Reflections on Beauty

This year marks the 50th anniversary of laser technology.  The Reflections Center for Skin & Body utilizes a number of lasers for all kinds of beauty treatments, including lasers for tattoo and hair removal, lasers to treat scars and wrinkles, lasers to help us lose fat or even to tighten skin.

LASER is actually an acronym whose letters stand for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It was originally conceived by Einstein in a 1916 paper about Plank’s law of radiation—the idea is that when an atom in an excited state encounters a photon of the same energy, another photon with the same energy is released. Of course, in 1916 most scientists thought this was a rare phenomenon, if it happened at all. As history proves, Einstein was right.

The very first working laser was created in 1960 by Theodore Maiman, but the ability for a laser to perform work took a step up later that year when Javan, Bennet and Herriot created a gas laser with helium and neon. This kind of laser, that emits a continuous beam, is used to read UPC codes, among other purposes in industry. It wasn’t until the Vietnam war (when laser weapons were needed to target and scout the enemy in the jungle) that funding for laser research began in earnest, ultimately allowing lasers to be used for communications in our telephone, televisions and in space.

In 1996, the first hair removal laser was approved by the FDA. Before laser hair removal, electrolysis was the norm—a slow going, fairly painful process that involves sticking a needle into each of your hair follicles and shooting in some electricity to kill the root. It usually took years to remove hair from both legs, let alone underarms.  Alternatively, laser hair removal can be accomplished in only 5-6 visits, it is not painful, and it isn’t invasive.

Since the initial laser approval by the FDA, lasers have transformed the way aesthetic beauty enhancements are approached. One of the most popular uses for laser technology here at the Reflections Center is that of hair removal. At this time of year, we’re ramping up for the many patients who visit us for hair removal before summer (and the beaches) hit us full tilt! Don’t hesitate to call us to remove unwanted hair before you bare your skin to summer’s rays!

If your face looks younger than your years but your hands aren’t keeping up, there’s help.

We have a host of solutions to make your hands look young again —  or at least be a closer match to your face. Your hands give away your age: pigment changes, age spots, uneven texture, fat loss and prominent veins all make your hands look old. However, topical treatments, lasers and fillers can refresh your hands in the same way they turn back the clock on facial skin to create more youthful contours.

Topical treatments for hands include Retin-A, IPL (intensed pulse light) treatments and the Erbium peel, as well as laser treatments such as the Plasma Portrait or Fraxel laser can improve the appearance of the skin on the backs of your hands as well. The Erbium peel is another way to smooth skin as is the light treatments from our Isolaz device. We always “feather” the treatments near the wrists to avoid any lines that show where the laser treatments or chemical peels stopped. If you prefer a very gentle treatment, a Sapphire Photo abrasion, similar to microdermabrasion, provides a gentle resurfacing that makes the hands much smoother.

Fillers for hands: Dr. Chasin can also inject fillers to create more youthful hands. Radiesse and Restylane are excellent for this purpose, as well as Juvederm. Ultimately, autologous fat may be used and can be quite long-lasting.

Laser vein treatments can also help diminish veins that appear in the hands, particularly among our patients who have very thin skin and/or thin hands. Sclerotherapy, which essentially “fills” the veins is a 4^th option.

Your hands speak volumes about your stress level, age and wellness. If you want your hands to look as young as possible, use a good moisturizing hand cream on a regular basis, drink plenty of water, and be sure to use a good sunscreen. See us for treatments that can help you, whatever your hands need!

To your Health and Beauty,

Dr. Mitchell Chasin