Published: February 20, 2013
Not ready to go under the knife? How about going under the light? According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of laser skin-resurfacing procedures has more than doubled since the year 2000, while the number of surgical face-lifts has declined. Less-invasive procedures with a shorter recovery or no downtime are in demand.
The latest fractionated CO2 lasers use pulses of light that vaporize skin in a pattern of micro "dots," leaving the surrounding skin intact, for quicker healing. While it's not a substitute for a face-lift, customized laser resurfacing treatments effectively reduce lines, wrinkles, blood vessels, discoloration, and scarring. The nonablative laser stimulates collagen growth, allows for tightening, and leaves the skin noticeably smoother, with a vibrant, more youthful appearance.
Looking for a lunchtime treatment with no downtime? Intense pulsed light (IPL) removes redness, dark spots, acne, sun damage, and other skin irregularities. It may take several short sessions to achieve the desired results, but the noninvasive anti-aging treatment can boost collagen and improve skin tone, clarity, and texture.
Say goodbye to waxing and shaving. Laser hair removal is one of the top five minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, as the newest lasers make permanent hair removal more comfortable and faster than ever. And you can keep the hair on your head with low-level laser light therapy (LLLT) that stimulates cell metabolism and improves blood flow to the scalp.
Metro Detroit medical professionals are utilizing laser and other energy treatments for skin rejuvenation and much more. Get ready to step into the light.
Northwest Dermatology Group, PCQ: Can Laser Therapy Improve Psoriasis?
A: "One of the best treatments for psoriasis is ultraviolet light, but we don't want to increase the risk of skin cancer by irradiating healthy skin, as would happen if you were tanning. We use the XTRAC excimer laser that delivers a focused beam of UVB light to targeted areas on the skin, limiting radiation exposure to the patient," explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Robert Singer.
"Treatments are highly effective, safe, and painless. The laser works great on hard-to-treat areas like the scalp, where it's difficult and messy to apply creams and lotions."
Patients are also seeing wonderful results with laser hair removal. The noninvasive diode laser treats almost all skin tones. It removes unwanted hair quickly and precisely from the face, legs, arms, and other areas.
"Another laser treatment we often recommend is IPL, or intense pulsed light, to address the effects of photoaging and sun damage. IPL treats freckles, sun spots, and broken blood vessels," Dr. Singer says. "It works tremendously well on broken capillaries around the nose."Northwest Dermatology Group provides expert care for a wide variety of skin conditions, and offers a range of cosmetic treatments and products for more youthful-looking skin.
"We try to be very reasonable about the treatments we recommend, always keeping in mind the costs to our patients," Dr. Singer says. "I'm very conscious of the financial hardships many people are experiencing. I try to limit my recommendations to the best treatments and the products that are the most essential for each of my patients."
Northwest Dermatology Group, PCRobert Singer, MD, Lawrence Krugel, MD, Emily Levin, MD, Craig Singer, MD, Daneen Locke, PA-C, Lisa Pilley, PA-CDermatologyAddress: 29355 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 200, Southfield, MI 48034Phone: 248-353-0880Fax: 888-368-7898Website: www.nw-derm.comEmail: nwdermatology@comcast.netHospital Affiliation: Providence Hospital
Boyd CosmeticsQ: How Do I Treat Dark Spots?
A: Many people suffer from dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, on their face or body. Typically caused by chronic sun exposure, dark spots can also result from trauma and inflammation to the skin. The best approach to avoiding hyperpigmentation is prevention, but once you have a dark spot, in most cases it can be treated. Dr. Charles Boyd, a board-certified plastic surgeon, recommends that patients have their skin checked by a physician prior to undergoing any cosmetic treatment.
One of the most effective therapies for hyperpigmentation utilizes cutting-edge laser technology. Laser skin treatments can clear your complexion and even out your skin's overall tone and texture. Patients can choose from varying levels of invasiveness and downtime, from lunchtime treatments with intense pulsed light (ILP) to more ablative procedures with fractionated CO2 laser.
Your first step to beautiful, even-toned skin is a conversation with a skilled cosmetic surgeon who has expertise in laser treatments.
Charles M. Boyd, MD, MBA, FACSFacial Plastic SurgeonAddress: 135 East Maple Birmingham, MI 48009Phone: 248-433-1900Fax: 248-433-1901Address: 1000 East Stadium Boulevard, Suite 4, Ann Arbor, MI 48104Phone: 734-669-6000Fax: 734-669-6006Website: www.boydbeauty.comEmail: info@boydbeauty.comHospital Affiliation: UnaSource Surgery Center, St. Joseph Mercy Health System
Image by Design Plastic SurgeryQ: What Are the Benefits of Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?
A: "The older 'ablative' CO2 lasers would literally destroy the outer layer of the skin, and although the rejuvenating effect was dramatic, it required a prolonged healing time. The patient's skin would be red for months," says board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Melek Kayser. "With fractional technology, the skin cells are vaporized in a pattern. Think of it like aerating the lawn. That leaves intact skin surrounding the tiny holes, which heal over, so recovery time is faster."
The injury to the skin stimulates collagen growth, reducing fine wrinkling and creating smoother, more youthful-looking skin over time. Dr. Kayser talks with his patients about the outcome and the amount of downtime they are willing to endure.
"They can go with a very, very light treatment, where they're probably red for a day or two, to a full fractional treatment where they're red seven to 10 days," he explains. "With a light treatment you are not going to achieve the endpoint result of a higher laser setting, but you can have multiple treatments and good results while avoiding a longer downtime," he says. "Most people choose a full fractional treatment. They want the biggest bang for their buck and are willing to take time off to heal."
Laser hair removal is another popular treatment. While the basic technology has remained unchanged, today's treatments are more comfortable and quicker, Dr. Kayser says.
"Patients come in and their treatment is done in no time. We have a dual laser so we can also treat spider veins and skin lesions during the same visit."
Image by Design Plastic SurgeryMelek Kayser, MD, FACSBreast and body contouring, cosmetic surgery, facial plastic surgeryAddress: 20905 E. 12 Mile, Suite 300, Roseville, MI 48066Phone: 586-776-3223Fax: 586-776-6670Email: mrkmd@sbcglobal.netWebsite: www.imagebydesignmd.comHospital Affiliation: St. John Macomb Oakland Hospital
Dr. Myra DanishQ: What Types of Lasers Can Improve My Complexion?
A: Not as popular as it once was, C02 laser resurfacing removes the top layers of skin and requires a prolonged recovery period with crusting and redness. If you are a suitable candidate, the CO2 laser produces good results — but most people are not willing to undergo the lengthy recovery, says facial cosmetic surgeon Dr. Myra Danish, M.D., F.A.C.S.
"Today, the most popular laser treatments are those that have minimal to no downtime and a low risk of side effects or skin irritation. The laser photo facials have no downtime and are able to regenerate collagen, minimize fine lines, improve acne by killing bacteria in the skin, and help with discoloration, including redness. Your overall complexion will improve with a series of treatments," Dr. Danish explains.
"The vascular laser helps to eliminate broken blood vessels, with a healing period entailing a little bruising. Laser hair removal has made remarkable advances as far as being able to achieve permanent hair removal that is quick and essentially painless. While all of these laser modalities require several treatments, they provide outstanding results and are ideal for patients who cannot afford to take time off for an extended period," she says.
Dr. Danish recommends a facial analysis and consultation to determine the treatment options that will help her patients look younger and fresher, and will give them the very best results.
Myra Danish, M.D., F.A.C.S.Facial Plastic SurgeryAddress: 4550 Investment Drive 290, Troy, MI 48098Phone: 248-267-9700Fax: 248-267-9711Website: www.drdanish.comCo-located: Pure Rejuvenation CenterHospital Affiliation: Beaumont, Royal Oak
Spa RenaissanceQ: What Is Customized Skin Resurfacing?
A: Unlike traditional CO2 lasers that would obliterate all of the epidermis, a new generation of fractionated CO2 lasers allows the surgeon to control the energy and the density of the pulsed laser "dots" for a customized treatment.
"If someone has a couple of brown spots on their face I can decrease the energy and the density for a very, very mild peel," says board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. William Stefani. "We can be more aggressive with someone who has acne scarring or large pores. We'll use a bit more energy on those, smooth out the skin, and then we'll do less energy in the surrounding area and blend it in."
Dr. Stefani can customize a laser peel for skin color, skin type, specific areas of the skin, and the length of recovery and results the patient desires.
"Now, with the fractional laser, we can turn down the energy and treat the neck, the chest and the hands," he says.
Spa Renaissance & Renaissance Plastic SurgeryWilliam A. Stefani, M.D., F.A.C.S., Jeffrey L. Williams, M.D., F.A.C.S.Plastic & Reconstructive SurgeryAddress: 85 E. Big Beaver, Troy, MI 48083Physician Office: 586-779-3030Spa/Salon: 248-498-8100Website: www.renaissanceps.comEmail: renaissanceps@earthlink.netHospital Affiliation: William Beaumont, Troy & Grosse Pointe, St John's Hospital & Medical Center
Michigan Hair & Skin CenterQ: Is There Anything I Can Do to Re-grow My Hair?
A: At Michigan Hair & Skin Center, people of all ages have stopped losing their hair and have experienced regrowth through a program utilizing noninvasive low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and vitamin-rich hair products that cleanse and nourish the scalp.
"We had a 76-year-old client who was balding on top, and he just wanted to keep what he had. When he finished the program he had twice as much hair as when he started," says owner Carol Wagner. "Another client shaved his head because he was so embarrassed about his hair loss. His head was cold in the winter and he would get sunburned in the summer, so he always wore a hat. Three months into the program, he had enough hair that he didn't need the hat. He was thrilled to pieces."
FDA-approved LLLT clears away buildups of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) that clog hair follicles. The laser therapy also increases blood flow to the scalp so that active hair follicles receive the nutrients needed to re-grow hair.
"We had a woman who lost a good amount of hair during chemo. Through our process, she gained her hair back in two months. Without this process, it would have taken a lot more time," Wagner says. "Another client had lost hair due to a serious thyroid condition. After having medical treatment and going through our program, she very quickly had her full head of hair back.
Most people don't get all of their hair back because some hair follicles have already died, so that was amazing."
Michigan Hair and Skin CenterNatural, Noninvasive, Pain-free, and Permanent Solution for Thinning HairAddress: 312 Town Center Drive, Troy, MI 48084Phone: 248-678-3633 or 248-250-7640Website: www.hairandskincenter.comTroy, Novi, Dearborn and Eastside locations
FACE Skincare~Medical~Wellness / Cutler Integrative MedicineQ: How Can I Get Rid of Facial Redness?
A: Skin management experts at the award-winning FACE Skincare~Medical~Wellness take a threefold approach to treat redness in the skin using the latest noninvasive lasers. Following a consultation, a treatment protocol is designed to suit the individual's needs. The plan may include therapy with one or more distinct lasers — one to treat superficial redness, one to reduce dermal redness, and another to diminish broken capillaries.
Facial redness can be triggered by external factors like sun exposure or internal factors such as digestive problems, autoimmune disease, and genetics. It's important to find the root cause of your skin condition to achieve the optimal treatment results. From an internal perspective, licensed naturopathic physician Dr. Doug Cutler, of the wellness division, Cutler Integrative Medicine, typically conducts specialty testing of a patient's gastrointestinal system, "the foundation of health," to identify and treat any problems that are producing redness symptoms. He also helps to pinpoint food sensitivities that cause the immune response of redness on the face.
FACE Skincare~Medical~WellnessDoug Cutler, ND; Holly CaSaroll, CEO Non-Invasive Skin Rejuvenation and Laser Services, Naturopathic / Holistic Medicine, Injectables, Liquid Face-Lifts and Celebrity Facial TreatmentsAddress: 29350 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI 48034Phone: Dr. Cutler 248-663-0165FACE 248-663-0161Fax: 248-352-4748Email: info@facebeautyscience.comWeb: www.facebeautyscience.com & www.cutlerintegrativemedicine.com
Grosse Pointe DermatologyQ: How Can Light Therapy Heal My Skin?
A: Dermatologists use light-based therapies to treat a variety of skin disorders, the most common of which is acne. For people with mild to moderate acne, LED (light-emitting diode) light therapy offers very good results with no downtime, says Dr. David Balle, a board-certified dermatologist.
"There are two forms of LED that help to improve acne. One is a blue LED that kills the bacteria responsible for inflammation. The other is a red LED that acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps to minimize the redness of acne lesions," he explains. "Generally, people have a series of eight treatments over four weeks, one blue and one red each week. The 20-minute treatments are noninvasive and produce no unwanted side effects."
LED technology is also used for anti-aging treatments. Dr. Balle points out that with aging, our skin-cell function starts to slow down. Damage caused by the sun's ultraviolet rays speeds up the process.
"Our skin cells produce collagen and elastin, which make us look youthful. We use the red LED light and an invisible infrared LED light to target those cells that are responsible for the skin's supportive structures. The therapy helps to repair damage and support growth," he says. "Patients continue to see improvement in the tone, clarity, texture, and smoothness of their skin upward of four to six months after their series of treatments ends."
Dr. Balle uses the topical cream Allumera with the red LED light to further reverse the signs of aging, helping the skin look younger, clearer, and revitalized.
Grosse Pointe Dermatology Associates, P.C.David S. Balle, M.D.DermatologyAddress: 18050 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe, MI 48230Phone: 313-886-2600Fax: 313-886-2099Email: ageless@grossepointedermatology.comWebsite: www.drballe.com & www.grossepointedermatology.comHospital Affiliation: St. John Providence Health System and Beaumont Health System
Arnold Gross, D.P.M., PC, Eric Foreman, D.P.M.Q: Is there a safe and effective treatment to get rid of toenail fungus?
A: In just one 30-minute office procedure, The PinPointe FootLaser can painlessly vaporize unsightly fungus under the nails."Toenail fungus is very common and there has never been a good treatment," says board-certified podiatrist Dr. Arnold Gross. "Until now, your choices have been topical creams and liquids that rarely work, or a pill that has a long list of possible side effects."Dr. Gross and his partner, Dr. Eric Foreman, are the first doctors in Michigan to offer the state-of-the-art, FDA-cleared PinPointe laser system.
The procedure has no complications, and within three months of treatment, patients start to see new growth of smooth, clear, fungus-free nails.
Arnold Gross, DPM, PC, Eric Foreman, DPMPodiatryAddress: 31500 Telegraph Road, Suite 235, Bingham Farms, MI 48025Phone: 248-646-6882Trial Clinic BuildingAddress: 18254 Livernois Avenue, Suite 2, Detroit, MI 48221Phone: 313-863-0600Lakes Medical CenterAddress: 2300 Haggerty Road, Suite 1175, West Bloomfield, MI 48323Phone: 248-960-4444Website: www.footdocs.com
Gina Randhawa, M.D.Q: When Should I Start an Anti-aging Skin Regimen?
A: Taking care of your skin at any age will help to keep the skin more youthful, but the earlier you start, the better, says Dr. Gina Randhawa, an internal medicine physician who recommends a good regimen with cleansing and moisturizing skin care products.
"As we grow older we tend to lose moisture and collagen, the glue that holds the cells together. This leads to sagging of the skin and wrinkles," she explains. "The most effective measure is to start a skin regimen at an early age, when there is less damage to repair."Patients who see early signs of aging in the face and neck, such as skin laxity and fine lines and wrinkles, are getting great results with Thermage, a nonsurgical treatment that tightens skin and renews facial contours.
"Thermage is completely noninvasive and treats the deeper layers of the skin," Dr. Randhawa says. "It stimulates collagen production, making the skin smoother, firmer, and more resilient."
Gina Randhawa, MD, PCInternal Medicine and BariatricsAddress: Yorktowne Executive Offices, 5777 West Maple Road, Suite 180, West Bloomfield, MI 48322Address: Rochester Office Parc, 6585 Rochester Road Suite 105, Troy, MI 48085Phone: 248-539-9358Fax: 248-539-9088Website: www.ginaMD.com
Skin & Vein CenterQ: What Can Be Done to Stop Excessive Underarm Sweating?
A: Millions of people suffer from excessive underarm sweat, a medical condition known as primary axillary hyperhidrosis, in which the underarm sweat glands are overactive. Those who struggle daily from the embarrassment and frustration of sweat outbreaks and stained clothing can now find lasting relief with the FDA-approved, nonsurgical miraDry procedure.
"It's one of the most rewarding things we do. People come in in tears when they find out there is something that can permanently get rid of their underarm sweating," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Eric Seiger, whose office is one of two in Michigan that offers the noninvasive treatment.
"The procedure takes about an hour and a half. We numb the patient's underarms so they don't feel a thing," he says. "The miraDry machine delivers controlled electromagnetic energy that heats the skin to the depth of one or two millimeters, where the sweat ducts lie, and eliminates them."
People are sore and have some swelling afterward, but most go back to work or return to normal activities the next day. Patients experience a dramatic reduction in the amount of their underarm sweat and no longer worry about excessive odor and wetness.
"We consistently get an 80 percent reduction in underarm sweat," Dr. Seiger says. "We've seen many moms come in with an 18- or 19-year-old daughter who is embarrassed by the sweating and wants to feel comfortable wearing a dress to a wedding, and she is so excited to have the treatment. It's truly life-changing."
Skin & Vein CenterEric Seiger, DO, Christofer Buatti, DODermatologyAddress: 305 N. Leroy, Fenton, MI 48430Phone: 810-629-9200Fax: 810-629-9653Address: 44056 Mound Rd., Suite 101, Sterling Heights, MI 48314Phone: 586-314-1400Fax: 586-739-2033Address: 32669 W. Warren, Suite 9, Garden City, MI 48135Phone: 734-762-0798Fax: 734-762-6682Website: www.skinandvein.comHospital Affiliation: McLaren–Pontiac, St. Joseph–Pontiac
BLASTPAINQ: What non invasive treatments can reduce bruising or promote healing to the face & body?
A: Blast Pain not only relieves the misery of pain; it promotes healing & reduces bruising, too! BLASTPAIN laser therapy is primarily used for relieving patients pain with noninvasive, soothing warmth. BLASTPAIN's laser, approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2010. It works by emitting photons that penetrate deep into damaged tissue — decreasing inflammation, swelling, and the formation of scar tissue. At the same time, BLASTPAIN's laser therapy increases blood supply to the injury site, accelerates collagen production, and enhances cells' ability to take in nutrients needed for healing. The BLASTPAIN laser gets better results than any than any other treatment options — so much better, in fact, that BLASTPAIN offers an initial consultation and the first treatment for free. BLASTPAIN provides a confident treatment without drugs, injections, surgery or side effects.
BLASTPAIN.COMPain ManagementAddress: 6585 Rochester Road, Suite 103, Troy, MI 48085Phone: 248-879-1100Fax: 248-879-1288Email: troy@blastpain.comWebsite: www.BLASTPAIN.com
Renew Hair & Skin CenterQ: What Are the Basics of Hair Maintenance?
A: Healthy hair begins within, starting at the cellular level. At Renew Hair & Skin Center, FDA-approved low-level laser light therapy (LLLT) is helping to prevent the progression of cell damage that occurs on a daily basis.
"Follicle cells can be damaged by aging, stress, free radicals in the environment, medications, diseases, and medical conditions including iron deficiencies, thyroid problems, infections, and diabetes," says Renew co-owner Robin Welford. "People who are going through chemotherapy lose their hair because the drug treatment not only kills the bad cancer cells, but also healthy cells in the body. Medications you take regularly for high blood pressure, cholesterol, acne, and other conditions may also cause cell damage and lead to hair loss."Renew co-owner Suzie Meklir adds: "The healing light of the low-level laser stimulates cell metabolism and improves blood flow, awakening dormant hair follicles.
Noninvasive, no-downtime low-level laser therapy is used for many different medical concerns. Our laser, as part of a patented program of vitamin supplements and nourishing hair and scalp products, is capable of stopping hair thinning, thickening existing hair, and promoting an increase of new growth."
Hair maintenance also involves eating a healthy diet of whole foods and taking supplements, if needed. Choose hair products that are free of parabens and sulfates. Deep-condition your hair before coloring, and use protective oils to nourish dry hair and to prevent heat damage from flat-ironing and blow-drying. These simple lifestyle measures, along with LLLT treatments, will help to keep your hair healthy for years to come.
Renew Hair and Skin CenterLow-Level Light Therapy Programs, At-Home Laser System, Exclusive Specifically Formulated Hair Rejuvenation Products (Paraben, Sulfate and Gluten Free), Skin Care Products for All Skin TypesAddress: 30150 Telegraph Road, Suite 173, Bingham Farms, MI 48301Phone: 248.723.NEWU (6398)Toll Free: 877.723.0020Fax: 248.723.6399Email: info@renewhs.comWebsite: www.renewhs.com
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