Tag Archives: laser lights certified laser technicians

Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center Explains the Science behind Tattoo Removal

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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

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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.

Save on Your Favorite Cosmetic Treatments with Our December 2011 Specials

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Do you need a little help with your list this year? Whether you’re looking for yourself or to give a gift to someone else, beauty is always on everyone’s list! December is the perfect time to take advantage of specials on our most popular cosmetic services.

With discounts on laser hair removal and laser spider vein elimination, you can have smooth and beautiful skin in plenty of time for warmer weather next year. We’re also offering FREE Reaction™ skin tightening treatments with the purchase of 3- or 6-treatment packages (see below for more details).

If you’re looking for glowing holiday skin, take advantage of our deals on Fotofacial skin rejuvenation and the newest addition to our services menu, the Vi Peel. If the hustle and bustle of family gatherings and get-togethers with friends has you stressed, look into our massage packages.

We also have gift certificates available so you can give the gift of beauty and relaxation this holiday season. Contact our office for more information or to schedule your holiday treatment today! We’re also on Facebook and Twitter with the latest in beauty and cosmetic laser news, so make certain to follow us to stay up to date!  All offers below expire December 31, 2011.

Kirby-Desai Scale Helps Atlanta Laser Tattoo Removal Patients Predict Treatment Time and Results

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Laser Lights cosmetic laser centerLaser tattoo removal is an intriguing process to most individuals, and like a tattoo each procedure is individualized based on the person and the ink they’d like to remove. Because laser tattoo removal works through light, there are important factors in predicting its effectiveness on any particular person’s tattoos. While most tattoos can be removed successfully, the number of treatments required to eliminate a tattoo completely vary as well as the type of laser used.

The creators of a proposed scale for tattoo removal called the Kirby-Desai Scale hope to help laser technicians and doctors to efficiently determine the most effective way and the number of sessions needed to remove any tattoo—regardless of size, color, or shape.

The Kirby-Desai Scale focuses on 6 major elements to determine the effectiveness of tattoo removal: a person’s Fitzpatrick skin type, the tattoo’s location on the body, the tattoo pigment color, the amount of ink in the tattoo (or size), the amount of scarring or tissue change, and whether the tattoo is layered. Each element is assigned a score from 1 to 5.

For example, we’ll say a man has a full-color, completely filled-in tattoo of a tiger on his chest that covers the pectoral muscle that he’d like to remove. A person with light skin is 2 points on the scale, and a tattoo on the chest is 2 points. A tattoo with multiple colors is 4 points, and if the size/amount of ink is moderate, that’s 3 points. The application of a tattoo that caused no scarring is 0 points, and the tattoo wasn’t layered over another tattoo, which is 0 points.

The points are then added together, in the case of our tiger man 11 points, and that number is used to determine the number of laser tattoo removal sessions required to eliminate that tattoo completely. So, tiger man would need somewhere around 8 sessions to get rid of his inked cat.

This scale can be useful to the tattoo removal specialist for obvious reasons, but can be helpful to the patient as well. Being able to plan out the number of tattoo removal sessions allows patients to schedule the removal sessions within their agenda, budget for the appropriate number of procedures, and prepare themselves adequately for the process because they’ll know what to expect from laser tattoo removal.

The originators of the Kirby-Desai tattoo removal scale hope to bring certainty to patients in an effort to help doctors educate their patients completely before them embark on the tattoo removal process.

Make sure to check out our laser tattoo removal before and after gallery for pictures of results we’ve gotten at Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center in Duluth.

Contact us for more information on tattoo removal and other laser services at Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center. You can also keep up with our news and updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter.

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

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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

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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.

Everything You Need to Know about Laser Hair Removal

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laser lights cosmetic laser centerPatients are very inquisitive when it comes to laser procedures. We are constantly asked questions about laser hair removal here at Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center. While we do get some very unique questions, the most common ones we’re asked are regarding cost, side effects, complications, and the laser technology we use. Therefore, we would like to take the time to address these questions.

Laser hair removal cost can be tricky for patients to understand. Most laser centers offer pricing per area per treatment, as well as package pricing per area. For instance, it takes more time to permanently remove unwanted hair from large areas like the legs than it does to remove unwanted hair from the underarms, so pricing will vary because of the time involved. Laser hair removal, as well as other laser procedures like laser tattoo removal, requires more than one treatment session for permanent hair removal. Hair grows in cycles, and while some hairs are in the growing phase, others are in the resting phase. The laser has to catch each hair in the growing phase for removal, requiring at least 2-3 sessions, but most patients receive 4-6 sessions for optimal results, which is why package pricing is offered. Although laser hair removal can get pretty expensive, laser clinics often offer specials. For instance, right now (through 9/30/2011) you can get 15% off any laser hair removal package at Laser Lights.

Although side effects and complications are not fun topics to discuss, it’s very important for a patient to be aware of possible complications before laser hair removal. Continue reading →

Laser Procedure FAQ

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laser lights cosmetic laser treatmentsQ.) Why do some laser­ treatments require multiple sessions while others do not?

A.) The number of laser treatment sessions required is based on what type of laser treatment you need and the types of laser we use for that treatment. Small blemishes can usually be removed easily with one session, while larger imperfections require a bit more attention. For instance, warts, freckles, and red dots usually only require one session, while tattoos, unwanted hair, and spider veins usually require at least three sessions for permanent removal. Without multiple treatments, the lasers would not be able to permanently remove these large imperfections without damaging your skin.

 

Q.) Can I have laser hair removal over an area where I have a tattoo?

A.) No. Lasers work by targeting pigments. The darker the pigment, the better our lasers pick it up, which is why we use different Continue reading →

See Our New Ad in Savvy Shopper!

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Laser Lights Explains the Causes and Treatment of Spider Veins

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As you age, you may notice more and more blue and purple spider veins appearing on your legs and face. Spider veins, also known as superficial telangiectasias, are damaged blood vessels that are visible beneath the skin’s surface. Spider veins are named for their web-like formation, but can also appear as simple lines or tree-like branches. You can cover up spider veins on legs with long pants, but spider veins on the face may be harder to hide. Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center can eliminate spider veins on the legs and face with laser vein treatment.

Energy from lasers causes damaged veins to coagulate and shrink. Laser vein treatment works best on small to medium-sized veins; therefore, the treatment is more suitable for spider veins than larger varicose veins. During treatment, patients report feeling like they are being snapped by a rubber band. While the treatment may be temporarily uncomfortable, it requires no sedatives, anesthesia, or pain medicine. Your veins may be more visible directly following treatment, but they will quickly fade.  Repeat treatments may be necessary to eliminate spider veins completely.  Certified laser technicians recommend spacing laser vein treatment sessions a month apart from each other to allow for optimal results.

Spider veins are difficult to prevent because their causes are numerous including:  pregnancy, hormone fluctuation, weight gain, prolonged sitting, prolonged standing, trauma, and weight gain.  By paying attention to the pressure placed on legs, exercising, controlling weight, wearing sunscreen, and eating a fiber-rich diet, you can help prevent the ugly veins from appearing. Spider veins are not usually serious, but they can become uncomfortable. If you are interested in eliminating unwanted spider veins, schedule a consultation with us today. Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center’s technology can also take care of other blemishes, like acne, scars, age spots, freckles, and birthmarks. For more information on our laser procedures and cosmetic skin procedures, visit our website and continue to read our blog.

The Adaptability of Medical Lasers: Tattoo Removal to Wrinkle Reduction

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Medical lasers have evolved into a technological niche that utilizes one premise:  concentrated waves of light, to produce very specific results.  As is the practice with chemical peels, which remove varying layers of skin for a rejuvenating effect, different concentrations and temperatures of laser light can target distinct issues.  For instance, as described in our “Using Lasers to Stop Smoking” blog we detailed the application of a cold, soft laser beam to control addictions like smoking and over eating.

In laser hair removal, laser light is absorbed by the pigmented portions of the hair follicles, destroying hair growth.  Conversely, laser hair therapy uses low level lasers to stimulate growth within the follicular cells by increasing circulation to the hair’s roots.  Low level laser therapy is gentle; carrying very limited risk of effecting surrounding tissues.  The lasers penetrate the scalp, revitalizing the cells that deliver nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles allowing hair to become thicker and stronger. The FDA approved the use of laser hair therapy in 2007 for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness. However, because the causes of the condition are so numerous, success cannot be guaranteed with the procedure.

The effectiveness of laser procedures lies in the act of selective degradation:  birth mark removal lasers target the pigmented regions to destroy colored areas while acne light therapy targets the acne-causing bacteria deep within pores.  Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center houses over 12 different lasers to accomplish everything from tattoo removal to wrinkle reduction for facelift-like results.   For more information these treatments or other procedures offered at Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center, visit our website, and continue to read our blog.

Body Hair Removal: We Discuss the Shift in Male Aesthetics

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According to a recent article on Men’s body hair removal in The New York Times, a whopping 61% of American males between the ages of 18 and 29 report practicing some form of body hair removal.  It’s no surprise then that the body shaver industry grosses over $10 million dollars annually.  The professional Laser Hair Removal Specialists at Laser Lights have also noted the trend: scheduling an increased number of appointments for male patients.

The razor manufacturing company Philips Norelco released research that reports the most frequent areas for male body hair removal are the groin, armpits, and finally the chest and back.  Besides specialized razors, men have begun to utilize depilatory creams, waxing, and most effectively, laser hair removal for their revitalized grooming regimens.   Depending on the amount and type of hair to be removed, a series of six visits can rid you (or someone you know) of unwanted body hair.

Laser Lights of Atlanta has over 12 different medical grade lasers to aid in a range of skin issues: ranging from unwanted hair removal to wrinkles.  A professional consultation with a certified laser professional is necessary before a plan of care can be compiled.  If you are interested in learning more about the laser services Laser Lights of Atlanta performs or wish to schedule a consultation, visit our website.