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.

Welcome Spring with Savings at Laser Lights

Although it doesn’t feel like spring yet, it’s almost here! Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center is offering several cosmetic treatments to meet all of your springtime skincare needs. This month, patients can save on laser hair removal packages, CO2 laser skin resurfacing, spider vein treatments, micro laser peels and Viora skin tightening.

If smooth skin is on your mind, take advantage of our specially priced laser hair removal packages. Purchase one hair removal package valued at $660 or more and receive a FREE underarm package. When you purchase a full leg package you can get a FREE full bikini package.  A great package for men:  purchase a full leg, back, or chest and abdominal hair removal treatment package for a special price of $1400.

For patients interested in rejuvenating their face, a CO2 laser skin resurfacing or micro laser peel treatment can be beneficial. We are also offering buy 2, get 1 FREE spider vein treatments, 50% off a Viora cellulite reduction treatment or package, and massage therapy discounts.

Don’t forget we offer gift certificates for all our services. Call us today to schedule your March appointment. Be sure to connect with Laser Lights on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for the latest laser treatment specials and news.

March LL Specials 2013

 

Laser Lights Discusses Importance of American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery Membership

Laser Lights has been dedicated to staying at the forefront of laser technology and advancements since our office opened over 10 years ago.  We are focused on providing safe and effective laser treatments for patients in the Atlanta and Duluth areas. As a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) our office is committed to instituting the latest research, education and clinical care in the field of medical lasers.

According to their website, ASLMS was founded in 1980 and “is the world’s largest professional organization dedicated to promoting excellence in patient care by advancing laser applications and related technologies.” This organization establishes practice guidelines and safety standards for the use of lasers, provides informative public information about laser treatment and publishes the world’s primary laser journal, Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. Demonstrated educational and practice experience is required to maintain an associate membership.

ASLMS includes a diverse group of individuals such as scientists, physicians and other health care professionals who are significantly involved with the laser industry. As there are many unique lasers specified for certain laser procedures a patient should make sure the provider only offers medical grade, FDA cleared or FDA approved lasers. When considering laser treatments it’s also imperative to find a qualified health care provider specializing in lasers and to look for American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery membership.

At Laser Lights we use over 12 different types of medical grade lasers to meet each patient’s specific skin needs. If you would like more information about our laser services, or would like to set up a skin analysis consultation, please contact our office today. Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google + for the latest laser technology news and information.

Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels: Exploring Your Exfoliation Options

If you keep up with our blogs, you’ve probably read that chemical peels and microdermabrasion treatments produce similar results, which can make choosing a treatment option difficult. Therefore, Laser Lights offers pre-treatment skin analysis consultations to help you determine exactly what your skin needs. To help educate you of the available facial rejuvenation options, read on as we discuss the similarities and differences between chemical peels and microdermabrasion.

As we age, our skin begins to lose elasticity and imperfections like sun spots, fine lines, and acne scars start to appear. Certain cosmetic skin treatments, like microdermabrasion and chemical peels, can remove the outer layer of dead, damaged skin to reveal the fresh skin underneath while stimulating the body’s natural collagen production. These types of treatments are perfect for patients looking to improve surface imperfections and signs of aging, although we also provide more comprehensive anti-aging treatments like laser skin resurfacing to target more advanced signs of aging.

Microdermabrasion uses exfoliating diamonds or crystals to manually slough off dead skin cells, while chemical peel treatments involve the application of a chemical solution to eliminate the outer layer of dead skin. Both treatments are safe and provide effective results with little to no downtime. Even with these similarities, it’s important to understand that certain treatments target certain skin conditions better. For instance, microdermabrasion is typically effective for treating raised scars and is sometimes even used as a series of treatments for active acne.

As you can see in our guide to chemical peels, we offer a variety of chemical peels to address your specific concerns. Our chemical peels vary in strength, and we can even customize a strength specifically for your skin type. As with microdermabrasion, chemical peel patients often report flushed skin following treatment that will diminish over time. However, certain chemical peels cause the skin to peel for a few days following treatment. Once the skin stops peeling, the healthy skin beneath is revealed.

We also offer a micro laser peel that improves skin tone and texture while stimulating collagen production. Micro laser peels provide similar results to that of microdermabrasion or chemical peels. However, micro laser peel treatments use gentle laser technology to remove the outer layer of damaged skin and induce collagen production. Our micro laser peel provides deeper results than microdermabrasion, but is usually less intense than some of our chemical solutions.

Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center is dedicated to providing effective solutions for your skin conditions whether that’s through laser treatments or our other non-laser services. We understand each patient’s needs and skin conditions are different and take the time to recommend customized treatment options for each patient. Contact us to schedule a pre-treatment consultation today if you’re interested in having one of our licensed estheticians thoroughly examine your skin, answer your questions while listening to your concerns, and recommend a skin care plan just for you. Visit our website to learn more about what we do, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more skin care news and updates.

Hand Rejuvenation Services at Laser Lights

It is human nature for a person to be concerned about his or her appearance, especially of our faces since they’re almost always exposed. However, the hands are usually exposed just as often as the face, and to make matters worse, the hands often give away a person’s true age because there are few camouflaging options. Although many of the treatments we offer at Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center are designed to rejuvenate the face or body, we also offer hand rejuvenation services. As recently reported in an article by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, hand lift services are becoming more readily available for patients looking to mask signs of aging.

No one wants to wear gloves all of the time, especially not during the summer months. Environmental exposure combined with the natural aging process can cause the hands to appear aged. Patients who seek hand rejuvenation typically complain about lost volume, age spots (melasma), and unsightly veins. It is important to take care of your hands just like you take care of your face and other skin. Be sure to moisturize and wear an SPF 30 sunscreen on your hands every day. Paraffin wax treatments are perfect for softening the skin and locking in moisture to preserve a youthful appearance, but if you’re past the preservation stage, Laser Lights also offers treatments to repair signs of aging.

There are a variety of ways to even out the hand’s skin tone. Although most often considered facial treatments, Erbium laser treatment, chemical peels, and photo rejuvenation can be used to reduce sun spots, discoloration, and other pigmentation issues. Then, Dr. David Whiteman can inject dermal fillers (i.e. Restylane® or Radiesse®) into the hands to plump lost volume and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

If you’re interested in hand rejuvenation, laser treatments, or other services available at Laser Lights, schedule a consultation with one of our licensed estheticians today or visit our website to learn more. You can find the latest skin care news on our Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ profiles, so be sure to connect with us if you haven’t already.

Just a Feel Good Treatment? Face the Facial

Laser Lights offers an assortment of facial treatments to improve overall condition of facial skin. Our menu of services for the face includes chemical peels, facials, microdermabrasion, facial rejuvenation, acne light therapy, and even laser treatments for the face. However, we have heard a rumor circulating that facials are just a “feel good” treatment. Offering an assortment of facials for patients of all ages, we thought we should explain some of the different elements that make our facials much more than just a good wash.

Facials at Laser Lights are therapeutic and medicated to treat a variety of skin conditions from acne and rosacea to wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. In fact, we can even customize our facials to treat your specific skin conditions. Before each treatment our esthetician analyzes your skin to determine the best treatment regimen, which isn’t always a facial. However, these “feel good” treatments are much stronger than most people think.

Our younger patients who still suffer acne breakouts can benefit from our acne facial that loosens and removes pore debris and blockages. We can’t lie, Atlanta facial treatments do feel good, starting with an esthetician who gently cleans the face then sprays the treatment area with a warm mist. Once the medicated ointment is applied and removed, the treatment concludes with a clarifying mask, light moisturizer, and protective mineral sunscreen. With a clearer complexion in the weeks following, you will know that there is more to a facial than just relaxation. Patients who are interested in our acne facial may also be interested in the teen facial (which also teaches teens to properly care for their skin) and our back facial (which takes care of acne breakouts on the back often referred to as “backne”).

Laser Lights also offers facials to reduce early signs of aging. Patients starting to notice fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, nose, and eyes can benefit from our anti-aging facial that uses a combination of alpha and beta hydroxyl (salicylic) acids to induce skin cell rejuvenation. Because of the chemicals used, the anti-aging facial can cause facial skin to appear flushed, so those with sensitive skin might prefer our European facial. This gentle treatment removes dead skin and surface debris and includes the application of a papaya mask to reduce redness and irritation. We also offer a facial specifically designed for men. This all-in-one men’s facial relieves tension and redness, and our estheticians instruct patients on sun damage protection and daily skin care.

Pore extractions are often combined with facials, but other treatments may be recommended as well. For instance, we often suggest that patients suffering acne alternate facial treatments and acne light therapy to get the most out of treatment. Patients who receive facials are often interested in skin care products so that they can keep their skin healthy at home.

Visit our website to learn more about the other skin care services we offer like our laser treatments. Keep reading our blog and stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+  for skin care news and updates.

What Cosmetic Skin Treatments does Laser Lights Perform?

There’s more to Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center than just our laser treatments. We have a variety of spa services to offer patients. Since Laser Lights is co-owned by our laser director Patricia Daniel, R.N. and our medical director David Whiteman, M.D., F.R.C.S.(c), we are able to perform treatments with medical-grade equipment and the highest quality products. Although we offer services like laser hair removal, spider vein reduction, and skin resurfacing treatments, we still provide other non-laser services to boost your morale as well as your complexion.

While some patients visit Laser Lights for medical procedures such as wart or birthmark removal, others come for a relaxing massage or facial. If you aren’t sure what your skin needs, we start with a pre-skin treatment consultation to formulate a care plan just for you. Our younger patients who still suffer acne breakouts may benefit from acne light therapy, a chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or even an acne facial. However, our chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and facials aren’t just for acne sufferers—we offer a variety of types and strengths to benefit patients who are more concerned with signs of aging like sun spots, acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles.

Although many of our services are intended to enhance the face, our menu also includes relaxing body treatments like hand rejuvenation, skin tightening, massage therapy, and paraffin wax for hands and feet. Hands can start to show signs of aging sometimes before the face. Often combined with facial rejuvenation treatments, we perform anti-aging treatments on the hands to increase moisture and reduce wrinkles.

Our non-surgical facelift alternative Viora Reaction™ improves skin texture through the power of radiofrequency energy and works to stimulate collagen production, tighten loose skin on the body, reduce cellulite, and even diminish the appearance of stretch marks.

If you’re interested in learning more about our services, both laser and non-laser, be sure to browse our website or contact us. Don’t forget that we offer monthly specials, so check our blog, Facebook, and Twitter regularly to make sure you don’t miss out.

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.

Save on Your Favorite Cosmetic Treatments with Our December 2011 Specials

 

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.

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.

Transitional Skin Care: How to Take Care of Your Skin during the In-Between Months

With plenty of information out there on how to take care of your skin during particular seasons, people often don’t know what to do during the transitional months when the weather is changing and their skin is trying to keep up.

As we approach autumn, it’s important to recognize that the temperature isn’t the only change that comes with a new season (although it may be the most comfortable).  As summer turns to fall, the nights become longer and the air becomes drier. In fact, according to the National Weather Service, September and October are some of the driest months in Georgia. While this makes for great hay bales and corn mazes, the weather and climate of Atlanta can take a toll on your skin.

While the heat may be winding down, it’s still important to wear sunscreen every day. Wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 can protect your skin against melasma, or dark spots caused by the sun, skin cancer, and wrinkles in sun-damaged areas. Just because the weather’s cool, doesn’t mean the sun’s damaging rays are taking a break!

For those who have forgotten to protect themselves in the past, Continue reading