Introducing our new Gemini Laser!
We are pleased to introduce our new laser, the Gemini! With dual wavelengths, the Gemini works great for many cosmetic treatments including:
- Acne
- Spider Veins/Broken Capillaries
- Port Wine Stains
- Lentigo/Brown Flat Spots
- Hair Removal
- Ingrown Hair/Shaving Bumps
- Freckles
- Rosacea
Gemini is a very versatile laser. It has 23 FDA approved indications! It is safe for all skin types, and is less likely to cause hyperpigmentation and scarring in those who have that sensitive darker skin type. It also stimulates new collagen formation in the skin, giving a subtle smoothing and relaxation of wrinkles.
As with any light treatment, there may be some mild discomfort, but we do offer topical anesthetics to those who prefer them. You can expect some mild redness after the procedure that will resolve over the next several days. You may also have some mild swelling (which can be minimized with icing), but generally no weeping, oozing or peeling. You should be able to return to work immediately after your treatment, but you may wish to plan your session a minimum of several days prior to major social engagements.
Price
$200 for a 15 minute session (most treatments will take 15 minutes)
Acne treatments – $800 for 8 sessions (4 weeks of 2 sessions per week)
Call today to schedule a free in office consultation!
Acne
How it works: The laser beam targets a compound naturally generated by the acne bacteria called porphyrins. The porphyrins, excited by the heat of the laser, generate a natural germicide, which kills the bacteria, helping to dramatically reduce the severity of current and future breakouts. Treatment protocol is twice a week for 4-6 weeks. As with most acne treatments, you can expect a flare 2 weeks or so from the start of treatment, with gradual clearing afterwards.
Spider Veins/Broken Capillaries, and Port Wine Stains
How it works: Energy is delivered into the target vessel by the laser. The laser uses a focused beam of light to heat up the small vein and destroy it. Because the beam is focused, it does not damage the nearby skin tissue. The vein is reabsorbed by the body and disappears over a period of four to six weeks. Temporary clearance can be achieved by a single treatment, but lasting results often require between two and three treatments.
Many men and women have unsightly spider veins on their faces and legs. They are superficial blood vessels that appear as small red, blue or purple vessels. Spider veins do not cause symptoms and are only a cosmetic concern. Although the cause of spider veins is not completely known, they seem to run in families. While they are seen in both men and women, they are seen more frequently in women. Hormones, puberty, birth control pills, and pregnancy may also contribute to the formation of spider veins.
The best treatment for spider veins is laser. For optimal results, several laser sessions may be necessary. There is no down time and patients can resume their normal activities immediately. There can be some minor bruising or redness that usually resolves within a few days of treatment.
Lentigo/Brown Flat Spots
How it works: The laser is absorbed by oxyhemoglobin (bright red blood cells carrying oxygen) and melanin, or pigment in the skin. It causes the decomposition or destruction of the unwanted cells (those which cause the dark appearance on the skin) while leaving healthy cells intact. Especially useful for Asian skin, the Gemini is less likely to cause hyperpigmentation and scarring than other devices.
Hair Removal
How it works: Both lasers and IPL remove hair by selective photothermolysis. The characteristics of the light energy (such as wavelength and pulse duration) are optimized to cause thermal injury to the hair follicle without injuring the surrounding tissue. The light energy of the laser penetrates through the skin and is absorbed by the pigment found in the hair shaft. The high temperature destroys the hair follicle and re-growth is inhibited. The key is to only destroy the hair follicle and not the surrounding tissue. To do this, there must be a difference in pigment (color) between the two. That is why laser removal is most difficult in dark skinned individuals. Also, laser hair removal is most effective when the hair is in the anagen phase (the active growth phase), therefore multiple treatments that are scheduled weeks to months apart are typically required for best results.
The Gemini is an excellent alternative for those with hard to treat darker skin types. It is more effective than IPL and many other lasers, and less likely to cause scarring and hyperpigmentation (darkening) of the skin. Expect to need 6-8 treatments for clearing, and some individuals will continue to need maintenance treatments once or twice a year.
Ingrown Hair/Shaving Bumps 
How it works: "Shaving bumps" or ingrown hairs are caused when the hair grows and curls inside the skin. The laser light is absorbed by pigment in actively growing hair and damages the hair follicle, which impedes re-growth. This reduces and eliminates the bumps caused by ingrown hair. Patients average a 75% reduction of shaving bumps within two weeks after just one or two treatments.
Copyright 2012 Jasmine Moghissi, MD,PC.