FAQ's

What causes wrinkles?
Normal aging, trauma and environmental damage result in loss of collagen in the second layer of skin known as the dermis. Smoking, smiling, frowning and sleeping can also produce expression and movement lines.

What is the cause?
Over time, the outer layer of the skin becomes scaly, thick and irregular. Your skin develops blemishes and appears dull and sallow. A laser peel can refresh this superficial appearance of your skin on your face, neck and hands.

How do I know if I have photo damaged skin? 

How does pulse dye laser treatment reduce the signs of photo damage? 

Lasers work by focusing a beam of light to a target in the skin such as enlarged blood vessels and irregular pigmentation. The enlarged vessels and irregularities are removed without scarring or damage to the treated or surrounding area and the underlying collagen is stimulated. The laser is used to exfoliate the outer surface (epidermis) layer of your skin on your face, neck or hands.

This is a simple outpatient procedure performed using only topical freezing cream (EMLA) and can be done during a lunch hour without anyone knowing. Do lasers work on all skin types?

Today's advanced lasers are capable of treating a wide variety of skin types.

Which other conditions are treatable by lasers? 

How many treatments are required?
Typically several treatments are required for full face treatment. The average treatment takes about 20 minutes. Results may become apparent after the first few treatments.

Is the treatment painful?
There is some minor discomfort associated with the treatment. In most cases no anesthesia is necessary. Such discomfort can be alleviated by cooling with a cold air system.

How does pulse dye laser treatment differ from CO2 lasers, chemical peels, and dermabrasion?
Unlike CO2 lasers, dermabrasion or chemical peels that remove the outer skin and require significant healing time, the pulse dye laser gently penetrates the skin without damaging it and destroys the blood vessels and brown pigment that are the cause of the problem. It also tightens the collagen and minimizes large pores.

How does pulse dye laser treatment differ from treatment with other photo skin treatment lasers? Is it safe?
Side effects are minimal. Pulse dye lasers have been used since 1983 to treat port wine birthmarks and hemangiomas in infants as young as two days old as well as 20 different cosmetic conditions.

What will I look like after laser treatment?
Results will vary but you should expect your skin to appear reddened. You can expect to return to your normal activities immediately with minimal precautions such as sunscreen.

Is it safe?
The risk of scarring is less than 1% with these lasers. Pigmentation changes (either decreased or increased) may occur in the skin that has been smoothened with the laser.

Are there treatment alternatives?
Yes, (e.g. topical medications and chemical peels) but none can achieve the predictable depth required for effective wrinkle reduction.

How much does it cost?
Charges are based on the area to be treated and the choice of laser. Prices range from $200-$4,000 depending upon the size of the area being treated and the depth of the wrinkles.

How do I find out more?
Call our Rockville office at (301) 251-2335