The Revolutionary "Photoderm"

Remove unwanted:

• Hair
• Spider Veins
• Port Wine Stains
• Age Spots
• Birthmarks
• Tattoos

How does Photoderm work?
As anyone who has ever touched a lightbulb knows, light generates heat. Photoderm is precisely calibrated to deliver its heat to a problem area that is darker than the surrounding skin. The heat destroys the target tissue without injuring the surrounding skin. Examples of target tissues include hair follicles, red or purple veins, brown or red skin spots, and tattoos.

Because the equipment can be programmed to target tissues below the skin surface, the chance of injuring the overlying skin is remote. The principle of tissue destruction by intense pulsed light is called selective photothermolysis.

How is Photoderm different from laser? Why is it better?
Consider a rainbow. Laser technology uses only a very narrow part of that light spectrum. This limits its effectiveness and increases the chance of injury to the skin. Photoderm is much more flexible because it uses the entire light spectrum. This allows treatment of a much greater variety of skin conditions and skin types, as well as decreasing the possibility of skin injury.

What are the possible side effects of the treatment? Does it hurt?
Immediate discomfort is similar to that of a grease spatter or a rubber band snap. Topical anesthetics are used for most treatments. Some redness, swelling and initial darkening of target tissue is common, and usually goes away in a few days. Blistering may occur, but is rare.

How long do treatments take?
Once the initial test patch (which lasts about 30-45 minutes) is completed each individual light pulse series takes less than a second. The number of light pulses needed in a single treatment session depends upon the size of the area being treated. Most treatment sessions last between 10 and 30 minutes. the number of treatment sessions needed to eliminate a specific problem varies depending on the problem being treated. For example, hair removal usually requires a series of treatment sessions per area, spaced one month apart, because not all hair in an area will be in the active growth phase each time a treatment is given. Small veins or skin blemishes usually require 3-5 treatments.

What do treatments cost?
Cost varies by the size of the area being treated and the problem being treated.

The initial consultation fee is $75.00 ($100.00 for raised skin lesions, which require physician assessment). This initial consultation includes test patches for hair removal. If an individual chooses to proceed further treatment, $35.00 of the initial consultation fee will be applied to the cost of the first full treatment.

Will insurance cover my treatment?
Since most treatments are cosmetic in nature, the cost is not usually covered by health insurance. However, we will be happy to provide the necessary documentation to anyone who wishes to submit an insurance claim on their own.

Must I restrict my activities before or after treatment?
The most important restriction is avoiding sun exposure to the area being treated for one month before and one month after treatment. Sun avoidance (either staying indoors, using 45 SPF sunscreen, or covering up the area) will enhance the probability of a successful outcome and decrease the possibility of injury to skin which has been sensitized by the treatment.

You may resume regular activity, including a return to work, immediately after treatment. Persons who have had leg veins treated may be instructed in the use of a compression dressing for 72 hours. Cool compresses are also used for a short time following many vein treatments.

For more information, contact us at 262-691-7546
info@cosmeticplasticsurgeon.net