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Laser

Brunswick Dermatology Laser ServicesWhat is a Laser?

L-A-S-E-R  is an acronym for Light Amplification by Simulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers have revolutionized our world as we live in it and the entire medical field has enjoyed major advancements from Laser Science.

A laser is a device that amplifies light. It produces a thin, intense beam of light, which is highly directional. Lasers have been in production since 1960, but only recently have cost effective advancements in technology made them accessible in our everyday lives.

Dr. Blasik, founder of Summit Dermatology and Laser Center, has held a fascination for Medical Laser Technology during his entire career and has studied their use for over 30 years. He has personally trained his Laser Specialist, Gail Rose, PA-C, during her years of practice at Summit Dermatology and Laser Center. Gail and Dr. Blasik attend many hands-on educational seminars worldwide perfecting their techniques. Dr. Blasik is committed to ensuring Summit Dermatology and Laser Center offers the latest advancements in Laser Technology and Equipment.

Fraxel SR1500

The technology behind Fraxel treatment is as revolutionary as the results it can deliver. Summit Dermatology and Laser Center’s SR1500 model has enjoyed many hours of recent publicity including Fox News, Today, Oprah and other national shows. Older and outdated Fraxel models require blue dye to be painted on the area to be treated and do not deliver all the benefits of the SR1500 model.

The Fraxel SR1500 is able to precisely treat thousands of microscopic areas of skin using pinpoint laser beams that penetrate beneath the skin’s surface to eliminate old, damaged skin cells. Fraxel treatment stimulates the body’s own natural healing process which replaces damaged skin with fresh, glowing, healthy skin. Since the Fraxel SR1500 is so precise, it is safe and effective on the most delicate skin areas like the neck, chest, hands and face. You can expect two levels of results, immediate and progressive. Immediately after initial healing is complete (usually 24-48 hours), the surface of your skin will feel softer, look brighter and skin tone will start to become even.

There is no wound care involved with the Fraxel SR1500 and progressive results will occur over the next three to six months as the deeper layers of skin continue to react and restore. Whether you have scaring, sun damage, wrinkles or other signs of age, the Fraxel SR1500 delivers remarkable results with a fast recovery, helping you remove years from your appearance and regain a more youthful look. A consultation is required to ensure your skin will respond properly to the benefits of the Fraxel SR1500 Laser.

DioLite 532

Summit Dermatology and Laser Center offers the DioLite 532 Laser for removing Vascular and Pigmented Lesions. A vascular lesion is formed by abnormally large or numerous blood vessels located directly under the surface of the skin. These vessels may be visible through the skin or result in a red appearance of the skin. Vascular Lesions include Telangiectasia, facial spider veins caused by a dilation of capillary vessels or arterioles, Cherry Angiomas, slightly raised lesions, Spider Angiomas, slightly raised red spider-like lesions and Rosacea, red facial lesions around the nose and cheeks that cause a sunburn look.

Melanin is the dark pigment present in skin and is produced by melanocytes. Pigmented lesions occur when an abundance of melanocytes are found in the skin. When dark pigment multiplies, it forms freckles, brown age spots and moles. Pigmented Lesions include Lentigines, flat, brown spots present on skin that has suffered frequent sun exposure, Keratoses, slightly elevated pigmented spots often found on the back and hands, Freckles, brownish spots on the skin usually common on people with fair skin and Dermatosis Papulosis Nigra, small black marks seen primarily on people of Asian or African descent.

The DioLite 532 laser light is absorbed by oxyhemoglobin (bright red blood cells carrying oxygen) and melanin/pigment (black or brown pigment found in the skin) causing decomposition or destruction of unwanted cells while leaving healthy cells intact. Some patients report feeling a slight stinging sensation during the treatment followed by some redness which usually goes away in 2-4 hours. Some swelling may also be experienced and may last 1-2 days. There will not be any purple skin discoloration or bruised appearance to the treated skin.

Postoperative care is minimal, anti-bacterial ointment is applied on the treated area for a short period of time and it is suggested that you stay out of the sun during the healing process. Final treatment results should be evident within 10-14 days after treatment for vascular lesions and within 2-3 weeks after treatment for pigmented lesions. In the meantime, normal daily activities can be resumed with only a slight redness evident at the treatment area. A consultation is required to ensure your skin will properly respond to the benefits of the DioLite 532 Laser.

GentleYAG

The GentleYAG Laser is considered the latest advancement in hair removal, the treatment of Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), better known as Beard Bumps, and the treatment of leg veins. Although the GentelYAG has also gained FDA approval for Skin Tightening, Summit Dermatology and Laser Center is fortunate to be able to offer other laser treatments designed specifically to treat this condition.

In the past, lasers were only able to treat lighter skin for hair removal. With the release of the GentelYAG HR all skin types and colors are able to enjoy the benefits of permanent hair removal. Laser Hair Removal is not an option for hair that is grey or blond in color and red hair may not respond to Laser Hair Removal. Although dramatic results can be experienced after one treatment, the hair on your body is in different stages of growth, therefore multiple sessions are generally required.

The treatment is most effective when the hair follicle is in its active growth phase, so patients scheduled for hair removal should avoid plucking, electrolysis or hair waxing for six weeks prior to treatment and should not shave the day prior to treatment. The intended treatment area should not be exposed to natural sun tanning or tanning booth light for 14 days prior to treatment. A consultation is required to ensure your skin will respond properly to the benefits of the GentleYAG laser.

Light Therapy – Non Laser

BLU-U Light Photodynamic Therapy Illuminator Treatment

BLU-U Light Therapy has been approved by the F.D.A. to treat Actinic Keratoses and mild to moderately-severe Acne. Summit Dermatology and Laser Center uses the BLU-U Light primarily to treat Actinic Keratoses. Actinic Keratoses (AKs) are rough-textured, dry, scaly patches on the skin that are caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet light (UV). More than 10 million Americans have AKs. They occur most often on the face, scalp, ears, neck, hands and arms. They range in color from skin toned to reddish brown. They can be as small as a pinhead or larger than a quarter. AKs develop as the result of years of sun exposure. Because the effect of sun exposure is cumulative, it is your lifetime exposure that increases your risk. AKs take a long time to develop and generally appear after the age of 40.

Actinic Keratosis are the most common pre-cancer and are considered to be the first step in the development of skin cancer. While most AKs remain benign, studies have shown that approximately 10% develop into Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) within an average of 2 years. Since there is no way to know ahead of time which AKs will develop into SCC, it is very important for individuals with AKs to be under a dermatologist’s care.

The BLU-U blue light is of low intensity and will not heat the skin. However, during the light treatment, you may experience sensations of burning, tingling, stinging or prickling of the treated AKs. These feelings of discomfort should improve at the end of the BLU-U treatment and should subside as early as 1 minute after BLU-U treatment, but in rare cases may take 24 hours. Following treatment, the AKs and to some degree the surrounding skin may redden temporarily and the patient will be asked to stay out of the sun for 2-3 days following the procedure. Blu-U Light Treatments are usually covered under most insurance plans, but a consultation is needed to ensure this treatment suits your skin’s needs.

UV Phototherapy or Light Box Therapy

UV Phototherapy is the use of ultraviolet light, prescribed by a physician, for the treatment of skin disorders.

UV Phototherapy or Light Box Therapy should not be confused with a tanning bed. A tanning bed is not a medical therapy and is dangerous because of the high levels of ultraviolet radiation that are administered without monitoring by a physician. Most tanning beds emit UVA “tanning rays” that are less likely to cause a sunburn than UVB Broad-Band Rays from natural sunlight, but this does not make them safe, in fact, the American Academy of Dermatology accords that these “tanning rays” have been recognized as a deeper-penetrating radiation that causes more damage than natural sunlight and has a direct link to Melanoma Skin Cancer.

Light Box Therapy primarily uses UVB Narrow-Band Rays and on rare occasion uses closely monitored UVA rays in PUVA therapy. UVB Narrow-Band Rays have revolutionized light therapy and have been highly successful in treating psoriasis, eczema and even the intractable itching in renal failure.

The best light for you will be determined during your consultation. Factors that will be considered are your particular disease, your age and your treatment history. Light Box Therapy has also enjoyed many success stories when used in conjunction with topical and/or oral medications. UVA is the range of ultraviolet that is most commonly used in conjunction with the drug Oxsoralen in PUVA therapy. Narrow-band UVB is relatively new and is proven to be a safer alternative to UVA.

Its ultraviolet output is concentrated in a very narrow range that many scientists believe is the most effective range for treating many skin diseases and does not present the high risk of complications associated with UVA. Any treatment that exposes the patient to even the smallest amount of ultraviolet radiation presents some danger; therefore your treatments must be prescribed and monitored in stages. Once Light Box Therapy has been prescribed, Summit Dermatology and Laser Center raises the bar of service and convenience by allowing our patients to utilize Light Box Therapy on a walk in basis with no appointment needed. Once the prescribed treatments are completed, a follow up visit is required to determine if your prescription or Light Box settings should be altered to consistently deliver the best results for your condition.

Light Box Therapy is usually covered under most insurance plans, but a consultation is required to ensure your skin is a good candidate for this treatment.