website, feel free to email us at advancedskinandlaser@betterveins.com and we can review your specific situation.

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