Laser Treatments in Middleton
Facial Vein and Pigment Removal
AESTHETICA LASER TREATMENTS
At AestheticA, we have state-of-the-art lasers that eliminate small reddish “broken capillaries” and “spider veins”, red moles and spots. Skin lesions such as keratoses and warts and pigmented, flat spots (freckles, lentigines (liver spots), age spots, brown spots and flat, benign moles) can be successfully eliminated with laser treatment. Our VariLite™ laser can selectively treat unwanted facial veins and lesions without breaking or hurting the normal surrounding skin. During treatment, the laser light is absorbed by oxyhemoglobin (bright red blood cells carrying oxygen) or by melanin (black or brown pigment found in the skin) causing decomposition or destruction by heat of the unwanted cells.
IS LASER TREATMENT FOR ME?
Men and women may both be candidates for laser treatment. If you have one of the following concerns, laser treatment may be for you.
– Reddish “broken capillaries”
– “Spider veins”
– Cherry angiomas (red moles)
– Freckles
– Flat, brown spots
– Keratoses
– Warts
If you have a darker complexion, laser treatment may not be for you. During a consultation, one of our Medical Aesthetics Specialists can look at your skin type to see if laser treatment is right for you.
VARILITE LASER TREATMENT
The laser used for vein or pigment removal is a pen-size laser, more precise and powerful than IPL. For an ideal result, multiple treatments may be recommended. The number of treatments recommended will be determined during your consultation. Most clients achieve their desired result in 1 – 3 appointments.
Clients have indicated that while the treatment feels like hot, small needle pokes or the feeling of a getting a tattoo, it is relatively painless. Because it causes vasoconstriction, decreasing the efficacy of the treatment, a topical anesthetic cannot be used.
Post treatment, there may be redness to the area and minor crusting or scabbing may occur. Pigmented lesions may turn grey or darker in appearance. After treatment, we advise to not wear make up, exercise, or do anything that will cause flushing of the skin for the remainder of the day. We recommend washing and moisturizing only while the skin heals. Abrasive washcloths or instruments and irritants, such as glycolic acid or Retin-A should be avoided for 5-7 days. Crusting and scabs should be allowed to slough off naturally (usually within 5-14 days), not rubbed or picked at.
YOUR CONSULTATION
Your skin requires a tailored program of care to optimize its health and appearance. At your consultation, one of our Medical Aesthetics Specialists will gather information from you about your skin concerns, examine your skin and explain what they discover. They will help you prioritize and achieve your best skin by preparing a treatment plan that ensures any skin treatments you choose are provided in a manner that is as effective and as safe as possible. Our Medical Aesthetics Specialists have trained under Double-Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Richard Parfitt. Their extensive knowledge of non-surgical procedures, skin care and skin rejuvenation treatments ensures they are skilled skin-care specialists in your chosen treatment. Consultations can take place at either of our locations in Appleton, WI or Middleton, WI.
If you are a new client of AestheticA Skin Health Center and are interested in a specific treatment, time may be allotted for the consultation and treatment to be completed in one appointment. If you are a previous client of AestheticA, but have not been seen by our clinic within a year, a brief follow-up from your last treatment will be scheduled to discuss your previous treatment, or any new skin concerns in addition to your scheduled treatment.
FAQs ABOUT LASER TREATMENTS:
Is laser treatment painful?
Most clients find the laser treatment to be relatively painless. The treatment is described to feel like hot, small needle pokes or the feeling of getting a tattoo.
How many treatments will I need?
Depending on treatment area and severity of lesions, multiple treatments may be recommended. One of our Medical Aesthetics Specialists will discuss recommended treatment options during your consultation.
How long is laser treatment?
Both of our Middleton and Appleton, Wisconsin locations require an initial consultation to ensure you are fully informed prior to receiving any treatment. You may choose to schedule the consultation and treatment appointments to be completed on separate days or on the same day. Please allow up to 1 hour and 15 minutes when scheduling the consultation and treatment on the same day.
The time it takes for a laser treatment is approximately 30-45 minutes. Depending on the amount of correction, additional time may be needed.
If you are an existing client at AestheticA, but have not been in for treatment for one or more years, a 15-minute complimentary consultation will be scheduled prior to your treatment to discuss your previous treatment and experience, along with any new skin or aesthetic concerns you may have.
Can I combine skin care products with laser treatment?
Yes, topical skin care is highly recommended to enhance your treatment results and to improve the overall health and appearance of your skin. Just doing the VariLite as a stand-alone treatment may not give you the results you are looking for.
Can I combine injectables or dermal fillers with laser treatment?
We do not recommend receiving any injectable treatments, such as Botox or dermal fillers on the same day as a VariLite treatment because of the heat of the laser. Injectables can be used starting the day after a VariLite treatment.
Has the VariLite laser been tested?
The VariLite laser is FDA-approved for a variety of uses, including vascular lesions, pigmented lesions and other skin lesions.
Can I receive treatment if I have darker skin?
Precautions must be taken to protect skin color from the effects of any laser or light treatment. During your initial consultation, one of our Medical Aesthetics Specialists will recommend the best treatment options for your skin type.
Where can I have a consultation for laser treatment?
AestheticA Skin Health Center has office locations in Appleton, WI and Middleton (Madison), WI. If you are interested in a consultation about laser treatment, please call our Middleton office at 608.831.4007, Appleton office at 920.730.1309 or contact us online.
Is there a cost for a consultation?
To see one of our Medical Aesthetic Specialists, the cost for a skin consultation is $50. To see Dr. Parfitt, the cost for your skin consultation is $125. This consultation fee is applied to your account to use towards products or treatments. This one-time cost applies only to your initial consultation, therefore all future follow-ups regardless of the provider are free.
CHOOSING AESTHETICA SKIN HEALTH CENTER
Skin treatments are more sophisticated than ever. The services we provide at our Appleton and Madison Wisconsin centers are the latest scientifically proven developments offered to enhance your appearance. We provide only those treatments and products that consistently have a reputation for providing safe and effective results. At AestheticA Skin Health Center, Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Richard C. Parfitt, licensed aestheticians, and nurses are committed to serving your unique needs with their considerable knowledge, training and experience. To hear what our clients are saying about their experience at AestheticA Skin Health Center, read their testimonials. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
LASER TREATMENT GUIDELINES
PRE TREATMENT
- Discontinue sun tanning and the use of tanning beds and self-tanning creams 4 weeks before and through the treatment course. Daily, routine sun exposure should be minimal to none 2 weeks before any treatment. This will reduce the chance of skin color changes, and development of new lesions.
- A broad spectrum (UVA/UVB), sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater should be applied to the area being treated daily and whenever exposed to the sun and throughout your course of treatment. Avoid all sun exposure between treatments. Wear protective, light-occluding hats and clothing.
- Discontinue use of exfoliating creams such as Retin-A and other skin exfoliating products 2 weeks prior to and during the entire treatment course.
- If you have a history of herpes outbreaks in the area of treatment you should consult with a physician for medical evaluation and possible prophylaxis prior to treatment.
- Be aware there is the possibility of coincidental hair loss when treating pigmented lesions in hair bearing areas.
- Topical anesthetics are not recommended for treatment of vascular lesions because of potential vasoconstriction that renders treatment less effective.
POST TREATMENT (Pigmented Lesions)
- Mild sunburn-like sensation is expected. This usually lasts 2-24 hours but can persist up to 72 hours or longer. Mild swelling and/or redness may accompany this, which usually resolves in 2-3 days. In some cases, prolonged redness or blistering may occur.
- The lesion may initially look raised and/or darker with a reddened perimeter. Apply cold gel packs or cool wet cloths to the treatment areas for 15 minutes every 2-4 hours to reduce discomfort and heat sensation.
- The lesion will gradually turn darker over the next 24-48 hours. It may turn dark brown or black.
- The lesion will progress to scabs/crusting and will start flaking off in 2-3 days.
- Do not pick, scratch or remove scabs. This will prevent unwanted side effects.
- The lesion is usually healed in 7-30 days. It will continue to fade over the next 2-4 weeks.
- Direct sunlight to the treated area should be avoided.
- Daily application of SPF 30 is recommended to prevent development of new lesions.
Please call office with questions and concerns regarding these instructions at 608.831.4007.
POST TREATMENT (Vascular Lesions)
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Mild sunburn-like sensation is expected. This usually lasts 2-24 hours but can persist up to 72 hours or longer. Mild swelling and/or redness may accompany this, which usually resolves in 2-3 days. In some cases, prolonged redness or blistering may occur.
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Apply cold gel packs or cool wet cloths to the treatment areas for 15 minutes every 2-4 hours to reduce discomfort and heat sensation.
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The treated area can be gently cleansed and topical bactericidal ointment can be applied if needed.
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The vessels undergo immediate graying or blanching. In some cases, only a slight purplish change is noted. Vessels either fully or partially resolve in about 10-14 days; areas of diffuse flushing gradually fade leaving skin with normal appearance.
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Do not pick, scratch or remove scabs. This will prevent unwanted side effects.
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Avoid sun exposure to treated areas, as well as the use of tanning beds and self-tanning creams. Use SPF-30 sunscreen daily to sun-exposed skin.
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Avoid swimming, hot tubs/Jacuzzis, excessive exercise, and cosmetics until redness resolves.
Please call office with questions and concerns regarding these instructions at 608.831.4007.