The procedure is nearly always done on an outpatient basis. The length of the procedure varies depending upon the size of the area to be treated during the session in question. Typically, partial facial skin resurfacing takes as little as thirty minutes; a complete skin resurfacing treatment can take up to two hours or more, not considering complications.

During the patient’s initial consultation, the cosmetic dermatologist or surgeon will discuss potential risks and costs related to the procedure. He/she will also inform the patient about what tools are to be used, and what to expect before, during, and after laser skin resurfacing. The duration of the recovery period depends on the extent of the procedure and the individual patient.

Laser Skin Rejuvenation Risks/Advantages

Similar to any other cosmetic, medical, or surgical procedure, there are both risks and advantages associated with laser skin rejuvenation. Many of the risks are smaller and less significant than the risks linked to other skin rejuvenation procedures, and most of the advantages are tremendous. Overall, most would agree that whether man or woman, regardless of age or ethnicity, the advantages usually far outweigh the risks involved with laser skin rejuvenation.

The list of potential risks is relatively short, and the risks are minimal and almost insignificant in comparison to the risks associated with similarly-effective treatment alternatives. These risks include:

• Infection. This risk is typical for any surgical procedure.
• Permanent changes to skin pigmentation. This risk is higher for those with dark and very dark skin tones.
• Laser scarring. The most serious, but least likely, risk of scars forming from the procedure

Potential advantages are nearly endless, especially considering the psychological affect on most patients. Advantages include:

• New or increased collagen production
• Tighter skin
• Smoother skin surface
• Decreased or eliminated wrinkles and fine lines
• Even skin coloration
• Reversal of sun damage
• Decreased or eliminated scars and other facial imperfections
• Increased feeling of beauty and self-worth

The CO2 laser is the highest intensity laser treatment available to date for this procedure. Patients treated with this laser immediately see tighter and smoother skin since the laser makes use of heat to restrict the collagen bands in the lower dermis. A CO2 laser has the ability to reduce or even  eliminate the appearance of wrinkles, scars, warts, and some birthmarks. In addition, this laser has even been used to treat skin cancer in its most early stages.

Erbium lasers have the ability to strip thinner layers of skin than the stronger but less precise CO2 laser. These lasers are typically a more suitable option for those with darker skin tones since the risk of permanent damage to skin pigmentation is smaller.  Erbium lasers have the added benefit of offering faster healing time, so they are an excellent choice for those hoping to treat only minimal wrinkles in small areas.

Fraxel® laser skin resurfacing is very different from similar laser rejuvenation treatments using the erbium or the CO2 laser. Fraxel® laser treatment is non-invasive, so there are relatively few post-treatment side effects. There is very little tenderness or pain to the affected area after undergoing treatment, and no requirement of downtime afterward.  Fraxel® laser skin resurfacing is completed in multiple sessions, and gradual improvements (over the course of weeks or months) should be expected.

• Surgeon’s fee. In most cases, the more experience and expertise a surgeon possesses, the more expensive the procedure will become. However, patients should note that cheaper is not always better, especially when you are dealing with your body.
• Facility cost. Whether laser skin rejuvenation is performed at a hospital, doctor’s office, or clinic, there will be a fee associated with the use of the facility. Again, the more advanced the facility, the more the cost will likely be.
• Anesthesia expense. No patient would choose to have skin peeled with a laser without anesthesia. Depending on the type of anesthetic, this fee is usually not as high as one would imagine.
• Post/pre-operative care. This includes prepping for the surgery and patient care afterward. This is another factor that relies on the experience, expertise, and location of the provider.

Scheduling a thorough initial consultation with a qualified and licensed laser surgeon or cosmetic dermatologist is the most effective means of discovering the cost for your individual case. However, it is usually worth the cost for both men and women hoping to look and feel younger, often in just one effective and safe treatment.

Side effects from the treatment are generally mild. They are less drastic in most cases than other skin rejuvenation treatment alternatives, and many patients report that the potential risks are far outweighed by the possible advantages. Keep in mind, however, that most insurance providers will not cover a cosmetic procedure such as laser skin rejuvenation since the treatment is purely cosmetic and voluntary.

In order to figure out the best course of action in your individual case, it is critical to speak with a licensed and certified cosmetic dermatologist or surgeon. This will give the patient a more accurate estimate of recovery time and the potential for results. Keeping an open mind for other alternatives and being realistic in expectations will limit the possibility for disappointment during this consulation, and these logical mindframes also determine the most suitable candidates for laser skin rejuvenation.

Laser skin rejuvenation is a very common type of cosmetic surgery that helps to rejuvenate the skin and effectively reduce the damage caused by the sun, aging, and some kinds of facial skin disorders. Both men and women routinely choose laser skin rejuvenation as a means of turning back the clock in a manner of speaking, helping the face to appear younger and smoother after a regimen of treatments (or one session in some cases).

This procedure, also known as laser peel, works by removing the patient’s outer skin layers and stimulating collagen production and new skin cells in the lower layers. Removing the damaged skin offers a smoother, healthier, younger-looking face. Recovery time is minimal, and side effects are not overwhelming.

Treatments are safe, work very well, and can typically be worked into almost any schedule. Although not covered by many types of insurance due to the cosmetic nature of laser skin rejuvenation, the procedure is actually very cost-efficient in comarison to many alternative treatments. Overall, laser skin rejuvenation is one of the best choices for men and women to look younger and feel better about their appearance.

Laser Skin Resurfacing 2

Cosmetic laser skin resurfacing is an effective way to reduce and nearly eliminate the surface imperfections on your face and neck areas. Both men and women of all ages can benefit from this type of procedure, diminishing sun spots, aging damage, and some types of facial skin disorders. Laser skin resurfacing is safe and effective, and side effects are minimal.

A laser is utilized to break the molecular bonds of the damaged skin cells, one layer at a time, until smoother, younger, more healthy looking skin is revealed. This procedure is also known as laser skin rejuvenation due to its significant anti-aging benefits, and additionally called “laser peel” since outer layers of damaged skin are, in reality, peeled away.

Because laser skin resurfacing is an elective cosmetic procedure, many insurance companies will not cover the cost. However, the cost of this procedure is minor when compared to the cost of some alternatives, so it is worth the expenditure for many patients. Whether man or woman, feeling younger and looking your best are two very good reasons to choose laser skin resurfacing.

Typical Laser Skin Resurfacing Patients

Patients who typically choose a procedure such as laser skin resurfacing include men and women of many age ranges. The procedure is designed for those hoping to treat areas of discoloration, wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, or similar kinds of skin defects. Laser skin resurfacing usually offers a much younger, healthier appearance to all areas involved in the procedure.

Laser skin resurfacing is not always a one-time-cures-all treatment option, and those suffering from severe scarring or skin damage may need to supplement the laser skin resurfacing with other types of skin rejuvenation treatments. Ideally, a laser skin resurfacing patient is open to discuss the various other treatment options to ensure that laser skin resurfacing is right for them. In addition, patients should have realistic expectations for the treatment, not expecting a miracle in the first treatment.

The procedure is relatively inexpensive, and side effects are not nearly as major as some other treatment alternatives. Although most insurance companies will not compensate for the treatment because it is judged as a “cosmetic” procedure, and therefore not necessary for survival, it is worth the patient’s expense in most cases. This effective means of looking younger and feeling healthier can improve the lives of nearly any man or woman suffering from the impact of skin imperfections.

Those who have unsuccessfully tried medications such as Chantix, Welplex or similar prescriptions to quit smoking but still continue to smoke can greatly benefit from laser therapy. In addition, many of these medications have a host of negative side effects, especially Chantix. Laser therapy for smoking cessation typically has limited or no side effects and is actually very relaxing due to the natural endorphin production that it generates.

The laser therapy technician makes use of a low-level laser to aim at specific energy points found on the body, similar to acupuncture techniques. Aiming the laser at these areas makes the body produce natural feel-good chemicals known as endorphins. They have a naturally calming and relaxing effect on the body that reduces the craving for nicotine and lessens withdrawal symptoms. A number of laser therapy patients describe a feeling of euphoria after a smoking cessation laser therapy session. The laser also accelerates the body’s natural detoxification abilities, in addition to generating the endorphins, helping the patient to kick the habit faster and with fewer complications

Experts believe that nearly 70% of laser therapy stop smoking programs are successful, a tremendous difference from other similar methods such as medications. However, the success of the program depends largely on the patient, and the patient still technically possesses the free-will decision of smoking after each laser therapy session.

The average cost per session depends on the technician, but normally ranges between $400 and $1000 per session. Most types of insurance programs do not cover laser therapy for smoking cessation, but there are receipts and medical codes available to submit to the insurance company for denial, or possible approval. A few companies allow the program after other methods have been tried and failed.

Quitting smoking by laser therapy is completely natural, so there are no harmful side affects to worry about.  It is not a pill or medication that must be ingested, so it will not interfere or alter any other medicines you take. In fact, laser therapy may be the easiest way to quit smoking available on the market today, so it is a good alternative to many less successful options. There is no excuse to still smoke once you have discovered laser therapy for smoking cessation!

The fractional laser therapy is, in addition, more beneficial than similar procedures such as dermabrasion, chemical peeling and drug therapy. However, some people who would greatly benefit from the effects of fractional skin resurfacing are somewhat put off by the cost, as it can cost double what the other methods normally do, and is still a temporary solution to a lifelong problem in most cases.

Fractional skin resurfacing has redefined the term “skin care” and is used to treat a broad range of common skin conditions, such as:

• Wrinkles

• Fine lines

• Sun-damaged skin

• Skin discolorations

• Melasma

• Scarring due to moderate-severe acne

• Scarring due to surgery or other traumatic experiences

• Skin texture improvement

• Skin smoothness improvement

• Skin elasticity improvement

Although the fractional laser therapy treatment can be utilized on a wide range of parts of the body, a few parts are more routinely requested. These typically include, but are not limited to:

The face—most requested area for both men and women

Area surrounding the nose and eye brows

Parts of the neck

Backs of the hands

Portion of the chest area

Portions of the back

Not like similar resurfacing peels made from chemicals and requiring extensive periods of painful healing time, this innovative treatment will help create younger and more attractive skin, for men or women of many ages.

The fundamental nature of fractional laser therapy is its application to only certain parts of the damaged skin area. Hence, the term “fractional,” implying “done in parts.” The treated areas recover quickly with newer skin and healthy tissue. When therapy is completed fractionally, it allows the skin to recover faster with significantly less downtime. Another welcome addition to fractional laser therapy is that side effects are much fewer and the opportunity for complications is slim to none. In fact, for most patients, new skin begins to take the place of the damaged areas within just a few days.

Since fractional laser therapy only treats a portion of the skin at a time, additional sessions are necessary to treat the entire skin surface. For most people, between four and six sessions complete the process. Bear in mind, however, that the results of fractional laser skin resurfacing cannot be seen right away, but you will see a big difference within 2 or 3 sessions. Maximum results are typically seen within 12 weeks.

This type of laser therapy is always done as an outpatient procedure, and typically completed in a physician’s office or similar location. The laser treatment takes between 30 and 60 minutes, mostly depending on the size of the damaged area. After the session, there is a very short downtime and a possibility of mild side effects.

The current lasers are very patient-friendly usually very well tolerated. Sophisticated cooling systems found in the tip of the laser inhibit pain. In addition, those less able to tolerate any type of pain can request a topical local anesthetic, typically applied about 10 minutes before the session begins.

Immediate effects of the session include:

1. Redness of the affected area. This usually goes away quickly, and will not be visible in a few hours.

2. Possibility of mild pain. This is rare, and OTC medications will normally resolve the issue.

3. Mild swelling. In most cases, the shorter the procedure is the smaller the area of swelling will be. Cool compresses are very helpful, and affected patients should sleep with the affected area elevated.

4. Mild dryness. Affected patients should apply a moisturizing cream to help prevent peeling or flaking, but this side effect is generally mild.

5. Sun-sensitive skin. It is wise for patients to avoid the sun as much as possible for up to 12 weeks after the laser treatment is first applied. If it is not possible to stay out of the sun, patients should wear sunscreen with a high SPF.

Up to sixty percent of fractional laser therapy patients begin to see a drastic improvement quickly, and nearly all patients see a tremendous difference by the end of the final session. However, these treatments will not last forever, and regular sessions will become necessary as the skin ages or new scars are acquired.

The cost of fractional laser therapy varies depending on who performs the treatment and what part of the body is to be treated (and the size of the area). The standard cost ranges from $2,000 – $5,000 per area.

Before you opt to choose laser therapy for dealing with your stretch marks, you should first consider a few of the less expensive (and less hazardous) means, such as creams and lotions available via the Internet. However, once you have tried each of these other treatments and discover that nothing else works, consider laser therapy and how it can minimize or eliminate the unsightly appearance of stretch marks.

Laser therapy works by aiming a shaft of light at the scar tissue and breaking down the skin, permitting it to rejuvenate and allowing for the introduction of more collagen and the formation of new skin. By your 10th session, the appearance of stretch marks will be significantly diminished for most patients. This type of laser therapy typically costs about $200-1500 for each treatment.

Removing stretch marks via laser therapy usually takes place over a course of treatment sessions. Each laser surgery session may last from a few short minutes to over one hour. Laser treatment for stretch mark removal works best on dark and/or fresh stretch marks, but there may be additional options for older, more mature stretch marks in the near future. Lasers that specifically target pigment cells in white scars in order to produce more pigment are being developed primarily for this reason.

Blue light therapy is another choice utilized to remove spider veins, stretch marks, and/or old tattoos. This method involves using a gel placed on the skin and using a hand held apparatus to get rid of unattractive stretch marks.

If you are contemplating laser therapy to remove your stretch marks, it is important to note that this procedure does not usually completely eliminate the marks. Instead, it drastically reduces the appearance of them, and using the creams and lotions that do not often work well alone can maximize this benefit.

Pathological gambling is a disease that affects the brain and appears to be similar in many ways to disorders such as addiction to alcohol and drug abuse. This is likely due to the fact that the problems are located in the same part of the brain, and this part of the brain also deals with other potentially addictive areas like eating and sex. As a matter of fact, this area of the brain is known as the dopamine reward pathway, or the pleasure center.

For those who are likely to develop a pathological gambling problem, occasional gambling quickly becomes habitual gambling. Additionally, daily stressors in life (such as job and family, or money) can make gambling problems become more dangerous.

Common Symptoms:

People dealing with a pathological gambling problem usually feel ashamed and attempt to hide the problem from friends and family members. The American Psychiatric Association characterizes “pathological gambling” as an illness comprised of at least five of these symptoms:

    Gambling fixation (spending a lot of time fantasizing or daydreaming about gambling)
    Feeling a need to gamble greater sums in order to satisfy the urge
    Frequent/multiple unsuccessful attempts to scale back to some extent or completely quit gambling
    Feelings of restlessness or irritability when attempting to scale back or stop
    Gambling as a way to escape problems or feelings of depression or stress
    “Chasing losses” (having to gamble increasingly larger amounts of money in an attempt to break even)
    Compulsively lying or avoiding talking about money or time spent gambling
    Committing crimes with the intent to use the money for gambling
    Loss of employment, significant relationship, or educational opportunity because of gambling
    Continuously having to get loans in order to cover cost of living due to gambling

Much like a problem with being addicted to alcohol or even food, pathological gambling is a chronic disorder that will only get much worse without the right treatment.

Our method to help get rid of the addiction to gambling is harmless, non-invasive, and, thankfully, painless. The program is typically a course of 4 laser treatments scheduled 1-2 weeks apart. A professional laser technician uses a “soft” laser beam to affect specific points on the body (such as arm, face, neck, or hands). Directing the laser beam to these spots balances chemicals in the brain that cause the urge to gamble and generate the endorphins that tell the body that gambling (and other addictions) feels “good.” Endorphins have a soothing, comforting effect on the body that effectively reduces often-painful withdrawal symptoms. Some laser therapy patients even talk about a feeling of euphoria after a gambling addiction treatment.

Do not let gambling addiction ruin lives. Become a part of the solution instead of the problem with Matrix Institute of Laser Therapy’s gambling addiction treatment course.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is one of the most effective ways to lessen the effects of daily stress. How does it work? Low-level laser therapy encourages the release of natural endorphins (feel-good endorphins), creating a feeling of relaxation and peace, reducing anxiety levels, and enhancing sleep patterns. Matrix Laser Therapy’s stress management program specializes in understanding the underlying causes of stress, getting rid of stress’ negative effects on the body via laser therapy treatment, and improving overall health.

ABOUT THE TREATMENT

We direct a cold low-level laser to a range of energy points on the body (such as the wrist, ear, and/or arm) to encourage the release of feel good endorphins. Patients will immediately feel more relaxed as they are calmed by a sense of general comfort that the endorphin naturally offers when released. In addition to the laser, the treatment room also offers a peaceful atmosphere, heightening the effect of the treatment. Treatment is usually followed by a relaxing session in our therapeutic massage chair that duplicates the techniques used by chiropractors. Modified to suit the individual needs of the patient, the entire laser therapy session is safe, non-invasive, and intended for educing health and well being while lessening stress and the harmful bodily effects thereof.

WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT

You will begin to feel calmer and more relaxed as the stressful feelings are eliminated during the treatment session. Other effects (long run and immediate) include:

•    Calm and relaxed state of mind
•    Deeper and longer sleep patterns
•    Longer stretches between insomnia
•    Heightened energy and alertness
•    Immune system boosts
•    Increased ability to deal with crises in a logical manner
•    Fewer attacks of anxiety and/or depression
•    Reversal of current stress symptoms overall

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF STRESS?

    Irritability and/or anger
    Sadness and depression
    Insomnia
    Constant lack of energy
    Anxiety/panic attacks
    Lethargy
    Frequent migraines or headaches
    Digestive problems
    Trouble focusing or concentrating
    Forgetfulness and memory loss (short-term)
    Tightness of chest, neck, jaw, and back muscles

If you suffer one or a combination of several of these common symptoms, you may be one of the millions whose health is daily affected by stress. Although these are some of the most common symptoms, however, there are many others that can be less obvious, especially to you. Stress has a devastating effect on the whole body, including the immune system, and even has a negative impact on mental health. Stress affects the body from the inside out and is often called “the silent killer.”

Laser therapy helps reduce or eliminate the harmful side effects of stress, giving rise to a better adjusted, peaceful, and happy life.

Contact us today to begin your training, and become one of the many individuals uniquely qualified to eliminate stress in a patient’s life. Have a positive impact on the world around you, and let us help!