What is Body Contouring?

Among the most commonly-sought cosmetic procedures, body contouring (also known as body shaping or body sculpting) is the creation of a more attractive silhouette through any of a variety of aesthetic modalities, most often involving the treatment or surgical removal of fat.

Treatment Options

The gold standard is liposuction, a surgical procedure with inherent risks that many patients wish to avoid. Numerous less invasive energy-based alternatives are available, as well as energy-assisted liposuction which is usually gentler in comparison to regular tumescent liposuction. Completely non-invasive procedures are becoming more prevalent but results are less predictable and less dramatic in comparison.

How Does it Work?

Laser-assisted liposuction (most often with laser but there are many alternatives) involved the introduction of a cannula into the treatment area through a tiny incision after introduction of tumescent solution (much like regular liposuction). Non-tumescent energy assisted fat treatment is also possible.

In both cases energy emitted from the cannula tip causes thermal and photoacoustic disruption of fat cells for easy removal by suction, drainage, and/or the body’s natural waste removal processes. In some cases, thermal buildup beneath the skin can induce additional contraction of skin, which is highly beneficial due to the localized volume reduction, which is the desired outcome of body contouring procedures.

In the case of laser-based procedures, the efficiency and efficacy of treatment is linked to the wavelength and proper delivery of therapeutic energy to more completely emulsify fat. Ideal wavelengths are absorbed by both water and fat, which are the major constituents of adipocytes. Skillful application of technique improves the sculpting effect, made more precise with smaller cannulas and predictable energy delivery. Careful modulation of treatment parameters allows users to customize treatment based on the needs of the individual patient, to maximize results as well as manage patient comfort and the potential for side effects.

What is Hair Removal?

Hair removal is among the most common aesthetic concerns worldwide and concerns both men and women.

Treatment Options

There are several options available for hair removal, and many over the counter options, although most are not permanent.  Permanent hair reduction can only be achieved through the application of energy directly to the hair follicle.

How Does it Work?

The removal or permanent reduction of unwanted hair by laser light depends on the scientific principle of selective photothermolysis. When the correct wavelength of laser light is applied to hair in the treatment area, melanin in the hair absorbs the light, which is converted into heat energy. Buildup of thermal energy causes the destruction of hair follicles as well as associated stem cells and dermal papillae, while the surrounding skin is undamaged. Some follicles will only be damaged or may regrow, so numerous treatments are required to reduce or eliminate unwanted hair effectively for a persistent result.

To successfully remove unwanted hair by laser treatment, one must carefully apply energy so that hair follicles are damaged but nearby skin and tissues are spared. This can be more or less difficult depending on each patient’s individual characteristics such as skin color, hair color, and hair thickness. When treating hair with a laser, one can account for these characteristics by adjusting treatment parameters such as fluence, pulse width, and repetition rate. Many devices are limited in their utility because the different parameters cannot be adjusted independently (if at all). Understandably, treatment of darker skin is more challenging due to the higher concentration of melanin in the skin as a competing chromophore; in those cases treatment may be too painful or cause burning.

Laser energy is applied to hair follicle, heat destroys follicle and prohibits future growth.

What are Lesions?

Pigmented lesions arise from a wide range of natural and environmental sources including photodamage, genetic makeup, and the aging process. They may also manifest as side effects of medical procedures. Both can vary in size, shape, and prevalence in a given area. Pigmented lesions include pigment-related birthmarks, age spots, freckles, hyperpigmentation, actinic keratosis and pigmented nevi.

How Does it Work?

Treatment of pigmented lesions depends on the principle of selective photothermolysis; the proper wavelength is applied, and the light energy is absorbed by the chromophore and converted to heat which breaks up pigment. Surrounding tissue remains undamaged. In many cases numerous sessions are required to maximize results.

To successfully treat pigmented lesions one must carefully apply energy to break up pigment or blood but spare surrounding tissue. This can be more or less difficult depending on each patient’s individual characteristics such as skin color. Practitioners can account for these characteristics by adjusting treatment parameters such as fluence, pulse width, and repetition rate to maximize delivery of energy (for better results) and minimize patient discomfort. Many devices are limited in their utility because the different parameters cannot be adjusted independently (if at all). Understandably, treatment of darker skin is more challenging due to the higher concentration of melanin in the skin as a competing chromophore; in those cases treatment may be too painful or cause burning.

Laser energy targets pigment in tissue, breaks and ablates the pigment so that the body can naturally absorb pigment particle by immune system.

What is Light Therapy?

Low-level light therapy (LLLT) with LEDs is the therapeutic use of incident light to photomodulate cellular function to improve and quicken wound healing, treat acne, rejuvenate the appearance of skin, stimulate hair growth, improve local circulation, perform 5-ALA photodynamic therapy (PDT), and relieve pain and stiffness in muscles and joints. Cells absorb light energy without incidence of damage from heat or physical trauma; various cellular functions are upregulated enhancing cell repair and function as well as stimulating proliferation.

How Does it Work?

While there is some controversy as to the efficacy and proper application of LLLT, the safety of the modality is unquestionable, and believers worldwide count on the rejuvenating properties of LLLT.

HEALITE II harnesses the properties of 415, 633 and 830 nm light via light emitting diode (LED) technology, properly delivered and concentrated, treating effectively without possibility of physical trauma or thermal damage. LLLT can be used as a standalone therapy or as an enhancement of recovery with nearly any medical procedure.

What is Scar Revision?

Scar revision is the therapeutic alteration of scar tissue, usually to improve the appearance of the scar or attempt to eliminate it. Scarring can have a deleterious effect on appearance, self-image, and quality of life; scar tissue can be overly sensitive, stiff/inflexible, painful, or itchy.

Treatment Options

Scars are treated in a variety of ways including use of chemical peels or injectable fillers, dermabrasion, microneedle therapy to induce neocollagenesis, nonablative laser therapy to improve texture or redness, and ablative laser therapy or fractional radiofrequency therapy to vaporize scar tissue and promote a healthy wound healing response as well as stimulate neocollagenesis.

How Does it Work?

When performing energy-based scar revision therapy, treatment parameters must be carefully managed to promote patient comfort, minimize collateral damage to surrounding tissue, manage energy delivery for improved recovery, and maximize the final result. Treatment of darker skin with laser- or light/energy- based modalities can be problematic due to the increased potential for burning or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). In most cases several treatment sessions are required to fully realize outcomes.

What is Skin Resurfacing?

Skin resurfacing is the treatment, or removal of some or all of the surface layers of skin as a therapeutic alternative to the surgical face lift. While still the gold standard, surgical lifting is a major procedure with inherent risks, and many patients wish to avoid the procedure altogether. Patients undergoing skin resurfacing treatments may also wish to stave off the need for a future face lift or simply age more gracefully. Although most often performed on the face, skin resurfacing may be performed on the body.

Different procedures, alone or in conjunction, vary in invasiveness and have a range of benefits beyond reduction of laxity including improvements in fine lines and wrinkles, firmness, texture, pore size, the appearance of photodamage (such as vascular and pigmented lesions), and a general healthy glow.

How Does it Work?

Energy-based skin resurfacing generally describes the delivery of therapeutic energy to the epidermis and/or dermis for thermal coagulation of tissue and stimulation of neocollagenesis, as well as the vaporization or ablation of surface tissue. Adequate skin cooling maximizes patient comfort and allows practitioners to deliver more energy safely; modulation of treatment parameters allows users to customize treatment based on the condition and skin type of the individual patient, to maximize results as well as manage patient comfort and the potential for side effects. Treatment of darker skin with laser- or light-based modalities can be problematic due to the increased potential for burning or post- inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). In most cases several treatment sessions are required to fully realize outcomes.

What is Tattoo Removal?

The application of tattoos is a widespread practice with a long cross-cultural history. Because of their widespread application, there is a rising trend for the removal of unwanted tattoos.  Tattoo removal is the complete removal of the multicolor ink that is deposited under the skin.

Treatment Options

Before the advent of the medical laser, common techniques included cryosurgery, dermabrasion or excision. Darker colored or black inks are most responsive to treatment, although devices which include a variety of wavelengths can successfully address the fuller spectrum of colors seen in the modern tattoo. Treatment of tattoos can be performed anywhere on the body.

How Does it Work?

Removal of tattoos depends on the principle of selective photothermolysis; the proper wavelength is applied and the ink absorbs the energy preferentially, causing it to break down. The body’s natural maintenance processes remove broken down pigment over time. Surrounding tissue is largely unaffected but not entirely spared, so tattoo removal is typically uncomfortable for patients. Numerous sessions are required to maximize results.

The Q-switched laser is the most commonly used for tattoo removal. Adequate skin cooling maximizes patient comfort and allows practitioners to deliver more energy safely; modulation of treatment parameters allows users to customize treatment based on the condition and skin type of the individual patient, to maximize results as well as manage patient comfort and the potential for side effects. Treatment of darker skin with laser- or light-based modalities can be problematic due to the increased potential for burning or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

What are Veins?

Vascular lesions such as birthmarks, rosacea, spider veins, varicose veins, and telangiectasias arise from a wide range of natural and environmental sources including photodamage, genetic makeup, and the natural aging process. They can vary in size, shape, and prevalence in a given area.

How Does it Work?

Treatment of veins depends on the principle of selective photothermolysis; the proper wavelength is applied, and the light energy is absorbed by the chromophore (in this case hemoglobin) and converted to heat which breaks up coagulated blood. Surrounding tissue remains undamaged. In many cases numerous sessions are required to maximize results.

To successfully treat veins one must carefully apply energy to break up coagulated blood but spare surrounding tissue. This can be more or less difficult depending on each patient’s individual characteristics such as skin color or the presence of other competing chromophores. Practitioners can account for these characteristics by adjusting treatment parameters such as fluence, pulse width, and repetition rate to maximize delivery of energy (for better results) and minimize patient discomfort. Many devices are limited in their utility because the different parameters cannot be adjusted independently (if at all). Understandably, treatment of darker skin is more challenging due to the higher concentration of melanin in the skin as a competing chromophore; in those cases treatment may be too painful or cause burning.

Laser energy penetrates skin, targets blood and eliminates blood and shrinks vessel/vein