San Diego
plastic surgery -
La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre patient
There is a wonderful world of laser technology that is being used in San Diego and around the United States and, in fact, throughout the world. These marvelous instruments have given physicians the ability to help patients achieve impressive cosmetic results on their face and body. Because lasers are powerful tools, patients need to be sure they are in the right hands. It is important to seek out and choose a board certified dermatologist who is an expert in the field of lasers.
At La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre (LJCSC), we are proud to say that we have one of the finest laser divisions in the country. The Dermatology division is headed by Dr. Richard E. Fitzpatrick, known as the "Laser King" because of his on-going leadership and expertise in the laser field. During Dr. Fitzpatrick's career, he has been involved in the ground stage development of many of the laser techniques and lectures and teaches other practitioners around the world. Alongside Dr. Fitzpatrick is Dr. William F. Groff. Dr. Groff lectures both domestically and internationally on the latest advances in laser surgery. Our patients benefit from the personal skill and knowledge of these two fine doctors, as well as their mutual collaboration.
We have the finest and most up-to-date lasers in our dermatology division. Each laser has unique indications and qualities. The world of lasers is ever-changing and consistently improving, so it is important that your dermatologist possess and be familiar with the newest technology. We want to give you a brief overview of our inventory.
Portrait by Rhytec
Portrait® Skin Regeneration is one of the newest technologies available. It is not technically a laser, but we include it here, as we feel it falls within that umbrella of information. The Portrait transfers plasma energy to the area being treated without direct contact with the skin and stimulates collagen production in that area. It is effective in improving the look of fine lines and wrinkles, skin elasticity and texture, as well as improving skin that has sun or age spots. Portrait® can be used on the entire face or just around the eyes or mouth. We also commonly use Portrait to reverse sun damage on the neck, chest, and hands.
Fraxel 2, The Latest Generation
Fraxel 2 is the newest version of the popular Fraxel laser series. Fraxel 2 is a laser that delivers energy in micro spots, much like pixels in a digital photograph. With each treatment, approximately 20 to 30% of the surface area of the skin is treated. Therefore, a series of four to six treatments is recommended to achieve the best results. Fraxel 2 is excellent for improving acne scarring, sun damage, lines and wrinkles, skin elasticity, and age or brown spots. This treatment can be used on various areas of the body including the face, neck chest, arms, legs, and hands.
CO2, Ultrapulse Encore With Active FX
CO2 lasers have been around for a number of years are the most effective for reversing sun damage and improving deep lines and wrinkles. The Ultrapulse Encore is one of the very latest in the Lumenis line of lasers. This new C02 laser is safer and more effective than its predecessors, thanks to its "coolspot" technology. Treatment with this laser removes the top layers of the skin in a controlled manner. It is effective for dealing with serious sun damage and deep lines and wrinkles. This procedure requires twilight or general sedation. With good skin care, the results can last ten years or more.
VBeam Perfecta
The VBeam Perfecta is the latest generation pulsed dye laser and yields even better results that its predecessors. Candela Corporation, which has been in business for over 30 years, makes the Perfecta. This laser is a pulsed dye laser and uses a dynamic cooling device which aids in patient comfort and reduces downtime. Pulsed dye lasers are considered the gold standard for treating facial blood vessels, port wine stains, and rosacea The VBeam Perfecta is a good all-round laser because it helps correct a variety of skin conditions. It is good for skin rejuvenation and helps correct red and brown skin discolorations, as well as skin issues like rosacea and facial and leg veins.
Alexandrite
The Alexandrite ("Alex") is another laser in the line manufactured by Candela. The type of Alexandrite laser that we use is the "q-switched" alexandrite. It is used for tattoos, brown spots and discolorations, age or sun spots, freckles, and melasma. This laser uses light to target pigment in the skin and break it up, thus causing the area treated to fade.
GentleYAG®
Yes, this is another laser manufactured by Candela, a well known and long-time manufacturer in the field of laser technology. The GentleYag is helpful in correcting a number of different skin issues. The Yag is often chosen by doctors because it can be used safely in all ethnic skin types. We use this laser for skin tightening, hair removal, and in the treatment of leg and facial veins.
Smoothbeam
This laser is especially good for dealing with acne and acne scarring, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. This laser is considered the gold standard in the treatment of acne. A beam of light at a specific wavelength is applied to the area of skin. It targets and heats the natural collagen and sebaceous glands in the skin while a cooling device protects the skins surface. It is relatively quick and simple treatment and results in minimal patient downtime.
Erbium
This laser is very good to smooth out facial lines and wrinkles as well as dealing with brown spots and sun damage. The technology uses an intense beam of light that vaporizes thin controlled layers of the skin. Like other laser treatments, this procedure is done on an outpatient basis, but recovery takes a week or so. Redness and swelling usually occur, so patients may need to take a few days off from work to recover.
Thermage
Thermage delivers a special form of radio frequency to the skin and underlying tissue. It selectively heats collagen, so you will experience a brief heating sensation as the radio frequency is delivered. This technology is used for acne scars, stretch marks, and to tighten mild skin laxity. Thermage can be used on the face and parts of the body such as upper arms, abdomen, and thighs.
After reading about these different lasers, you are probably wondering which laser or lasers are right for you. This is where the counsel and advice of a very experienced board certified dermatologist is indispensable. Their expertise will enable you to find the best path for the outcome you hope to achieve.
One of the standards that we set at LJCSC is that our board certified dermatologists perform all laser treatments - not nurses or technicians, which happens in many other practices. A physician's assessment of each patient's skin and desired outcome, along with choosing which laser or combinations of lasers are needed to achieve that result, takes specialized training and experience. In addition, during a laser treatment, important decisions about laser settings and the nuances of the laser's interaction with the skin are imperative in order for you to achieve a safe and impressive outcome. You want the skilled precision and medical judgment of a dermatologist.
We would like to help you with your skin rejuvenation needs. Please call 1-800-942-2816 for more information or to make an appointment. And to find out more about lasers, injectables or plastic surgery procedures please continue to browse our website www.ljcsc.com.
Note: The specific risks and the suitability of cosmetic laser procedures for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation with a physician. All procedures have some degree of risk. The information provided here is not a substitute for a consultation.
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