Skin Care for Teens at Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center

May is a month full of events including graduations and parties, which also means lots of pictures. A good skincare regimen is important to incorporate in your daily routine at any age.  Although teens may not need to worry about wrinkles and lines quite yet, encouraging a healthy skincare routine can prevent skin damage and slow the appearance of premature aging.teen skin care atlanta georgia

Sunscreen is the most important element to include in your daily skincare regimen as it protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays that can cause premature aging and skin cancer. Patti Daniel, Laser Director and Co-owner of Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center encourages her patients to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least a 30 SPF or more every day. She also educates patients on sun safety such as avoiding indoor tanning beds.

Acne can be a nuisance and embarrassing for many during their adolescent years.  Acne light therapy is an option provided by the experienced laser technicians to help eliminate the uncomfortable signs of acne providing smoother, clearer skin.  Other skincare treatments available for teens at Laser Lights include customized facials and chemical peels.

Proper diet and exercise can also keep skin looking youthful and glowing. With a comprehensive skincare routine that addresses existing issues and also protects your skin for the future, you won’t cringe at viewing the pictures you took while having fun!

To learn more about cosmetic laser procedures available at Laser Lights, please contact us to schedule a consultation.  Also, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest specials and news at Laser Lights.

Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center Explains the Science behind Tattoo Removal

Atlanta Laser Tattoo RemovalAccording to a study performed by the National Institutes of Health, around a quarter of all adults in the United States have at least one tattoo.  Many people wonder why tattoo pigments aren’t absorbed by the body like when you get a shot at the doctor.  While the concept is vaguely similar—using a needle to inject a substance into the body—the tattoo machine was actually designed more like a printer that engraves words into hard surfaces.

A modern tattoo machine pushes a solid needle (as opposed to a hypodermic/hollow needle) up and down through the skin between 50 to 3,000 times a minute. Penetrating the skin approximately a millimeter, the insoluble pigment is injected into the dermis, or second layer of the skin. While the outer layers of the epidermis are constantly shedding, the cells in the dermis are more durable which means the pigment remains permanent.

The aforementioned study also found that, of those with tattoos, up to 50% were dissatisfied with their ink and 17% were considering having them removed.  Among other laser skin treatments, Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center offers laser tattoo removal in Duluth, GA (outside of Atlanta).

Using a specialized tattoo removal laser, our certified and licensed medical staff can help you remove any tattoos that you may regret or no longer want.  The treatment works by targeting laser energy to the specific tattoo pigments. Penetrating the layers of skin, the laser breaks up the permanent ink into particles small enough for the body to easily absorb them. From there, the immune system rids the body of the pigments.

While this process seems easy enough, depending on the size and color of the tattoo (as rated by the Kirby-Desai tattoo removal scale) tattoo removal can take multiple treatments. Some pigments are harder to remove so complete removal isn’t guaranteed, though our treatments can significantly diminish the appearance of unwanted tattoos.

For more information on Atlanta laser tattoo removal or other laser skin treatments, contact our office. You can also stay up to date on the latest Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center news by connecting with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Managing Rosacea in the Winter Months

Rosacea treatment AtlantaRosacea can be a difficult skin condition to live with. Individualized to each person, rosacea can appear in different ways, and flare ups are caused by different triggers for each individual. Most common in fair-skinned individuals ages 30-50, rosacea appears most often in women (though is usually more severe when it does appear in men).

Winter months can be especially trying on those with rosacea. Individuals with trigger factors related to weather or temperature changes can experience flare-ups during the cooler times. Many people (even those who don’t suffer from rosacea) forget to wear a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen during the winter months. Because the lower temperatures aren’t making us sweat, we often forget how long we’ve been outdoors or think we don’t need sunscreen. This is especially important for individuals with rosacea because sun exposure can be a trigger.

Along the same lines, extreme weather conditions can also cause discomfort in rosacea sufferers. Harsh winds and extreme cold can cause flare-ups. Surprisingly, though, so can being indoors for relief from the cold. While sitting by a roaring fire or soaking in a hot bath may sound comforting, exceedingly warm environments can also increase blood flow to the face causing flushing and other uncomfortable symptoms.

While there is no cure for rosacea, there are treatment options to help reduce the symptoms associated with rosacea including visible veins in the face, acne-like breakouts, persistent redness, and inflammation. Laser treatments at Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center include treatments for facial redness and rosacea. Using pulsed dye lasers to target enlarged blood vessels, laser treatment destroys the capillaries allowing the body to absorb them naturally. Laser treatment can resolve issues like the embarrassing flushing and redness associated with rosacea.

For more information on handling rosacea or laser rosacea treatments, contact our office in Duluth, GA (just north of Atlanta).  You can also keep up to date on the latest events and skincare news by connecting with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Southern Plastic Surgery’s Breast Surgery Specials in Best Self

 

Dr. David Whiteman was featured in Best Self Atlanta‘s December issue with Southern Plastic Surgery‘s featured special on Mini Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation surgery. Check out the details below and contact Southern Plastic Surgery to take advantage of this great offer.

Atlanta Breast Augmentation and Lift Special

Laser Lights Answers Commonly Asked Questions about Laser Spider Vein Removal

Q.) What are spider veins? What causes them?

Spider veins are small veins that form into tree branch-like formations close to the surface of the skin. They occur most often on the legs, though visible veins can sometimes occur on the face around the nose and on the cheeks. The direct causes of spider veins are unknown though some individuals—like those who are obese, women, or pregnant individuals—are more prone to spider veins. Any condition or situation that increases pressure in the vessels can lead to visible veins.

Q.) How does laser vein removal work?

During laser vein removal, laser light is adjusted to focus on the specific pigment of visible veins. During treatment, the laser targets the veins, causing them to break up within the body, and allowing the immune system to dispose of them naturally. Meanwhile, the surrounding tissue is left unharmed because the laser wavelength does not target that pigment.

Q.) Is it harmful to remove spider veins?

Spider veins and other visible veins are chiefly cosmetic issues and serve no major function. Therefore, eliminating them with laser vein removal does you no harm.

Q.) How does laser vein removal differ from other vein removal procedures like sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy involves multiple injections to destroy the vein, while laser vein removal at Laser Lights does not require needles. Studies have shown that laser vein removal patients suffer less pain during the procedure, as well as long after the treatment when compared with more traditional methods like surgical vein stripping. While all of these are effective methods, laser vein removal is less painful and a faster vein removal procedure.

Why Colder Months are Best for Laser Procedures: FAQ’s about Sun Exposure and Laser Skin Treatments

laser lights cosmetic laser centerQ.) What is the difference between hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of areas of the skin that is mostly non-permanent. It can be caused by sun exposure, medications, hormones, or genetics, although some laser treatments can often cause temporary hyperpigmentation as patients’ skin heals. Hypopigmentation is the permanent lightening or removal of pigment from areas of the skin which often develops as the skin reacts to trauma (such as a burn, some scars, etc.).

Q.) What causes hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation after laser cosmetic treatments?
Because laser skin treatments are light-based cosmetic procedures, they affect the way skin responds to light. Cosmetic laser treatments penetrate the top layers of the skin to affect the inner layers either to remove hair or to stimulate collagen growth, but it also temporarily weakens the skin’s defense mechanisms which can cause the skin to react differently to sunlight than it normally would.

Q.) How do I prevent hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation after laser hair removal?
Preventing pigment changes in your skin after a laser treatment is as easy as wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more and covering up areas of your body that have been treated if you can’t avoid sun exposure. If you’ve just had laser hair removal on your legs, for example, we recommend you wear pants or slather on the sunscreen if you plan on showing some leg to protect your skin from the sun.

Q.) Are hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation permanent?
Many laser treatment patients experience discoloration of the skin for a few hours to a couple of weeks after cosmetic laser treatments. However, not following the laser aftercare recommendations of Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center’s providers increases the chance that permanent pigment changes will occur.

Pick to Treat Yourself for a Change with Laser Lights’ October 2011 Specials!

 

Don’t forget to take advantage of our October 2011 specials on laser hair removal, laser vein removal, Latisse® for eyelashes, and more.  All offers below expire October 31, 2011.

Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center

Study Proves Effectiveness of Laser Vein Removal

Laser Lights cosmetic laser centerA new article in the Archives of Dermatology reports that laser vein removal treatment (EVLT) is just as effective as traditional, high ligation vein stripping (surgical removal) for the removal of varicose veins. Of the vein removal patients polled, there were very few differences in the patient satisfaction rates between those treated with vein stripping and those treated with laser vein therapy. One notable difference, however, was that laser vein treatment patients reported a better quality of life post treatment.

While the subject of the study is varicose vein removal and we typically treat smaller spider veins at Laser Lights in Atlanta, the article shows how powerful laser vein elimination is whether it’s used for the treatment of spider or varicose veins. If laser vein treatment can eliminate unwanted varicose veins just as successfully as surgical removal, imagine how well our lasers work to remove the small, web-like spider veins you may be noticing on your face and legs.

The laser vein removal treatments performed at Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center are particularly effective in treating spider veins or larger bluish reticular veins on the face or body without any incisions or general anesthesia needed. In fact, most laser spider vein treatment patients can return immediately to their regular routines, there is very little downtime, and the only request made of patients is that they avoid any strenuous workouts for a day or so following treatment. Most of our Atlanta spider vein removal patients require 1-3 treatments (lasting 15-30 minutes each) for complete vein reduction. As with any laser skin treatment, it’s best to discuss expected treatment length and available laser treatment packages with your laser technician during a consultation to ensure you receive the most effective treatment possible for your cosmetic goals.

During the month of October, Laser Lights patients can enjoy one FREE laser spider vein removal treatment when they buy two vein removal treatments. To learn more about Atlanta vein removal and laser treatment special offers, visit the Laser Lights Cosmetic Center website and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to also regularly peruse our blog as we update you on subjects like The Causes and Treatment of Spider Veins and FAQs about Facial Laser Skin Treatment.

Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center Laser Hair Removal Wedding Packages

laser lights cosmetic laser centerRecent gossip reports have placed reality television star Kim Kardashian at a Hollywood laser hair removal center as she prepared for her recent wedding. While Kardashian may have been scurrying to her nearest laser treatment center because her wedding was televised, you can get the star wedding treatment without the price tag generally associated with celebrity beauty routines.

Laser hair removal is a common treatment option for both women and men preparing for their weddings. What is supposed to be one of the most exciting days of your life shouldn’t be overshadowed by self-consciousness about body hair, which is why Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center offers wedding packages.

Our wedding packages help eliminate the worry associated with embarrassing hair that could make you feel uncomfortable on your special day. By showing proof of your wedding, you can save up to $240 on one underarm hair removal package (five treatments), one microdermabrasion, a free cleanser, and a free toner. Continue reading

All About Laser Wart Removal at Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center

laser lights cosmetic laser centerAs you may know, Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center has 12 different on-site medical-grade lasers. This diversity of equipment serves the varying needs of our clients including facial rejuvenation through CO2 Fractional Laser, laser hair removal on the face and body, vein elimination, and many others. However, lasers can also be used for the skin conditions that many people don’t like to talk about.

As children we all heard the rumor that handling frogs can give you warts! As silly as that myth is now, warts can still be an embarrassing skin condition especially if they are located in a highly visible area like the face or hands. Caused by different strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV),  skin warts are non-cancerous skin growths that can appear anywhere on the body.

One type, called common warts, manifests as a thick, rough-surfaced bubble of raised skin on the hands and feet, but can also appear on other parts of the body like the knees and elbows. Flat or plane warts are the second most common type of warts and are usually found on the face and arms, most often in children and teenagers. Filiform warts are less common but show up on the eyelids and neck. Continue reading

Thinking about Laser Hair Removal, Tattoo Removal or Wrinkle Treatment? What to Look for in a Reputable Laser Treatment Center

laser lights

Because laser cosmetic treatment is so new, many patients are unaware that standards exist to regulate which practitioners and physicians can use the equipment and how it should be used. While the use of lasers for cosmetic and medical treatments seems like space-age technology, these criteria and rules help keep patients and physicians safe. More specifically, organizations like the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) and the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) regulate and determine the appropriate safety criteria for the medical and cosmetic use of lasers.

When looking for a reputable laser treatment center, it is important that the facility follow high standards of practice to ensure patient safety. The ASLMS lists training and education, patient and procedure selection, and patient safety as the three main determining factors in high standards of laser treatment practice. Continue reading

Summer Specials Extended Through August!

Summer vacation may be ending, but summer savings shouldn’t!  Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center is extending their summer discounts on laser hair removal, Fotofacial treatment, Latisse®, private label skin care products and more through the end of August.  Don’t forget that when you refer a friend to Laser Lights, you and your friend can save $20 on any cosmetic laser skin treatment or non-laser service so you can both look amazing! Contact us today to schedule an appointment

.

Save Face: Take Advantage of Laser Lights Extended Specials on Laser Hair Removal, CO2 Laser Treatment, Massages, and More!

laser lights

As school starts and summer vacation comes to a close, now is the perfect time to focus on you! Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center is making it easier than ever to pamper yourself by extending our July specials into August. If you didn’t have the time to take advantage of our specials in July, make certain to check them out before August is over!

With 15% off any laser hair removal package, you can have smooth skin to show off just in time for your kids’ school functions. While areas like the legs, face, and bikini area are popular with women, ladies aren’t the only ones getting tired of shaving. Male laser hair removal for areas like the back, chest, and face are more popular than ever. Check out our laser hair removal photo gallery for pictures of our results.

Fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing treatments are also now buy one get one free, which means you can finally reduce the appearance of sun and age spots, deep wrinkles, and even acne scarring for smoother, younger-looking skin. Most people believe that laser treatments like the CO2 laser are for the face only, but they are also useful on areas like the neck, chest, and hands that are often subject to effects of the sun’s damaging rays. For those with finer wrinkles or sun damaged skin, our buy two get one free offer on photofacial treatments may be a great special to take advantage of during the month of August.

We also have products on sale including free Vivité® Vibrance Décolleté Therapy with the purchase of one Latisse® for eyelashes kit and a free sunscreen with the purchase of one Laser Lights’ skin care product.

Contact us now for more information or to schedule your consultation with one of our board certified medical professionals or licensed estheticians and massage therapist.