Frequently Asked Questions

LASER HAIR REMOVAL/REDUCTION FAQs

What can I expect after a few treatments?

• Our goal is 90% hair reduction

• Each session takes 5 minutes to 1 hour depending on the body area.

• The interval between treatments is 4 – 8 weeks.

Hair grows in cycles, so it is important to know that we take laser hair removal very seriously based on the biological factors of the three cycles of hair growth. Success is based on the percentage of hair that is gone after each session. Our goal is to have you at 90% hair gone, which according to the FDA, is considered success.  However, we know that due to biology, hormones, or other medical issues can cause dormant hair to wake up and that a hair may pop up here and there.

Unfortunately, however, not everyone is a candidate for laser hair removal. There is not a laser known to man currently that can permanently remove hair that does not contain melanin (pigment). What does this mean? It means that the unwanted hair must be a color with melanin pigment, which is what the laser targets. The laser cannot see hair that is blonde, white, grey, or extremely light red… these hair colors do not have melanin. If you have a mix of pigmented hair with these colors, you can at least be reassured that the laser will be able to treat the hair that does have pigment, giving you results that you may be happy with.

If you have questions and would like to visit with one of our trained and certified technicians to get a better understanding of what can be expected from your laser hair removal sessions, please give us a call to schedule your free laser hair removal consultation.

What do I need to do Before & During my Treatment?

• Since the lasers used for laser hair removal are attracted to melanin (pigment), it is important to AVOID sun exposure, tanning beds, spray tans, and bronzers for 4 weeks before treatments. Sun exposure and tanning beds increase the melanin production in the skin which will cause the skin to absorb the laser more than the hair follicle. Spray tans and bronzers have pigment and/or pigment enhancing agents that will also absorb the laser more than the hair follicle, resulting in a burn and/or skin pigment changes.

• Please DO shave the area of treatment the night before your visit. DO NOT wax, thread or pluck the hair for at least 4 weeks prior to your laser treatment.

• PAIN – Tell us to stop the procedure if pain is more than 4 on a scale of 10 during treatment. Most patients feel pain scale of 2 to 3.

• If treatment area is the face, preferably come with your makeup off.

• Do not use on treatment areas: any skin lightener, exfoliation products or bleaching creams at least 2 days before and 2 days after treatment or until all pinkness has subsided.

• Do not apply any creams, lotions or deodorant on the area to be treated prior to treatment.

• Notify us of any change in medications or medical history since last visit – eg. Pregnancy or new tattoos or moles (on the area of treatment).

Does it work?

Yes!

However RESULTS WILL VARY & CANNOT BE GUARANTEED.

Generally speaking, after 4 treatments, you should see & feel noticeable results! Patient’s individual skin conditions, hair density, skin color, hormones, and the type of laser used play a role in final results. 

Does it hurt?

No, It should not.

Pain / Discomfort – Many patients describe the sensation as ‘warm sensation’ or snap of a rubber band with pain scale of 2 to 3. It is your responsibility to inform us if your pain during the procedure is more than 4 on a scale of 10. 1 being the least and 10 being the worst pain you ever had.

What Do I Need to Do After My Treatment?

• After you leave the clinic, if there are any problems in the next 24 hours, please contact the clinic immediately especially if pain or burning sensation is at level 4 or more and is not improving OR if a burn or a blister formation has occurred.

• After treatment, avoid direct sun exposure or tanning on treated area for 3 days to prevent complications.

• Use Sunscreen – Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher is highly recommended.

• To wash, use tepid water and mild soap. Do not use hot water on freshly treated areas until pinkness has subsided.

• Please note the important risks of this procedure – Scarring & Discoloration that can be permanent.

• FOLLOWING THESE IS IMPORTANT FOR BEST RESULTS

MICRONEEDLING FAQs

How does it compare with other procedures?

• Our Mesopen technology prevents skin damage caused by other “roller” types of microneedling.

• Fractional laser resurfacing burns the epidermis while microneedling does not.

• Skin tightening lasers have longer recovery time as heating and burning of the skin layers is part of the treatment process.

• Intense Pulse Light, or Fotofacial is more expensive and somewhat riskier.

• We provide anesthetic cream for your comfort before the procedure.

• Home devices are not as powerful and therefore do not work as well. They are more appropriately a supplementary option in addition to clinical microneedling.

What can I expect after a few treatments?

• Expect to see a difference in the appearance of your skin with each Microneedling treatment.

• Your face will be red and warm immediately following the procedure, this will reduce within 12 hours.

What Do I Need To Do Before & During My Treatment?

• PAIN – Tell us to stop the procedure if pain is more than 4 on a scale of 10 during treatment.

• Preferably come with your makeup off.

• Do not use on treatment areas: any skin lightener, exfoliation products or bleaching creams 2 days before and 2 days after treatment or until all pinkness has subsided.

• Do not apply any creams, lotions or deodorant on the area to be treated prior to treatment.

• Notify us of any change in medications or medical history since last visit –e.g. Pregnancy or new tattoos or moles (on the area of treatment).

Does it work?

Yes!

However RESULTS WILL VARY & CANNOT BE GUARANTEED.

Generally speaking, after 4 Treatments, you should see & feel noticeable results! 

Does it hurt?

No. It should not.

Pain / Discomfort – Many patients feel nothing, although some sensitivity may occur on the edges of the face or near lips. It is your responsibility to inform us if your pain during the procedure is more than 4 on a scale of 10. 1 being the least and 10 being the worst pain you ever had. 

ULTRASONIC TREATMENT FAQs

What is a Ultrasonic Treatment?

An Ultrasonic treatment is a high tech “facial” that uses ultrasonic waves to gently exfoliate and give your skin a soft, youthful and radiant glow. A vibrating blade uses ultrasonic waves to buff away the top layer of skin. The exfoliation can leave pores clearer and faces more even toned and free of acne, blackheads, and rough patches for up to one month.

Your skin will have that “lit from within glow”, making it the perfect treatment to indulge in before a big event. Procedures take less than 10 minutes and the results can last up to one month.

What can I expect after a treatment?

An Ultrasonic:

• Exfoliates dead skin cells

• Cleanses your skin

• Improves skin texture and tone

• Unclogs and cleanses pores – improves blackheads, whiteheads and improves acne

• Enhances skin care product penetration & efficacy

• Is non-invasive and has zero down time

• Treatment takes less than 10 minutes

• Results are immediate and last up to one month.

• This is a medical treatment, not a spa facial.

Does it hurt?

No, it is not painful at all. You can expect to have no redness or irritation after your facial. It’s not rough on the skin, and there’s no messy crystals left over on your skin after.

This treatment doesn’t use crystals or chemicals and is perfect for sensitive, sun-damaged and acne prone skin.

Are there any risks involved?

• The procedure is generally safe, but there are some minimal risks involved that you need to be aware of before undergoing this procedure.

• There is a risk of burns if the spatula stays on the skin too long.

• Our burn rate is less than 0.1%.

• It’s best to skip the ultrasonic treatment if you have an autoimmune disorder, heart disorder or cancer.

COOLSCULPTING® FAQs

Am I a candidate?

The CoolSculpting® procedure is designed for people who want to eliminate fat bulges in specific areas. The CoolSculpting procedure is not a weight loss solution (unlike weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass). People who choose CoolSculpting often want a non-surgical alternative to liposuction. Good candidates for the CoolSculpting procedure have noticeable fat bulges in certain areas.

You should not have the CoolSculpting procedure if you suffer from cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria. The CoolSculpting procedure is not a treatment for obesity. As with any medical procedure, ask your physician if the CoolSculpting procedure is right for you. 

Where does the fat go?

The frozen fat cells become crystallized, then die. The dead fat cells then are naturally processed and eliminated by your body. Some patients wonder if the results are permanent. CoolSculpting results are long term because those fat cells, and that fat bulge, are gone for good. 

When will I see results?

You may start seeing changes in your body as quickly as 3 weeks after your treatment. The most dramatic results are usually visible after 2 months. Several months after your treatment, your body will still continue to flush out fat cells. 

Will I need supplements?

After your CoolSculpting treatment, no special supplements are required. You won’t need to change any of your lifestyle habits because it’s not a diet and exercise program. Many people do feel more motivated to take good care of themselves after a CoolSculpting treatment. They look better, they feel better, and they want to keep their reshaped body healthy. 

Does it hurt?

It can be uncomfortable. As the name suggests, the CoolSculpting procedure can be a little chilly. Controlled cooling is delivered via an applicator to freeze the targeted fat. Though you may feel intense cold initially, this feeling usually subsides within 5 to 10 minutes as the area numbs. Because most applicators use a vacuum to draw fatty tissue into the applicator cup, you may also feel some pulling, tugging, and/or mild pinching.

Some people may experience pain or discomfort after CoolSculpting as the nerves “wake up”. If this happens, let us know. There are methods the doctor can suggest to help minimize the pain. 

JUVÉDERM® FAQs

Where is JUVÉDERM® used?

Different formulations are approved to either lift cheeks, smooth parentheses lines, smooth vertical lip lines or plump the lips. The results are subtle and long lasting. 

What is treatment experience like?

We will take your medical history and Dr. Kanase will do a facial analysis. Be prepared to discuss your aesthetic areas of concern. This is not a surgical treatment. Actual treatment with JUVÉDERM® injectable gels can take 15 minutes to 60 minutes, depending on which area of your face is being treated. 

Does it hurt?

JUVÉDERM® injectable gels labeled with “XC” contain pain-reducing lidocaine to help manage pain or discomfort during the injection. You may also enquire about topical numbing cream or ice to help further minimize discomfort. 

What is hyaluronic acid?

The JUVÉDERM® collection of fillers is made fom hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a natural substance in the skin that delivers nutrients, helps the skin retain moisture and softness, and adds volume. Each product in the JUVÉDERM®collection of fillers is made from a modified form of HA. 

When will I see results and how long do they last?

You will see results immediately/instantly. Results may last one year to 18 months, with optimal correction and depending on the formula used. 

BOTOX® COSMETIC FAQs

What is Botox® Cosmetic?

BOTOX® Cosmetic is the only approved treatment to temporarily improve the appearance of both moderate to severe frown lines between the brows and crow’s feet lines in adults.BOTOX® Cosmetic is one of the most extensively studied medical aesthetic treatments and is approved for cosmetic use in 78 countries.* BOTOX® Cosmetic has a record of experience that aesthetic specialists know and trust. And, the safety and efficacy of BOTOX® Cosmetic have been evaluated in both Allergan sponsored clinical trials as well as in 417 peer-reviewed articles in scientific and medical journals.

BOTOX® Cosmetic contains tiny amounts of a highly purified botulinum toxin protein refined from the bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. Formulations, potency, and approved doses vary among botulinum toxin products, which means that one product cannot take the place of another. Those are a few reasons why there is no such thing as a “generic” form of BOTOX® Cosmetic. There have been no studies to support that other products are Unit-to-Unit equivalent to BOTOX® Cosmetic.

How does Botox® Cosmetic work?

BOTOX® Cosmetic targets one of the underlying causes of frown lines and crow’s feet – the repeated muscle contractions from frowning and squinting over the years. Your specialist will inject these muscles with BOTOX® Cosmetic to temporarily reduce muscle activity. You will begin to notice a visible smoothing of your crow’s feet lines and frown lines between your brows. 

Will BOTOX® Cosmetic make me look like I’ve had work done?

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a technique-sensitive treatment. You should not lose the ability to show expression when you are treated by someone who is licensed, trained, and a medical expert in facial anatomy. It is important to talk to the doctor about the results you want from treatment. 

Does it hurt?

Some patients report that being injected with BOTOX® Cosmetic feels like a pinch. Your specialist may use ice to numb the treatment area. If you are concerned about discomfort, your specialist may apply a topical numbing cream before administering your treatment. 

How long does the treatment take?

Dr. Kanase will discuss your treatment goals and perform a facial analysis to determine the appropriate treatments for you. The actual injection process takes about 10 minutes.