beauty
/ by Felicia Taghizadeh
a discrete location, like behind the ear, and then wait a few weeks to see how the skin responds. Lasers can be safely used for all skin tones as long as you select a knowledgeable provider. If you have hyperpigmentation from a laser, don’t despair. There are several ways to get your skin looking beautiful again. Prescription hydroquinone cream, kojic-acid pads, and treating the discolored area with a different wavelength laser can all help to even out the dark areas and create a uniform color to the skin. It takes time and commitment to reverse hyperpigmentation and is worth the effort. Burns are another common laser complication. Inexperienced laser providers can cause burns through improper use of the device. Burns happen when too much concentrated energy is delivered to the same area and can show up as blisters after a treatment, track marks on the skin, and excessively painful areas. It is essential that burned areas be quickly cooled. Topical steroids and protective balms can help repair the damaged skin and prevent infection. A skilled physician may use prescription products to reduce the profile and appearance of the scar and may even use a different laser to try to get the burned area to match the surrounding tissue. Finally, money should never be the determining factor. If a laser treatment is offered at a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. It isn’t worth saving a few bucks when your face and peace of mind could suffer long-term damage. So how do you get the benefits of a laser without the complications? 1. Make sure you are visiting a licensed provider. 2. Ask about the provider’s qualifications—how many patients have they treated? How long have they had the device? Have they had any complications? 3. Understand your goals and do your research. Make sure the treatment will address your goal – hair removal lasers will not make your skin look younger or take care of pigment. The provider has to have the right tool for the job.
Don’t Get Burned Mistakes to avoid when lasering
As a top five aesthetic market in the United States, the Valley is full of providers ready to treat your skin with the newest laser device. Lasers can remove unwanted hair, blast away brown spots, erase spider veins, and create younger-looking skin by stimulating collagen and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. But buyers beware — a laser in the wrong hands can create lasting damage that can be difficult to repair. Lasers work by delivering concentrated energy into a cell, causing it to die without impacting the surrounding tissue. This breaks up pigment, stimulates collagen, and causes damaged skin cells to go away. Complications occur when too much heat is built up in the skin. The most common complications are hyperpigmentation, burns, and infection. Hyperpigmentation is when the treated skin gets darker after a laser. It happens frequently in patients with darker skin tones. To avoid the risk of hyperpigmentation, make sure to select a provider who has extensive experience treating patients who have darker skin. The provider should also do a test spot in
Felicia Taghizadeh is the Director of Operations at Arizona Facial Plastics. Arizona Facial Plastics is the leading plastic surgery practice and med spa in Phoenix. Dr. Farhan Taghizadeh and his wife Felicia opened Arizona Facial Plastics in October 2016 where they specialize in plastic surgery, sexual rejuvenation, skin care, and overall aesthetics. www.arizonafacialplastics.com.
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ScottsdaleHealth
06/19