Dermatology
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You may already know that laser treatment options exist to help loose, aging skin regain some of its youthful glow and healthy appearance. While some laser therapy treatments have been limited in scope, new developments have changed the state of the industry.
The Halo™ hybrid fractional laser treatment is an advanced procedure that can give you some of the best benefits of ablative laser resurfacing without many of the drawbacks.
Sciton® has produced a laser that combines ablative and non-ablative wavelengths in a single laser treatment. In other words, Sciton's Halo™ treatment allows for the benefits of ablative laser resurfacing while minimizing the pain, discomfort, and sometimes lengthy recovery time associated with traditional ablative procedures.
This method also potentially reduces the number of sessions that a patient needs before they can start seeing the results and the vibrant skin they want. This means you could start seeing glowing skin and fewer visible signs of premature aging in less time.
From reducing fine lines and wrinkles to correcting pigmentation and even acne scarring, the Halo™ hybrid fractional laser is a great treatment option for patients with a variety of skin concerns.
As the name suggests, the Halo™ hybrid fractional laser treatment combines multiple types of lasers to perform a type of cosmetic phototherapy. Specifically, Halo™ combines ablative and non-ablative laser wavelengths to get the job done.
Ablative wavelengths are aimed at treating the outer layers of the skin, meaning they can help improve unevenly textured skin, correct pore size problems, and more through the magic of epidermal renewal.
Non-ablative wavelengths, on the other hand, can go deeper into the skin to provide greater dermal rejuvenation. This form of laser light can correct deeper levels of damage caused by excessive sun exposure by encouraging collagen production at the cellular level.
By working in tandem, the two wavelength forms of the Halo™ technology can address multiple skincare concerns in order to produce healthier, younger-looking skin within a relatively short time period.
There are many known benefits associated with the Halo™ hybrid fractional laser light treatment. For starters, the combined wavelengths can produce a brighter, clearer, and more even skin tone in the affected area. Halo™ can also reduce the appearance of your skin pores, which can create improvements in your skin's overall appearance.
Halo™ can also be used as an effective treatment for specific forms of skin aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, as well as discolorations, age spots, and other signs of sun damage.
Apart from the results that it can achieve, Halo™ is also beneficial if you're looking for a procedure that involves minimal downtime, a relatively comfortable treatment session, and noticeable results that will last for a long time.
In addition to the advantages listed above, Halo™ hybrid fractional laser treatment also stands out thanks to its dynamic thermal optimization (DTO) technology. DTO allows your dermatological professional to customize the treatment to your unique needs.
For instance, your cosmetic expert can control the energy level, depth, and temperature of the Halo™ laser with a high degree of precision. This enables your skin care specialist to provide a customizable treatment adjusted to your specific skin type.
Instead of a one-size-fits-all method, the DTO technology within the Halo™ system gives you the chance to receive a safe, personalized treatment with the power of laser energy.
Common areas for treatment with the Halo™ hybrid fractional laser treatment include the face, arms, hands, legs, neck, and chest areas. As you might imagine, Halo™ treatment is popular for areas that receive the greatest amount of sun exposure or otherwise show off the signs of aging most obviously.
However, the Halo™ treatment protocol is safe enough that it can be used on virtually any part of your body that has been affected by signs of aging, sun damage, certain types of scars (including acne scars), and similar skin conditions.
Getting the Halo™ treatment in Fargo is intended for anyone who wants to experience youthful skin, especially anyone who has been struggling with skin imperfections caused by sun damage or premature aging, such as dark spots.
Whether you're struggling with the unwanted appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, leathery skin, enlarged pores, an uneven skin tone, or unsightly discolorations, Halo™ laser treatment could be just what you're looking for.
Before you can experience a Halo™ laser treatment session, you will be examined by a dermatological specialist who will create a treatment plan based on your current skin imperfections and desired outcomes. Your medical professional will also discuss your medical history, including a list of your current medications and any recent cosmetic procedures you have already undergone.
The health and beauty specialist may also take before-and-after photographs to highlight the results of your treatment.
On the day of your Halo™ hybrid fractional laser procedure, the medical professional will make you comfortable with a topical anesthetic applied directly to the treatment area. Patients commonly report only a mild prickling feeling during the treatment process.
During the Halo™ procedure, you will also be provided with eye protection. The entire Halo™ procedure should take no more than an hour.
With your Halo™ session in the rearview mirror, you can expect to feel some tightness and slight redness in your skin. Your medical professional will provide you with a list of skincare products to help your skin's healing process post-treatment during your roughly 5-7 days of downtime.
During the next month, your affected skin will be extra sensitive to UV rays and hot water, so you will need to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for a month, as well as limit any hot showers or baths for the same period of time.
As your skin regenerates and heals itself, you may experience some light flaking as the fresh skin emerges within the first few days after treatment. This healing can be further amplified by a second or even third Halo™ treatment, depending on the recommendation of your cosmetic care provider.
Looking forward to the glowing, youthful skin of your dreams? Contact Altaire Clinic today and let our team of board-certified specialists take care of you!
Have you experienced skin damage or early signs of aging thanks to sun exposure? Did you know it is now possible for dermatological specialists to help repair some of that sun-damaged skin?
BroadBand Light laser therapy (BBL for short) is an exciting, innovative technology that may be just what you're looking for in the world of skin treatment.
To put it simply, BBL technology is a cosmetic procedure that uses a high-intensity, pulsating light to treat skin in a precise, safe, and non-invasive manner. By utilizing a series of short blasts of light across a spectrum of varying wavelengths, BBL can potentially affect your skin cells.
The intention of BBL skin treatment is to cut down on the appearance of an assortment of skin problems. This includes a wide range of premature signs of aging skin (such as uneven skin texture, dull skin tone, poor complexion, age spots, and even fine lines or wrinkles), as well as other conditions such as rosacea or redness.
BBL is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure, meaning that it is a generally low-risk procedure that doesn't require a medical professional to make any cuts into your skin. For many people, BBL skin treatment offers few risks and a great potential for reward in terms of looking younger and maintaining healthier skin.
A common source of skin issues, including many of the signs of prematurely aged-looking skin, is overexposure to sunlight. If your skin is exposed to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays for long periods without adequate protection (such as long-sleeved clothing, shade, and sunscreen with a high enough SPF), it can experience noticeable damage.
Every person's skin is different, meaning that each individual's sun damage might look a bit different. In general, however, sun damage is typified by freckles, sun spots, a leathery-rough texture in the affected area, or uneven skin tone.
Excessive sun exposure can also potentially exacerbate other skin problems, such as rosacea. Out-of-control rosacea and similar ailments can make your skin look perpetually flushed or reddened.
As we mentioned above, BBL phototherapy technology shoots various wavelengths of light in laser form into your skin. These lasers pass safely through the epidermis (i.e. your skin's outermost layer) in order to target specific skin cells.
These pulsating lasers are meant to create a safe amount of heat within the cell that encourages and stimulates skin cell regeneration and collagen production. The idea is that as each cell regenerates, it can naturally heal the parts of your skin that have become damaged. At the same time, increased collagen production "firms up" your overall skin appearance, giving you healthier-looking skin.
The beauty of BBL skin therapy is that it is precise enough to target the specific areas of your damaged skin cells where pigmentation and other imperfections are a concern. The other great thing about the technology is that the procedure encourages your body to heal itself and produce improvements in skin tone naturally. This fights against the appearance of skin aging in a safe way.
As we've already discussed, BBL laser technology is great for patients who have experienced a fair amount of sun damage or whose skin otherwise demonstrates common signs of premature aging.
With that being said, some skin types aren't as well-suited to receiving the treatment. For instance, patients with darker skin tones may experience hyperpigmentation (i.e. certain patches of skin becoming darker than the rest of the epidermis) because their skin absorbs more light in general. Chemical peels may be a safer option for these individuals.
People with fairer skin tones, on the other hand, typically have fewer safety concerns and a more realistic expectation of positive outcomes when it comes to phototherapy treatment, including BBL skin treatment.
Ultimately, the advice of a dermatological professional will be beneficial for helping you determine if BBL treatment is right for you.
Areas commonly treated by BBL skin treatment include those parts of the body that receive the greatest amount of UV exposure from sunlight. These include the face, neck, arms, hands, back, shoulders, and chest. Basically, if it's a part of your body that's exposed when you're wearing a tank top, you can expect to be able to receive BBL laser treatment.
However, full-body treatments with BBL laser technology are also possible. You can seek BBL treatment virtually anywhere on your body where you have experienced acne scars, rosacea, vascular lesions, or other pigmentation issues. Skilled dermatological specialists can create a custom plan suited to your specific skin treatment needs.
One of the best parts about BBL laser technology is its ability to address a great variety of common skin concerns. From rosacea and fine lines to brown spots and general discoloration, BBL skin treatment can have a positive effect on a variety of skin conditions.
Another advantage of BBL skin treatment is the fact that it is non-invasive. Since this means there is no need for surgery, you shouldn't expect to face any downtime following any of your BBL procedures. By following the recommended pre- and post-treatment steps (more on those below), you can expect to maintain your normal lifestyle almost immediately after your BBL skin treatment session.
Finally, BBL laser phototherapy is an effective solution because of its long-term efficacy. Regular, consistent treatments by a dermatological professional can be a game-changer for the health and appearance of your skin.
Although the advanced technology represented by the BBL treatment protocol is non-invasive, there are still some steps you can take if you want to be prepared for a treatment session.
For starters, do your best to stay out of direct sunlight and avoid all tanning beds for about a month before your procedure. Whenever you're outside, be sure to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, which will keep your skin safe from the sun's harmful UV rays. These preparations are important because having suntanned skin can limit the effectiveness of the BBL procedure.
For the 1 week leading up to your treatment, abstain from using any cosmetic therapies, including facials, waxing, and chemical peels, as well as any laser hair reduction treatment. You'll also want to steer clear of any creams that contain retinoids, which are known to trigger skin sensitivity in some people.
Finally, consider your medical history and be sure to let your trusted medical professional if you've ever had cold sores or herpes. The dermatological specialist will need to know this information to avoid providing you with any medications that could cause an outbreak to develop.
The BBL advanced laser treatment in Fargo is a relatively gentle procedure, but you will probably still feel a sense of warmth or redness immediately after your treatment. This discomfort and any related swelling can be mitigated with the help of an ice pack or cold compress pressed to the affected area.
To keep your pain to a minimum, you should limit your exposure to direct sunlight for at least a week. Also stay away from hot water (hot baths, showers, etc.) for that same amount of time. Until your skin is fully healed, continue applying sunscreen, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and otherwise minimizing direct sun exposure.
Your dermatological provider will provide you with other post-treatment care guidelines, such as which soothing creams to apply to your skin, but there are some steps you can take yourself. For instance, don't use any exfoliators on your skin, which will be extra sensitive for some time after the procedure. The main rule of them is to go easy on your skin as it rebuilds itself following your treatment.
There's no doubt that BBL laser technology is a wonderful thing. However, maintaining appropriate expectations about your results is always a wise thing to do.
Your dermatological specialist will create a treatment regimen custom-made for your skin care needs. It may take more than 1 treatment session to achieve desired goals. This would depend on the damage to the skin prior to starting the BBL. More severe skin conditions, such as major sun damage related to acute sunburns, could require more sessions in total.. A consistent schedule of BBL treatment, combined with appropriate self-care and the use of the right topical creams, increases your chances of getting the look you want.
Results of successful BBL laser treatment could include improvements in skin texture and complexion, diminished skin laxity (i.e. loose skin), more even skin tone, decreased redness, and fewer visible signs of aging.
After you've completed your regimen of BBL laser technology treatment, you'll still want to do your part to prevent any future sun damage. For instance, consistently wearing high-SPF sunscreen along with appropriate clothing (including sunglasses and hats) will reduce your need for any future skin care procedures.
Are you looking forward to having youthful, healthy-looking skin? Contact Altaire Clinic today so that you can talk to our friendly staff of board-certified medical professionals. Our cosmetic experts can't wait to help you find the beautiful skin you've been looking for!
Lip filler augmentation is an exciting beauty procedure that is performed millions of times every year. If you're one of the countless patients looking forward to receiving fuller, younger-looking lips, you may be wondering what you can do to get the most out of your cosmetic lip fillers.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the most important steps you should take to take care of yourself both before and after your lip augmentation procedure.
There are a few common items and actions you'll need to cut down in the weeks and days immediately before your lip care appointment. For starters, you should abstain from popular supplements such as Vitamin E, fish oils, ginkgo biloba, primrose oil, and ginseng starting about two weeks prior to your procedure. However, a standard multivitamin shouldn't be a problem.
During that same time period, you should also avoid taking over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medications thin your blood and can cause complications during your treatment such as bleeding or additional bruising. If you're prone to cold sores, let your beauty care professional know so that you can be given the appropriate medication for your appointment.
Within two days of your dermal filler injection appointment, you should stop using anything in the area of your face that is going to be treated. For example, don't wax your upper lip or apply topical lotions such as Retinol.
Another popular product, Arnica, is one that some patients start taking a couple of days before your appointment in order to decrease the amount of bruising you experience.
Finally, avoid drinking any form of alcohol within 24 hours of your appointment, as alcoholic beverages can increase your chances of bruising or bleeding in the lip area.
As usual for a medical procedure, be sure to arrive early to make sure you have enough time to get checked in and briefed by your beauty care team. Before you arrive at the clinic, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and keep it completely makeup-free.
Your beauty care professional may apply a topical anesthetic or local numbing medicine in order to make your experience relatively painless. However, as long as your medical professional signs off on it, you can also feel free to take acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) about an hour before your appointment to take the edge off any discomfort.
With that being said, your lip filler procedure shouldn't last long (sometimes finishing as quickly as half an hour!) and shouldn't cause you a lot of pain. After receiving your lip augmentation treatment, you'll move on to your next steps for lip care.
The first 60 minutes after your procedure tends to be the trickiest, at least in terms of how tender the skin around your lip area is. If you didn't take any acetaminophen before your appointment, you can do so afterward if you want to reduce your pain level.You can also use an ice pack or a topical product such as Arnica to treat your lip swelling and reduce potential bruising.
However, while you can apply the above remedies to your lip, refrain from directly touching the treated area. That includes massaging your lips, as well as picking at or itching the injection site. The discomfort you feel should disappear within a few hours of treatment, if not within three days.
Common side effects following a lip filler treatment include:
However, while these side effects are to be expected after your appointment, some complications are more serious.
For example, if you experience excessive bleeding and swelling, develop a fever or chills, or if you feel bumps on the treated area, you should contact either your beauty clinic or your primary care provider. Your medical professional can provide guidance in dealing with these issues.
On the more extreme end of things, signs of a medical emergency include your pain becoming unmanageable with acetaminophen alone and your lips becoming cold or discolored. At that point, it would be most appropriate to see a medical professional in person for assistance.
While eating and drinking aren't out of the question after your lip filler augmentation, you should keep a few things in mind. Avoid hard, crunchy, or salty snacks such as pretzels and chips within the first few days of your treatment. Instead, opt for soft, chewable foods (especially those high in water content, such as fruit and veggies).
For all the same blood-thinning-related reasons you shouldn't drink any alcohol immediately before your procedure, you should also abstain from alcohol outright for several days after your treatment.
Apart from the food and drink you consume, you should also minimize any activities that could slow down the rate at which your lips heal. For example, resting your face on your bed or using a drinking straw can put pressure on your treated lips, keeping them from healing as quickly. In addition, strenuous exercise immediately after treatment can also lead to bruising.
Also, watch out for smoking (which makes infection likelier to take place) and lip care products (e.g. lipstick and lip gloss can put additional pressure on your lips).
Last of all, try to avoid flying for 2+ weeks after your procedure. The pressure changes that happen during flight can increase swelling and make your lips temporarily puffy in the wrong places.
By eating and drinking right and avoiding activities that could make your lips swell and bruise, you'll be giving yourself the best chance of having lovely, full lips that make your face look younger.
If you haven't already, contact your beauty care professional about scheduling a follow-up or touch-up treatment to boost the longevity of your lip filler treatment. Other than the steps outlined above, this is one of the best things you can do to get the most out of your lip augmentation.
Are you ready to get the lips you've always dreamed of? Contact Altaire Clinic today so that our friendly staff of board-certified medical professionals can give you the lip enhancement you want, plus any other cosmetic services you've been yearning for!
Whether you've been thinking about receiving cosmetic dermatology services in Fargo for a long time or have only recently decided to undergo a beauty procedure, you're probably wondering about the next steps you should take before making a decision.
Meeting a medical professional who specializes in cosmetic practices doesn't have to be a daunting proposition. Here are our pro tips for having a successful consultation at a beauty clinic.
The best patients are the most well-informed ones. To be that kind of patient, you need to do your homework before contacting the clinic that interests you most.
Search for a top-rated medical professional who works at a well-established clinic with a history of treating its patients well. Check your would-be beauty expert's credentials, including their CV and any board certifications relevant to the treatment you wish to receive.
Online reviews left on the clinic's website by previous patients should give you a good idea of the staff's customer service mentality, professionalism, and other factors that don't show up on a resume or staff bio.
Apart from researching whichever clinic has caught your eye, you should also look into the specific cosmetic procedure in question that you're interested in. From lip filler and dermaplaning to acne treatments and body contouring, no two services are the same.
Make sure you know the ins and outs of whichever procedure you'd like to undergo, or at least as much as you can find out on your own before speaking with a professional. Compare and contrast the pros and cons of different treatments within the same field (e.g. BOTOX vs. XEOMIN) to get a better feel for what you're truly after.
During your personal pre-consultation research time, jot down any idea of questions you'd like to have clarified or explained in greater depth regarding cosmetic treatments in general, the specific procedure you're looking at, or anything else that may be bothering you.
Once you're sitting down with a medical professional, you'll have free reign to ask any relevant questions you need to have answered so you can feel comfortable. Don't be nervous asking your beauty expert about their treatment protocols, success rate, fee structure, recovery time, or anything similar that you want out of the way before booking an appointment for your treatment.
Being prepared with your own series of questions will also give you a chance to gauge how confident your medical professional is. If your consultation guide is willing and able to answer any questions you put to him or her, that's a positive sign! The important thing is for you to feel that you're in good hands when you decide to go in for your procedure.
This one may seem a bit obvious, but you might be surprised how often patients go into a consultation without having everything they need to give the staff at a clinic! To have a successful consult appointment, your medical professional will need a comprehensive understanding of your full medical history.
This should cover everything from surgical history and previous body procedures to a list of current medications (whether over-the-counter or prescription), vitamins and supplements, any recurring or chronic conditions, or allergies (especially to medical-grade items such as penicillin, sulfa drugs, and latex).
It may seem embarrassing, but you should also disclose any substance abuse connected to alcohol and illegal drugs, as a dependence on these substances can cause major complications during a procedure if your medical professional is unaware of them.
The only way your beauty clinic staff can give you the best treatment is if you are completely honest and forthright with them, so come prepared!
One of the key questions you should be ready to ask during your cosmetic consultation is for a clarification of the fee structure. You should determine what your expected out-of-pocket costs for your desired treatment will look like.
The clinic staff may not be able to give you an exact price before your actual procedure, but you should be able to receive a cost range that will give you an idea of fees related to the procedure itself, pre-operative and post-op care, and any other additional costs.
No two beauty clinics are the same, which is why you should conduct adequate research both before and during your consultation. You can gather a lot of information about the clinic even from the first phone call you make.
For example, the demeanor of the staff member you speak with can give you a sense of the professionalism and cordiality you may expect to receive in person. If the patient care coordinators who help you schedule your initial consultation are friendly, patient, and ready to help you to the best of their abilities, that's a hopeful sign.
On the other end of the spectrum, a staffer unwilling to answer your questions and in a rush to get you booked and off of the phone may be a red flag. You should watch for similar signs when you actually come in for your consultation.
Pay attention to the status of the staff and facilities as you make your way in for your consultation appointment. Is each staff member courteous and open to questions? Are the facilities well-maintained? Are you treated professionally without a sense of hurry or stress?
Being mindful of these subtle cues can put your mind at ease about the sort of treatment you can expect to receive during your actual cosmetic procedure.
Finally, remember that your initial cosmetic consultation is your best opportunity to tell your medical professional about your biggest goals and dreams. What outcome are you looking for after your treatment is finished? Do you have realistic expectations, or are your hopes more fanciful?
While it can be helpful to have a beauty expert on hand to let you know the limitations and risks of any cosmetic procedure, that same expert may also be able to tell you that the outcome of a given treatment is better than your expectations.
There is no better time than your first consultation to establish a strong relationship with your cosmetic treatment team members and find out how much they can do.
If you're looking for a beauty clinic that's staffed with experienced, board-certified cosmetic professionals, you've found it with Altaire Clinic. Our team members are happy to guide you from your first beauty consultation all the way to the end of your treatment.At Altaire, you can expect openness, honesty, and a friendly smile as we walk you through the ins and outs of beauty care. Give us a call today and find out how much we can do for you!
If you remember anything from high school science class, it's probably that your skin is the largest organ in your body. There's plenty else that's amazing about your skin, including its ability to protect your body from outside dangers.
Since your skin already does so much work for you, it only makes sense to do your part to keep your skin healthy and young-looking against sun damage for years to come. Find out how below!
The sun presents us with something of a catch-22: on the one hand, we can't survive without its warm, life-giving rays, but on the other hand, too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can put our skin at risk for a whole host of problems.
While a lot of this sun damage occurs at the cell level, it often also leads to cosmetic results that are obvious to the naked eye.
For example, too much UV light exposure due to sunlight can increase your risk of skin cancer, age your skin prematurely (resulting in age spots, wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, and more), and even discolor your skin! This phenomenon of UV radiation causing your skin to age prematurely is called "photoaging," which is a common skin condition that occurs as a result of photodamage.
Since photoaging is primarily caused by sun-based UV radiation, it most often appears on areas of skin that see frequent sun exposure. This includes your face, neck, appendages, and upper chest. Photoaging can also be caused by tanning beds, which rely on UV radiation to give users a nice skin tan.
Anyone who is ever exposed to the sun or uses a tanning bed is at risk for sun damage. However, certain lifestyles, genetic characteristics, and other factors may increase your chances of experiencing photoaging.
For example, people with light skin tones, freckles, numerous skin moles, blue or green eyes, or light-colored hair are at a greater risk of ending up with sun-damaged skin. Another genetic factor is a family history of skin cancer. Melanoma is especially a red flag in that regard.
Non-genetic risk factors include living or spending long amounts of time at higher altitudes (where the decreased atmosphere provides less protection against the sun's radiation), spending most of your time indoors followed by intense periods of sunlight exposure, and being outdoors or in a tanning bed for long periods of time.
Perhaps the best way to protect your skin against sun damage is to keep your body's exposure to sunlight at a minimum. This doesn't mean avoiding the outdoors entirely (too much time indoors certainly raises ), but it does mean being strategic.
Suitably protective clothing is one of your biggest allies in the fight against photoaging. Long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and long pants or skirts all help protect your skin against the sun's rays.
You should also be smart about what time of day you go outdoors. Pay attention to your local UV index and minimize going outside when the sun's rays are shining at their greatest intensity. That period is typically between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, though that window can be affected by cloud cover and other weather factors.
Finally, rely on multiple methods for keeping safe from the sun. Research by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has suggested that relying on only one sun protection strategy, such as wearing sunscreen or using an umbrella, is less effective than combining methods for limiting sun exposure.
When it comes to protecting your skin from premature aging thanks to sunlight, a high-quality sunscreen is an incredibly vital tool in your arsenal. However, not all sunscreens are created equal.
While the FDA's limit for a sunscreen's recommended sun protection factor (SPF) is only 15 (which means only about 1/15th of the sun's rays will penetrate the layer of ultraviolet protection to reach the skin), the American Academy of Dermatology recommends picking up a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30.
It's also a good idea to purchase a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. "Broad-spectrum sunscreen" means that it protects your skin from the effects of both UVA rays (which are primarily responsible for photoaging) and UVB rays (which are primarily responsible for sunburns.
And regardless of which bottle of sunscreen you buy, always reapply it at least every two hours. If you're going for a swim or sweating heavily, you should reapply your preferred sunscreen even more frequently.
Another way to take care of your skin and reduce the chances of premature aging is by avoiding dry skin and keeping your entire body hydrated through healthy skin habits. The old tip for drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day is a good rule of thumb, though aiming for between half an ounce to a full ounce of water per pound of body weight is even better.
If you want even further help to stay hydrated, try drinking a cup of green tea at breakfast. Not only will you kick-start your hydration, but you will also receive healthful antioxidants and caffeine for a healthy dose of early-morning energy.
Apart from drinking up, you can keep your skin hydrated by applying moisturizing creams and lotions (coconut oils and hyaluronic acids are great for this!), taking only short showers or baths and only in warm (not hot) water, and keeping a humidifier in your bedroom or work office.
Finally, a robust diet can also help you maintain healthy skin. Cut back on processed carbohydrates and trans fats, and eat more foods containing fish oil for healthier skin.
Just like sunscreen, not all skin care products are created equal. Watch out for exfoliating skin care products that can irritate your skin, and use only mild cleansers for your daily face wash. Chemical peels may or may not make your skin condition worse following sun damage. In some cases, a mild chemical peel may be tolerable for your skin.
Whenever you apply a skin care item, be sure to pat rather than rub the cream or lotion into your skin. Being too aggressive in rubbing in a topical product can chap your skin and leave it vulnerable to further irritants.
Similarly, pat your skin dry whenever you take a shower or bath. Doing so will avoid rubbing your skin raw and will also leave a bit of moisture on your damp skin, thereby helping to keep it hydrated.
Because UV radiation caused by sunlight affects your skin cells at the molecular level, it can't be reversed. With that being said, it is possible to treat and repair the damaged outermost layers of skin. The right skin care procedure, such as laser skin resurfacing, can improve many of the discolorations, wrinkles, or fine lines created by photoaging.
Similarly, the right treatment option can also encourage your body to produce more collagen, which helps with the production and formation of new, healthier-looking skin.
Do you want to look and feel healthy and young after experiencing sun damage? If you want skin that stays healthy and young-looking for years to come, you need to talk to the team of dermatological and cosmetic treatment experts at Altaire Clinic.
Our skin care experts are happy to provide the skin and acne treatments you need for lifelong skin health and beauty. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with an experienced medical professional!
No one wants to spend all day shaving or plucking out their unwanted hair. Whether waxing is too painful for you or you just want to spend less time worrying about hair removal, it's time to consider one of the safest methods available: laser hair removal.
Let's take a look at how this innovative treatment works and what you need to know to get started with this guide on laser hair removal.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Although it may sound like something out of a science fiction movie, laser hair removal is actually pretty easy to understand, at least in theory. Instead of using a sharp blade (i.e. a razor) that leaves behind bumps or a pair of tweezers to remove hairs, this method of hair removal relies on an amplified beam of light (i.e. a laser) to reduce your unwanted body hairs in a safe and non-invasive fashion.
Hair is especially vulnerable to light and small amounts of heat at the earliest phase of human hair growth, called the anagen phase. The laser hair removal procedure takes advantage of this unique period.
Specifically, laser hair removal treatment uses laser energy from pulsing light to affect the hair follicles that cause growth. A concentrated beam of light in laser form turns into heat energy. This heat is harmless to your body as a whole, but at the micro level, it can successfully damage your unwanted hair follicle. This in turn blocks future growth of hair from that specific region of the body.
While laser hair removal isn't guaranteed to destroy a hair follicle for good, the treatment can be an effective hair removal solution for decreasing unwanted future hair growth for long periods of time. A trained dermatological expert or another licensed medical professional can use laser treatment to remove hair from all over your body and leave smooth skin behind. This includes your face, bikini areas, armpits, and more!
First off, you should make sure that you are a suitable candidate for laser hair removal treatment. The effectiveness of a laser light-based cosmetic procedure could vary depending on your individual skin tone and skin pigmentation.
For example, light-colored hair (e.g. blond hairs) is the most difficult to treat with the laser hair removal method because its pigmentation is less capable of absorbing the laser light that is used to reduce growth in the hair follicles.
On the other side of the spectrum, patients with darker hair (e.g. jet-black or dark brown) are ideal candidates for laser hair removal treatment, since dark hair's higher level of pigmentation means much more of the laser light can be absorbed.
Light brown hair and even darker shades of blond may fall into the category of "medium hair," which is more treatable than lighter hair but still less able to absorb laser light than the darkest shades of hair color.
Hair type also plays a role. Thick, coarse hair tends to respond better to laser light treatment than finer or thinner hair does.
Apart from hair color and thickness, skin tone can also affect how well laser hair removal works for you. Sensitive skin that burns easily without tanning much (e.g. Caucasians with light skin) may be able to get by with fewer overall treatment sessions.
On the other hand, people with darker skin tones who tan well and rarely get sunburned (e.g. many Hispanic or African-Americans) may require more treatment to see the results they want.
For all these reasons, it's vital that you consult a dermatological expert in order to decide the best laser treatment for your skin and hair type. By having a laser hair removal consultation with a medical expert before making an appointment, you can make sure you get the most bang for your buck by receiving the right form of hair removal for your needs.
After you've consulted with a dermatological expert and blocked out a date on the calendar for your first laser hair removal appointment, you'll need to follow some basic steps as part of the laser hair removal preparation process.
For example, your medical professional will discuss whether any of the prescription or over-the-counter medications you may currently be taking can increase your body's photosensitivity.
Any medicines that could potentially increase your sensitivity to light, such as antihistamines and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen), will need to be stopped for at least a week before your first appointment. The same goes for any medications that potentially heighten your chances of bleeding, including blood thinners and aspirin.
Apart from following the advice of your dermatological expert, you should also avoid any form of tanning or other major sun exposure for at least two weeks prior to your first treatment session. The reason for this is that too much sun exposure immediately before your session could increase your skin's sensitivity and leave it open to damage.
As the appointment draws closer, you'll want to avoid any of your usual methods of hair removal procedures (e.g. plucking or waxing), except for shaving. You'll actually want to shave the area you want to be treated with the laser light on the morning of your appointment.
Finally, stop using any depilatory creams (i.e. chemically based hair removal products in cream form) for 3-4 weeks before your appointment, and avoid putting any deodorant or skincare products (such as lotions or creams) on your desired treatment area on the day of your laser hair removal appointment.
By following these simple steps, you'll be giving yourself the best chance for success with your laser light treatment.
many modern-day laser hair removal devices and tools have built-in cooling systems that provide maximum comfort and minimal pain for patients. Patients who do undergo the procedure without any localized or topical anesthesia often describe it as a mild pain that is no worse than having a rubber band lightly snapped against their arm.
Regarding how long it takes to undergo the laser hair removal process, the answer is similar to that of many other beauty care and dermatological treatment questions: it depends.
Specifically, the amount of time that your appointment takes will vary depending on your individual needs. The biggest factor that determines how long your laser hair removal session will take is the overall size of the skin area that you want to have treated.
For instance, if you just have a small amount of peach fuzz on your upper lip or other facial hair that you want to have removed, you could be in and out in about 10 minutes.. On the other hand, if you're receiving laser hair removal treatment for your entire back or another large area of the body such as both arms or legs, your session could take up to an hour.
With all that being said, an average laser hair removal session will take about half an hour, How to Take Care of Your Skin After Treatment
It's just as important to treat your skin right after your laser hair removal treatment as it was to take care of your skin in the weeks leading up to the appointment. This will protect your skin from potential damage and maximize your comfort following your beauty procedure.
Within the first few hours after laser hair treatment, you may experience varying degrees of bumpiness, redness, or other forms of skin discomfort. If your skin is on the more delicate end of the spectrum, the heightened sensitivity created by the laser treatment could last for up to 48 hours.
While this discomfort is certainly unpleasant, it can often be handled by applying a simple ice pack or cold compress to whichever part of your skin is feeling irritated. Depending on how long-lasting the bumpiness is, you can ask your medical professional for a list of approved after-sun treatments that could help your sensitive skin.
On that note, you should avoid high levels of sun exposure and tanning in the first two weeks immediately following your appointment. Be sure to protect your skin, which has been made temporarily more sensitive to sun damage, through the use of high-quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen rated at SPF 30 or higher. Do this even when you're going outside on rainy or cloudy days.
Similarly, you should opt for cold water showers and baths for the first day following your treatment. Avoid hot water, including in the form of hot baths and saunas.
Apart from protecting your skin from sun damage or irritation related to heat, you can also take care of yourself by resisting the urge to scratch, rub, or otherwise pick at the area of skin that was treated with the laser light. In fact, you should keep any touching of the treated area to an absolute minimum.
You should also avoid any dermatological or cosmetic products that could further irritate your skin within the first couple of days after your treatment. This includes exfoliating scrubs and cosmetic products that contain perfume and other fragrances.
For almost everyone, a single laser hair removal treatment at our clinic in Fargo won't cut it. The reason is simple: while hair follicles are vulnerable to light energy in the earliest stages of growth, any hair roots that have reached the second and third growth stages are essentially invulnerable to damage from laser light.
If every hair follicle reached the same growth stage simultaneously, it might hypothetically be possible to take all of them out in a single laser light treatment session. However, only about one-fifth of the hair follicles covering a given section of your body are likely to be at the earliest stage of growth at any given time.
In other ways, a single laser hair removal treatment can reduce a significant portion of your hair, but it won't be even close to a majority. To achieve that result, you'll need to have a series of multiple sessions spaced at least 4-6 weeks apart.
This gives your skin time to heal and increases the chances that different follicles will be at the first stage of growth at the time of your next session. A dermatological expert will be able to discuss the ideal number of sessions and intervals between sessions for your unique skin and hair profile.
Once you've gone through the first series of laser hair removal sessions, you and your medical professional will be able to assess how effective the initial treatment was at reducing your unwanted peach fuzz and other hair.
If you are satisfied with your results, you can schedule ongoing "touch-up" sessions to treat any leftover follicles that escaped the laser light during your first series of appointments. Touch-ups may be spaced several months apart.
Many people see phenomenal long-term hair reduction following laser treatment, and modern laser hair removal systems may be the closest thing we have to a permanent solution for unwanted hair. Still, there is the possibility that changes in hormones or previously dormant hair follicles "waking up" could cause new hair to crop up in a treated area.
As we mentioned before, laser light treatment for hair removal is a safe and non-invasive way to take care of unwanted hairs. There have been no studies that have concluded any long-term health risks associated with this hair reduction solution. Plus, many patients consider it a pain-free alternative to other hair removal treatments!
Of course, any treatment comes with some side effects, however minor. As discussed in the after-treatment section of this guide, you may experience some redness or irritation immediately following your treatment appointment, and your skin will be more sensitive to irritants and sun damage for a few weeks.
If you're worried about potential side effects, you can have a patch test done. An experienced laser hair clinician can treat a small area of your skin to see how it responds to the laser light. This will ensure you don't experience any unexpected reactions during treatment of a larger area of the body.
Are you tired of plucking out or waxing pesky hairs in unwanted places? If you're looking for a safe, non-invasive hair removal treatment that will leave you smiling, you need to talk to the team of dermatological experts at Altaire Clinic.
Our cosmetic and dermatological team members are happy to provide the skin and acne treatments you need for lifelong skin health and beauty. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with an experienced medical professional.
If you're considering Botox injections in Fargo to help refresh your appearance, you're likely looking for a natural, rejuvenated look. It's essential to understand the aim of Botox is to achieve a subtle, natural-looking results without looking "frozen" or overdone. This blog post will share our top tips for ensuring a successful Botox experience and maintaining that sought-after youthful glow.
Botox, a purified form of botulinum toxin, has become increasingly popular in cosmetic treatments. It works by temporarily relaxing the targeted facial muscles, which helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Common areas for Botox injections include the forehead, crow's feet, and frown lines between the eyebrows.
The key to a successful Botox treatment is achieving natural-looking results that enhance your features without giving away your secret. Let's face it; no one wants to look like they've had "work done." Instead, the goal is to appear refreshed and youthful while maintaining your unique facial expressions.
By following these top tips, you can confidently embrace the art of Botox and achieve the natural-looking, rejuvenated appearance you desire. It's important to remember that the foundation for successful Botox treatment lies in selecting a highly experienced provider, establishing realistic expectations based on your unique features, and maintaining open and honest communication with your practitioner. By giving attention to these crucial factors, you will be well on your way to enjoying a refreshed, youthful glow that accentuates your natural beauty.
Arrange a consultation with a trusted Botox specialist to discuss your aesthetic objectives and embark on your journey toward achieving a revitalized, more youthful look. By taking this important step, you'll be closer to realizing your desired appearance, boosting your confidence, and embracing your natural beauty.
Are you looking for a cutting-edge skin treatment to help you achieve a more youthful appearance? Look no further than our DAXXIFY treatments in Fargo, a revolutionary approach to wrinkle reduction and ageless beauty. In this blog post, we'll introduce you to this innovative treatment and explain how it works, the benefits you can expect, and your DAXXIFY experience.
DAXXIFY is an innovative cosmetic treatment designed to smooth wrinkles and rejuvenate your skin, setting it apart from traditional wrinkle-reducing options. As a friend familiar with cosmetic
treatments, I'm excited to share the details of this game-changing solution with you.
The secret behind DAXXIFY's effectiveness lies in its use of neuromodulators, a family of medicines that includes treatments like Botox. These neuromodulators work by temporarily relaxing the underlying facial muscles, smoothing out the skin's surface and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. DAXXIFY is unique in that it utilizes peptides instead of proteins to help adhere to its target. This allows the product to work more effectively with a longer lasting treatment.
DAXXIFY is strategically injected into targeted areas, allowing for precision in treating specific wrinkles and ensuring a more natural look. By comparing DAXXIFY to other neuromodulator-based treatments, you'll find that this innovative approach offers unique benefits that make it stand out.
A consultation with a skilled practitioner during which you describe your cosmetic objectives will start your road to ageless beauty with DAXXIFY. The injections will be scheduled when you have been approved as a candidate. You can resume your regular activities shortly after the treatment because it is minimally invasive and takes only a short amount of time.
Following your provider's post-treatment instructions and attending any scheduled follow-up appointments is essential to ensure the best possible outcome. This will allow your provider to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
You're taking a big step toward a younger, more refreshed appearance by selecting DAXXIFY. Thanks to this cutting-edge treatment's exclusive advantages and stunning outcomes, you will look and feel your best. You may confidently embrace ageless beauty and enjoy a refreshed complexion with DAXXIFY.
Ready to take the plunge? Consult a qualified DAXXIFY provider to discuss your cosmetic goals and learn more about this revolutionary skin treatment for ageless beauty.
If you are one of the 50 million Americans who have experienced acne within the last year, you're probably worried about the acne scars this condition has likely left you with.
Thanks to its ability to minimize the appearance of scar tissue and encourage the growth of new, healthier skin cells, laser treatment could be just what you need to get rid of those troublesome acne scars.
First off, it's helpful to know why we develop acne in the first place. It's such a common occurrence for many people from puberty onward, but we don't always stop to question what causes this annoying skin condition.
Remember that your skin is a complex organ filled with hair follicles and pores. When dead skin cells, bacteria, and oils produced naturally by your skin clog these pores, your skin develops the pimples, zits, and bumps that we connect with the word "acne."
While acne is hardly a life-threatening condition, it can certainly do great harm to your sense of self-esteem and self-confidence. This is even more true if your acne causes your skin to become severely damagedeading to permanent scarring.
While acne is especially common with adolescents who are undergoing puberty (because those in puberty typically generate more sebum, aka natural skin oil), adults of all ages can experience acne. It is most common on the face, but it can also develop on the back, chest, shoulders, and neck.
While there are many oral medications and topical treatments that can help the body fight against active acne breakouts, sometimes the worst symptom is the damage left by acne scars. In those cases, cosmetic treatment is an appropriate measure to take.
Speaking broadly, there are two mechanisms that laser treatment uses in order to reduce acne scarring. First of all, the use of light therapy can reduce the inflammation and pigmentation around the scarring to allow your scar to become less obvious.
Secondly, the light and heat produced by the carefully focused laser work together to break up scar tissue and encourage the growth of fresh, healthy new skin cells. This fresh new skin improves the overall appearance of your acne-ridden skin and allows your skin to heal better than it would have otherwise.
In addition, acne laser therapy can relieve the inflammation that is often connected with acne. By decreasing the redness near your acne scarring, this effect will also work to promote healthier, more robust-looking skin.
Your health care expert will help you decide which treatment option is right for you. This may include a combination medications, skin care regimens, and laser therapy. The best way to decide the course of action is to set up a consultation and create a unique treatment plan.
Every treatment carries with it some level of risk, however minor or unlikely. In the case of acne laser treatment, you may experience a combination of swelling, redness, and pain in the area receiving the laser treatment. Some patients describe a stinging or burning sensation.
However, the pain typically disappears after about 1-2 hours, and any redness usually dissipates after no more than 10 days. Your risk of side effects may vary depending on which treatment type you pursue, how many treatment sessions you undergo, and even what type of skin you have.
You should only be concerned if your acne laser treatment leads to an unusual amount of swelling, pus, or fever following your procedure. At that point, you should contact your medical professional for immediate assistance.
The question of how often to receive acne laser treatments depends on how bad your scarring is and how developed your acne is. For most people, the best results occur with a series of treatments rather than a single procedure.
Your dermatological professional will discuss your ideal treatment frequency, as well as whether you may need annual or biannual follow-up sessions after your initial battery of treatments.
Remember that no treatment process produces instant results. At the low end, you can expect to wait at least a week before seeing any clear improvement in the health and appearance of your skin. Successful treatment may see your scars fade away as they are replaced by healthier-looking cells after as many as 3-12 weeks.
During the days and weeks following your acne laser treatment, you'll want to be protective of your epidermis as it repairs itself. This includes applying sunscreen whenever you leave the house, avoiding long periods of sun exposure (e.g. tanning) for 6-8 weeks, and using any skin care regimen provided by your medical professional.
Do you want to look and feel healthy after acne scarring? If you want skin that stays healthy and young-looking for years to come, you need to talk to the team of dermatological experts at Altaire Clinic.
We are happy to provide the skin and acne treatments you need for lifelong skin health and beauty. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with an experienced medical professional.
Are you looking for a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that can remove unwanted peach fuzz and give your skin a new lease on life? Dermaplaning treatment at our clinic in Fargo is a great procedure that can provide a whole host of skincare benefits!
Dermaplaning is a type of exfoliation treatment, meaning that it removes dead skin cells from the epidermis (i.e. the top layer of your skin). Specifically, it requires the use of a medical-grade scalpel, which a dermatological professional can use to gently scrape your face.
This shaving-like action leaves the surface of your skin looking and feeling smooth. In addition, the dermaplaning process stimulates the growth and development of new skin cells. As a result, a successful dermaplaning procedure can leave you looking younger without requiring chemical peels or potentially painful skin treatments.
Dermaplaning, which is also known as a scalpel facial, can also improve the health and appearance of skin that has been affected by hyperpigmentation, oversized pores, and fine lines.
As mentioned above, dermaplaning can leave your face looking and feeling younger. However, the positive effects of dermaplaning extend beyond cosmetics. It can also lead to healthier skin long-term, aid in the maintenance of clean skin pores, and even help to prevent the development of acne.
As a procedure, dermaplane treatment with a surgical scalpel rejuvenates your facial skin in a minimally invasive manner that requires no downtime.
Your pores and hair follicles are constantly at risk of being clogged by dirt, dead skin cells that haven't been shed by your body, and oil produced naturally by the skin (technically called "sebum").
The scraping action of the dermaplaning procedure removes this material, which is resting on the outermost layer of your skin. By cleaning up your clogged pores, dermaplaning makes them appear smaller on your face.
Apart from helping maintain the health of your skin, having cleaner, smaller-looking pores can make you look more youthful. This is because oversized pores are connected to sagging, stretching skin, which occurs as you get older and your skin becomes less elastic. Thus, larger pores make your face look older, while smaller pores have the converse effect.
If you have sensitive skin, you may shudder at the thought of a scalpel scraping against your delicate epidermis. However, the dermaplaning tool is suitable for virtually every skin tone and skin type, even those on the most sensitive end of the spectrum.
A skilled dermatological professional can safely provide dermaplaning treatment even if you suffer from overly sensitive skin or a similar condition.
Apart from helping patients look and feel younger, dermaplaning is also popular for its ability to keep unwanted peach fuzz in check. These fine hairs can be annoying for many patients, but peach fuzz can nevertheless be removed after a straightforward dermaplaning session.
Whether you have darker facial hairs that are visible from the other side of the room or just have fine vellus hairs that can only be seen up close, you can benefit from undergoing hair removal for your peach fuzz. If you want to get rid of your fuzz while looking and feeling smoother at the end of the day, dermaplaning is a great option for you.
If your peach fuzz or other signs of unhealthy skin have made applying makeup and skincare products difficult, fear no longer!
With your skin freshly exfoliated and your dead cells out of the way, you'll be able to apply cosmetic products in less time and with less difficulty. Not to mention, a lack of peach fuzz means not having to worry about those fine facial hairs throwing off the appearance of your foundation.
The same effect applies to your use of moisturizers, lotions, and other skincare treatments for dry skin. Whatever your at-home skincare routine entails, you can expect easier application and more effective absorption in your facial skin following a dermaplaning treatment.
With clean pores and no hair to get in the way, you will likely experience greater efficacy from your skincare products, whether at home or at a day spa. A new layer of skin means a new chance to boost the health and appearance of your skin through makeup and moisturizer.
While an active acne breakout is a contraindication for receiving dermaplaning treatment, a scalpel facial can work wonders for anyone wanting to prevent future breakouts. As mentioned above, dermaplaning can work wonders for your pores, including if you have acne-prone skin. Clean pores that are free of dirt, oil, and dead skin are less likely to develop acne later on.
In addition, clearing up a fresh layer of skin can reduce the redness you've experienced thanks to previous acne scars. If you're currently undergoing an acne care regimen, the new layer of skin will be able to absorb your topical acne treatments more effectively.
Finally, the removal of dead skin cells and the rejuvenation of fresh skin can grant you a smoother complexion. This helps your skin look healthier and diminishes the appearance of any acne scars you've developed from earlier breakouts.
If you have unwanted peach fuzz, facial blemishes, or indicators of unhealthy skin, you are a likely candidate for dermaplaning treatment. Because it is minimally invasive and gentle, dermaplaning is a great procedure even for candidates whose sensitive skin prevents them from using other facial treatments. This includes pregnant women and patients whose skin reacts poorly to the chemicals used in facial peels.
With that being said, some skin conditions should lead you to speak with a medical provider before trying out dermaplaning. These include:
While most of the above conditions don't automatically prevent you from receiving professional treatment, it's still a good idea to consult a dermatological specialist before undergoing the procedure.
Unlike some cosmetic procedures, dermaplaning doesn't require you to be put under with general anesthesia. However, your medical professional may use a numbing agent in the form of a spray or cream to reduce the feeling in your face.
During the process, the dermatological specialist will sanitize your face before scraping your facial skin with the surgical blade. The exfoliating blade looks similar to an electric razor, though it scrapes the skin off rather than cuts in the manner that a shaving razor does.
Some patients report a scratching or stinging feeling on the parts of the skin that are being operated on, but you shouldn't feel any pain during the dermaplaning procedure. It may feel similar to shaving your legs during a shower.
Depending on how much facial skin is being treated, your procedure could last only a few minutes or could go for up to 90 minutes. After the gentle treatment is finished, your care provider may apply a soothing topical agent to your skin. This helps bring down any swelling, redness, or other irritation caused by the scraping tool.
In addition, your medical professional may provide a recommendation for over-the-counter pain medication if your skin is causing you a great degree of discomfort. If you appreciate the results of your treatment, you can schedule a follow-up appointment to maintain your rejuvenated appearance going forward into the future.
Are you worried about the long-term health and appearance of your skin? If you want your skin to stay healthy and young-looking for years to come, you need to talk to the medical professionals at Altaire Clinic. We are happy to provide the dermatological care you need for lifelong skin health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with an experienced medical professional.