Tag Archives: older-looking hands

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Sciton® laser: Skin tightening with BBL SkinTyte™

Continuing on with my series of articles about Dr. Macdonald’s Sciton® laser services, available now.

As discussed he will be treating patients soon for:

Sciton® BBL SkinTyte™ laser treatment is an innovative approach to tightening aging skin that is starting to wrinkle and sag.  Of particular concern to many patients is the “turkey gobble” that often develops in the neck region, but common areas successfully treated include:

•    neck
•    lower face/jowls
•    chest
•    hands
•    tummy
•    arms
•    just above the knees

How does SkinTyte™ work?  

BBL (Broadband light) treatment utilizes pulsed light technology to deeply heat your skin while simultaneously cooling and protecting the entire treated surface, setting you on your path to more youthful skin.

Delivered in a sequence of rapid, gentle pulses that heat the dermal layer of your skin’s collagen, use of this technology promotes contraction and denaturation—modification of protein’s natural configuration.  Rebuilding themselves, the skin cells form a new foundation of collagen, leading to increased skin firmness.

How many treatments are needed?  

Although the number of treatments needed will vary based on the level of improvement desired and the starting point of your skin condition, many patients opt for 2-5 treatments to achieve maximum positive benefit.

With no anesthetic needed, this quick and effect “lunch-time” procedure will only last 30 minutes and cause you no disruption to your day.  Not only is there no downtime, there is also no skin care regimen necessary.  The collagen in your skin will, however, continue to rebuild and strengthen up to 4 months after the procedure.

Stay tuned for more details on vein treatments.

© 2012 R.E.L. Copywriting and Michael R. Macdonald. All rights reserved.

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Sciton® laser: Skin pigment reduction with Contour TRL™ or BBL™

Continuing on with my series of articles about Dr. Macdonald’s Sciton® laser services, coming soon…

As discussed he will be treating patients soon for:

Skin Pigment. Unwanted skin pigment is normally referred to as hyperpigmentation. It is unwanted melanin in the skin that creates a spotty look with brown spots and is a result of too much sun exposure and also aging.

I am a candidate for one of these laser procedures, to reduce the pigment on my chest, hands (and maybe fronts of legs too). After my 5-series PCA chemical peel (physician-strength) with Dr. Macdonald, we were not able to make much progress on my chest area. I experienced a lot of itching and irritable rash on chest but no peeling on peels #4 and #5 when Dr. Macdonald used the PCA with resorcinol.

On my face, I was left with a vibrant glow after the PCA peel treatment by peel #5 though. I had wonderful, soothing results with his new private label skin care products, specifically the Power of Three by Replenix and Fortified by Glycolix.

Note: on my face, now that the brown spots have diminished, I have some rosacea that Dr. Macdonald would also like to treat with the Sciton® laser (vein treatment to be discussed later in this series of articles).

A) Contour TRL™ Laser Peel skin pigment reduction treatment. This procedure is not only a treatment for overall skin resurfacing, but specifically reduces hyperpigmentation.

Sciton® Laser Peel – Contour TRL™ safely erases skin hyperpigmentation that appears on the skin from sun damage and age. Although there are several different types of lasers on the market used to perform peels, the Contour TRL™ is widely regarded as the most effective laser available. This treatment targets the effects of sun damage and environmental pollutants which create skin tone irregularities, solar spots, and scars.

How does Contour TRL™ work? This laser safely removes a layer of skin, with computer-guided micron precision. The depth of treatment depends on your skin condition, desired outcome and expectation for down time. Treating your hyperpigmented skin with this laser will stimulate the growth of new collagen to improve the skin as healthy new skin cells regrow.

Common body parts treated:
 face, neck

B) BBL™ Broadband Light skin pigment reduction treatment.

Sciton® BBL™ is an innovative light-based technology that sets new standards for skin conditions associated with aging, active lifestyles, and sun damage. It also treats any unwanted melanin and pigment you were born with (i.e., freckles).

How does BBL™ work? This phototherapy treatment utilizes pulses of light energy to gently penetrate into the skin. The light energy will gently heat the upper layers of your skin, stimulating the skin cells to regenerate new collagen. The natural beauty of your youthful skin will be evident as this process blends the natural skin colors restoring your youthful skin’s glow before the pigment irregularities appeared.

Common body parts treated (body parts exposed to the sun): face, hands, neck, chest, shoulders

Stay tuned for more details on skin tightening treatments.

© 2012 R.E.L. Copywriting and Michael R. Macdonald. All rights reserved.

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Sciton® laser: Hair removal with BBL™ Broadband Light

Continuing on with my series of articles about Dr. Macdonald’s Sciton® laser services, coming soon…

As discussed he will be treating patients soon for:

  • Hair removal
  • Skin resurfacing
  • Skin pigment
  • Skin tightening
  • Vein treatment

BBL™ Broadband Light hair removal process.  

Sciton® BBL™ is an innovative light-based technology that utilizes pulses of light energy to gently penetrate into the skin, destroying unwanted hair follicles. Say goodbye to shaving, depilatory creams, or even electrolosis–which can be time-consuming and painful.

How does BBL™ work?  Delivering photothermal energy to hair follicles, your treatment can be tailored to your skin type with various selectable wavelengths.  While your hair is in its growth stage (anagen), it is most vulnerable to light therapy. BBL™ selectively heats the full length of the imbedded hair follicle cutting off its supply of nutrients, thus disabling its growth.  (Note: BBL™ treatments are not appropriate for suntanned skin.)

How many treatments are needed?  Because all hair is not always in the growth stage at one time, multiple treatments must be given over time to treat it while it is in the growth stage.  Aimed at permanent hair reduction, and varying per person as well as body part, you will most likely be advised to get a series of treatments, spaced out by 4-8 weeks.

What is the procedure and healing time like?  Although minimally invasive to destroy many hair follicles at once with photothermal light, you will wear safety shields to protect your eyes, and some patients desire anesthetic cream for sensitive skin areas during the procedure–where you may feel a warm “rubber band snap” sensation as the light is absorbed by the targeted areas. With only slight redness and sun-sensitivity after the treatment, there is virtually no down time.

Common body parts treated: face, neck, underarms, bikini line, legs, arms.

Next article:  more details on skin resurfacing.

© 2011 R.E.L. Copywriting and Michael R. Macdonald. All rights reserved.

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Sciton® laser: Skin resurfacing, skin tightening, skin pigment reduction, hair removal, vein treatment

The Sciton® laser sounds amazing. Dr. Macdonald has one now for his office, and is starting the treatment procedures soon to enhance his skin rejuvenation service offerings. [These details will be documented fully on his new website under laser services..coming very soon.]

From treating wrinkles, scars and sun-damaged skin to hair removal, the Sciton® innovative technology supports procedures which range from light and quick, to deeper and more inclusive… all depending on your skin’s needs.

I’ll be writing a series of articles on this laser, but first to introduce the specific areas it treats:

Hair removal.

BBL™ Broadband Light offers high speed laser hair removal and phototherapy, safe for all skin types and colors, for various body parts. The procedure is virtually pain-free with a little numbing cream. The side-effects (temporary pigment changes, redness, slight swelling) only last for 48 hours.

Skin resurfacing.

MicroLaserPeel® (the “weekend peel”), Laser Peel – Coutour TRL™, ProFractional™ and BBL™ Broadband Light are all offered for resurfacing the skin and restoring your natural youthful look. Whether it be sun damage, age or acne scars, these procedures will enhance your overall appearance.

Skin pigment.

Hyperpigmentation from sun damage and aging can make you look years older than you actually are. Laser Peel Contour TRL™ and BBL™ Broadband Light can help you clean up any areas that are exposed to the harmful rays of the sun by reducing unwanted melanin. In the process, the collagen in your skin gets regenerated.

Skin tightening.

Make a difference toward sagging, aged skin with SkinTyte™ or BBL™ Broadband Light procedures. As the infrared energy heats dermal collagen, it also cools it to protect the surface. Comfortably and with no downtime, this procedure promotes the tightening of the skin.

Vein treatment.

Veins that pop out of your legs or your face can be diminished with BBL™ Broadband Light phototherapy. Tiny and larger blood vessels are activated by heat on the upper layers of your skin, allowing the heat to absorb the targeted areas as they stimulate the skin and regenerate new collagen. Smoother, more youthful looking skin is your result.

Next article: details behind laser hair removal.

By the way, appointments are booking already for mid-January. I know I’m going to try to get on the list…

© 2011 R.E.L. Copywriting and Michael R. Macdonald. All rights reserved.

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VariLite Post-Laser Treatment to Remove Brown Spots From Hands, Scar Healing

It’s been 4 months since my VariLite Laser Treatment by Dr. Macdonald on my hands.

Laser treatment for hands. I’m seeing first hand how different the skin on the hands is from the face.  When it comes to scarring, Dr. Macdonald indicates that the hands have a longer healing time because the skin is thinner.

4 months post-laser

He did a great job getting rid of the brown pigment.

As stated in my post directly following the treatment, the darker the pigmentation, the harder the laser has to work.

Dr. Macdonald wears special glasses that allow him to see the pigmentation in the most effective way.

Scar healing timeframe. Scars can take up to 18 months to heal.  To assist with

pre-laser

this effort, it is best to:

  • Apply scar gel daily.  Dermatix™ is a great brand to use.
  • Wear silicone sheeting taped on at night (or during the day if it doesn’t bother you).
  • Protect the scar from the sun with clothing, hats or sunscreen.
  • Let time heal :)

At my 4 month follow up appointment yesterday, Dr. Macdonald advised me that I will see significant healing in the next 6 months and to use the scar gel and silicone sheeting when I can. The more I wear it, the more it works.  [It's cool that you reuse the sheet over and over so it's not so wasteful.]

Also, I’ll do my best in the sun to cover the areas with sunscreen.  I’m going to the tropics next week so I will definitely be in the sun!  :)

At any rate, since my skin is so thin and susceptible to scarring, I was already ready for some extra healing time.

© 2011 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.

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2 1/2 Weeks: VariLite Post-Laser Treatment, Removing Brown Spots on Face + Hands

It’s now been 2 1/2 weeks since my laser treatment for my hands and face.

The lesions are almost healed but still noticeable.   I’ve been applying vaseline moisturizer every day.  Some days they itch a little but I have tried not to scratch off the scabbing, so that it comes off on its own as directed by Dr. Macdonald.

I will start using scar gel on the effected areas until the wounds completely vanish.

 

18 days post-laser

pre-laser

© 2010 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.

 

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Days 3-5: VariLite Post-Laser Treatment, Removing Brown Spots on Face + Hands

It’s been 5 days since my VariLite laser treatment with Dr. Macdonald.  The healing process has been as expected.

Dr. Macdonald notified me to expect the following post-laser treatment for pigmented lesions:

  • Pigmented lesions may turn gray or dark after treatment.  As the skin heals, in 7-14 days, the spot will slough off.  Do not rub or pick the lesion.  Antibacterial or moisturizing ointment may be applied to the area as desired.
  • Do not use a “loofa” sponge on these areas.  Let them “slough” off naturally.
  • For the next 3-4 weeks, avoid sun exposure to the treated area.  Use of a sunscreen containing an SPF of 15 or higher is recommended.

I had dark scabs at first, as shown in my previous post on day 2.

Day 3

The day to follow I went surfing :)   The salt water I know has a healing effect for skin.  It stung a little bit.   The scabs soaked in salt water became soft and started to come off later in the day as shown in the picture (left).

On my face, the scabs remained as you can see in the picture (right).

Since the treatment I have been applying antibiotic ointment or Aquaphor a few times a day.

Day 5

Today the scabs have fallen off on my hands but they still feel and look as if they are infected and yellowish, encircled with redness and a little painful to the touch.  Without the protective scab, I’m using even more ointment to protect them and help the healing process.

I’m looking forward to looking down at my hands and seeing those darker spots gone!

Stay tuned…

© 2010 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.

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Day 2: Laser Treatment, Removing Brown Spots on Face + Hands

Yesterday I went in for my VariLite laser treatment appointment with Dr. Macdonald.   I’m following up on the pursuit of removing the hyperpigmentation on my hands and my face.  The darker pigment is extra melanin present in the skin.

I had 3 spots on my hands treated yesterday and one on my face. [Read here for my latest article following my facial PCA chemical peel and interview with Dr. Macdonald.]

The procedure

I wore protective goggles over my eyes to protect me from the intense light of the laser.  The idea is that the laser light is absorbed by the dark pigment in the skin and decomposes from the heat of the laser, removing the unwanted skin cells and leaving healthy cells intact.

It hurt a little more than I thought it would.  It feels like a series of pricks with a hot pin.  As Dr. Macdonald moved the laser though over the spot, the burning sensation (and smoke coming off the spots as I watched the skin burn :) ) increased and turned into a feeling as if I were being burned by a match.

I had to have him give me little breaks.  Also, he turned down the intensity of the laser for me.

Apparently, the darker the pigmentation, the harder the laser has to work and so the more it stings.  Dr. Macdonald wears special glasses that allow him to see the hyperpigmentation in a different way; when I looked at the spots I simply saw a bunch of black burning skin.

Interestingly enough, when he did the spot on my face we expected that the pain would be less since the pigmentation is less.  But, this was not the case.  It stung just as much as my hands, if not more so since my skin on my face is so sensitive…

Once the torture was over, I felt better in a few minutes.

Pictures on Day 2


On Day 2, as expected, the lasered spots are black and crusty looking.  I’m allowed to wash gently and then apply antibiotic ointment to them.

As the scabbing starts to fall off, I’m supposed to let the process occur naturally and not scrape any of it off myself.

There is no pain.

I will be posting updates of the pictures as the coloring changes and the scabs come off.

There is a small chance that this treatment will not work completely. In this case, in approximately one month Dr. Macdonald will redo the laser treatment.

He charges 1/2 price for touch-ups.

For my face, however, he said he’d do a touch-up for free since he needed to turn down the intensity for me due to the pain.

© 2010 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.

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Beyond the Light PCA Chemical Peel: Remaining spots

Having gone through a 5-series PCA chemical peel, I now know that my skin is in wonderful shape. As stated in my previous post at the end of my 5 series peel, I am happy with all the benefits.

At this point, I have a new wonder.  What would the procedure be to get rid of the brown spots, for someone of my light skin genetics?

I was in Dr. Macdonald’s office recently getting some high resolution pictures to compare the results of my skin before and after the chemical peel.

May 14 pre-chem peel

Oct 12 post-chem peel

Since the peel series ended, I have been using the HQRA product every other night. I have some peeling, but not much. I have been using Ti-Silc sunscreen every day and always a hat while in the sun. My skin cannot possibly be getting any more sunspots at this point.

We still see brown spots on my face. So, despite all of the great cellular rebuilding below the skin, the smooth texture and lighter lines on the surface of the skin, the appearance of spots remains.  I am still glad to have learned all about how my skin has improved as a whole by this process, and to know that the remaining spots are a different issue.

I asked Dr. Macdonald for his advice on the brown spots.  He offered three options:

  1. TCA Peel.  It is a deeper peel than the one I did.  It is made of Trichloracetic Acid and is otherwise known as the Obagi Blue Peel.
  2. Laser Resurfacing with IPL (a.k.a., PhotoFacial).  This would be a treatment given to the entire face, done gradually in a series.
  3. VariLite laser treatment.  This would be a treatment localized to the spots only.  He would use the 532 wavelength setting for spots.  The 940 wavelength would be used for excessive red blood vessels.

In addition to the face, I couldn’t help but ask him about the dark spots on my hands. I wondered would he treat those spots in the same way as the face?

  • He would use the VariLite laser treatment on the specific spots at the 532 wavelength.
  • It would take about 5 minutes to perform the procedure.

To be continued.. I am thinking about having him zap those spots on my hands with his laser treatment.

I will report back with details on recovery. :)

© 2010 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.