Cosmetic Laser Surgery

Medical Spa Equipped with the Latest and Best Lasers. All Laser Treatments Performed by Dr. Dishakjian.

The skin is the most accessible organ of the human body and is particularly well suited to treatment with lasers. The explosion of cosmetic laser surgery during the-1990s gave rise to procedures not imagined even five years earlier. Now, with so many dermatologists, medical spas and cosmetic surgeons in the Los Angeles area offering so many exciting laser choices, your challenge is to determine if you are a candidate for this state-of-the art cosmetic laser surgery, or to find the best medical spa or the top cosmetic surgeon for the procedure. Don’t forget, cosmetic means not only to beautify, but also to correct physical defects.

The concept behind the modern-day laser can be traced to Einstein, but you don't have to understand the inner complexity of lasers to reap the advantages. A basic understanding is all you need to grasp the workings of these machines that may someday resurface the wrinkles on your face or remove your varicose veins.

LASER RESURFACING FOR A YOUNGER FACE

Laser Technology Simplified

Unlike a light bulb, a laser is a narrow, highly focused, and extremely intense beam of light with unique qualities. The color of light emitted by a laser is determined by the substance (medium) that lies within the laser’s inner chamber. Lasers are named after the solid, liquid, or gas substance, which are used to generate the beam of light. For example, if the medium is solid ruby crystal, as in the case of a ruby laser, red light is emitted. And if it’s a gas such as argon, a blue green light is emitted.

Each laser emits a single color of light. The color of a laser beam is the same thing as its wavelength: two lasers that emit the same wavelength of light emit the same color. There are also lasers used for cosmetic purposes that do not produce colored beams. The wavelengths of these lasers fall in the infrared (wavelength longer than red light, 700 nm) region that the human eye cannot see.

Each laser light, characterized by its wavelength, represents a key designed to open only one lock. Wavelength determines which component of the skin (melanin, hemoglobin, or water) will absorb the radiation and how far into the skin laser light will penetrate. The ideal laser to affect a given target is the one maximally absorbed by that target. For example, a red substance like hemoglobin, which reflects red light, will maximally absorb green light. Accordingly, a green laser beam will selectively target the hemoglobin found in the skin. The other physical properties of cosmetic lasers that determine their effectiveness are power and pulse duration. These determine how much laser energy is imparted to the skin.

A cosmetic application of a laser is very demanding. To be useful, the laser must be able to improve the skin texture, remove or destroy the unwanted component, without damaging the overall structure of the skin. The three variables, wavelength, power, and pulse duration of a laser machine when strategically selected and combined, will provide a remarkable degree of precision in targeting a certain skin component and therefore give the best result.

Difference Between IPL and Lasers

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a gentle photo-rejuvenation and skin treatment device that emits powerful bursts of light energy. The light works much like a laser, but instead of having just one wavelength of light, IPL machines produce a spectrum of light made up of a range of wavelengths. Usually the better the machine, the broader the wavelength range. To improve targeting and specificity, such devices often use special filters to remove unwanted wavelengths and keep only those in the required range. Depending on the filter used, the wavelengths are selected to target a particular skin condition or sign of aging.

Since the same IPL device can be used with different wavelength range, a single machine may be suitable for treating a number of different conditions by using a different filter and intensity setting. This makes IPL devices more versatile and more cost-effective. On the other hand, lasers remain superior when it comes to high specificity and precise targeting of the skin component.

PHOTO-REJUVENATION WITH IPL

Laser and Light Treatment Options Offered by Nu Vela

Titan light therapy: Skin Tightening using the Titan light procedure is used to improve skin tone and leave the face or targeted areas of the body younger, fresher and tighter looking. The process uses a safe, non-invasive infrared light to heat the deep dermis to promote new collagen growth. The gradual process allows the patient's skin tone to improve over a period of three to six months. Learn more...

TITAN LIGHT THERAPY FOR SKIN LAXITY

Sun spot and age spot removal: Sun spots, age spots or liver spots are from long-term exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. They usually appear as flat, brown discolorations on the skin in areas that typically receive the most exposure to the sun. The face, hands and arms are the most common. Although the spots are usually harmless, they can detract from the skin's appearance, making people look older. Read more...

SUN AND AGE SPOTS TREATED BY IPL PHOTOREJUVENATION

IPL Photofacials: Gentle treatment using BBL™ (420 nm to 1400 nm). Is a safe, painless treatment that requires no significant recovery time. This treatment reduces pore size and wrinkles, and provides the patient with smoother, healthier, younger-looking skin with an even tone. While typically performed on the face, photo rejuvenation can also treat the neck, chest and hands. Read more...

IPL PHOTOFACIAL TREATMENT

Laser resurfacing: Sometimes referred to as a "laser peel," uses laser light to remove the outer layers of skin revealing healthier looking skin beneath. Laser skin resurfacing is commonly used to treat wrinkles, creases, scars, sun damage, age spots and uneven pigmentation. Laser resurfacing may be performed on the whole face or in specific regions. Read more...

LASER PEEL FOR WRINKLE REDUCTION

Laser Hair removal: Laser hair removal works by destroying hair that is in the active growth phase at the time of treatment. Since other hairs will enter the active growth phase at different times, additional treatments may be necessary to disable all of the hair follicles in the target area. Read more...

Acne and Acne scar treatment: Acne is a condition caused by skin cells that do not shed properly and plug pores, causing oil and bacteria to be trapped inside. As oil and bacteria accumulate, the skin becomes inflamed and swells outward forming whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. Nu Vela provides a variety of effective treatment options. Read more...

LASER RESURFACING FOR ACNE TREATMENT

Rosacea: An inflammatory condition characterized by episodic flushing of the facial skin, often lasting for several hours. Rosacea gets worse after spicy foods, drinking alcohol, or overheating.

LASER ROSACEA TREATMENT

Couperose: The condition is characterized by the visible presence of capillaries, bright red in color, winding delicately through the tissues around the nose, on the chin and the cheeks. Generally, there are no alterations in the tissue structure or biochemistry as seen in other disorders like rosacea.

Spider veins: These are "star" shaped veins with numerous radiating lines reminiscent of a spider's web. Spider veins are most commonly found on the legs, around the nose but may occur around the cheeks and lower face area.

FACIAL SPIDER VEIN LASER TREATMENT

Reticular facial veins: Laser is a safe and effective treatment for facial reticular veins. Facial reticular veins appear greenish blue in color and can be 2-3 mm in diameter. They are often seen on the temple and along the cheekbone under the eye in patients with genetic predisposition or after facial cosmetic surgery. Most patients respond to one treatment and experience no significant side effects other than tolerable pain during the procedure.

FACIAL RETICULAR VEIN LASER TREATMENT

Lasers and Light Therapy Systems Used at Nu Vela

Nu Vela Esthetica offers a number of laser skin treatments using state-of-the-art equipment. New lasers allow more energy to be released into the skin so the overall treatment is more effective, has fewer side effects and provides the safest possible alternative to cosmetic surgery.

All cosmetic laser procedures are performed with little or no sedation or local anesthesia and there is minimal brusing, post-treatment pain or risk or scarring. The following are the lasers that are available at the Center:

ClearScan™ (1064 nm YAGTM) - Sciton technology: Is the gold-standard for all skin types. ClearScan™ provides an effective solution for permanent hair removal and the treatment of almost all vascular lesions.

ThermaScan™ (1319 nm Nd:YAG) - Scition technology: Is suitable for any skin type including tanned skin The ThermaScan™ is an infrared laser that effectively treats wrinkles, acne, acne scars, and skin blemishes.

Laser Genesis (1064 nm) - Cutera technology: Is a no downtime, multi-purpose all skin type solution for overall skin health. Cutera’s 1064 nm wavelengt protects the epidermis, targets microvasculature and stimulates collagen production. With only minimal discomfort, it Improves wrinkles by gently heating the dermis; corrects diffuse redness, scars, rosacea; smoothes skin texture, shrinks pore size.

CoolGlide (1064 nm Nd:YAG) - Cutera technology: Is the first laser cleared for permanent hair reduction that is suitable for all skin types, including tanned skin. Copper cooling provides the most efficient method of cooling for optimal skin protection and comfort, while its large spot size (10 mm) enables maximum speed and optimal penetration at all follicle depths.

Excel (long-pulsed Nd:YAG) - Cutera technology: Is intended for both facial and lower extremity vascular lesions. With an efficient contact copper cooling, Excel effectively and safely treats discrete vessels, high pressure vessels and deep veins.

Titan light therapy (1100 nm to 1800 nm) - Cutera technology: Offers non-surgical solution for skin laxity. It uses light energy to safely tighten the face and other parts of the body by promoting the gradual formation of new collagen while improving skin tone, texture, fine lines and scars.

BBL™ (420 nm to 1400 nm) - Sciton technology: Is an IPL system equipped with a very efficient cooling system. The broad range of wavelengths and smart filters of the BBL™ allow targeted treatment for many skin conditions including acne, freckles, age spots, cherry angiomas, telangiectasias, rosacea, hair removal, and deeper lesions.

Solar Genesis - Cutera technology: Is a pulsed light system which emits visible light that pigmented spots on the skin selectively absorb. Solar genesis is extremely effective at treating undesired pigment discoloration, such as freckles and sun spots. Exceptional results are achieved in one or two treatments without even using topical anesthetic or gels.

Contour TRL™ (2940 nm Erbium:YAG) - Sciton technology: This is the gold standard for laser resurfacing. This laser is extremely efficient in removing not only wrinkles and lines caused by sun damage and facial expressions, but also acne scars, some folds and creases around the nose and mouth, and even precancerous and benign superficial growths. This is the only laser used at Nu Vela that is ablative in nature. Ablative in the sense that this laser entirely removes the outer skin layers. New skin then grows over the fresh surface created by the laser. Non-ablative photo rejuvenation systems like Laser Genesis and BBL™, work by bypassing the surface of the skin and treating the layers underneath; they do not remove the outer skin layers.

Risks Associated with Cosmetic Laser Surgery

Lasers used in cosmetic surgery emit electromagnetic radiation in the visible and infrared portion of light spectrum, which are known to be non-ionizing in character. These beams are safe even for pregnant women. Ionizing radiation, like x-rays, on the other hand, not only causes irrevocable damage to normal cells, and sometimes cancer, but it also compromises the immune system and damages chromosomes even at extremely low dosages.

Burns, scarring and skin discoloration are some of the most common complications experienced by patients who have cosmetic laser surgery by an unqualified physician or practitioner. Be sure to wear eye protection, and ask about cooling the skin during laser treatments.

Even when the correct laser instrument is chosen for a given treatment, there is a risk of temporary effects, including immediate pain, reddening of the skin, bruising and swelling. In some cases, there may be lightening or darkening of the skin, but these complications are rarely permanent.

How to Choose the Best Medical Spa or the Top Cosmetic Surgeon

While cosmetic laser treatment is perceived as easy, this is surgery and with it comes inherent risks and complications. Accordingly, it is very important that patients do their homework and consider a doctor's training and credentials before they decide if a particular medical spa or a cosmetic surgery center is the right choice for them. It is also advisable to ask the physician if he or she will personally perform the procedure. Dr. Dishakjian, the Center's medical director, a cosmetic surgeon, is highly trained in laser medical procedures, has performed thousands of successful procedures, and continues to personally perform all laser procedures.

Questions About Cost or a Treatment?

You may reach our Los Angeles medical spa and clinic by clicking the "Contact us" button at the top of the page, or by calling 818-832-4500. Our receptionist will be delighted to assist you with any enquiries regarding cost, additional information, or scheduling a free consultation session with Dr. Dishakjian, a cosmetic surgeon and phlebologist.

LASER TREATMENT BEFORE & AFTER GALLERY. Click here...