Aesthetics Q & A

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What is computerized skin analysis?

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At Aspen Medical Aesthetics we use the Visia® complexion analysis system to capture important information about a patient’s skin. The Visia analysis report gives data for the following aspects of skin condition:
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• Pore size

• Skin pigmentation

• Ultraviolet spots

• Photo (sun) damage

• Skin texture

• Wrinkles

• Porphyrins (pigment produced by Propionibacterium acnes which is bacteria that can cause skin inflammatory conditions, including acne)

​Using this data, a personalized treatment plan and home care regimen is developed, customized to each patient’s skin.

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How does laser or IPL (intense pulsed light) hair reduction and vein removal work?

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In a word, both procedures use heat. A laser is one wavelength of light, whereas IPL is many specific wavelengths of light. This light energy targets the problem area, where it’s absorbed and converted to heat.

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For hair reduction, pigment in the hair follicle absorbs the laser energy. When a hair is in one of three growth phases, called the anagen phase, growth of that hair is disrupted. Hairs don’t share the same cycles, so several treatments are needed to substantially reduce hair growth in any single area.

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Visible veins of the face and varicose veins respond in a similar manner, absorbing laser light, which causes the unwanted vein to collapse and slowly go away. There are reasons why we choose one technology over the other, including genetics, type of hair or vein, and location on your body.  

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What do microdermabrasion and dermaplaning do?

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Microdermabrasion works by mildly buffing away outer skin layers, which often contain dead skin cells that are otherwise slowly lost over time. This action smooths skin immediately, while also generating the growth of new cells. This rejuvenating process improves several skin conditions, including:

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• Age spots, sun damage, and other superficial pigmentation issues

• Enlarged and oily pores, blackheads, and whiteheads

• Fine lines and passive wrinkles

• Acne and other mild to moderate scarring
   

Dermaplaning is a more intensive method of achieving many of the goals of microdermabrasion, using controlled surgical scraping. It is typically the choice to reduce the appearance of acne scarring, fine lines, and wrinkles. Dermaplaning techniques also double as a hair reduction method.

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Are laser and IPL skin rejuvenating and micro-needling different than dermabrasion techniques?

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Yes. While microdermabrasion and dermaplane techniques work on the surface, laser and micro-needling target the deeper skin layers. Both laser and IPL skin rejuvenation use light that’s absorbed in the collagen layer of the dermis. This triggers part of the body’s natural healing response. New collagen production boosts the outer skin layers, creating a smoother, more even appearance.

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Aspen Medical Aesthetics uses both Laser Genesis™ and Limelight, an intense pulsed light system that uses a broader spectrum of light than lasers. Each system has its optimal skin conditions, customizing each patient’s treatment. Micro-needling stimulates new collagen production through a minimally-invasive technique that perforates the outer skin layers with very fine needles. As new collagen production starts, scars, stretch marks, and fine lines fade with the new tissue production.

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Does Aspen Medical Aesthetics use peels, facials, or waxing?

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Though many new technologies appear in the aesthetics field, there’s still room for tried and true procedures, and Aspen Medical Aesthetics uses many of these when a patient’s conditions warrant them. Chemical peels range from superficial to medical grade. Each is chosen based on the patient’s skin care goals. From a mild refresh to aggressive pigment correction, the full range of peel effects can be accessed. Medically-enhanced facials target a variety of skin needs, such as:
 

• Acne facial

• Oxygen facial

• Medical facial

• Mini-facial

• Signature facial

• Teen facial
   

Waxing services for both women and men are available.
 

What cosmetic injections are done through Aspen Medical Aesthetics?
 

Botulinum toxin injections to reduce the appearance of wrinkles caused by expressive muscles are among the most common cosmetic procedures done today. Though BOTOX® is perhaps the best known, it’s not the only injectable that uses the botulinum toxin. We also use Xeomin®. Each product has different properties, giving a range of treatment options.
 

Similarly, the clinic uses both Radiesse® and Belotero® dermal fillers. Radiesse uses calcium hydroxyapatite while Belotero uses hyaluronic acid. Each substance fills out passive voids under the skin in different ways, making each a valid treatment tool for different parts of the face, or for different filler effects. The differing characteristics between products permit a wider range of effective cosmetic treatment.