Essence Laser and Wellness

Dr. O’Rourke and her staff at Essence Laser & Wellness have been performing IPL for Dry Eyes for more than a decade and are among the most experienced in IPL for Dry Eyes in the country. Board-Certified in Ophthalmology, Dr. O’Rourke worked with Research and Development on the early protocols for IPL for Dry Eyes. She was the first ophthalmologist to treat dry eyes with IPL in Colorado, and as one of the most experienced centers in the country, Essence receives referral from all over the United States for patients who have failed standard therapy for dry eyes. We are now happy to be pioneers in yet another revolutionary treatment for Dry Eyes, the PReye™ Drop, PReye™ Shot, and PReye™ Lash, available only at Essence. IPL is for patients with dry eye, blepharitis, ocular rosacea, or meibomian gland dysfunction. It is a light therapy, which targets the meibomian glands (MBG) at the eyelid margin. The MBG are responsible for producing the oily layer of the tear film, which protects the aqueous layer from evaporation. IPL improves MBG function by producing heat and clearing the MBG, and by coagulating the blood vessels near the MBG that release inflammatory components into the eye. By improving the MBG function, there is less inflammation and less evaporation of the tear film, a common issue in our dry Colorado environment, resulting in more comfortable eyes. How does IPL work? Is this a laser? What to expect with the IPL treatment How many treatments will I need? What is the downtime of this treatment? When will I notice results? Contraindications to IPL What are my alternatives? Under the supervision of Melinda C. O’Rourke, MD, Essence Laser and Wellness is a referral center for specialty dry eye therapy, and a medical aesthetics practice, and is not a routine ophthalmology practice. We ask that you provide a copy of a recent eye exam prior to treatment when seeking IPL for Dry Eye, and/or the PReye™ shot. No exam is necessary for PReye™ drops or PRP for aesthetic purposes.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Eye Drops are enriched with a proprietary formula of antioxidants and nutrients to enhance the health of the eye, exclusively formulated by board-certified ophthalmologist, Melinda C. O’Rourke, MD, only at Essence Laser & Wellness. What is PRP? How are PReye™ drops different from Serum tears? How are PReye™ Drops prepared? How do I use my PReye® drops? How much do they cost? Under the supervision of Melinda C. O’Rourke, MD, Essence Laser and Wellness is a referral center for specialty dry eye therapy, and a medical aesthetics practice, and is not a routine ophthalmology practice. We ask that you provide a copy of a recent eye exam prior to treatment when seeking IPL for Dry Eye, and/or the PReye™ shot. No exam is necessary for PReye™ drops or PRP for aesthetic purposes.

What is a microdermabrasion? A Microdermabrasion is good for anyone who is suffering from acne, rosacea, pigmentation, black heads, enlarged pores and uneven skin tone. It also can be used for people who have fine lines or wrinkles, stretch marks, or scars left by acne. What is the benefit? Microdermabrasion will provide a deep exfoliation, rid the pores of debris, soften fine lines, reduce mild scarring and improve skin texture and tone.

CO2 or Carbon Dioxide lasers use fragments of light to remove the superficial layer of your skin. We’re excited to offer this service to our patients. Read below for more information and take a look at the before and after photos for examples. Mechanism of action Stimulates deep dermal collagen production and purges deep pigment. Benefits Improvement of facial lines, texture, skin laxity, deep pigment, and overall skin quality. Up to 30% more collagen production compared to Erbium Laser. Downtime for recovery will be 3-7 days depending on the level of treatment desired. What is CO2 fractional laser skin resurfacing? CO2 fractional laser skin resurfacing has become the gold standard in skin rejuvenation. According to recent studies presented at the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery at the University of California, Irvine, the CO2 laser produces 30% more collagen than the Erbium Laser, resulting in a significantly better result. The term “fractional” refers to the fact that only a fraction of the skin is treated by producing columns of heat and leaving the surrounding dermal tissue intact. This result is a safer treatment, and less downtime than the old non-fractional CO2 techniques used 15 yrs ago. How do CO2 fractional lasers differ from one another? At the risk of presenting more information than you want or need, we would like to give you a brief understanding of the science behind the most evolved form of CO2 Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing. All fractional CO2 lasers have the same wavelength of laser light, 10,600nm. This wavelength provides the ultimate in deep heating to stimulate collagen production and new skin cell growth. The difference in the fractional CO2 lasers lies in the software that allows the fine tuning of the laser light. There are 3 components to the fractional CO2 laser: the power, the pitch, and the dwell time. The power is the number of watts of laser light produced with each pulse. The more power, the more collagen production, but also the higher the risk of complication. The pitch is the density of spots (columns) produced with each pulse, that is, the space between each spot. The closer the spots, the more total power is delivered, the further away the spots, the less downtime is needed to recover. The 3rd parameter is the dwell time, which is the amount of time taken for each pulse to be delivered. The longer the dwell time, the more heat is delivered to the deep skin, and the greater the result. As one can see, the ability to adjust all of these parameters results in an art to the technique. The parameters must be adjusted for different skin types, areas to be treated, and desired downtime. Many fractional CO2 lasers have a limited ability to adjust the parameters necessary to fine tune treatments. The Deka DOT CO2 fractional laser, offered at Essence Laser & Wellness, has the most advanced software technology to provide the ability to fine tune all of the above parameters to give the most effective results, in a safe environment, and minimal downtime. What is the difference between non-ablative, micro-ablative, and ablative fractional laser skin resurfacing? Ablation refers to the disruption of the surface of the skin. The greater the ablation, the longer the downtime, but the better the result. CO2 fractional laser skin resurfacing is all ablative, but with the DOT laser we can adjust the settings to “micro-ablative” to decrease the downtime, but more sessions will be necessary to achieve the desired result. INDICATIONS FOR TREATMENT: Fine lines around the eyes, mouth, full face, neck, and chest. Face, neck, and chest skin laxity. Acne scars Melasma (Hormone induced pigment). Scars and stretch marks. Treatments tuned down for lesser recovery time (micro-ablative) may need several treatment sessions. Only one session with the higher (5-7 day) downtime (ablative) may be necessary, and, in most cases, the treatment with the greater downtime will give the best results. Summary of differences between treatment options Erbium Non-ablative CO2 Microablative CO2 Ablative # of Treatments 3 3 1 Downtime None 2-3 Days 5-7 Days Collagen Production Great 25-30% More 30% More Results Great Better Best Cost Based on area treated 20% More Than Erbium 20% More Than Erbium Risk Low Low Low Call us for a complimentary consultation to discuss the best option for your skin type, lifestyle, and affordability. We are very excited to offer this new technology, and very much appreciate the opportunity to share it with you.

Illuminate your skin with this dual exfoliation treatment, including earth buffing beads and a flower enzyme mask to leave your skin nourished, healthy and radiant. Combining exfoliation, hydration and pore cleansing is a perfect way to restore the skin.

Why choose Botox over other products like it? BOTOX® Cosmetic is the only approved treatment to temporarily improve the appearance of both moderate to severe frown lines between the brows and crow’s feet lines in adults. BOTOX is a treatment used by MILLIONS of people. BOTOX® Cosmetic is one of the most extensively studied medical aesthetic treatments and is approved for cosmetic use in 78 countries.* BOTOX® Cosmetic has a record of experience that aesthetic specialists know and trust. The safety and efficacy of BOTOX® Cosmetic have been evaluated in both Allergan sponsored clinical trials as well as in 417 peer-reviewed articles in scientific and medical journals. How Does Botox Work? BOTOX® Cosmetic targets one of the underlying causes of frown lines and crow’s feet—the repeated muscle contractions from frowning and squinting over the years. Your specialist will inject these muscles with BOTOX® Cosmetic to temporarily reduce muscle activity. You will begin to notice a visible smoothing of your crow’s feet lines and frown lines between your brows. Wrinkles result from a combination of many factors. It’s not just about cellular changes that can occur over time, reduction of collagen, or damage caused by free radicals from sun exposure and environmental factors. When you frown or concentrate, the muscles between your brows contract, causing your skin to furrow and fold. When you squint, the muscles around your eyes contract and cause crow’s feet. BOTOX® Cosmetic works beneath the skin’s surface and targets the underlying muscle activity that causes frown lines and crow’s feet. For the crow’s feet area, Dr. O’Rourke will inject 3 areas of the orbicularis oculi, the muscle that frames the side of the eye. This will be repeated on the orbicularis oculi muscle on the other eye. Injecting BOTOX® Cosmetic into the muscles that cause crow’s feet lines temporarily reduces the activity of those muscles. The result is a reduction in the appearance of those lines. For the frown lines area, Dr. O’Rourke will administer 5 injections into muscles in your forehead—1 in the procerus muscle and 4 in the corrugator muscles. Injecting BOTOX® Cosmetic into the muscles that cause frown lines temporarily reduces the activity of those muscles. The result is a reduction in the appearance of those lines. What Should I Expect with my BOTOX Treatment? Real, noticeable results You may begin to notice results within 24 to 48 hours for moderate to severe frown lines, with results lasting up to 4 months. Some patients report that being injected with BOTOX® Cosmetic feels like a pinch. We use ice to numb the treatment area as well to reduce any type of future bruising. If you are concerned about discomfort, we may also apply a topical numbing cream before administering your treatment. The actual injection process takes about 10 minutes. We will discuss your treatment goals and perform a facial analysis to determine the appropriate treatment areas for you. You’ll look like yourself—only with less noticeable frown lines and crow’s feet BOTOX® Cosmetic is a technique-sensitive treatment. Dr O’Rourke along with the rest of our staff performing BOTOX treatments are highly trained, educated, and masters of this treatment, so you should have no concern of losing the ability to show expression after treatment. Return to your daily routine Treatment requires minimal downtime or recovery; it’s often called a lunchtime procedure. You’ll be able to go about your normal routine immediately after you leave your specialist’s office. It is recommended to refrain from heavy exercise or lying down for up to 3-6 hours after treatment.

The CoolSculpting procedure eliminates stubborn fat safely and effectively, without surgery or downtime. This fat reduction treatment is the only FDA-cleared procedure to use controlled cooling to safely target and eliminate diet- and exercise-resistant fat. CoolSculpting results are proven, noticeable, and lasting, so you’ll look and feel great from every angle. How CoolSculpting Works- Freezing Away Fat Cells Freeze away fat? It comes down to science. Fat cells freeze at higher temperatures than surrounding tissues. CoolSculpting technology safely delivers precisely controlled cooling to gently and effectively target the fat cells underneath the skin. The treated fat cells are crystallized (frozen), and then die. Over time, your body naturally processes the fat and eliminates these dead cells, leaving a more sculpted you. CoolSculpting Results – Reshape your Body! You can reshape your body! We will develop a customized CoolSculpting treatment plan that addresses your problem areas. Additional sessions may further enhance your results. Your individualized treatment plan will be tailored to your body, your goals, and your budget. It’s easy to sit back, relax and say goodbye to stubborn fat. After we select the area(s) to be treated, the device is positioned on your body and controlled cooling is applied. During your procedure, you may choose to read, check email, or even take a nap. The CoolSculpting “fat-freezing” procedure is completely non-surgical, so you can typically return to work and normal activities immediately. You will like what you see. In the weeks and months following your procedure, your body naturally processes the fat and eliminates these dead cells. Once the treated fat cells are gone, they’re gone for good. Are you ready to love every view of you? The sooner you set up your consultation, the sooner you’ll see results in the mirror—long-term results in those areas that have resisted all efforts through diet and exercise. Contact us today to find out if the CoolSculpting fat freezing procedure is right for you. Frequently Asked Questions Am I a good candidate? Good candidates have noticeable bulges in certain areas they’d like to get rid of. The CoolSculpting fat reduction procedure is specifically designed for those who have unwanted fat that resists diet and exercise. Unlike gastric bypass surgery, the CoolSculpting procedure is not a weight loss solution for people who are obese. It is, however, a non-surgical alternative to liposuction. Request a one-on-one consultation with us to determine if the CoolSculpting procedure is right for you. How much does the CoolSculpting procedure cost? How long is each session? How many sessions will I need? Where does the fat go? Are the results permanent? What does it feel like? Is the CoolSculpting procedure safe? Are there any side effects? Can I return to normal activities after my treatment? When will I see results? Do I need to take special supplements or follow a strict diet and exercise program? What happens if I gain weight down the road?

At long last, Feminine Rejuvenation has seen significant recent advances, and a revolutionary treatment for women’s health and well-being is the Ultra Femme 360 device. This technology, approved by the FDA, is an external and internal vulvovaginal, radiofrequency device, designed to address women’s health issues associated with childbirth, aging, and overall feminine wellness. The Ultra Femme 360 procedure tightens and raises the labia, decreases the diameter of the introitus (vaginal opening) and the vaginal canal, improves natural lubrication, improves sensation, and can make orgasm easier to reach. Many patients also experience an improvement in stress incontinence from the treatment. Ultra Femme 360 causes no pain or discomfort, requires no anesthesia, and has no downtime. Target Patients Women who have given birth. Women who are pre or postmenopausal. Women seeking an improvement in dryness, itching, and painful intercourse. Women seeking enhanced sensitivity and sexual function. Women seeking improved external appearance of the feminine tissue. Women seeking an improvement in stress urinary incontinence. Women’s Health Issues addressed Mechanism of Action The Procedure Preliminary Trial Results Sexual Dysfunction in Women: 4 Reasons Sex May Be Less Than Pleasurable Overall Incidence Why Solutions Are Important For Women's Health Why Do So Many Women Suffer in Silence?

JUVÉDERM® XC is the smooth gel filler that your doctor uses to instantly smooth away wrinkles around your mouth and nose. With just one treatment, you’ll get natural-looking results that last up to a year. JUVÉDERM® XC is manufactured using HYLACROSS™ technology, creating a smooth-consistency gel. It is infused with lidocaine to improve comfort during treatment. With JUVÉDERM® XC, you get the smooth results you expect, with the improved comfort you want. Everyone’s skin ages differently, and JUVÉDERM® XC may be used to rejuvenate multiple problem areas. From smile lines to vertical lip lines, you can smooth away unwanted wrinkles and restore natural contours. JUVÉDERM® XC is most commonly used in the smile lines, marionette lines, and vertical lines of the face.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photofacials affect the DNA of skin cells by sending Intense Pulsed Light into the skin, below the epidermis. Stanford Medical University conducted a study that concluded IPL can actually reverse the signs of aging at the cellular level. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is the best treatment to remove brown sunspots, redness, and seal blood vessels. Palomar’s unique IPL technology uses multiple wavelengths that penetrate the underlying dermis to stimulate collagen production and decrease fine lines as well. How does it work? IPL Photofacial is Intense Pulsed Light that is emitted at multiple wavelengths, effectively targeting pigment producing cells below the surface of the skin. The light is converted to heat which eliminates the hyperactive melanin produced by cells in the layers of your skin. Spots are pulled to the surface and after some time, they will flake off and reveal beautiful, radiant skin! Is it painful? IPL could be considered uncomfortable by some patients but it is not typically regarded as painful. Patients describe the feeling as if a rubber band was snapped on their skin. The light emitted is also very bright, which could be an issue for patients who are light sensitive. How long will it last? IPL photo facial results continuously improve with time. The best results are typically seen three months after the most recent treatment. Maintenance and skin care are essential to long-lasting results – make sure you avoid the sun! Overexposing yourself to the sun will bring back old spots, freckles and the brilliance revealed by the treatment will fade. Proper exfoliation should be performed on a regular basis and new treatments are suggested each year for the best results. Ready to take the next steps? Schedule an appointment today!

CO2 fractional laser is an effective treatment for reducing the appearance of stretch marks by stimulating collagen remodeling and improving skin texture. The laser creates microscopic columns of controlled thermal injury within the skin, which triggers the body’s natural healing response and promotes the production of new collagen and elastin. This helps to smooth and tighten the affected area, soften the depth of stretch marks, and gradually blend them more evenly with the surrounding skin. Treatments are customized based on skin type and severity, and while some redness and downtime can be expected for several days, results continue to improve over the following weeks as the skin regenerates. A series of sessions is typically recommended for optimal results, leading to visibly smoother, more refined skin. Pricing varies due to size and severity of the stretch marks. Contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation for more information and pricing.