Laser Treatments
Significant developments in modern laser technology over the last two decades have provided today’s cosmetic dermatologists with an incredible arsenal of extremely advanced laser devices. These devices provide the opportunity to offer our patients a multitude of safe and effective skin treatment options that have never previously been possible.
Revolutionary Laser Technology
Whether your concern is skin tone, texture, redness, pigmentation or all of the above, laser skin treatments at Art of SKIN Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery provide safe and effective options for reducing or eliminating hyperpigmentation caused by sun spots or damage, freckles, age spots, and redness associated with rosacea; eliminating dilated blood vessel; and improving general signs of aging like skin laxity, fine lines and wrinkles.
With Laser Skin Treatments, you look younger and more radiant, and no surgical incisions are necessary.
At Art of SKIN Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, we currently offer the following Laser Skin Treatments:
Different Types of Laser Treatments
CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing with a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is a popular method that effectively reduces wrinkles and rejuvenates the skin. CO2 resurfacing has been used for skin rejuvenation since the late 1980s and remains the gold standard for long-term, dramatic improvement of:
- Skin wrinkles
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Pigmentation
- Textural skin irregularities associated with age, genetics or sun damage
- Large pores
- Severe sun damage
Developments in this area have been some of the most innovative and exciting advances in cosmetic surgery in the last 15 years. New CO2 laser skin resurfacing technologies have made this technology safer, more effective, and less invasive with less downtime. There are also fewer risks of adverse side effects for the patient. Laser Skin Resurfacing can treat isolated areas, such as fine or deep wrinkles around the mouth and eyes or lines, wrinkles, textural changes and dilated pores affecting the entire face. It is the most effective treatment for rejuvenating sun-damaged and aged skin.
At Art of SKIN Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, we use the Cynosure SmartSkin CO2 laser, the most advanced micro-ablative and fully ablative laser skin resurfacing system. This technology allows us to customize a treatment to match your specific needs regarding your objectives, area(s) of concern, skin type, and schedule. Cynosure SmartSkin CO2 Laser Resurfacing treatment can leave you with a more even skin tone, smoother skin texture, and noticeably reduced wrinkles, with results that may last a decade or more. The amount of downtime associated with laser skin resurfacing varies depending on the degree of ablation. To determine whether laser skin resurfacing with a CO2 laser is a good option for you, we would happily offer you a complimentary consultation.
What is Fractional Laser Resurfacing?
The Cynosure SmartSkin CO2 laser is a fractional laser device. While fully ablative or micro-ablative laser treatments work to remove either the entire superficial and deeper skin layers (epidermis and dermis) or only the superficial skin cells (epidermis), fractional laser treatments work on both the surface and deep layers of the skin, often going even deeper into the dermis without removing all of the skin.
How Does Fractional Laser Resurfacing Work?
Fractional laser treatment delivers a laser beam divided into thousands of microthermal treatment zones (MTZ) that target a fraction of the skin at one time, hence the name “fractional” laser. Within each microthermal treatment zone, the laser destroys old, damaged cells and stimulates the remodelling of old collagen and the production of new collagen. Fractional laser treatment provides intensive treatment within a small area, leaving surrounding tissue unaffected.
Why Get Fractional Laser Treatment?
Fractional laser treatment can effectively treat both superficial and deep facial lines, wrinkles, and sun-damaged skin. Most of our patients who get resurfacing today will have at least some component of their treatment completed with fractional technology. This is due to the increased penetration made possible with fractional technology, the decreased downtime, and the overall increased safety profile of this newer technology. Similar to fully ablative and micro-ablative CO2 resurfacing, treatments with fractional devices can be precisely tailored to the objectives of the patient and the degree of damage to the tissue. Consequently, individual treatments can be less or more aggressive. Fractional CO2 laser may require several treatments, depending on your goals and how aggressive the treatment. As healing occurs, damaged tissue is replaced with new collagen and healthy new skin cell growth over time. Although results progress more slowly, most patients tolerate fractional laser treatment well, requiring less downtime than is usually associated with fully ablative CO2 laser resurfacing.
What is a Micro Peel/Micro-Laser Peel?
A micro-peel is a light or mild fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) resurfacing treatment with benefits similar to a mild to mid-depth chemical peel. The treatment allows for rapid healing and less downtime post-procedure. Usually, more than one treatment will be necessary to achieve more dramatic and long-lasting results. The treatment is gentler and more suitable for less severe cases of pigmentation or textural abnormalities. It provides the patient with the benefits of fractional resurfacing without the downtime associated with completely removing the damaged outer layer.
A micro-laser peel can be completed on its own to the entire face to improve skin tone and texture for individuals with mild to moderate sun damage or age-related skin changes. It can also be used in combination with full ablative resurfacing or aggressive fractional resurfacing when patients have a lot of wrinkles and sun or age-related damage to one or two areas of the face. Patients with significant wrinkles around the eyes or mouth but not much damage to the cheeks and forehead will benefit from full CO2 ablation around the eyes and mouth (or aggressive fractionated resurfacing) and a micro-laser peel to the rest of the face.
Patients will find both “laser treatments” and “laser peels” in the literature and online because these terms are used interchangeably. The wording of laser peels can result in some confusion with chemical peels. If the patient is considering a peel treatment, it is important that they are clear whether the peel is performed using a laser or a chemical, as the treatments are considerably different. Generally speaking, chemical peels can remove damaged surface skin; however, collagen remodelling and skin tightening are better accomplished using a laser resurfacing procedure (fully ablative or fractionated).
Dr. Lubitz has been using CO2 lasers (fully ablative, micro-ablative and fractional) for skin resurfacing for over 15 years and is recognized as one of Alberta’s most experienced CO2 laser operators. These procedures must be completed by or under the direct supervision of an accredited skin specialist, such as a dermatologist. A dermatologist is a medical professional comprehensively trained in skin disease, structure, and function. As medically trained professionals, they can determine and provide the best laser treatment for your particular skin problem safely and effectively. All patients considering a laser peel will receive a consultation before treatment. In your meeting, you will discuss whether laser treatment is the best option in your particular case, the treatment areas, and the degree of treatment needed to ensure desired results.
Art of SKIN Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery offers a wide range of fully customizable CO2 laser peels/resurfacing treatments for various skin conditions, degrees of skin damage and patient schedules. These treatments include:
- Microlaser peels
- Micro-ablative laser peels
- Fully ablative laser resurfacing
- Fractionated laser resurfacing
CO2 Laser Peels can be entirely customized and designed to suit your desired improvement, budget and schedule.
Laser Treatment for Veins
Spider veins (also known as telangiectasia or vascular ectasia) are small (0.5 to 1.0 mm), dilated, red or blue blood vessels that appear close to the skin’s surface. While they are common on the legs, they often appear on the face (especially around the nose and on the cheeks), in addition to the neck and chest. These small blue and red vessels can appear virtually anywhere on the body, and are more common in individuals with fairer skin types. Other factors include increasing age and exposure to extreme temperatures and environmental conditions.
In many cases, these blood vessels develop with no underlying medical condition. However, in some cases, spider veins can be associated with systemic disease (some very serious).
Patients with dilated or discernable blood vessels, particularly when located on the face and legs, would benefit from examination by a dermatologist. A dermatologist can help to determine the correct diagnosis and discuss the appropriate treatment options.
Treating increasing or unsightly blood vessels on the face or body is often done for cosmetic reasons. These small blood vessels are most commonly treated with laser or light energy devices. The choice of one laser over another depends on several factors, including size, pressure, location, and depth of the vessel being treated.
Patients with blood vessels on the lower extremities can treat them for cosmetic or medical reasons, often for both. Blood vessels can be unsightly, to the point of disfiguring in some cases, and can make a patient feel self-conscious, resulting in low self-esteem. From a medical perspective, damaged veins causing pain or fatigue can significantly decrease the quality of the patient’s life.
Patients may develop different types of blood vessels on the legs of different sizes and for different reasons. Some patients will develop increasing leg veins for genetic reasons or due to lifestyle or work-related habits, including crossing one’s legs or prolonged standing on a hard floor. Some vessels are associated with pregnancy, while others can be associated with various systemic conditions, such as venous hypertension. Of course, some can develop for no apparent reason at all.
While sclerotherapy is a very useful treatment for larger leg veins or veins on the back side of the hands, sclerotherapy is not commonly used on the face. Instead, laser therapy is more common in this area.
To learn more about sclerotherapy at Art of SKIN Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, click here. (link to sclerotherapy page)
When either a laser or light device is used, light energy is absorbed by the blood vessels and converted to heat, subsequently damaging the blood vessel walls in a controlled and specific fashion. The lymphatic system then absorbs and carries the damaged blood vessels, removing the discernible blood vessels from the skin.
Blood vessel treatment by laser and IPL (intense pulse light) only takes a short time, from 10 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of vessels and the size of the treatment area. Unlike Rosacea, which generally requires multiple treatments (i.e., 3 -5 sessions), patients with a solitary blood vessel or just a few blood vessels will often require only one or two treatments for complete resolution of the vessel. Laser treatment of blood vessels is completed quickly, with minimal discomfort. With the modern technology available at Art of SKIN Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, the downtime is minimal to none.
The results of laser therapy on individual blood vessels are commonly permanent. Depending on the individual patient, however, some degree of maintenance may be beneficial in cases where new vessels develop in the future.
At Art of SKIN Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, we have a variety of laser and light energy devices at our disposal, including:
- Cynergy PDL (Pulse Dye Laser – the established gold standard for blood vessel treatment), Cynergy Nd:YAG 1064 laser with Multiplex Technology
- Elite MPX Nd:YAG 1064 laser and IPL
- Palomar Icon IPL
- Alexandrite 755 nm laser with Multiplex technology for treating different sizes and types of blood vessels
This variety of laser and IPL devices gives us the most advanced technology on the market, allowing us to choose the safest and most effective technology for the patient and task.
If you have blood vessels on your body that you are bothered by, we encourage you to call Art of SKIN Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery for a consultation. Our experienced medical and cosmetic staff will advise you on your skin condition and inform you of your options to improve your skin in a way that suits your needs and schedule.
Laser vein therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a laser to seal off larger reticular veins, diverting blood flow to healthy veins. For leg vessels of 2 -3 mm, we use either the Elite MPX 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser or the Cynergy 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser. The procedure can be done quickly, usually in under an hour.
Patients with larger reticular or varicose veins (greater than 3 mm) usually have more effective results with sclerotherapy (including foam). Severe varicose veins can be treated with EVLA. Vein stripping is still done, but much less often, and involves physically pulling the damaged vessel out of the skin. This procedure requires anesthesia and is associated with more complications and downtime compared to the current alternatives.
At Art of SKIN Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, we have the medical and cosmetic expertise and the technology to safely and effectively treat any problems you may be experiencing with your veins. If you are concerned about your veins, please schedule a visit with us.
Note that new patients not previously seen at our centre and wishing to have a medical assessment of their veins by Dr. Lubitz (complete vascular assessment) will require a referral from their physician.
Laser Pigment Removal Therapy
As we age, and particularly if we enjoy a lot of outdoor activities, we may see the development of age spots or sunspots (medically known as solar lentigines), “liver spots” (a misnomer, as they are not related to the liver at all), and other signs of chronic sun damage on our skin. Age or sunspots usually appear on areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, shoulders, hands, arms and lower legs.
Many people may find these lesions unsightly, particularly on cosmetically sensitive areas like the face, neck, chest or hands. Laser pigment removal treatment is a fast and painless way of removing these age spots and sun damage for a more youthful and healthy appearance.
It is important to have a dermatologist examine and diagnose your pigmentation condition. A dermatologist is most qualified to recommend a treatment for your particular presentation and ensure the treatment is administered correctly.
A serious and potentially fatal type of skin cancer called melanoma can present as brown discolouration on the skin and requires prompt treatment. Failure to recognize the features of an abnormal mole or early melanoma by an unskilled medical professional can result in a missed diagnosis and drastic consequences for the patient.
For this reason, treatment of all pigmented lesions should be performed under the supervision of a dermatologist to ensure a correct diagnosis and treatment plan.
Light energy devices, including lasers and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) devices, are very effective in treating pigmentation on sun-damaged skin. Just one or two treatments with laser or IPL can safely and dramatically improve the appearance of your skin. The number of treatments, however, will be determined by the degree of damage present. Once the pigment has been removed, patients must use appropriate sun precautions to maximize the results of their treatments.
At Art of SKIN Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, we have a variety of the most advanced laser and IPL devices available. This allows us to customize your treatment and ensure the most effective results for your skin pigmentation problem. For the removal of pigmented lesions, we use the:
- Smartskin Co2 laser
- InMode 515nm
- InMode 580nm
- Revlite
These lasers deliver optimal wavelengths of light to safely and effectively remove unwanted pigmentation. The light targets the melanin in the age spots, which is then converted to heat, destroying the age spots. The cells containing the unwanted pigmentation are then shed, revealing the new, pigment-free, healthier-looking skin underneath.
The choice of one laser or light device over another will depend on various factors, including the type of pigmentation present, the patient’s type of skin, and the depth of pigmentation, to name a few.
Superficial pigmentation of the skin can be effectively removed using chemical peel procedures. We commonly use TCA chemical peels for patients with more widespread sun damage and pigmentation damage on the face, but they can also be very effective on the neck, chest, hands, and shoulders.
For more information on TCA Chemical Peels, click here. (link to TCA chemical peels under the Melasma Section)
If you have increased pigmentation on your face or anywhere else on your skin, we encourage you to call Art of SKIN Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery for a consultation. Our experienced medical and cosmetic staff will advise you of the options available to you to improve and reduce your particular pigmentation condition.
Patients may be required to have a medical assessment by Dr. Lubitz before any treatment. In this case, patients will require a referral from their physician for this medical consultation.
Poikiloderma of Civatte is a particular, although common, skin condition affecting males and females, usually occurring in more fair-skinned individuals. This condition results from chronic, unprotected UV exposure that causes the accumulation of both pigmentations and damaged blood vessels in the superficial layers of the skin, in conjunction with the deterioration of the collagen and elastin fibres in the skin.
It usually presents as patchy reddish-brown pigmentation on the sides of the neck, with distinct sparing of the skin under the chin. It can extend onto the face, chest, and arms.
In more severe cases, the affected skin will have a different texture, appearing like plucked chicken skin. Patients with this condition will often experience increased sensitivity of affected skin, to the point that the skin is constantly irritated by cotton shirt collars, sunscreen, colognes/perfumes and by shaving. Poikiloderma of Civatte will progress if not treated and can be unsightly.
It is essential to have a dermatologist diagnose Poikiloderma of Civatte as it can often appear to be another condition. Your dermatologist will also recommend the best treatment options and ensure that treatment is administered correctly.
This progressive, irritating, and noticeable skin condition can be safely and effectively treated with laser/light devices. However, in contrast to treating brown-pigmented lesions, such as solar lentigines (see above) or blood vessels and redness (see Rosacea), the effective treatment of Poikiloderma requires the simultaneous treatment of both brown pigmentation and increased vascularity (blood vessels).
At Art of SKIN Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, we have the laser and light devices necessary to safely and effectively treat Poikiloderma of Civatte. In addition to other factors, the degree of pigmentation and vascularity of each individual will determine which device is used for treatment. As this condition combines pigmentation and vascularity abnormality, combination therapy is often required with IPL and laser devices, utilizing different wavelengths and energies to address the problem.
If you have noticed pigmentation changes to your skin or have been diagnosed with Poikiloderma, we encourage you to call Art of SKIN Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery for a consultation. Our experienced medical and cosmetic staff will advise you on treatment options to improve and reduce your pigmentation condition.
Laser Hair Reduction
Excessive hair growth occurs for many reasons, such as hypertrichosis, which refers to excessive hair growth for an individual’s age, gender or race, or medical reasons, such as hormonal imbalances associated with hirsutism (i.e., male patterns of hair growth in a woman).
Men and women of any age can have unwanted, excessive hair. Facial hair on a woman or excessive body hair on either a man or woman may negatively impact a person’s self-esteem and self-confidence.
If you have excessive hair growth on any area of the body (including the face), it is essential to have a dermatologist diagnose your hair condition to rule out medical causes for the hair growth. Your dermatologist will also recommend the appropriate treatment and ensure that the treatment is administered correctly.
Excessive or unwanted hair can be easily removed without constant shaving, plucking, waxing or rolling. Laser Hair Removal is one of the safest and most effective ways to remove unwanted hair for both men and women permanently.
At Art of SKIN Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, we use a variety of state-of-the-art laser and light energy devices for hair reduction, including:
- Triton Light & Dark
Laser/IPL hair removal is a safe and effective technique that deactivates hair follicles with minimal stress on the skin. When appropriately used by or under the guidance of a skin specialist, such as a dermatologist, it’s a safe and effective hair removal technique for most skin and hair types.
You don’t have to be bothered by unwanted hair any longer. Call Art of SKIN Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery for a consultation. We will assess your skin type and suitability for hair removal treatment. We will discuss your options and develop the best permanent hair removal plan for you.
Patients may be required to have a medical assessment of their hair growth condition with Dr. Lubitz before any laser treatment. If Dr. Lubitz suspects a potential medical cause for their hair growth, patients will need a referral from their physician for a medical consultation.
Tattoo Removal
Say goodbye to tattoo regret with laser tattoo removal. If you have an unwanted tattoo or are simply looking to “clean up your canvas” for a more elaborate one, we can give you your desired results! Laser tattoo removal is a proven, effective, long-term solution for eliminating tattoo ink, and our laser treats all colours!
How it works: Laser energy is gently applied to the skin over the tattooed area. The laser shatters each ink particle into smaller particles that can be eliminated through your body’s natural process. Through a series of treatments, the tattoo will fade and ultimately disappear.
You may notice an immediate fading; however, tattoo removal will occur in several treatments. The number of treatments depends on the ink’s colour and density, the tattoo’s age, the location on your body, and the depth of pigmentation.
Treatment plans can be adjusted to fit everyone’s lifestyle – schedule a consultation today, and we can review your goals and expectations. At Art of SKIN we use a variety of state-of-the-art laser and light energy devices for hair reduction, including:
- Revlite
- Qswitch
Don’t be held back by unwanted ink. Schedule your first treatment today!
Laser Treatments for
Acne Scarring
It is very important that patients understand that not all scars are the same, and similarly, not all lasers are the same or can do the same things. Different lasers are designed to accomplish various tasks. Some lasers are effective in removing redness or brown spots, while others are effective in smoothing the skin or flattening out thickened scars. A scar must be appropriately assessed, and subsequently, the appropriate laser must be chosen to accomplish the desired result.
At Art of SKIN Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, we utilize multiple lasers (i.e., CO2, PDL, YAG, Alex, IPL) to address the different components of acne scars properly and to maximize the potential for successful acne scar treatment.
At Art of SKIN Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, we use the Cynosure CO2 Smartskin fractional laser treatment system for safe, permanent acne scar improvement. CO2 laser resurfacing has been the gold standard for improving acne scarring for over two decades. With the advent of fractional resurfacing, the procedure’s predictability, safety and downtime have been greatly improved.
The Cynosure Smartskin CO2 is a fractional laser resurfacing treatment system – one of the most advanced skin resurfacing treatments currently available.
The fractional laser works by causing carefully controlled micro-damage to tissue. Your body naturally replaces the damaged tissue with new tissue, generating new collagen and new skin cells. Unlike chemical peels and earlier fully ablative lasers, this treatment does not remove the top layer of the skin in its entirety.
The Cynosure SmartSkin treatment can be tailored to the needs of each patient. For patients requiring a minimally invasive procedure, the laser can be used to remove only a superficial layer of mild scarring while promoting cellular re-organization within scarred tissues and new collagen growth. For a more aggressive treatment, the laser can be used to remove the most deep and well established deforming scars.
Superficial treatment requires little downtime. You may experience some short-term redness, which should reduce within 48 hours. Deeper, more severe scars can be effectively treated, but the downtime will be a few days or more, sometimes lasting up to one or two weeks. The improvement seen in scarring when treated with CO2 resurfacing is permanent.
The first improvements seen are in skin tone and texture. Over time, new collagen is generated to fill in depressions in the skin. Long-term results include smoother skin with a more even contour and texture.
Some scars are red or brown but are not raised or depressed. These scars respond most successfully with vascular or pigmentation lasers, such as the PDL, YAG, IPL or the Alex. These lasers specifically target a predetermined structure in the skin, such as unwanted blood vessels or pigment within the scar, and can remove the targeted structure leaving surrounding structures untouched.
Fortunately for the patient, these advanced laser technologies are available at Art of SKIN Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery. The laser most suited for your particular scarring situation will be used in your treatment.
At Art of SKIN, we use a number of state of the art lasers to reduce acne scarring. Some of which include:
- Infini
- Morpheus8
- Elite ND:YAG 1064
- Cynergy PDL
- ND:YAG 1064
Laser Treatment for Rosacea
Rosacea is a common, troublesome skin condition that is characterized by a variety of features:
- Facial redness, most commonly on the nose, cheeks and chin
- Increasing dilated facial blood vessels
- Skin sensitivity (easily irritated by a wide variety of chemicals and substances)
- Varying degrees of inflammation of the skin glands that can look like acne
- Soft tissue enlargement, which can result in deformity of the nose, the cheeks and the chin (see Rosacea under medical conditions for more information)
- Inflammation, itchiness and burning of the eyes
If rosacea is left untreated, it will worsen over time, become more resistant to treatment and will increase in morbidity (discomfort, pain, sensitivity, acne-like lesions etc). It is important to have a dermatologist diagnose rosacea, as it can often appear to be another condition. A dermatologist will recommend an appropriate treatment for you and ensure it is administered correctly.
Rosacea is an example of a skin condition with medical and cosmetic components. Most patients with rosacea will seek treatment for the redness and dilated blood that can lead to embarrassment, increased self-consciousness, and decreased self-esteem. While the acne component of rosacea will respond to medicated creams and oral antibiotics, at least temporarily, the redness, dilated blood vessels, and skin sensitivity respond best to laser therapy.
Recent advances in laser technology bring several new and effective treatments for rosacea. Both true laser and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) devices have been proven effective in improving the appearance of rosacea.
When a laser or light device is used, light is absorbed by the blood vessels and converted to heat, which damages the blood vessel walls. The lymphatic system then absorbs and carries away the damaged blood vessels, removing the redness and discernible blood vessels associated with Rosacea from the skin.
Laser or light therapy can also improve both the acne and sensitivity components of rosacea by reducing blood flow to the irritable glands and reducing the sensitized nerves that are with the dilated blood vessels.
Rosacea treatment by laser and IPL takes only a short time, from 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. It will generally take more than one treatment to achieve a significant reduction of redness, contingent on the degree of redness present; however, in most cases, improvement is noted after each treatment session.
Treatment discomfort and downtime are minimal but do depend on the degree of the rosacea and the particular patient. In most cases, with modern technology, treatment can be completed without any skin bruising. This is a huge improvement from previous lasers, where patients used to get blue-black bruises that would last for several weeks.
The results of laser/light rosacea therapy are permanent. However, some maintenance therapy is beneficial or required, as new vessels can develop.
Dr. Lubitz, as a Board Certified Dermatologist, has a special interest in rosacea and has been effectively treating this condition for over 15 years. If you have rosacea, you don’t have to live with facial redness, dilated blood vessels, acne and skin sensitivity.
At Art of SKIN Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, we have a variety of laser and light energy devices to treat rosacea:
- Cynergy PDL (Pulse Dye Laser – the established gold standard for blood vessel treatment)
- Cynergy Nd:YAG 1064 laser with Multiplex Technology
These laser and IPL devices give us the most advanced technology available, allowing us to achieve the safest and most effective results possible for our patients.
Before having any treatment for rosacea, the proper diagnosis must be made. Several other skin conditions, such as Lupus, can mimic rosacea. We recommended that patients who might have rosacea be examined by a Dermatologist. A Dermatologist is a professionally trained skin specialist who can diagnose rosacea, educate the patient on available treatment options, and provide the most effective and safe treatment.
If you have rosacea, we encourage you to call Art of SKIN Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery for a consultation. Our experienced medical and cosmetic staff will be able to advise you on your available options for reducing your rosacea condition.
Photo Rejuvenation
As we age, we all begin to see changes to our skin on the face, neck, chest, back of the hands, and forearms. Photo Rejuvenation treats:
- Visible signs of sun damage
- Uneven pigmentation
- Age spots
- Redness
- Dilated vessels
- Wrinkles
- Enlarged pores
- A “dull” or “tired” appearance to the skin that might make the skin look more yellow, pale or a grey colour
Rejuvenating the skin with laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) can effectively treat many or all of these imperfections simultaneously. Advanced photo-rejuvenation allows for a noticeable improvement in the appearance of your skin with little or no discomfort or downtime. While many patients will see an improvement after a single treatment, in most cases, several treatments will be required to achieve the desired result, depending on the particular condition being treated.
At Art of SKIN Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, we have the advantage of using several different technologies:
- The Elite MPX 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser
- The Cynergy PDL
- The Cynergy Nd:YAG also with multiplexing capabilities, all for photo-rejuvenation
- Lumecca 580nm
- Lumecca 515nm
These diverse technologies benefit our patients because we can specifically tailor treatments to each patient and provide the best results possible for your particular skin condition.
These lasers and IPL deliver optimal wavelengths of light to the skin to remove both vascular (relating to the blood vessels) and pigment lesions and to improve some skin textural problems.
Vascular and pigmented lesions will gradually disappear after photo rejuvenation treatment as your body’s natural healing process progresses. Throughout treatment, you will see a decrease in redness, brown-coloured skin lesions will lessen or disappear completely, and your sun-damaged skin will become smoother with less textural irregularity. Fine lines and wrinkles can also be reduced; however, not as much as with a resurfacing laser (see above).
A photo rejuvenation procedure takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the treatment area. You may feel mild discomfort, and your skin may appear red immediately after treatment, but this will be only for a short time.
You will notice an improvement after your first treatment and will continue to see improvements with each succeeding treatment. Most patients require from 3 to 5 treatments for best results, a minimum of 1 month apart.
All patients considering a photo rejuvenation treatment will receive a consultation before treatment. During this consultation, you will see whether photo rejuvenation is the best treatment option for you,, the areas to be treated, and the degree of treatment needed to ensure that you achieve desired results.
As each of the above treatments are very different in terms of principles of treatment, the ideal candidate, expected downtime, and results, please refer to the individual sections on this website for more information.