Sun Damage, Uneven Skin Tone Improvement

			One of the most obvious signs of aging is the development of patchy, dark areas on the face and hands.  Most of these are due to repeated exposure to the sun or tanning beds and, over time, will result in greatly exaggerated appearance of age. At Lake Aesthetics Center, these areas of darkened skin are treated with the Gentlelase alexandrite laser. This  laser instrument specifically targets melanin pigments and has a well documented history of safely and effectively treating darkened areas resulting in a more uniform skin coloration.  We also recommend use of several skin lightening products both before and after laser treatment to maximize effectiveness.     In order to provide you with important information regarding these procedures, please consider the following FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS and the answers provided.

	WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENTS? We recommend avoiding sun exposure and tanning of the areas to be treated throughout the course of treatment.  Following a laser treatment, avoid sun exposure or tanning, apply ice for any discomfort.  In addition, specific instructions for follow-up care and product use may be provided and must be followed closely in order to achieve the maximum result.
	HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED TO TREAT MY DISCOLORATIONS?  A minimum of two treatments will be necessary and, depending upon the extent of the problem, more treatments may be required.  This is especially true of extensive areas of discoloration.
	SHOULD I EXPECT TO BE COMPLETELY FREE OF SOLAR DAMAGE AFTER THE SERIES OF TREATMENTS? NO!  The discolored areas that are treated will be improved but, with the passage of time and/or further exposure to the sun or other sources of ultraviolet light, new discolorations may develop.
	CAN ANY AREA OF THE BODY BE TREATED? YES, with the exception of eyelids and orbits due to the proximity of the eye.
	ARE THE TREATMENTS PAINFUL?  In order to minimize discomfort, we use a topical anesthetic on the areas of the body that will be treated.  This is a cream that is applied 30-45 minutes before the laser treatment.  In addition, the laser instrument itself will deliver a short spray of cooling agent, or “cryogen” that further anesthetizes the treatment area just before each laser pulse.  At frequent intervals, usually following a series of 3 - 5 laser pulses, ice is briefly applied to the treatment area.  The degree of discomfort experienced is related to each individual’s pain threshold and the strength of the laser beam.  Many clients claim to feel no discomfort at all.  However, for each client, and at the start of each treatment, a single test pulse of laser energy will be applied to assess discomfort.  If necessary, laser energy levels will be adjusted to accommodate sensitivity.
	WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF LASER TREATMENTS?  Immediately following laser solar damage treatment the affected areas will appear to be much darker.  This is a good response and over several days to weeks, the darkness will resolve and much of the discoloration will have disappeared.  Occasionally, side effects such as blistering, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation and bruising may occur.  Risks of these side effects are minimized if treatment instructions are closely followed by the client and all of these are side effects are temporary.
	HOW LONG DOES THE TREATMENT TAKE? Depending upon the size of the area to be treated, the laser treatment may take as little as 1-2  minutes or several hours.  The pretreatment skin preparation will require 30-45 minutes and some posttreatment care may be necessary as well.
	HOW LONG WILL IT BE BEFORE I SEE RESULTS?  Changes in the appearance of regions of solar damage are immediate and gradually resolve.
	HOW LONG MUST I WAIT BETWEEN TREATMENTS? Depending upon the extent of the solar damaged areas  treated, as well as the individual, the optimal time between treatments can be highly variable.  If possible, we ask that you return to the Aesthetics Center 1-2 weeks following treatment so that we can assess your progress and make appropriate recommendations regarding your next treatment.  This surveillance visit takes only a few minutes, does not require an appointment and is free of charge.