FAQ’S

Yes, laser hair removal is a very safe procedure as it only targets the hair, not the surrounding tissue. There is slight discomfort during the procedure, but most people find it mild and tolerable. Minimal redness may occur for an hour after the treatment. We make use of the Ellipse Laser unit which is renowned in die aesthetic field for its excellent results. 

Yes, all skin types can be treated for hair removal with the Ellipse laser.

• Please shave the entire area you desire treated the day before your planned treatment.
• Use a broad spectrum SPF 30 (or greater) sunblock. No natural or artificial tanning (which includes tanning beds and spray tans) anytime within 2-3 weeks before your session.
• Avoid exfoliating agents like Retin-A, alpha or beta hydroxy acids, toners or any irritating creams for one week prior.
• Do not apply any perfumes, deodorant or make-up to the desired area the day of your treatment.

• No deodorant for 24 to 48 hours if underarm was treated.
• Immediately after your treatment there likely will be some slight redness, swelling around the hair follicles and mild discomfort similar to sunburn. You may use an ice pack to help soothe any redness or swelling.
• You may also notice during and immediately after your session the smell of burned hairs. This is normal.
• Do not rub, or pick the treated area. Do not use any rough sponges or abrasive scrubs for at least 5 days.
• Avoid strenuous sports activities or hot water/ saunas/ jacuzzi for about 48 hours.
• Continue to use an SPF on areas treated for the duration of your treatments.

Usually 4 – 6 treatments are needed and these scheduled about one month apart.

Avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks post laser treatments. Use of a broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30 is critical when receiving any laser treatments, and is recommended for maintenance of results. Any sun exposure may darken or burn treated areas. While treating pigmentation actively, a Tyrosinase inhibitor is recommended for home use to prevent pigment from developing and darkening. Avoid any additional laser treatments or peels in treated areas for 3 weeks prior to your laser session.

Over the next 2-3 days pigmented areas will darken about 2×3 times their original colour. Pigment might “scab” and begin to flake off or just be reabsorbed by the body and excreted in the next 5-7 days. You may apply ice packs, cool towels or a soothing lotion advised by your therapist to alleviate discomfort. Avoid any topical products straight after treatment until skin feels back to normal. It is important that you don’t pick at scabs or rub off dry skin; this can cause hypo-pigmentation and possible scarring. Most patients will require 2-4 treatments to achieve desired results. You may want to schedule a follow up treatment with our therapist 1 week post treatment to help exfoliate excess pigmentation. Following laser treatments it is beneficial to schedule maintenance facial treatments, and continue to use recommended skin care products at home.

Light energy is given off by the Ellipse during treatment. A warm and slightly stinging effect can be felt on the skin, although the bright flash of the light usually has more of an effect due to the sudden flash. The treatment is completely bearable and no topical anaesthesia is needed. Should the client be uncomfortable with the sensation, he/she can take a myprodol accompanied with a SlowMag before the treatment to reduce any discomfort.

he Ellipse photo rejuvenation is indicated for treatment of sun-damaged skin to reduce pigment and vascular disturbances, and to improve skin texture. The following conditions are treatable:

• Superficial pigmented lesions (ephelides, solar lentigines, epidermal melasma)
• Facial telangiectasias
• Poikiloderma of Civatte
• Facial treatments are most popular, but all parts of the body can be treated.

Yes, all skin types can be treated for pimentation with the Ellipse laser.

Energy from the light source is absorbed by the target chromophore (oxy-haemoglobin and haemoglobin) in the blood. The filters used ensure the best possible uptake by oxy-haemoglobin, with minimal absorption by melanin and water. The light energy is converted into heat energy, which is conducted to the vessel wall. The vessel wall is heated up to 70°C for at least 1 ms resulting in destruction of its protein.

A correct response is that the vessel will coagulate i.e. turn bluish in colour immediately after the “shot”. The coagulated blood will be reabsorbed by the body within about 5-7 days. If vascular malformations (Port-wine stains) are treated, you have to see slight purpura as the area is being treated.Avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks post laser treatments. Use of a broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30 is critical when receiving any laser treatments, and is recommended for maintenance of results. Any sun exposure may darken or burn treated areas. While treating pigmentation actively, a Tyrosinase inhibitor is recommended for home use to prevent pigment from developing and darkening. Avoid any additional laser treatments or peels in treated areas for 3 weeks prior to your laser session.

The number of treatments depends on the body site and the severity of the thread vein. Usually 1 – 4 treatments are needed and these scheduled about one month apart.

The Ellipse photo rejuvenation is indicated for treatment of sun-damaged skin to reduce pigment and vascular disturbances, and to improve skin texture. The following conditions are treatable:

• Superficial pigmented lesions (ephelides, solar lentigines, epidermal melasma)
• Facial telangiectasias
• Poikiloderma of Civatte
• Facial treatments are most popular, but all parts of the body can be treated.

Yes, all skin types can be treated for pimentation with the Ellipse laser.

The methods and indications for performing carboxy therapy treatments have changed since the introduction of medical protocols and innovative built in safety devices. A consultation is done prior to the treatment to evaluate whether the patient has any contra indications for doing a carboxy therapy procedure. The discomfort has decreased because the gas is heated during the procedure and all unwanted air is drained, as an important additional safety precaution. Because CO2 is non-embolic it is very safe if done with the correct protocols and a pre treatment medical consultation. Carbon dioxide is a natural byproduct of the body and is not toxic even in elevated doses unless a pre existing medical condition exists. After a treatment the gas is totally reabsorbed within 5 minutes and the area treated returns to normal. Widely distributed in Europe and South America, carboxy therapy has been used safely and effectively on 30 000 + patients with no complications against conditions as persistent and difficult to treat such as cellulite, psoriasis, diabetic ulcers, venous insufficiency and stretch marks. Carboxy therapy has safely been used for many years and in thousands of patients in laparoscopic operations where large volumes of CO2 are used to insufflate the abdomen. The dosage utilized for aesthetic and therapeutic treatment is less 100cc/min and does not exceed more than 1,000cc of CO2. In normal physiology, our cells produce CO2 as a by-product of cellular respiration, the process of breaking down sugars or fats with oxygen.

There are no pre care requirements before a treatment with carboxy therapy. However to minimize discomfort during the treatment, client’s are welcome to take Myprodol in combination with SlowMag. The SlowMag aids in better absoption of the pain medication and prolongs the effects of the Myprodol.

After the treatment there is no pain, patients may feel a slight numbing sensation and pressure at the treatment site, which subsides after a few minutes or when gas is excreted. We advise that the area should not be immersed into water for 4 hours after treatment. There is no down time involved regarding this treatment and patients can go back to their daily routine afterwards. The only side effects may involve slight bruising at the site of insertion; however this only happens to about two percent of the patients.

As we age, especially if there has been yo yo dieting, subcutaneous capillaries become dormant with decreasing cells of oxygen; this combined with environmental stresses and other variables, inhibits the ability of cells to regenerate and function properly and the skin slowly loses its elasticity and collagen. By the age 30, oxygen levels in your skin drop by 25% and 50% by age 40. The body naturally gets its oxygen through basic breathing, but factors like pollution reduce the levels. The body will first utilize oxygen in the major organs and lastly go to the skin. When the skin doesn’t get enough oxygen it becomes more prone to aging, acne, redness, irritation and age spots. Carboxytherapy infuses medical grade CO 2 just beneath the skin’s surface; the body interprets this as an oxygen deficit and responds by increasing blood flow and growth factors such as VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor) for example encourages production of new blood vessels. This provides a surge of oxygen and nutrients to the treated area and improves circulation, resulting in cell restoration. Increased oxygen concentration also improves the water retention or oedema in the area. For a dermal effect which reduces fine lines, wrinkles and stretch marks, this increased blood flow stimulates collagen, which will soften fine wrinkles and decreases dark circles under the eye. Long term collagen is stimulated with more regular sheets of collagen laid down. A few months later dermal remodeling occurs with collagen contraction, leading to a tightening effect. Brow ptosis and saggy jowls and necks are improved. For fat reduction such as double chin, the heated gas at high volume is introduced deep in to the fat which then breaks up the fat cell and stimulates new vessels and rejuvenation. 

Traditionally, the eye area has been difficult to treat but with the advent of Carboxytherapy this area can now be improved : Carboxytherapy improves:

• Dark Circles by increasing the oxygenation of this poorly perfused area
• Eye Bags are reduced by skin tightening and modest fat reduction ( see before & after photos)
• Crows Feet Wrinkles and sleep lines around the eye area are reduced due to collagen stimulation
• Hooded eyes are modestly lifted by tightening the forehead area with strategically placed Carboxy injections. The open brow expression and brow lift is due to new collagen remodeling and contraction of the skin on the brow down the line
• Skin texture around the eye area improves due to collagen stimulation 

• Brow Ptosis is improved due to new collagen remodeling and contraction down the line
• Skin wrinkling improves due to collagen stimulation
• Lip wrinkling improves due to collagen stimulation
• Saggy Jowls are improved due to new collagen remodeling and contraction down the line
• Crepey necks improve due to collagen stimulation ( normally a very difficult area to treat )
• Double chin is reduced due to fat reduction and skin tightening
• Fat or Flabby cheeks are reduced due to fat reduction and skin tightening
• Wrinkled ear lobes improves due to collagen stimulation 

• Wrinkled Décolleté rejuvenation due to collagen stimulation
• Acne Scars improvement if Carboxy is used as subcision which releases the scar and promotes collagen formation under the scar.

Psoriasis improvement before surgical procedures such as a surgical facelift to improve wound healing and tissue perfusion.

Typically, on the face 4 to 6 treatments of Carboxytherapy sessions are required. Clients have a 30 minute session every 2 to 4 weeks and each treatment is accumulative. Maintaining beauty isn’t a sprint-it’s a marathon. Rather than waiting until their problems are bothersome again, patients must appreciate that maintenance goes a long way and a touch up session every 6 to 8 months should maintain results. Due to no down time needed after such a treatment, it is safe to do whenever it is convenient for the patient.

Chemical peels produce controlled injury to the skin, which promote cell turnover and improved appearance. A variety of chemicals can be used as peeling agents and include glycolic, trichloroacetic (TCA), salicylic and resorcinol. The different chemical solutions produce different degrees of injury to the skin.

Make sure to tell your therapist of any allergies, some peels may have ingredients like glycolic or salicylic acid, which some patients might have an allergic reaction to. If you are allergic to aspirin, salicylic acid peels should be avoided. Learn about medication interactions. Please be sure to inform your therapist should you be taking any form of roaccutane or Vit A or Cortisone. Retinoid use is typically discontinued three days before the treatment. Depending on what medications you’re currently taking, your therapist may recommend that you discontinue some of those medications before undergoing your chemical peel. Depending on the depth of chemical peel and whether you have had peels before, your therapist may recommend that you use an active product at home to prepare the skin barrier before the treatment. Please inform your therapist should you be prone to cold sores around the mouth. Some people preparing for a chemical peel will not need to take antiviral medication. However, if you have a history of herpes infections ( cold sores) on or around your mouth, your therapist will advise you to take antiviral medication before and after the treatment. As you prepare for a chemical peel, you will need to refrain from waxing your skin or using chemical depilatory (hair removal) treatments for at least five to seven days before treatment. You should also avoid all chemical injection treatments, including Botox and collagen injections, for at least one week before the treatment. Please limit all sun exposure for at least ten days before a deep chemical peel treatment and avoid direct sun exposure for 5 days after. If you must be in the sun for any duration of time in the two weeks before a treatment or after, you should wear sunscreen and try to limit your time outdoors as much as possible. If you are planning on having a chemical peel performed, you should avoid having a microdermabrasion treatment for at least 14 days before the procedure.

Treat your skin gently. Instead of using a washcloth on your facial, switch to only using your hands for about 5 days. The rough texture of a wash cloth can be too aggravating for skin that is already irritated.

• Wear SPF. You’re exposing vulnerable immature cells so you must make sure they don’t get damaged from UV rays. Apply sunscreen daily on the face and neck.
• Limit your time outdoors to reduce sun exposure.
• Use soothing product either provided by your therapist or advised to comfort the skin and reduce redness.
• Use antioxidants. Since the skin has been traumatized, free radical production is high. Suppress the free radical activity with an antioxidant moisturizer.

• Pick at the skin! The whole purpose of a chemical peel is to “burn” off the surface dry, damaged cell layers and reveal younger-looking, healthy new cells. But to do this, the skin has to shed and that’s part that people dislike the most. But picking off dry, flaky skin when it may not be ready to come off can result in scarring and unnecessary redness.
• Over-moisturize to compensate for post-peeling dryness. When you have had a TCA or Salicylic acid peel which is designed to dry out the skin, the skin most probably will be peeling or flaking, it’s normal to want to apply heavier moisturizer to alleviate dryness and comfort the irritated skin. The whole purpose of a chemical peel is to peel. So to hydrate peeling skin when it wants to shed off, will not give you the best benefit and prolongs the down-time of the peel. Just use your regular moisturizer and let the skin do what it wants to do.
• Exfoliate. It is so important to not remove the dry skin before its time and to let the skin shed naturally. Facial scrubs and acids will only irritate the irritation further and could result in scarring the skin. Bottom line: Hands off, protect your skin with SPF, use calming ingredients and let it run its course.

The state of your skin after a peel depends on the type of chemical used and your skin type. Superficial peels have limited effects. Medium peels may cause some redness and the skin feeling dry and tight. The deeper peels may require 10-14 days to recover, with visible flaking and dryness.

Generally chemical peels are done once every 2-3 weeks, depending on the severity and until the desired results are achieved. Maintenance peels can then be performed once a month.

The Dermapen uses multiple needles that pierce the skin vertically with minimal pain compared to traditional Dermaroller rejuvenation. The Dermapen skin rejuvenation treatment has great results and there appears to be much less epidermal damage. The automatic, high speed vibrating function of the Dermapen increases the effectiveness of the treatment by rapidly creating multiple insertions, quickly and clinically, dramatically reducing pain and discomfort for the patient.

For optimal results, a period of effective active treatment creams, such as Vitamin A, C and other Antioxidants is recommended to allow the skin’s strength to build-up (especially for thin or delicate skin areas). No Retin-A products or applications for 12 hours prior to treatment. No Auto-immune therapies or products for 12 hours prior to treatment. No prolonged sun exposure or sun burns to the treatment area 24 hours prior to treatment. Skin should be clean and make-up free.

After the treatment, take precautions against sun exposure. Do not apply sunscreen for 12 hours after the Dermapen treatment due to the skin’s channels being open for a period of time and due to the toxic nature of some sunscreens on the market. Do not perform any vigorous exercise for at least 12 hours after treatment. If possible do not apply make-up for at least 12 hours after the treatment. Dermapen needling may trigger a cold sore response, so be sure to notify your therapist should you feel a cold sore coming up, or if you are prone to them. Wash the face thoroughly a few hours after treatment. Gently massage the face with tepid water, and remove all serum and other debris such as dried blood. For the first 1-3 days the skin will be very dry and feel tight. After 2-3 days patients can return to regular skin care products (depending on the ingredients) or as soon as it is comfortable to do so. Avoid alcohol based toners 10-14 days. Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 10 days if possible.

Dermapen is an incredible way to treat: Fine lines and wrinkles around eyes, mouth, cheeks, neck and décolleté. Other areas of the body can also be treated such as the abdomen, back of the hands and arms. All forms of acne scars, most surgical scars including facelift scars, abdominal scars, breast plastic surgery scars, post liposuction scars, orthopedic scars, stretch marks and burn contracture scars can safely be treated. In addition stretch marks on the breasts and body and loose body skin are also safely treated.

View VISIA brochure Our Complimentary VISIA skin and complexion analysis uses multi-spectral imaging to reveal damage and signs of ageing on and beneath the surface of the skin that is not visible to the human eye. VISIA’s computer imaging enables our practitioners to evaluate the health and appearance of your skin based on six criteria that affect your complexion: wrinkles, spots, pores, evenness (skin tone colour variation), porphyrins (evidence of bacteria in your pores), and UV spots caused by overexposure to the sun. This effective tool allows us to target specific problems before they become apparent. Photos are taken througout the course of your treatment programme to determine how the skin improves and changes, creating your very own ‘before and after’ record!