Estea Laser & Cosmetic Center

WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK? AbdominoplastyAbdominoplasty (tummy tuck) helps flatten the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin, and tightening muscles. THE ABDOMINOPLASTY PROCEDURE The patient is placed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Two incisions are made: one from hipbone to hipbone close to the pubic area, and another around the navel. Skin is separated from the abdominal muscles, which are then pulled together and stitched into place for a firmer abdomen and narrower waist. The skin flap is then stretched down over the newly tightened muscles, excess skin is removed, and the navel is reattached where it looks natural. The incisions are then closed, and sterile surgical dressings are applied over the sutured areas. HOW LONG IS TUMMY TUCK SURGERY? An abdominoplasty takes approximately 2 to 6 hours to perform. WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A TUMMY TUCK? The best candidates for abdominoplasty are in good physical condition, with pockets of fat or loose skin that have not responded well to diet and exercise. Abdominoplasty can also be appropriate for slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity, and for women with skin and muscles stretched from pregnancy. Anyone planning on losing a significant amount of weight, and women planning on having (more) children, should wait before undergoing abdominoplasty, although, pregnancy after abdominoplasty is still possible. RECOVERY AFTER ABDOMINOPLASTY After surgery, a temporary drains may be inserted to remove excess fluid from the surgical site. An overnight hospital stay may be necessary in some practices. However, all of our patients go home the same day as they undergo light IV or just oral sedation.. Recovery time ranges from 2 weeks to 2 months. Maintaining weight with a balanced diet and regular exercise provides long-lasting results. WILL I HAVE SCARRING AFTER ABDOMINOPLASTY? Abdominoplasty leaves a scar spanning the lower abdomen from hip to hip, although it is low enough to be concealed by a bikini. RISKS OF ABDOMINOPLASTY In addition to the usual risks associated with surgery and anesthesia, risks associated with abdominoplasty include the following:Tummy tuck procedure Asymmetry Poor aesthetic result Unsightly scarring Loose skin Numbness in skin sensation Need for revisional surgery Patients who have had previous abdominal surgery may find that their old scars look more raised, have stretched or are more noticeable in general. Undergoing a scar revision may minimize their prominence.

LASER LIPOSUCTION SURGERY IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA Laser liposuction is an advanced, FDA-approved cosmetic procedure used to remove fatty tissue from localized areas of the body, and to contour those areas by tightening the affected skin. Designed specifically to target fat in parts of the body resistant to diet and exercise, laser liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure, and represents a technological advance over liposuction, the original treatment for removal of localized fat. BENEFITS OF LASER LIPOSUCTION Although effective, liposuction is an invasive procedure that requires a lengthy recovery time. Laser liposuction, on the other hand, offers effective results with minimal downtime. Just as there are several types of liposuction, there are several types of laser liposuction. All are derived from conventional liposuction, during which unwanted fatty tissue is suctioned out of the body through small tubes called cannulas. In laser liposuction, laser energy melts the fatty tissue before its removal, and smaller cannulas, which cause less tissue trauma, are used. Laser liposuction, when performed as an isolated procedure, treats only small areas of the body. It is sometimes referred to as “lunchtime lipo” because it takes only an hour or two to produce effective results. When a more significant reduction of fatty tissue is required, laser liposuction is often performed along with traditional liposuction, helping patients to achieve maximum results in just one treatment. After treatment, a patient can expect significant circumferential reduction and skin-tightening in the targeted area. Common areas treated with laser liposuction include the waist, abdomen, back, hips, buttocks, knees, ankles, face and neck. Laser liposuction has a number of benefits over traditional liposuction. They include: Less trauma Shorter procedure time Less scarring Less downtime Effective fat removal Skin-tightening Fewer risks and complications THE LASER LIPOSUCTION PROCEDURE The laser liposuction procedure works along the same lines as the conventional liposuction procedure, except that it uses laser technology. Laser energy heats the fat cells, liquefying them and making them easy to remove through the smaller cannulas. This significantly reduces the trauma of the procedure. The laser also improves the treatment-area skin, causing it to tighten and conform to the body’s new contours. Conventional liposuction often leaves skin loose and hanging. When performed on its own, laser liposuction requires only local anesthesia, and is generally well tolerated. Depending on the size of the area treated, the procedure can last from less than an hour to several hours. Because the incision is small, no sutures are needed, and scarring is minimal. In some cases, scarring is not visible at all. A patient can return home shortly after treatment. RISKS OF LASER LIPOSUCTION Although laser liposuction is considered safe, it is not appropriate for patients who are pregnant or regularly take certain medications. Because of the minimally invasive nature of the treatment, there is a lower risk of side effects, which include bruising, soreness, bleeding and swelling, than with conventional liposuction. Small lumps may be palpable at the treatment site, but will disappear in a short time. More serious complications are rare, but may include nausea, vomiting, fever, infection or prolonged bruising. If these symptoms are present, immediate medical intervention is required. RECOVERY FROM LASER LIPOSUCTION After laser liposuction, patients can often return to work and other regular activities the next day. The positive effects of the procedure are immediately apparent, and the treated area, as it heals, continues to improve for several months. As with conventional liposuction, results of laser liposuction are considered permanent unless a significant amount of weight is gained after treatment.

BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY (BREAST LIFT) IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA Mastopexy (breast lift) with breast augmentation is a combination procedure that lifts sagging breasts while increasing their size and enhancing their shape. Aging, pregnancy, weight loss and gravity can all cause breasts to sag. When sagging cannot be corrected by implants alone, augmentation mastopexy may be recommended. During mastopexy alone, excess skin is trimmed away, supporting tissue is tightened, the breasts are “lifted” to sit higher on the chest, and the nipple and areola are repositioned or resized. By adding augmentation with implants to the procedure, the breasts can also be made larger and firmer. CANDIDATES FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION Good candidates for augmentation mastopexy have sagging breasts that have lost fullness at the top. Candidates must be in good overall health, maintain a stable weight, and have realistic expectations about what augmentation mastopexy can do. A woman who chooses to undergo augmentation mastopexy is unhappy with her breast size, and has one or more of the following: Sagging breasts Breasts that have lost shape or volume Breasts that are flat or elongated Nipples or areolas pointing downward One breast lower than the other A woman planning to have (more) children should not undergo augmentation mastopexy because pregnancy and nursing can counteract its benefits. THE BREAST LIFT PROCEDURE Augmentation mastopexy is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia, and usually takes 1 to 3 hours. Depending on the degree of sagging, the amount of excess skin, and the size and type of the implants, one of the following types of incisions is often used: Two rings, one larger than the other, around the areola A keyhole shape, around the areola and down to the breast crease An anchor shape, beginning in the breast crease, and extending up to and around the areola After the incisions are made, excess skin is trimmed to create a tighter, more defined appearance. The nipple and areola are usually moved higher on the breast or resized. Implants made of either saline solution or silicone gel are inserted into the breast beneath the pectoral muscle or mammary gland. Incisions are then closed with stitches; the incisions used for augmentation mastopexy are larger than those for augmentation alone, which requires only an incision in the breast crease, the bottom of the areola or the armpit. RECOVERY FROM BREAST AUGMENTATION For a few days following augmentation mastopexy, patients are likely to have bruising, soreness and swelling that may last for several weeks. Breasts are usually wrapped in an elastic bandage or a surgical bra for about a week; a support bra is then worn continuously for a month. Stitches are removed after 1 to 2 weeks. Most patients return to work within a week; exercise and other strenuous activity should be avoided until the surgeon believes the patient to be sufficiently healed RISKS OF BREAST AUGMENTATION In addition to the usual risks associated with surgery and anesthesia, risks specific to augmentation mastopexy include the following: Capsular contracture (hardening of scar tissue around implant) Implant leaks and ruptures Implant deflation or shifting Temporary or permanent change in nipple/breast sensation Irregularities in breast contour/shape Asymmetry Partial or total loss of nipple/areola Depending on the incision type used, augmentation mastopexy can produce visible scars, although, in most cases, scars fade over time, becoming much less apparent. Although there are instances in which they last much longer, breast implants have a life expectancy of about 10 years, so women who want to maintain the size and shape of their breasts should expect to undergo a number of surgeries to maintain results.

BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA Women who are unhappy about having large breasts and/or want to treat symptoms such as back pain, breathing problems and poor posture, may benefit from reduction mammaplasty (breast reduction), during which fat, glandular tissue and skin are removed from the breasts. The resultant smaller breasts increase patient comfort, and look more in proportion to the rest of the body. Ideal candidates for breast reductions are women with oversized breasts that are causing medical problems, low self-esteem, and/or physical or social discomfort. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding cannot undergo breast reduction surgery. THE BREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURE Breast reductions are performed under general anesthesia. Depending on the technique used and the individual case, it takes from 2 to 5 hours to perform. One of the following incisions is often used: Two rings, one larger than the other, around the areola A keyhole shape, around the areola and down to the breast crease An anchor shape, beginning in the breast crease, and extending up to and around the areola An anchor shape, beginning in the breast crease, and extending up to and around the areola RECOVERY FROM BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY After breast reduction surgery, patients typically experience soreness, swelling and bruising for several days. Bandages are removed after 2 days, and replaced with a surgical bra. Physical activity should be limited for 1 to 2 weeks, while exercise and other strenuous activity should be avoided for at least 4 weeks. Stitches are removed after 2 to 3 weeks, at which point most patients return to work and other regular activities. The results of breast reductions are noticeable immediately after surgery. As swelling and bruising subside, the breasts’ appearance improves. Scars fade with time, and usually cannot be seen when a patient wears a bathing suit or low-cut top. RISKS OF BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY In addition to the risks associated with any surgery, risks related to breast reductions, depending on the technique used, include the following: Loss of sensation Scarring Asymmetry Excessive firmness Inability to breast-feed Loss of skin/tissue where incisions meet Partial or total loss of areola and nipple Although breast reduction provides long-lasting results, breasts are still subject to the effects of aging and gravity. WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR A BREAST REDUCTION? The ideal candidate for breast reduction is a woman with oversized breasts that are causing medical problems, low self-esteem, and/or physical or social discomfort. A woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding cannot undergo a breast reduction. Breast reduction, usually using liposuction, is also used on men whose breasts are enlarged. ARE BREAST REDUCTIONS COVERED BY INSURANCE? Medical insurance may cover the cost of a breast reduction if it is being performed to alleviate physical discomfort and pain. Depending on the particular insurance provider, eligibility factors may include the amount of breast tissue to be removed, and whether more conservative steps to reduce pain have been attempted.

EYELID SURGERY (BLEPHAROPLASTY) IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is a cosmetic surgery procedure for correcting sagging or drooping eyelids. The eyelid, because its skin is much thinner than that in other parts of the face, is often one of the first facial areas to exhibit signs of aging. Eyelids that sag or droop can affect peripheral vision, making daily activities such as driving more difficult. Blepharoplasty may become necessary when various factors, which include aging, sun damage, smoking and obesity, cause the muscles and tissue that support the eyelids to weaken. FUNCTIONAL BLEPHAROPLASTY If the eyelids begin sagging into the field of vision, a functional blepharoplasty may be required. The procedure may be covered by medical insurance if it is deemed medically necessary. A determination of how much vision is affected is done by checking the peripheral visual field with an instrument called the Humphrey Visual Field (HVF) Analyzer. In order to be covered by insurance, the procedure is preferably performed by a board certified oculoplastic surgeon. COSMETIC BLEPHAROPLASTY Blepharoplasty can be performed on either the upper or lower eyelid, or on both, for cosmetic purposes. It is important for a patient to have realistic expectations before undergoing cosmetic blepharoplasty. Although the procedure can enhance appearance and improve self-confidence, it does not radically alter the face. CANDIDATES FOR BLEPHAROPLASTY The best candidates for blepharoplasty are those who are in good overall health, do not smoke, do not have any serious eye conditions, and have healthy facial tissue and muscle.People with eye disease, including glaucoma or retinal detachment, thyroid disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure are not good candidates for blepharoplasty. THE BLEPHAROPLASTY PROCEDURE Blepharoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure requiring local anesthesia and oral or IV sedation. General anesthesia may be used for anxious patients. Patients can choose to have this procedure on their upper or lower eyelids, or both. The procedure can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on whether both the upper and lower eyelids are operated on. If the upper eyelid is being operated on, an incision is typically made along its natural crease. Once the incision is made, fat deposits may be repositioned or removed, muscles and tissue are tightened, and excess skin is removed. For the lower eyelid, an incision is usually made just below the lash line so that excess skin can be removed. After the procedure, the incisions are closed with sutures, which are removed in one week. RECOVERY AFTER BLEPHAROPLASTY After blepharoplasty, patients may be advised to apply lubricating drops/ointment and cold compresses to aid in healing and minimize side effects. Most patients return to work within a few days to a week, but should avoid exercise and strenuous activities for at least 2 weeks. Stitches are usually removed after 5 to days. Most swelling and other side effects typically subside within 2 weeks. Contact lenses and eye makeup may not be worn for 2 weeks after surgery. Patients are typically advised to wear dark sunglasses outside or in bright light for 2 weeks to protect their eyes from sun and wind. RISKS OF BLEPHAROPLASTY Although there may be swelling and bruising around the surgical site, they will subside on their own, and the eyelids will improve in appearance for up to a year. Uncommon side effects include infection, reaction to anesthesia, and double or blurred vision. Eyes may be irritated and dry due to a temporary change in tear distribution. Side effects such as uneven healing and permanent scarring are rare but, if they occur, may require surgical correction. The scars from blepharoplasty are well-concealed, and usually fade with time until they are virtually undetectable. Although the eyelids are still subject to aging, blepharoplasty produces long-lasting results.

FACELIFT PROCEDURE IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA Over time, gravity and sun exposure take their toll on the face and neck. Deep creases that run from each side of the nose to the corners of the mouth appear; the jawline slackens; and the neck develops loose folds and fat deposits. A facelift (rhytidectomy) counteracts these signs of aging by tightening muscle, removing fat and trimming excess skin, giving the face a fresher, more youthful look. WHAT CAN A FACELIFT DO FOR ME? A facelift improves the look of the lower and middle areas of the face, and the neck. It is most effective for correcting the following: Mid-face sagging Deep creases under the eyes Nasolabial folds Jowls Sagging fat Loose skin and fat under the chin and Jaw Although a facelift removes or reduces signs of aging, over time, they will gradually reappear. A facelift does not improve the look of the brow, eyelids and nose, and some parts of the mid-face. A patient who wants to improve those areas might combine facelift with a brow lift or eyelid surgery, and/or with injectable soft-tissue fillers, facial implants and skin resurfacing. AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A FACELIFT? The best candidates for a facelift want to correct one or more of the signs of aging indicated above; have some facial sagging, but still have elasticity in their skin; are generally healthy; do not smoke; and have realistic expectations about what rhytidectomy can do. Other procedures, such as rhinoplasty, can improve specific areas of the face. HOW IS A FACELIFT PERFORMED? A facelift is typically performed as an outpatient procedure in an office-based facility, surgery center or hospital. Patients may have a choice of IV sedation or general anesthesia. The procedure takes about 2 hours. The way a facelift is performed depends on the surgeon, the patient’s facial structure, and the extent of correction desired. The types are traditional facelift and limited-incision facelift. In both methods, incisions are closed with stitches or tissue glue. Scars are hidden in the hairline and natural contours of the face. After facelift, the surgeon wraps the incisions in bandages, and may place drainage tubes. The tubes are taken out the next day, when the hair is carefully washed. If surgical clips are holding some incisions closed, they are removed, along with any stitches, one week after the procedure. Swelling, numbness, bruising and a feeling of tightness or tension in the face and neck may be felt. The face may look uneven or distorted, and facial muscles may feel stiff. Most of these side effects resolve within 3 to 6 weeks, and sensation typically returns to normal within a few months. Scars become less red, raised, lumpy and itchy over time. HOW LONG DO THE EFFECTS OF A FACELIFT LAST? Results of a facelift are not permanent, and some patients choose to undergo another in 5 or 10 years. In some sense, however, effects are permanent; years later, the face continues to look better than if rhytidectomy had not been performed. WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL RISKS OF A FACELIFT? Possible complications of a facelift include bleeding, infection, bruising, swelling or discoloration, allergic reaction to the anesthesia, skin blistering (usually only in smokers), nerve injury, and temporary or permanent loss of sensation in the face. ALMI PROCEDURE – FAT TRANSFER TO FACE This new procedure utilizes your own fat mixed with PRP after micronization, and this fat is injected into the face.

NECKLIFT PROCEDURE IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA WHAT IS A NECKLIFT? A neck lift is a surgical procedure that smooths and tightens the neck’s skin, which can sag from aging or weight loss. There are usually two components to a neck lift: cervicoplasty, which removes excess skin, and platysmaplasty, which removes or tightens muscles in the neck. A neck lift can be performed alone or as part of a facelift. AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A NECKLIFT? A neck lift candidate is in good physical and emotional health, and has realistic expectations about the outcome of surgery. NECK LIFT PROCEDURE A neck lift begins with a small, inconspicuous incision directly below the chin (platysmaplasty) and/or in front of the ear lobes, looping behind the ears and ending in the scalp near the back of the neck (cervicoplasty). Sagging skin is trimmed away and lifted during cervicoplasty; loose muscles that cause the “bands” around the neck to be prominent are tightened during platysmaplasty. In some cases, it is necessary to perform only one of the two procedures. Liposuction is sometimes used to remove excess fat; if so, it is performed before the neck lift. Incisions are glued and/or sutured closed. A neck lift usually takes 2 to 4 hours to perform, and the patient is given either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Most neck lifts are performed on an outpatient basis. Bandages covering incisions are removed after a few days; sutures are typically removed after 7 to 10 days. The results of a neck lift can last up to 10 years. RECOVERY FROM A NECK LIFT Swelling and bruising from a neck lift can last up to 10 days. Applying cold compresses and keeping the head elevated for the first 48 hours following surgery minimizes swelling. Keeping the head still, and avoiding turning or twisting it for the first few days post-surgery, is recommended. Medication is prescribed to help alleviate discomfort. WHEN CAN I RETURN TO WORK AFTER A NECKLIFT? Most people return to work and other normal daily activities within 2 weeks, after which bruising and swelling have subsided. More strenuous activities should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks. RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS OF A NECK LIFT Although rare, possible risks and complications of a neck lift include the following: Scarring Excessive bleeding Hematoma Tissue death Blood clots Numbness Intense itching Skin discoloration Persistent swelling A more serious complication, also rare, is facial nerve damage that can lead to muscle paralysis. For more questions about Neck lift surgery at Estea Laser & Cosmetic Center, please call our office at the number below.

RHINOPLASTY (NOSE SURGERY) IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) is one of the most frequently performed plastic/cosmetic surgery procedures. During rhinoplasty, the nose is reshaped, reduced or augmented to improve its appearance. Rhinoplasty may be performed to correct a birth defect, or repair an injury such as a broken nose. It is also often performed strictly for cosmetic reasons. For a patient with ongoing sinusitis, rhinoplasty is sometimes performed in conjunction with endoscopic sinus surgery; for a patient with a deviated septum, it is often performed along with septoplasty, a procedure that corrects a deviated septum. In such cases, rhinoplasty effectively treats health and breathing problems, in addition to improving the patient’s appearance. Preferably, this is done by an Ear/nose and throat surgeon. AM I A CANDIDATE FOR RHINOPLASTY? Candidates for rhinoplasty have finished their facial growth. Girls should typically be at least 15 or 16 years old; boys should be at least 17 or 18. Patients considering rhinoplasty should be in overall good health and not smoke. It is important that candidates have realistic expectations about what rhinoplasty can do. Although undergoing rhinoplasty may boost self-confidence, it should not be viewed as a cure-all for personality or relationship issues, and should not be the result of social pressure. WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF RHINOPLASTY? There are several goals of rhinoplasty; they include facilitating breathing as well as improving appearance. During rhinoplasty, the surgeon may attempt to do one or more of the following: Remove a hump Modify the bridge Reshape the tip Reshape or resize the nostrils Repair an injury Open breathing passages Increase or decrease size Rhinoplasty can involve modifying bone, skin, cartilage, or all three. WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE RHINOPLASTY PROCEDURE Rhinoplasty, which takes from 1 to 2 hours, is usually an outpatient procedure performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. Two techniques are typically used. In closed rhinoplasty, incisions are made within the nostrils. In open rhinoplasty, an incision is made across the columella, the tissue between the nostrils. With both methods, the soft tissues covering the nose are gently lifted, and the bone and cartilage are sculpted to the desired shape. WHAT IS THE RECOVERY FROM RHINOPLASTY LIKE? Immediately after surgery, the patient’s nose and eye area are usually bruised and swollen. Splints and nasal packing remain in the nose for a few days. During this period, the patient may experience some nasal pain or a dull headache, as well as some bleeding and drainage from the nose. Most patients feel like themselves within a few days and are able to return to regular activities in about a week. To increase comfort, and decrease bleeding and swelling, rhinoplasty patients are advised to follow these post-surgical directives: Avoid strenuous activities Avoid blowing your nose Avoid becoming constipated Avoid exaggerated facial expressions Brush your teeth gently Avoid pulling clothing over your head Use sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher Limit dietary sodium Do not use ice packs Although the patient usually looks “normal” a week or two after surgery, minimal swelling may be present for as much as a year. WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL RISKS OF RHINOPLASTY Complications associated with rhinoplasty are rare and, when they occur, usually minor. Surgical risks in general include infection or adverse reaction to anesthesia. In the case of rhinoplasty, specific risks include the following: Recurring nosebleeds Difficulty breathing through the nose Permanent numbness in or around the nose Persistent pain Discoloration of skin on the nose Scarring Perforation of the nasal septum It is possible that a patient is not satisfied with the results of the rhinoplasty. In such a case, a second surgery, called a revision rhinoplasty, may be performed at a later date. Currently, the rhinoplasty is performed by affiliated board certified surgeons, often in affiliated surgery facility.

LASER HAIR REMOVAL IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA LASER HAIR REMOVAL Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses laser energy to remove unwanted hair from a targeted area, while leaving surrounding skin unharmed. Common areas on which laser hair removal is performed are the chin, upper lip, chest, underarms, back, bikini line and legs. Although there are many temporary treatments, including tweezing, shaving, using depilatory creams and waxing, to remove unwanted hair, patients seeking more permanent and less irritating/painful methods are frequently good candidates for laser hair removal. CANDIDATES FOR LASER HAIR REMOVAL Laser hair removalBecause the laser beams used to remove hair target its melanin (pigment), the best candidates have dark hair and light skin. Conversely, those with blond, red, gray or white hair and dark skin are usually not good candidates. Recent technological advances have made laser hair removal for those with dark skin more successful (our practice utilizes Candela’s GentleMax, which is suitable for all skin types), while techniques for using lasers to effectively remove light-colored hair are being investigated. BENEFITS OF LASER HAIR REMOVAL There are many benefits to having unwanted hair removed through the use of laser therapy. They include the following: Hair is precisely targeted Procedure is quick Results are permanent (for 90 percent of patients) or long-lasting For many patients, laser hair removal is relatively painless, although some experience minor discomfort, usually described as something like a rubber band snapping against the skin. LASER HAIR REMOVAL PROCEDURE Laser hair removal is performed while the target area is numbed by a topical anesthetic. A hand held device is moved across the area, focusing on individual hair follicles. Hair growth takes place cyclically, in three stages. The most effective laser hair removal takes place during the anagen (full-growth) stage, because the hair follicles in this stage are susceptible to laser energy. But, because all hair is not in the same stage of growth at any given time, several laser treatments, usually between three and five, spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart, are necessary. To some extent, the length of treatment depends on the texture of the patient’s hair, and the location from which it is being removed. RECOVERY FROM LASER HAIR REMOVAL Some redness, soreness or swelling may occur immediately after laser hair removal, but they almost always disappear within a few days. Cold compresses or ice packs, moisturizers, and anti-inflammatory creams may minimize discomfort. Sun exposure should be avoided as much as possible for some period of time. COMPLICATIONS OF LASER HAIR REMOVAL The most common complication of laser hair removal is the regrowth of the unwanted hair. Frequently, however, the hair that regrows is finer and lighter than the hair that was removed. Usually, regrowth can be addressed with a few additional treatment sessions. Other complications that may arise after laser hair treatment include skin irritation such as blistering and crusting; changes in pigmentation or texture of the skin; and scarring at the removal site. However, most of the adverse effects are minor and usually temporary. These will be addressed during your consultation. Contact us in Long Beach, California, for all of your cosmetic laser needs.

LASER TATTOO REMOVAL IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA LASER TATTOO REMOVAL Tattoo RemovalOver the past ten years, Q-Switch YAG lasers have shown to be very effective at removing tattoos. They deliver very high power, but very short, pulses of laser light, which pass through the skin and break up the particles of tattoo pigment, which are then destroyed by the body, removed by white blood cells and the lymphatic system. In addition, Q-Switch YAG laser treatments make pigment particles small enough to be destroyed faster than others. Multiple treatments, given about one month apart, are necessary for best results.