Smoothbeam™ – Fine Lines, Wrinkles, & Sun Damage

For most of us, the way we look on the outside does not reflect how we feel on the inside. We don’t ‘feel’ 40, 50, or 60 - We Feel 30!!! This means addressing the signs of aging skin – fine lines and wrinkles, which are the most common signs. After a lifetime of sun exposure and other environmental culprits, our faces take quite a beating.

As we grow older, our skin becomes thinner. Collagen weakens, thus making the skin less ‘elastic’ and fine lines began to appear in our 30’s. Over time, these progress into wrinkles and furrows. In addition, age spots, uneven skin tone, spider veins, and dilated capillaries can show up on our face.

Lotions can only do so much to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. Laser skin resurfacing is one of the best scientifically proven methods for tackling this problem. The primary targets of laser skin resurfacing include:

• Collagen rebuilding
• Fine lines and wrinkles of the face, especially around the lips, cheeks, and forehead
• Crow’s feet around the eyes
• Smoker’s lines and frown lines
• Scars, especially acne
• Loose skin around the neck and jowls

Commonly Asked Questions on the Smoothbeam™ Diode Laser

Q Who is a good candidate for skin renewal laser treatment with Smoothbeam™?
A You are a good candidate for Smoothbeam™ treatment if:

• You want to start a "Fitness" program for your skin.
• You are seeking to postpone more aggressive treatment, such as surgery.
• You want to address any of the above-mentioned conditions.

Q How does Smoothbeam™ work?
A Smoothbeam™ laser treatment is a new, noninvasive way to treat your skin. The laser employs a revolutionary, patented laser process with DCD™ (Dynamic Cooling Device), which targets and heats collagen in the upper dermis while protecting the epidermis.

Q How long does a Smoothbeam™ treatment take, and how many treatments will I need?
A A typical treatment will take between 10 and 30 minutes. Depending on the degree of aggressiveness you and your doctor decide on, your treatment can be a "lunchtime” procedure, in which you can go right back to work, or more aggressive treatment, in which there will be a brief recuperative period. Consult with your physician about your treatment schedule and interval between subsequent treatments.

Q What will the procedure itself be like?
A You and your doctor will wear safety glasses to protect your eyes during the procedure. The doctor will use a small handpiece with a probe that touches your skin to deliver the laser light. You will feel the light spray of coolant onto your skin just before each laser pulse.

Q Is there any pain involved in laser treatment with Smoothbeam™?
A Because the laser's Dynamic Cooling Device is so effective, many patients report the procedure as "mild," with little more than a slight snapping or tingling sensation. Of course, pain is subjective, and Dr. Ali uses a topical anesthetics on all patients unless the patient chooses not to.

Q What results can I expect from treatment?
A Although results vary, expected results are discussed before the procedure.

Q How long before I see results?
A Several treatments may be required, depending on anatomical location and the extent of desired results.

Q What precautions should be taken before and after treatment?
A Avoid sun exposure for 4-6 weeks before treatment, and again after treatment until your physician allows it. Care should be taken in the first few days following treatments to avoid scrubbing or rinsing the treated area with abrasive skin cleansers.

Q Are there any side effects to treatment with Smoothbeam™?
A In general, most procedures have a low risk of side effects. More aggressive treatments might induce some temporary discoloration or reddening of the skin. Some patients might experience pigment changes in skin color. If this occurs, the skin will typically return to normal pigmentation over time.

Q Is this procedure covered by insurance?
A Most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic procedures; however, you should consult your insurance provider for specific information.

We invite you to learn more about what Smoothbeam™ can do for you by arranging a consultation with Dr. Ali.

Crow’s Feet   before after

Crow’s Feet   before after

Smoothbeam™ – Acne

Acne not only strikes during adolescence but in adulthood as well. Ninety percent of all adolescents and 25% of adults will experience acne at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, it is not easy to treat. With most traditional therapies, there are multiple side effects. Topical creams can cause skin redness and irritation, while oral medication can cause stomach upset as well other complications.

The solution is Smoothbeam™ acne laser therapy. This gentle, safe treatment uses a laser to target overactive sebaceous glands in your skin – the root cause of acne. Medical lasers such as Smoothbeam™ are safe and have been used for over 20 years to treat many medical and cosmetic skin conditions. Below are the most commonly asked questions and answers about this procedure.

Q Are lasers safe for my skin? What are the long-term effects?
A Lasers used in medicine are quite safe and are very precise instruments, enabling physicians to target structures they otherwise could not access. Lasers, like Smoothbeam™, have been used in medicine for the past 20 years and have revolutionized many common dermatological procedures.

Smoothbeam™, in particular, is such a safe laser that it is commonly used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes by stimulating collagen production.

Q What will the laser treatment be like?
A You and Dr. Ali will wear protective eyewear during the short laser treatment. Dr. Ali will use a small handpiece to deliver the laser pulses to your skin. You will feel a probe touch your skin and deliver a small spray of coolant in conjunction with each laser pulse. This coolant protects the upper layer of the skin during each laser pulse.

Q Is it painful?
A No. Dr. Ali uses a topical anesthetic that eliminates any discomfort.

Q What are the risks/side effects?

Q How does Smoothbeam™ acne laser therapy work?
A Over 80% of your skin is made up of water. Smoothbeam™ emits a wavelength of light that is strongly absorbed by water in your skin. As the laser penetrates into the skin, heat is generated in and around the sebaceous glands in the upper layers of your skin. The heating of the sebaceous glands creates a mild thermal injury that changes the structure and function of the glands. Shortly after the first treatment, you will start to see a reduction in the number of acne lesions on your skin. Remission times have been documented to last as long as 6 months. Dr. Ali recommends a twice a year follow-up treatment to maintain results.

Q Do I need to pretreat my skin before the Smoothbeam™ acne laser treatment?
A Other than the application of a topical anesthetic, there is no pretreatment required in advance of the Smoothbeam™ laser acne treatment. You should, however, avoid sun exposure for two weeks before and after the laser procedure. Also, you skin should be thoroughly cleaned to remove any makeup, creams, or oils on its surface before the laser procedure.

Q What will I look like after my laser treatment? Is there any recovery period?
A After the laser procedure your skin may be slightly red and tender. The redness usually subsides in only a few hours. Following your laser treatment, you may return to normal activities.

Q How should I care for my skin after treatment?
A After laser treatment, you should avoid rigorous scrubbing of the treated area.Cleanse the treated area gently. Be sure to avoid sun exposure and use sunscreens during the course of your treatment.

Q How many times do I have to return for treatment?
A In most cases, five to six treatments may be required for best results. Dr. Ali usually likes to separate treatments by three to five weeks.

Acne   before after	Acne   before after
Acne   before after	Acne   before after