Laser Genesis is the latest in technological innovations for skin rejuvenation, a medical procedure effective for softening wrinkles, reducing dark spots, healing acne scars, making large pores appear less visible,  and reducing fine lines around the delicate eye area.

Let’s take a deeper look at Laser Genesis.

What are the Benefits of Laser Genesis?

Laser Genesis effectively heals scarring caused by acne, surgery, or burns and redness and broken blood vessels caused by rosacea and simultaneously erases fine lines, reduces the appearance of deep wrinkles, evens texture, reduces pores, and eliminates age spots. The icing on the cake is the boost of radiance and firmness Laser Genesis gives the skin by stimulating collagen production. Laser Genesis can be used to treat any part of the body; however, it is predominantly used on the face, neck, chest, and hands.

How Does Laser Genesis Work?

Laser Genesis is a non-ablative laser used to treat the dermis – the middle layer of skin. The basic difference between ablative and non-ablative treatments is that ablative lasers remove the top layer of skin, while non-ablative lasers work by heating the underlying skin tissue without harming the surface, allowing the body to naturally produce new collagen  And Laser Genesis does not wound the skin. Instead, it works by penetrating the top layer of skin and delivering thousands of micro-pulses of light to the dermis. The warming action shrinks blood vessels, breaks down scar tissue, and stimulates collagen production, leaving skin free of scars, broken blood vessels, and redness.

What to Expect on the Day of Treatment 

On the day of treatment,  you can expect an easy, pain-free, and surprisingly relaxing hour at the doctor’s office. The treatment area will be cleaned to ensure your skin is free of any lotions or makeup, and eye protection will be placed over your eyes to protect them from the laser.  

An experienced technician will move the Laser Genesis wand over the affected area in a continuous and repetitive motion. While the wand is moving over your skin, you may feel a slight warming sensation. Some patients say it feels like a relaxing massage. After 20-30 minutes, your treatment is complete. Sunscreen will be applied to protect the newly treated skin from the sun. Now you are free to return to your busy schedule with zero downtime!

What are the Benefits of Laser Genesis?

Laser Genesis simultaneously restores and rejuvenates the skin with results that include:

• Removal of scars – Laser Genesis gives new hope to patients who thought they would have to live with their scars forever.
• Relief from severe redness (also known as rosacea) – For patients that have tried to conceal their rosacea with topical treatments and makeup for years without success, Laser Genesis makes the worries, embarrassment, and stress go away by eliminating the constant need to cover up, decreasing redness, eliminating broken blood vessels, and restoring an even coloration to the skin.
• Rejuvenating boost of collagen – As we age, our skin begins to decrease its production of collagen. The lack of collagen gives our skin a lackluster, saggy, aging appearance. But Laser Genesis counteracts the aging process by stimulating the body’s natural ability to produce collagen and promoting cell renewal within the dermis. The result is a reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, pore size, and irregular texture.

When Will I See the Results?

While a minimum of three sessions is typically recommended, with optimal results being achieved after ten visits, treatment plans vary by patient based on the size of the treatment area and severity of their skin concerns. Most patients notice gradual, cumulative results over the course of their treatment plan. At your consultation, Dr. Beldholm or one of his trained Laser Genesis skin experts will assess your skin and determine the number of treatments that will give you the results you desire.

Once your treatment plan is determined, you will return every four weeks. While results for the treatment of scars are considered permanent, yearly follow-up treatments are recommended yearly for patients with rosacea and broken blood vessels to maintain optimal benefits. As with most treatments, the long-term results of Laser Genesis vary by patient, the extent of the skin’s damage, and how well the patient cares for their skin. Wearing sunscreen, following a daily skin care regimen, exercising, eating well, consuming minimal alcohol, and avoiding exposure to pollution and cigarette smoke (both first and second-hand) will help with the treatment’s long-term effectiveness and allow for the amount of time between treatments to be extended.

Are There Side Effects?

Unlike traditional laser treatments, Laser Genesis treats and rejuvenates the skin from beneath the surface, which means that the top layer, or epidermis, is not injured during the procedure. The most commonly reported side effect is mild, temporary redness of the treatment area, but this will resolve as your skin begins to heal.

How Much Does it Cost?

The cost of Laser Genesis varies by patient, depending on the size, severity, and the number of areas affected. Doctor Beldholm and his experienced staff will assess your skin, make a recommendation on the number of treatments needed to achieve the desired results, and advise you on the cost of your treatment plan at your consultation.

Is Laser Genesis Right For Me?

Just about anyone is a good candidate for Laser Genesis. Most patients choose Laser Genesis to eliminate acne scars, burns, enlarged pores, rosacea, or broken capillaries. We must caution that people with autoimmune diseases, active cystic acne, or who have used or are currently using certain medications to treat acne may want to consider alternative treatments. 

If you want to refresh, repair and rejuvenate damaged or problem skin, call Specialist Skin Solutions today to schedule a consultation. You’re just a few sessions away from having scar-free, rosacea-free, glowing skin at last!

Want to know more about how Laser Genesis compares to similar treatments? Contact us today!

The post Laser Focused: Scientifically Proven Laser Genesis Targets Rosacea, Broken Capillaries, Wrinkles, and Acne Scars Painlessly, Permanently, and Safely appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.

Acne breakouts are frustrating enough when you’re young, but adult acne and the scars it leaves behind can last long after the teenage years have passed. And these marks don’t just look unattractive, the damage can also be unseen. 

The psychological effects that severe acne sufferers face while in active breakout mode can be compounded exponentially when the resulting scars act as daily reminders of the anguish, embarrassment, and isolation that a face full of pimples can cause.

The good news is that acne scars can finally be reduced or even erased with the help of some of the latest medical skincare technologies.

What causes acne scars?

We’re all guilty of picking at our zits or popping pimples—and the red, oozy, “made-it-worse visual outcome is almost always a reminder of why it’s best to resist the urge.

But, even when you do keep your hands off your face, sometimes a scar will still be left behind. While acne often makes its presence known above the skin, the reason it leaves scarring behind has more to do with what’s happening underneath the skin.

Whether there’s scarring and how exactly it presents depends on your skin type and the extent of the damage. Scars are formed when a breakout penetrates the skin deeply,  resulting in trauma to the skin tissue.  

Before treating acne scars, it’s important to know what type they are because every type responds differently to treatment, and some treatments are better for particular types than others.

Types of Acne Scars

• Discolouration/Hyperpigmentation: This type of scar is usually flat and happens when the skin remains darker after a blemish has healed. The purple, red, or brown marks can fade over a few months on their own and are more easily erased by serums and less-invasive treatments. 
• Atrophic/depressed/indentation scars:  A depressed scar that sits below the surrounding skin, an atrophic scar is formed when not enough collagen is made while the wound is healing, leaving an indentation in the skin. These scars are more challenging, though not impossible, to erase.

Three types of atrophic scars 

Boxcar

Wide, U-shaped scars with sharp edges, boxcar scars can be shallow or deep. The shallower they are, the better they respond to skin resurfacing treatments. 

Ice pick

Narrow, V-shaped scars that can go deep into the skin, ice pick scars. Similar to a chickenpox scar, these scars can look like small round or oval holes. Because they can extend far under the surface of the skin, ice-pick scars can be the most difficult scars to treat. 

Rolling

Wide depressions with rounded edges, rolling scars have an irregular, rolling appearance.

Hypertrophic or raised acne scars

Most common with chest and back acne, hypertrophic scars stand above the surface of the surrounding skin and are caused by too much collagen during healing.

Treatment for Acne Scars

Before treating acne scars, it’s important for patients to be seen by a dermatologist or a healthcare professional who will help them determine the type of scars, the best treatment method(s) to reduce the appearance of the scars and evaluate whether the marks presented on the skin are actually acne scars and not the symptom of another condition.

Some acne scar treatments below can’t be used alongside topical acne medications because the inflammation caused by the breakouts can reduce treatment effectiveness and new breakouts can lead to new acne scars. For this reason, it is highly recommended that the acne itself be treated before acne scar treatments begin.

Topical Treatments 

Alpha hydroxy acids

Best for more moderate types of acne scars

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which are often found in products made to treat acne, this mild acid exfoliates the outer layer of the skin to help remove discolouration and rough skin and make acne scars appear less noticeable. 

Lactic acid

Best for most types of moderate acne scars

Lactic acid peels done once every 2 weeks for 3 months improved the texture, appearance, and pigmentation of the skin and lighten acne scars.

There are countless peels, serums, and ointments with lactic acid, but you can also use diluted apple cider vinegar as a toner or spot treatment thanks to its natural lactic acid. But apple cider, as well as other at-home treatments, are potentially harsh on sensitive skin. They should always be tested on a small area of the skin before starting treatment with the product. 

If the skin is sensitive and the product is applied, there’s potential for inflammation and irritation, which can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Retinoids

Best for atrophic or depressed scars

Topical retinoids are another acne treatment with scar-smoothing benefits. In addition to speeding up your cell regeneration and improving your skin’s texture, retinoids can also help reduce discolouration and make scars less noticeable.

Because retinoids can make the skin especially sensitive to the sun, it is highly suggested that patients always wear sunscreen daily when using any product that contains retinoids.

Lower-concentration retinoid creams and serums are available over the counter, but a healthcare professional can prescribe products with higher concentrations.  

Salicylic acid

Best for all mild acne scars

From pads to spot treatments and lotions to face cleansers,  salicylic acid is present in just about every kind of acne treatment these days.

Salicylic acid, which works to clear pores, reduce swelling and redness, and exfoliate the skin when applied topically, is considered to be one of the better treatments for mild acne scars. 

Sunscreen

Best for preventing and reducing all acne scars

To make scars less apparent and not get worse, sunscreen should be applied every day over scars.  

If at-home treatments don’t seem to be making a difference, a skin care specialist or healthcare professional can help with more aggressive and effective treatments.

Treatments for Deeper and More Severe Scars

Laser Genesis

Best for all types of acne scars, especially deeper scars

Laser Genesis permanently removes acne scars and simultaneously restores and rejuvenates the skin. A non-invasive, painless procedure, Laser Genesis effectively heals scarring caused by acne, surgery, or burns, while also reducing the appearance of deep wrinkles, evens texture, reducing pores, and eliminating age spots. The icing on the cake is the boost of radiance and firmness Laser Genesis gives the skin by stimulating collagen production. Laser Genesis can be used to treat any part of the body; however, it is predominantly used on the face, neck, chest, and hands.

Laser Genesis does not wound the skin. Instead, it works by penetrating the top layer of skin and delivering thousands of micro-pulses of light to the dermis. The warming action shrinks blood vessels, breaks down scar tissue, and stimulates collagen production, leaving skin free of scars, broken blood vessels, and redness.

Unlike traditional laser treatments, Laser Genesis treats and rejuvenates the skin from beneath the surface, which means that the top layer, or epidermis, is not injured during the procedure. The most commonly reported side effect is mild, temporary redness of the treatment area, but this will resolve as your skin begins to heal.

Just about anyone is a good candidate for Laser Genesis. If you want to know more about how Laser Genesis compares to similar treatments, call Specialist Skin Solutions today to schedule a consultation. You’re just a few sessions away from having scar-free skin at last!

Dermabrasion

Best for scars close to the surface like shallow boxcar or rolling scars and helps deeper scars become less noticeable

Dermabrasion is one of the most effective and common treatments for facial scars. While it uses the same general principle as the microdermabrasion kits you can do at home, healthcare professionals use tools to exfoliate the top layer of the skin.

Chemical peels

Best for all types of acne scars, often used for deeper scars

Not the kind of face masks that you wear during a great Netflix movie, a chemical peel is a strong acid that’s used to remove the top layer of the skin to reduce deeper scars. 

Some chemical peels are mild enough to be used at home, but a healthcare professional can provide a stronger solution with more dramatic results. 

Fillers

Best for all types of acne scars, often used for deeper scars

Dermal Fillers are an injectable gel, generally made from collagen or hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance produced by the body that attracts and binds water.

When injected into the skin, dermal fillers restore volume, soften and fill lines, and are highly effective in eradicating acne scars, even the deeper types. When injected into the acne scar, dermal fillers work by expanding the tissue beneath the area, plumping up and smoothing depressed scars, producing a subtle, natural look that can last *6 to 18 months.

Microneedling

Best for: depressed acne scars

This newer treatment uses a small, handheld, needle-studded roller or a handheld “pen” on the surface of the scars. The needles puncture the skin without going through it. As the skin heals, it produces collagen.

Take away

Acne scars can be frustrating, annoying, and even psychologically damaging, but these days you don’t have to suffer in silence. Though most deep acne scars are permanent, a healthcare provider can help you find the right treatment plan for you. 

If you want to erase or reduce acne scars once and for all, call Specialist Skin Solutions today to schedule a consultation. You’re just a few sessions away from having scar-free, smooth, glowing skin. Want to know more about how our various treatments compare to similar treatments? Contact us today!

The post Adults Only: How to Erase Acne Scars at Any Age appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.

Curious about whether HydraFacials live up to all the hype?  In this week’s blog, we’ll explain all about how HydraFacials work, potential results you can expect, and how they compare to and complement other treatments.

According to Allure magazine, a HydraFacial is performed every 15 seconds in the world, which amounts to essentially 2 million treatments given globally in just one year. That’s more than twice the total number of muscle relaxant injections.

Taking the aesthetic world by storm because of its versatility, safety and the results, hydrafacials use a medical-grade hydradermabrasion.Rather than blasting the skin with grit, like traditional dermabrasion,  hydradermabrasion takes a gentler approach. Instead of using crystals to blast the top layer of your skin off, it uses water (hence the name) for a gentler experience.  Using an all-in-one handpiece that holds patented spiralized treatment tips equipped with vortex technology, a whirling force simultaneously gives, adding potent serums that moisturize the skin and takes away, removing dirt from the pores to brighten, plump, and protect the skin. From teen and adult acne to wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, HydraFacials work to address a wide variety of concerns. Beyond the standard three steps, there are also  targeted add-ons that take aim at unique skin concerns like brown spots or fine lines.

HydraFacials Step-by-Step

Step One: Cleanse, Peel, Exfoliate

The first step is manually cleansing the  skin. This ensures the facial begins on a clean and smooth slate. Next, the Vortex machine delivers a stream of water to break up the top layer of dead skin cells. The same nozzle will lift those cells and any debris away from the skin.

A chemical peel solution is then delivered. This exfoliates on a deeper level without the stinging and redness usually associated with a chemical peel. Once your skin is clean and exfoliated and the chemical peel has been delivered,  your pores are clean and your skin is already softer.

Step Two: Extract & Hydrate

Everyone loves the feeling of ridding our pores of all the gook and dirt that builds up over time, but noone likes the pain that is associated with the process. The good news is,  extractions made with the Vortex-Extraction tool are painless and made easier by a debris-loosening formula delivered during the process. 

Now that your pores are clean and softened, the Vortex technology infuses your skin with intense moisturizer delivered deep into the epidermis.

Step Three: Fuse & Protect

This is the really nourishing step. After removing all the dirt, sucking out the debris, and exfoliating the dead skin cells, your skin will be bombarded with antioxidants and peptides that heal, soothe and protect it. 

An infusion of hyaluronic acid, a sugar your body naturally produces to keep the skin hydrated, attracts and retains moisture. The infusion during this step works to keep your results lasting for a good  long time.

Benefits of a HydraFacial 

There are a lot of reasons to give your skin the gift of a HydraFacial. It’s The most versatile facial available, hydrafacials are perfect for early twenty-somethings, and premenopausal, perimenopausal, and post-menopausals.

The key benefits of HydraFacial are:

• Gently exfoliates dead skin cells
• Gently peels to reveal brighter skin without damage
• Hydrates
• Gently extracts pores
• Infuses nourishing serums to soothe and protect skin
• Addresses specific concerns, including:
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Uneven tone and texture
  • Dull complexion
  • Brown spots
  • Oily and acne-prone skin
  • Enlarged pores and blackheads
  • Mild skin laxity

More Reasons to Try a HydraFacial Today!

Lasting results

How long you enjoy your results depends on how well you take care of your skin after the treatment. You will immediately notice a brighter and clearer complexion. Other results, like firmer skin and a softening of fine lines, will appear gradually, with most people reaping the rewards for close to a month. 

We recommended getting a HydraFacial every six to eight weeks to keep your results seamless, but our team of skin care specialists will recommend the best schedule for you.

Consistent and reliable

Whether you get Hydra-ed at a fancy NYC plastic surgeon’s office or at suburban strip-mall medspa, the experience and results are super-consistent. 

Not as technician-dependent as other kinds of facials, HydraFacials can be relied upon to deliver consistent results time and time again.  

Side-effect free

Have you ever asked the facialist to skip the extractions for fear of next-day eruptions or pain?  HydraFacials are much gentler than traditional facials, another reason for their popularity.  Combining the best of both worlds, from highly effective power treatments like microdermabrasion and chemical peels with a relaxing, feel-good experience, hydrafacials are never painful and highly effective. By combining vortex pressure with a clog-purging solution of salicylic acid, willow bark extract, and anti-inflammatory Tasmanian pepper, the device suctions soot and gook from the pores  (no squeezing required).  

Instant gratification with zero downtime

HydraFacials are more than a basic  facial, but less than a laser treatment, with little to no-downtime, the payoff is immediately apparent. Hydrafacials improve texture and tone and help conditions like acne, without any residual irritation or peeling. Even better is the tool’s unparalleled radiance-imparting properties that produce a healthy glow, which is what makes it so highly requested before red-carpet events and weddings.

Plays Well With Others

Another bonus to this treatment is  how personalized you can make it. There are add-ons available, each one coming with its own set of  benefits. If you’d like to know more about combining treatments, contact Specialist Skin Solutions today for a consultation.

Muscle Relaxing Injections

If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of expression lines or dynamic wrinkles, Muscle Relaxing Injections are  the number one cosmetic treatment in the world because they work! Made from a purified protein, muscle relaxing injections are neuromodulators, meaning they work by blocking the signal from a nerve from reaching a muscle.

See our blog post, Muscle Relaxant Injections for Excessive Sweating in the Armpits, Palms, and Feet for detailed information about this treatment.

Dermal Therapy

Dermal Therapy is a branch of health services that focuses on the aesthetic improvement of skin concerns and conditions such as ageing, rosacea, melasma, sun damage, open pores, scarring, hormonal or adult acne and barrier impairment. A group of injectables that give instant volume to areas of the face, including lips, Dermal Fillers can address concerns from fine lines to deep wrinkles. Extremely versatile, dermal fillers can address: 

• Nasolabial folds
• Marionette lines
• Chin wrinkles
• Vertical lines around lips
• Areas of lost volume
• Thinning lips
• Crow’s feet
• Asymmetry in nose and chin
• Jowls

If you’re struggling with a dull complexion and are ready to see brighter, clearer and more youthful skin when you look in the mirror, don’t hesitate any longer. Call Specialist Skin Solutions to book an appointment. We’re dedicated to helping each of our clients feel their best by bringing out  your natural beauty and love the skin you’re in. We look forward to speaking with you!

If you have specific questions, call us 02-4934-1700. We look forward to hearing from you!

The post Experience the Magic of the HydraFacial Wand: Non-invasive Professional Treatment that Deep-cleans, Exfoliates, and Hydrates appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.