Brown Spots / Pigmentation / Sun Damage

MICRODERMABRASION

Solution for: Scars, fine lines, pigmentation issues, melasma, etc. Microdermabrasion is an effective non-invasive and non-chemical procedure that can heal minor skin issues such as fine lines, mild scars and uneven skin tone. The microdermabrasion process involves buffing and suctioning off dead skin cells using a stream of fine crystals, revealing fresh, polished skin. Microdermabrasion does not involve much down time. No consultation is needed prior to this procedure. Microdermabrasions can be combined with a light chemical peel.

IPL THERAPY – INTENSE PULSED LIGHT THERAPY or PHOTOREJUVENATION

Solution for: Scars/Stretch Marks; Brown Spots/Pigmentation/Sun Damage; Rosacea; Large pores; Spider veins; fine lines, wrinkles What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)? IPL devices use multiple wavelengths of light to treat sun-induced changes on the face, including brown pigmentation, age spots and broken blood vessels. IPL is also used to treat the facial changes of rosacea, including redness and broken blood vessels. IPL may be used for these changes on the hands, neck and chest as well. It is safe, non-invasive and is tailored to the individual patient’s skin. Is IPL painful? When the pulses of light are applied to the skin, patients feel some stinging, similar in sensation to the snapping of a small rubber band against the skin. We therefore have our patients apply an anesthetic cream to the area at home or in the office 30-60 minutes prior to the procedure. How is IPL performed? The treatment area is cleansed.  A cool gel is applied to the area being treated. Dark glasses are worn to protect the patient’s eyes from the light. With the patient in a comfortable, relaxed position, the IPL handpiece is gently applied to the skin and light pulses are applied. Treatments usually take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on which area is being treated. How many treatments will I need? In general patients have a series of three to six treatments, approximately one month apart. How will I look after each treatment? Most patients experience a few days of redness and possible pinpoint bruising after the IPL procedure. Some brown spots may appear darker for a few days,  then peel off. You can apply makeup immediately after IPL treatment if necessary. What is my skincare before and after IPL treatment? It is imperative that the area being treated is not tan the day of the procedure.  Other areas on the body can be tan but not the treatment site. Afterwards, it is important to protect your skin from the sun using a sunscreen daily. You should use a sensitive skin cleanser and moisturizer for about a week, then you can resume your normal skin care routine. How long does the improvement in the skin last? We like to say, you ‘turn the clock back’ with this type of procedure, but the clock keeps ticking!   Most people complete a series monthly treatments and then return for a maintenance treatment once or twice a year.

CHEMICAL PEEL

Solution for: Brown Spots/Pigmentation/Sun Damage; Melasma/Freckles; wrinkles and fine lines; scarring This is an effective treatment using an acid solution that involves going deeper into the skin’s layers. Chemical peels treat pigmentation issues, fine lines, scarring, and acne. Chemical peels can also help stimulate collagen fibers and promote cell growth. Chemical peels vary in levels based on current and past skin issues. There IS down time after each treatment, depending on acid level. This treatment will involve some peeling of dead skin. Avoid direct sun exposure and use cold water/ice to ease any sensitivity. Chemical peels can be combined with microdermabrasion (direct link to ‘microdermabrasion’) Our professional team Read more about the benefits of chemical peels HERE. A consultation is required before a first-time chemical peel treatment. This consultation is complimentary.

SKIN LIGHTENING

What is skin lightening? Our skin lightening program involves a series of intravenous injections full of potent antioxidants that result in lighter and more luminous skin. The injections are a mixture of the powerful antioxidants Glutathione and Vitamin C. By combining these potent antioxidants and delivering them through an injection, their effects are delivered straight to the areas of concern, revealing lighter and more luminous skin over the course of the treatment.

Glutathione is the most powerful antioxidant that is present in the body and is known as the “master antioxidant”. Antioxidants are nutrients (vitamins and minerals) as well as enzymes that are believed to play a role in preventing the development of such chronic diseases as cancer, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes. Glutathione is a substance produced naturally by the liver. It is found in fruits, vegetables and meats and is involved in many processes in the body, including tissue building and repair and boosting the immune system. Glutathione also causes skin lightening by converting melanin to a lighter color and deactivating the enzyme tyrosinase, which helps produce the pigment.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant and is essential for the formation and stabilization of collagen and elastin. Vitamin C’s important role in collagen production has made it a popular part of effective skin care regimens designed for skin clearing and antiaging. Who would benefit from skin lightening? Skin lightening treatments are effective on melasma, hyperpigmented and acne prone/ scarred skin. It also effectively controls acne, so clients will experience a marked improvement in breakouts and skin texture. Is IV Glutathione and vitamin C treatment safe? Yes, IV Glutathione and vitamin C is safe. It is natural and already present in our body. At our treatment doses, no adverse side effects have been seen. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation on the internet suggesting undesirable risks like infections, kidney and thyroid issues which are seen at dangerous doses of these antioxidants or administered by non licensed individuals. This treatment is safe when it is delivered by a registered nurse or physician. Additionally, While most experts say that controlled amounts of glutathione are not harmful, it is important for you to disclose your medical history before starting the course.

Here is list of those who may not be candidates for intravenous skin lightening treatments:

  • History of allergic reactions or sensitivity to glutathione
  • Patients that have  Stevens Johnson Syndrome.
  • Vitiligo patients

How often do I have to do treatments to see results? A minimum of 15 IV Glutathione treatments are recommended to see results. The treatments are scheduled one week apart or can be performed twice a week if the patient’s schedule permits. Are the results permanent? Results can be largely maintained with limiting sun exposure and a skin care regimen that includes vitamin C. Some patients return for a maintenance injection monthly or a short course annually. For skin care we recommend maintaining results with the Renew MD Skin brightening kit which will further support collagen production and prevent hyperpigmentation. Every patient’s skin challenges and goals are different, which is why our patients get a complimentary consultation with the physician before starting the program and towards the end of the treatments. This allows the physician to track your progress and recommend ways to optimize results after treatment completion. I am scared of injections. Can I still get treated? We frequently use a nebulizer to deliver the antioxidant treatment for those patients with difficult to access veins or ones who simply do not like the idea of getting an injection.