Monday, August 18, 2008

Beautiful Body by Velasmooth.

Achieving a smooth appearance to problem cellulite areas was once a challenge – either endure invasive, often
painful procedures, or invest time and money in questionable topical treatments or diets.
The VelaSmooth™, powered by elos™ technology – the combination of radio frequency and light energies, plus tissue
mobilization with gentle suction – has changed everything. This is the FIRST and ONLY medical device PROVEN to
safely and effectively re-contour the skin’s surface to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

How does elos work?

elos is the only technology that reaches deep enough into the fat tissue to effectively improve the appearance of cellulite. The light energy pre-heats the treatment area.Simultaneously, a gentle suction aids in the deep penetration of the radio frequency energy into the fat tissue – redistributing and increasing the metabolism of the fat tissue.In addition to reducing the appearance of cellulite, and re-contouring of the skin’s surface, the VelaSmooth also provides the added benefit of improved circulation,supporting overall health.

Does it hurt?

Little bit. Cellulite treatment with the VelaSmooth is painless. Many patients compare treatment
to a warm, relaxing massage. Treatmentsrequire no sedation, so this is a no-downtime procedure.

Amazing Dual Yellow !

Norseld’s new, solid-state switched Dual Yellow CuBr laser puts you at the forefront of cosmetic
skin rejuvenation treatments. It features optimum yellow and green light for fast, precise, targeted treatments. Dual Yellow delivers great control and better outcomes with reduced skin
damage and discomfort. Superior laser technology The Dual Yellow is the culmination of decades of development and clinical trials. It’s the only dermatological laser of its kind. The unique CuBr laser emits wavelengths that correspond with absorption peaks ideal for discriminating between vascular and pigmented conditions. Flexible, effective, immediate treatment
At 578 nm the best absorption occurs for vascular lesions while skin penetration is high. The operator has excellent visibility of vascular lesions through almost clear safety glasses. Dual Yellow’s high power and precise chopped pulse mode provides treatment speed and control thus minimising peri-vascular damage and treatment pain. Immediate erasure of the vessels occurs without unsightly purpura. Dual Yellow delivers immediate improvement in patient appearance.
At 511 nm excellent absorption is achieved in pigmented lesions with signifi cantly reduced dermal damage. Dual Yellow is highly effective for the treatment of fl at pigmented lesions such
as solar lentigines. Combined output provides the power for precise photo coagulation of solid
and thick lesions such as benign naevi and seborrhoeic keratoses. Dual Yellow delivers bloodless lesion removal with less peri-lesional damage than cryosurgery or electrosurgery.

Dual Yellow benefits
• Immediate improvement in appearance
• Flexible energy choices for optimising treatment
• Optimum 578 & 511 nm wavelengths for precise treatment
• High power for rapid treatment and minimal damage to surrounding skin
• No purpura response
• Minimal crusting
• Bloodless lesion removal
• Simple touch-screen interface for precise control
• Convenient compact moveable control panel
• Effectiveness proven by independent long-term clinical trials

Yellow light for vascular lesions
- Optimal penetration of melanin
- Minimal epidermal damage
- Millisecond pulse allows vessel photo coagulation but minimal dermal damage
- Highly effective for the treatment of: Facial Telangiectasia- Rosacea- Spider Angiomas- Cherry Angiomas- Cavernous Haemangiomas- Adult Port Wine Stain Birthmarks- Larger Vessels (in conjunction with Sclerotherapy)

Green light for pigmented lesions
- Absorption by melanin with limited transmission to vessels in the dermis
- Highly effective for the treatment of: Solar Lentigines- Freckles

Combined yellow/green light for precise ablation of solid lesions
- Less peri-lesional damage than cryosurgery or electrosugery
- Bloodless lesion removal
Highly effective for the treatment of: Seborrhoeic Keratosis- Naevi- Pigmented Skin Tags- Benign Papules


Monday, August 11, 2008

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a major water soluble antioxidant that plays a vital role in photoprotection as well as in collagen synthesis. The body reservoir of vitamin C decreases with age, and habits such as smoking decrease reserves even more. Vitamin C is not produced in the body and must be consumed entirely through diet and oral supplementation. Likewise, in the skin where vitamin C plays a vital role in photoprotection andaging, it must be topically supplemented since, unlike vitamin E, it is not produced in the skin.

The role of vitamin C in photoprotection has been demonstrated by the dramatic reduction of vitamin C in skin following UV radiation. In addition, a combination of both vitamins E and C work synergistically to enhance their photoprotective effects. This reinforces the benefit derived from enhancing photoprotection by combining antioxidants with sun-protection products.

Vitamin C is an essential cofactor for the hydroxylation of proline and lysine, a necessary step in collagen synthesis. In fact, fibroblasts in cell culture will selectively secrete collagen when vitamin C is added in a dose-dependent fashion. Its role in collagen synthesis is probably responsible for the wrinkle-reducing and skin-firming effects that vitamin C has on aged skin . Vitamin C also appears to reduce signs of photoaging. In addition, topical vitamin C increases levels of tissue inhibitors of collagen-degrading matrix metalloproteinase1(MMP-1) .The ability of topical vitamin C to reduce hyperpigmentation has been demonstrated and has found its way into various skin-lightening products.Vitamin C is able to lighten hyperpigmented skin through the inhibition of the enzyme tyrosinase. Many forms of vitamin C have been used in various topical formulations in efforts to stabilize this highly unstable molecule. However, any form of vitamin C that is applied to the skin Anti-Aging Skin Care Ingredient Technologies must convert to the L-ascorbic acid form in order to be recognized by the body and deliver a benefit. Stabilizing vitamin C was an impossibility until 1988 when Dr. Sheldon Pinnell from Duke University, one of the pioneers of topical vitamin C research, was able to stabilize ascorbic acid in solution. The same study also showed the presence of ascorbic acid in the skin days after the application with an increase in the level of collagen as well, proving the penetration and benefit of the topically applied vitamin C. There are so many different vitamin C variations used in skin care that rather than naming each one, the process can be simplified by dividing them in either water soluble (L-ascorbic acid and magnesium or sodium ascorbyl phosphate), fat-soluble esters (ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl tetra-isopalmitate), or anhydrous systems. Unfortunately, the long-term stability of topical vitamin C preparations remains a concern. The most stable vitamin C preparations remain anhydrous or completely water free.

Getting to know " Antioxidant "

The use of antioxidants in any anti-aging skin care regimen is essential in order to combat and
prevent further damage. Vitamins have been used to combat free radical damage for many years. Unfortunately, they get used up rather quickly since it takes one vitamin to neutralize one free radical. Enzymes are more efficient free radical scavengers; however, they depend on the presence of a healthy cellular environ- ment and certain trace minerals to synthesize them. There is growing evidence of the synergy that exists in using combinations of antioxidants along with sunscreens. Some antioxidants have protective benefits while others work as protectants in addition to stimulating age-reversal changes.


Spin Traps–Phenyl Butyl Nitrone

We are familiar with free radical damage that occurs with oxidative stress by sun, environmental pollutants, and cigarette smoking. However, free radicals are formed as result of normal oxygen metabolism and therefore are a byproduct of normal physiologic function. Damaging free radicals are created when an aberrant electron “spins” out of its orbit leaving a highly unstable molecule. The very newest antioxidants, which are known as “spin traps,” have the ability to catch or trap the aberrant electron as it starts to spin out of control and return it to its orbit before it can do any damage. Although the use of spin traps in dermatology is in its infancy, these compounds show a great deal of promise. Spin traps were originally used as a way to measure free radical activity both in vivo and in vitro through their ability to form stable complexes. Their uses in degenerative diseases associated with aging have been a subject of study due to their ability to trap and neutralize free radicals. The most well-known spin trap is phenyl butyl nitrone (PBN) . Numerous studies by Dr. J. Carney and his associates have been performed that have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, age-reversing effects of PBN. Interestingly, it is not so much their capacity to neutralize free radicals that is responsible for the protective behavior of spin traps but, rather, their ability to modulate proinflammatory cytokines

Monday, August 4, 2008

Magic IPL by iPulse

The iPulse works by emitting a short burst of light or 'intense Pulsed LIght' (IPL), that is selective absorbed by the melanin in the skin and hair. The resultant heat that is created within these structures prevents regrowth of the hair folicle and stimulates regenerated of the skin.
The iPulse features unique technology that produces only the optimum spectrum of light for hair removal and skin rejuvenation, so you experience a more comfortable and effective treatment.

What makes iPulse different?
iPulse technology provides the highest clinical performance at lower energy than conventional IPLs. This latest advance means iPulse-based devices are smaller, more comfortable for clients and run at a substantially lower cost.
This is all made possible because of the unique innovations that define iPulse technology. iPulse technology is patented and whilst other IPLs may claim similar performance, only iPulse-badged products can deliver.
How conventional IPLs work
All IPL devices use a flash lamp to create the optimum wavelength of light for treatments. However iPulse-based devices control this flash lamp in a way that contrasts dramatically with other less-advanced systems.
In conventional IPLs, the current surges through the lamp in a wave and the spectral output (wavelengths of light) varies during this pulse. At its peak, the energy is too high and produces more blue light that must be filtered out. Much of the energy is lost so treatments are carried out at wastefully high energy levels that can be uncomfortable for the patient, as well as costly to the therapist.

‘Square pulse’ technology
iPulse technology solves this problem with unique circuitry that creates a constant input current of energy to the lamp—in a ‘square pulse’.
The perfect energy level is continuously generated and the spectral output is constant, so the most effective treatments are produced at far lower energy levels.
Square pulse technology makes iPulse-based systems easy to use as there are no complicated or costly filters required for the different treatments or skin types.

Multiple lamps
iPulse-based systems use a patent-pending multi-lamp set-up, that requires less energy and less cooling than the lamps used in conventional IPLs.
This set-up has a larger spot size, which treats skin areas very rapidly. It also achieves a more effective depth of penetration than the same energy per cm² delivered through a smaller spot size.

Skin IPL Rejuvenation

Both the pleasures and stresses of life, along with the simple passage of time, tend to cause our skin to appear older. And the signs of photo-aging and sun damage are typically most visible on a person’s face and body. While numerous treatments from simple creams to major surgeries exist to improve various facial flaws, skin specialists have always sought dramatic improvement with low risk and no “down time”. Additionally, many conventional treatment options can only address one condition at a time, while they entail a prolonged recovery time, considerable pain, and potential side effects.
Imagine reducing the effects of sun damage. Photorejuvenation using IPL is a non-invasive treatment that treats skin damage without disruption of the skin’s surface, hence, no “down time”. Intense Pulsed Light [IPL] can simultaneously treat a wide range of facial concerns safely and effectively, such as broken capillaries [Roscae], benign brown pigment, age spots [sun-induced freckles], mottled pigmentation and pikiloderma.

What it is?
Intense Pulsed Light [IPL] technology is a treatment breakthrough that can correct a variety of benign skin conditions, such as facial skin imperfections, the signs of photo-aging, pigmentation, freckles, unsightly small veins, and other blemishes. It offers safe, non-invasive solution that can be tailored to your individual condition and skin type, providing superior cosmetic results and outstanding satisfaction, through a new process called Photorejuvenation.

How it works?
A cold gel is usually applied to the area to be treated, and you will be given dark glasses to protect your eyes from the bright light. The smooth glass surface of the IPL handpiece is gently applied to your skin and pulses of light are applied.

How does it feel?
You may feel a slight sting, like the snapping of a small rubber band. An anaesthetic cream may be used, but is seldom required.

Possible side effects
The appearance right after treatment is similar to what you will see after a good exercise workout. The flushing and redness will last from a few minutes to several hours after treatment. If your skin is quite loose you may experience some swelling. The brown age spots and uneven pigmentation will turn slightly darker after treatment.

How long does it last?
Treatment is generally administered in a series of 4 to 6 sessions that provide excellent long-term results, minimal adverse effects and high satisfaction. Each treatment takes about twenty minutes. Depending on the number of conditions you are treating, and the severity of the individual problem, a series of four to six treatment sessions may be recommended. You can return to work the same day and resume all your daily activities.
By dividing the full program into several treatments, the procedure provides gradual improvement with very low risk – and, it preserves the wonderful “ no down time” feature that people appreciate so much.In some cases for minor capillaries only one treatment is required.

What conditions can Photorejuvenation treat?
Imperfections from Sun Damage and Photo-aging.Facial imperfections or abnormalities can detract from your well being an appearance, no matter how healthy and young you feel. IPL technology helps create smoother-looking skin. After a series of treatments, you can see a significant reduction of unwanted pigmentation. The same treatment can be used effectively on the neck, chest, arms and hands.
Benign Vascular LesionsBroken Veins and CapillariesThe face has an extensive network of veins and tiny blood vessels called capillaries. Over time, aging, trauma, sun exposure, and certain lifestyle factors cause a number of them to break appearing as red streaks or blotches on the face. IPL therapy can eliminate damaged veins and capillaries by removing virtually all traces of these unsightly blemishes.
Redness Caused by Broken Capillaries Many people suffer from broken capillaries and diffuse erythema, that cause them social embarrassment. For both women and men, IPL can successfully treat dilated blood vessels without injuring the surrounding healthy skin.

What is The Popular "Spectra laser peel" ?

Spectra Laser Peel is a unique and effective skin resurfacing treatment that leverages the dual mode capacity of the Spectra VRM laser to provide outstanding clinical results.
Spectra Laser Peel is performed by the Spectra VRM laser in Spectra Mode its proprietary 300 μs, quasi-long pulse Nd:YAG wavelength. Spectra Mode is employed in combination with photo enhancing Spectra Lotion™ to perform the Spectra Laser Peel procedure. Spectra Laser Peel utilizes both mechanical and thermal exfoliation to precisely remove 40 to 60 μm of tissue. Spectra Laser Peel is one of the most effective and innovative non-ablative skin resurfacing procedures available today. This two-step thermal resurfacing process shows dramatic results with acne scar and fine wrinkle reduction. Incurring no downtime, patients can return to their normal activity immediately after treatment. Clinicians benefit from reduced treatment times and improved patient satisfaction.
On the first pass, the Spectra Laser Peel harnesses the Spectra Mode of the Spectra VRM III laser. The quasi-long pulse, which is delivered at 1064 nm, provides photo-bio-stimulation to the epidermis, gently heating and mildly exfoliating the outermost layer of the skin. The following passes (also at 1064 nm) in Q-switched mode result in immediate photomechanical destruction of the micro-fine carbon particles in the previously applied Spectra Lotion. Because the outermost layer of dead skin cells are gently removed, the dermal cells associated with skin regeneration (fibroblasts, mast cells and macrophage cells) are stimulated, resulting in collagen re-modeling and controlled resurfacing. The skin surface is improved in tone and texture including a reduction in wrinkles and scars, without significant downtime or side effects.Spectra Laser Peel is a powerful, controllable yet gentle protocol that allows complete clinical management of the skin resurfacing process for a wide range of indications and skin types.

Information From Lutronicusa.com

Laser Skin Resurfacing


Laser skin resurfacing, a relatively new procedure, has grown considerably. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there were 180,855 laser skin resurfacing procedures performed in 2003, an increase of 6% since 2000. As people grow older, signs of aging become more and more prominent, usually one’s face. Many can accept this aging appearance as a fact of life, while others wish to regain a more youthful appearance. Various cosmetic procedures help these people achieve their cosmetic goals. Cosmetic surgery procedures such as a facelift can help remove the more visible signs of aging. However there are some people that desire a youthful appearance, but without incisions or losing a significant amount of time from their daily activities. One such minimally-invasive options is laser skin resurfacing. Laser skin resurfacing, also referred to as a “laser peel,” is a procedure designed to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. This is commonly performed around the mouth and the eyes. Patients who undergo laser skin resurfacing gain a fresher, smoother skin appearance. With the increasing popularity of various cosmetic surgery procedures, including laser skin resurfacing, it is important that the prospective patient research and understand different issues like what the procedure can and cannot treat, inherent risks, costs, and other factors. Keep in mind, cosmetic surgery is just that – a surgical procedure whose results cannot simply be erased. While the information contained in this website will provide you with a good introduction to laser skin resurfacing, when considering this or any other cosmetic procedure, we recommend that you consult a qualified provider with significant experience. Some important elements you should understand regarding laser skin
resurfacing include the following:

What are my options?
Laser skin resurfacing is not the only minimally-invasive option for improving the appearance of the skin. The following are some of the more common alternatives: Chemical Peel: A chemical peel can remove sun spots or age spots that appear most often on the face and hands. When chemicals are applied to the skin, they change the skin’s composition and remove the outer layers of skin. Chemical peels are used more for treating fine irregularities on the skin’s surface.
Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is used more for superficial skin texture irregularities. This is a slightly more aggressive procedure than chemical peels, which involves sanding off the first layer of skin with tiny crystals

How is Laser Skin Resurfacing different?
Laser skin resurfacing can deal with more significant skin problems like deep wrinkles, crow’s feet, and scarring from moderate to severe acne. With this procedure, CO2, ultrapulse lasers cut away at the skin layer by layer, while still keeping the blood vessels sealed. This surgical method produces less bleeding, bruising and post-operative discomfort than is typically seen with other resurfacing methods.

Who would best Represent an Ideal Candidate for Laser Skin Resurfacing?
People looking to enhance their appearance in a quick, virtually painless fashion would represent an ideal candidate for laser skin resurfacing. Even though reasons vary from person to person, the more common include:
Enhancing appearance and boosting self-confidence
Becoming less self-conscious about appearance
Achieving smoother looking skin
Regaining a more youthful look
However, the prospective patient must also be aware that cosmetic surgery is designed for improvement, not perfection. Patients should have realistic goals and expectations for their laser skin resurfacing. Be sure to discuss your reasons for wanting to undergo this operation with the doctor during your consultation visit. This will also help determine your candidacy for the procedure.

How is Laser Skin Resurfacing Performed?
Patients undergo the laser skin resurfacing procedure either at a hospital, an outpatient surgery center or at a doctor’s office-based facility. This procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis and the patients can go home on the same day. The procedure itself can take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour, depending on how much area is to be treated. Laser skin resurfacing works through a beam of laser energy vaporizing the upper layers of damaged skin at specific and controlled levels of penetration and removing it in layers. The doctor carefully passes the laser back and forth over the skin until reaching a layer where the wrinkles or scars are less visible. As a result, new skin will replace the old, and the appearance of wrinkles and scarring are reduced considerably. After completing the procedure, the doctor may apply protective creams or ointments to aid in healing.

How Much Pain is Associated with Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing is usually performed under local anesthesia allowing the patient to be awake but relaxed during the procedure. For more extensive cases, the operation can be performed under general anesthesia so that the patient will sleep through the operation. Following the procedure, the patient may experience some mild swelling and discomfort. This can be lessened applying ice packs and taking prescribed medication.

What should I expect after undergoing Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Expect one week of downtime while recuperating. The skin’s complexion will remain bright pink to red in the weeks following surgery. Medications may be prescribed to make the redness subside, or it could subside on its own within a week. However, some of the pink complexion may remain for months. Expect to apply camouflage makeup while the pinkness fades. To ensure proper healing and to reduce the possibility of complications, patients must follow their doctor’s post-op instructions. One typical instruction is not picking the crusts off the treated area. This may result in scarring. The crusts should be gone within 10 days after treatment.

What Are the Risks and Limitations of Laser Skin Resurfacing? All cosmetic procedures share some degree of risk. While the risks involved with laser skin resurfacing are minimal, patients must be made aware the risks include burns (due to the heat the laser produces), scarring, and changes in pigmentation. Rarely will laser skin resurfacing cause any types of infection.

Ten Questions Patients Undergoing Laser Skin Resurfacing Should Ask Their Surgeon
To better educate the patient about laser skin resurfacing, as well as assisting in formulating realistic expectations, it is recommended that the patient look at before and after photographs, speak with previous patients, (you are always welcome to ask your doctor for referrals to previous patients and where to contact them) and get answers to the following questions:
1. Where is the laser skin resurfacing performed and how long will it take?
2. In my case, is laser skin resurfacing the best option for achieving the look I want?
3. What kind of anesthesia will the surgeon use during the surgery?
4. How much does laser skin resurfacing cost and what other elements factor into that cost (i.e., hospital fee, anesthesia, etc)?
5. What should I expect, post-operatively, in terms of soreness, scaring, approximate recovery time and so on?
6. What is the surgeon’s level of experience in performing laser skin resurfacing?
7. Does the surgeon have privileges to perform laser skin resurfacing with a CO2 laser at an accredited hospital?
8. What percentage of patients experience complications with the laser skin resurfacing?
9. What is the surgeon’s policy in regards to correcting or repeating the procedure if the laser skin resurfacing does not meet agreed upon goals?
10. Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked or suspended? In addition, it is important that patients undergoing laser skin resurfacing relay to their surgeon information regarding any allergies and serious medical conditions they may have. Furthermore, patients should inform the surgeon of any medications they are taking.