Q: What is a Pulsed Dye Laser?

A: Pulse Dye Lasers deliver an intense but gentle burst of light into selectively targeted areas on the skin. The light is absorbed by specific blood vessels or melanin pigmented areas in the dermis depending on the condition being treated. Factors such as the age, color, type of lesions, as well as the location on the body, all determine whether lesions can be removed.

Q: What is the procedure for being treated with a Cosmetic Laser?

A: We ensure you are as comfortable as possible; most patients are reclined or lying down depending on the area being treated. Both the patient and the technician will be wearing protective eyewear. When treatment begins, the laser will be calibrated and parameters will be set based on the specific condition being treated, each condition and each individual is unique and these settings maximize the results you will see following treatment. Just seconds before the laser fires the system sprays a cooling cryogen spray on the skin. This optimizes the comfort and protects the outer layer of skin.

Q: Are there any requirements for treatment- how do I know if I qualify for treatment?

A: The only requirement is that you have a desire to improve the condition of your skin or remove unwanted hair. Most patients who receive cosmetic laser treatment do so because they are interested in improving the appearance of their skin without invasive surgery that would cause downtime away from daily activities.

Q: Does it hurt?

A: Some patients may feel a slight discomfort with each laser pulse, like a warming or tingling sensation. This discomfort goes away quickly and is minimized by the cooling spray. For some patients, a topical anesthetic may be used prior to treatment. This will be discussed during your consultation.

Q: How do I prepare for treatment?

A: The most important preparation is NO tanning booths or sun exposure to proposed treatment area for 2 weeks before or two weeks after treatments. You will need to use a sun screen of SPF 30 + during your treatments. And make sure that your skin is free of all products at the time of your treatments.

Hair removal: If you have been removing unwanted hair by plucking or waxing or electrolysis you will need to wait 6 weeks to begin your treatments and during that 6 week time you can only shave the area. Shave the day before treatment. The laser needs a small amount of surface hair to work at its best.

Q: What can I expect after treatment?

A: You may experience a period of redness and/or swelling. This is normal and should resolve within a few hours. You can apply cool compress or gel packs after treatment to help resolve the swelling and redness.

Q: Are the results permanent?

A: Permanency of results depends on many factors, like the condition being treated, or lifestyle of the patient. For example, if you are being treated for sun spots and you continue to go in the sun without adequate protection, it is very likely that you will continue to develop sun spots. Your goals and expectations will be discussed during your free consultation.

Q: Are there side effects?

A: Your risks are minimal. Side effects may include redness, swelling, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, blistering and purpura ( a laser bruise) in the treated area. These usually do not last more then a few days. Permanent side effects are very rare. We will discuss side effects during your consultation.

Q: How many treatments will I need?

A: The number of sessions depends on the treatment you require and the condition of your skin. Multiple treatments may be required, but many factors impact the efficacy of individual laser treatments, including the severity of the condition being treated.

Q: Is treatment covered by insurance?

A: Most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic and aesthetic procedures. Some carriers will, however, cover the treatment of disfiguring birthmarks such as hemangiomas or port wine stains. In addition, the treatment of psoriasis, Rosacea, and warts may be covered by some insurance companies. Please consult your insurance carrier before treatment.

Q: Where can I get more information?

A: Ask your provider on your next visit to Moscow Family Medicine or call Lynn in our Laser Center at 208.882.2011 to schedule your FREE NO OBLIGATION consultation.  You can also view this short, 6-minute video about our state of the art Candela V Beam laser.
 

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