Dot Therapy Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQ

While no one has found the “fountain of youth”, SmartXide DOT is a significant step forward in the search to stay looking young. Since first being reported in 1991, the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser has been the “gold standard” for non-surgical skin resurfacing. Unfortunately, the CO2 laser removes (ablates) the entire skin surface. This results in a prolonged and somewhat difficult recovery. Instead of removing the entire surface, SmartXide DOT treats hundreds of DOTs within a treatment area, leaving the majority of the skin’s surface intact. Since most of the skin’s surface is left intact, SmartXide DOT approaches the “gold standard” result of the CO2 laser with greatly diminished recovery time and much less discomfort. Over the next few years, SmartXide DOT will set a new standard for skin resurfacing and become the treatment of choice for reversing the effects of aging on the skin.

What is SmartXide DOT?

The great promise of SmartXide DOT is a 30 watt, carbon dioxide based laser with a 10,600 nm wavelength. A scanning head delivers the laser impulse in one of several available patterns. This allows Dr. Kerr to individualize the treatment area for each patient. Within each pattern, 150-700 tiny DOTs are created, each about 300 microns (0.003 millimeters) in size. Dr.Kerr can also vary the space between each DOT, the depth of each DOT, and the length of time the laser stays on each DOT (dwell time). Thorough knowledge of the laser’s tissue effects and the ability to customize for each patient, allows the best results for each individual. Silk Touch MedSpa introduced the first laser to Boise, Idaho.  He has a thorough understanding of how to achieve the best results for you,

What Does SmartXide DOT do?

The SmartXide DOT penetrates into the upper layer of the dermis. The dermis is the supporting layer of our skin and contains most of its collagen. SmartXide DOT targets water in the tissues resulting in tissue ablation inside the DOT. In addition, each DOT is surrounded by a zone of thermal tissue damage formed by the laser.

Actual Skin  Laser DOTs

This thermal damage is responsible for the most of the superior results seen with the old CO2 laser. SmartXide DOT is able to achieve a wide zone of thermal damage without removing the entire skin surface. This zone is thermal damage is responsible for most of the skin tightening and skin thickening that occurs following SmartXide DOT treatment. Collagen shrinkage as a result of thermal damage results in some immediate skin tightening. More importantly, further improvements in skin tightness and collagen density occur as a result of collagen remodeling and begin about 30 days after the treatment. These improvements continue for up to one year.

Figure 2 (insert diagram of treatment timeline)

Where can SmartXide DOT be used?

Another important feature of SmartXide DOT therapy is its ability to be used on body areas other than the face. Previous CO2 laser treatments were restricted to the face. The greater density of sebaceous glands and other deep skin structures allowed healing from below to occur on the face. This allowed complete ablative treatments that could not be done on other parts of the body. SmartXide DOT allows healing to occur from the intact skin to the side of the DOTs. This allows SmartXide DOT to be performed on almost any body area. The ability to treat any area of the body allows the treatment of problems such as loose skin, scars and stretch marks. This makes SmartXide DOT much more useful to patients.

(insert photos of hands before and after)

What is a SmartXide DOT treatment like?

Treatment begins with understanding the patient’s desires and needs. The laser settings Dr. Kerr chooses are determined by the problem the patient wishes to emphasize. While most treatments will improve both skin color and provide skin tightening or scar improvement, Dr. Kerr has the ability to emphasize one area over another. Superficial problems like pigment disorders or mild wrinkles are treated with close DOTs. Deeper problems such as scars or deep skin creases are treated with more distance between DOTs and fewer overall DOTs, greater depth and longer times with dwell times. Patients whose primary concern is overall skin laxity and general wrinkling are treated between the two extremes. Treatments off the face generally use similar distance between the DOTs and depth settings as the face, but dwell times approximately one half the settings of facial treatments. Upper eyelids can be done with laser eye shields in place. The area is first covered with a topical anesthetic. The topical anesthetic is allowed to stay in place for about an hour. Using the topical anesthetic allows the SmartXide DOT treatment to be done with little discomfort. Immediately having the procedure, the area we treated will feel hot. Therefore, we cool the area down with ice and a special cooler for about 30 minutes. Altogether, you should plan on about 2 hours for your SmartXide DOT treatment.

(insert photo of face before and after)

So how well does SmartXide DOT actually work?

The results from SmartXide DOT treatments are impressive and approach those of full CO2 ablative treatments. Skin crease improvements are substantial. Pigment improvements are also excellent, and generally better than other treatments such as intense pulsed light. Scar revision results are substantial (figure 13). However, one of the more exciting features of scar revision is the ease with which multiple treatments can be performed in an area. Overall, clinical results confirm the promise of SmartXide DOT therapy and position it to dominate the skin resurfacing market for the next decade.

So what does all of this mean?

SmartXide DOT laser therapy represents the marriage of two important skin resurfacing technologies, CO2 laser ablation and fractional skin resurfacing. While the CO2 laser has represented the “gold standard” for results, the prolonged and difficult recovery time and inability to use the CO2 laser off of the face have greatly reduced its popularity and utility. Fractional resurfacing has become one of the most popular types of skin resurfacing treatments in the last 2-3 years. However, fractional treatment with mid infra-red lasers has been plagued by less than satisfactory results in many cases. SmartXide DOT laser therapy promises to remedy both of these problems. Recovery time is decreased to 7-10 days on average, with redness lasting around 14-21 days. Results challenge those of conventional CO2 ablation and significantly exceed those of current fractional treatments. The ability to work off the face adds many additional applications and benefits. Finally, the ability to perform multiple treatments on difficult areas promises to yield results not previously available with any cosmetic treatments. SmartXide DOT laser treatment should replace conventional CO2 resurfacing as the “gold standard” of treatment and dominate a large part of the cosmetic market for many years to come.

ZERONA™ Laser Lipo

Non- surgical fat loss

Silk Touch Medspa & Laser Center is proud to be the first to introduce the New Zerona slimming laser to Idaho!

“I’ve lost in 2 1/2 weeks what would have taken me four months to lose with heavy diet and exercise. Being able to see results quickly has kept me motivated to stick to the strict requirements of the Zerona treatment.  I have been religious about working out 40-45 minutes per day.  I have kept to a strict diet–eliminating fatty foods— and have followed all other suggestions – no cheating.  My take is that if you’re not committed to following the program, you’ll waste your money, but if you’re willing to make the required commitment, you’ll be very pleased with the results as I am”.   –P.A.   2/10/09

What if you could get rid of fat without diet, exercise or surgery? Sounds too good to be true doesn’t it?

Zerona non-surgical laser

Susie Kerr, Managing Partner of Silk Touch Medspa and wife of Dr. Brian Kerr first saw the Zerona on the popular TV show The Doctors in April 2009. “The laser looked like something from Star Trek, a big octopus looking thing, beaming light down on the belly of a woman who was struggling with 40 lbs. of weight gain. Beam me up Scotty!

Zerona Laser

This thing just looked too good to be true.” Susie was skeptical but a little excited…a bit like she felt when she first learned about laser-assisted liposuction or Smartlipo™.   She couldn’t contain her excitement as she approached Dr. Kerr. “If this thing really works, it could really revolutionize fat removal.”

It turned out that Dr. Ordon of The Doctors TV Show had the same sort of feelings when he was first introduced to the Zerona.  “When something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. But you cannot argue with results. Inches are inches, and the Zerona removes inches, more than four inches on the “test” case we did for The Doctors. I have to say, I didn’t believe it at first either.” –Dr.Ordon.

>>Click here for more Zerona Before and After Photos

So here are some FAQ’s on the Zerona

What is Zerona?

It’s a non-surgical, non-invasive way to slim the body. There’s no pain and no downtime with the treatment.

The Zerona laser is a cold laser that helps the body rid itself of excess fat using the body’s normal processes. The laser focuses cool light on areas of the body where fat has accumulated without any discomfort to the patient. The laser creates a tiny hole in the fat cell wall allowing the contents to spill out into the lymph where they are absorbed and the waste is excreted from the body naturally.

How much can you lose?

In double-blind, randomized, multi-site, placebo controlled clinical trials that tracked the circumferences of patient’s waist, hips, and thighs, the average total loss was 3.64 inches up to a maximum of 9.5 inches, compared to a placebo group that lost only a half an inch.  To date we have had a 13″ loss by one of our clients and know of one client that has had 17″ of loss.

Who is a good candidate?

A good candidate is one who has a BMI of 30 or below, similar to Smartlipo™ laser-assisted liposuction. If you have a BMI above 30 then you may be prescribed a program to help you achieve healthy weight goals before the procedure. Candidates must be motivated to maintain their result. The Zerona may be great at shrinking fat cells and helping the body eliminate fat, but long term success is determined by patient conformity to good habits of health. We design our programs to assist you in healthy living before, during and after treatment.

Are there any risks?

There are no known risks associated with this treatment and the treatments are painless.

Any other changes in the body?

The liver is one of the body’s major detoxification pathways. A large study was conducted and no increase in toxin levels were found. Triglyceride levels and cholesterol levels were found to normalize (meaning improvement was made). Skin improvements were also noted. This laser has been FDA approved for wound healing.

How many treatments are needed?

Typically you will receive six 40-minute laser treatment over a period of two weeks. Mon-Wed-Fri or Tues-Thurs-Sat. Additionally, you will receive nutritional coaching and other take home instructions to reach optimal results. Programs vary depending on the patient’s needs and goals. Many patients are so happy with their results they request additional sessions.

Does Zerona get rid of cellulite?

It reduces fat, but not cellulite. Cellulite may improve with deep tissue massage to break down fibrous tissue. We have seen the best results when treating areas with cellulite when using laser-assisted liposuction using a combination of  Smartlipo. and VASER®

Will the fat go somewhere else?

Fat that his removed by the laser is metabolized and removed by the body. There isn’t any evidence that the fat is deposited elsewhere in the body.

Can the fat return?

Yes, sadly it can. Sorry…we all wish the answer was no. The Zerona laser doesn’t remove fat cells from the body. When the fat leaves the cells, the cells remain intact but the cell collapses like a grape that has been squeezed. The same thing happens when you diet (controlling the calories you eat) or exercising (burning calories). If greater calories are consumed than are expended from either diet or exercise, the body will store the extra calories and the fat cells get plump again. Picture the nice fat juicy grape. Dr. Kerr’s program is designed to help you maximize the effectiveness of your treatment by addressing your whole lifestyle and dietary and exercise choices.

Can I do more than one treatment?

Patients may return for more treatments, particularly if they want to focus on different areas or lose additional inches in areas already treated. There have been no associated risks or complications associated with multiple treatments.

How much does it cost?

At Silk Touch we offer a number of programs. The exact amount depends on the procedure being done, the desired goal, and the level of support that is required.

Additional treatments may be added depending on client needs and desired outcome. (ie. lymphatic massage, deep tissue massage and meal replacement programs).

Why do some people lose more inches than others?

There are variations from person to person. Factors determining inches lost are: function of the lymph and digestive system as well as possible metabolic abnormalities. Your doctor will work with your individual case to help achieve optimum performance within the parameters of our given physiological makeup. You will fill out a medical history and have a consultation before treatment.

Is this treatment covered by Insurance?

This procedure is cosmetic and therefore not covered by insurance. Financing is available. Visit CareCredit.com

How soon will I see results?

Usually results can be seen as early as one week after the completion of your treatment. Some individuals do see results almost immediately and some individuals may not experience decrease of body circumference or weight loss at all.

Can I get better results if I diet and/or exercise?

Yes you can. Though in the randomized clinical trials, patients lost inches without increasing diet and exercise, we want to help you get the biggest bang for your buck. Reducing calorie intake forces the body to reduce fat cell size (remember the grape). Exercising forces the body to reduce fat cell size. We design a program that will optimize your ability to eliminate the fat from your body without going hungry or having to sign up for boot camp. Of course you don’t have to exercise or eat right, but then your grape will remain plump. We will work with you to create a program that is just right for you.

How do I know I’ve lost inches?

We will take your measurements before treatment. It is important to have accurate measurements. These are taken at specific anatomical sites before the first treatment, after the final treatment and one week after the final treatment is completed. Before and After pictures will be taken for accurate pre and post data.

How do I schedule a consultation?

Give us a call to set up a consult. You will receive a pre-screening by a staff member and then have a short consultation with Dr. Kerr prior to treatment.

For more info on the zerona:  www.myzerona.com

Massage coming soon…

Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning is a skin resurfacing procedure that uses a special surgical blade to gently scrape away the top layer of dead epidermal cell.  Dermaplaning can be used on small areas of the skin or on the entire face and also removes the “peach fuzz” which traps excess dirt and oil without growing back thicker. It can improve scarring, smooth out small facial wrinkles, and sometimes remove pre-cancerous growths known as keratoses. It is non-invasive and helps to make other skin care treatments more effective.  Quick, painless, effective, and requiring no downtime, this treatment leaves the skin with a smoother appearance.

Facials & Waxing

Facials

Using only the finest ingredients available, all Dermalogica products are non-comedogenic and contain no occlusive mineral oil or lanolin, no irritating artificial colours or fragrance, and no drying S.D. alcohol or formaldehyde.

Dermalogica facials include face mapping which provides a deep look into the skins health, combining the latest advances in skin analysis you will receive a treatment specifically designed to address your personal skin concerns. These therapeutic facials will target specific concerns from acne, dehydration, and environmentally sensitized skin to sun damaged and prematurely aged skin.

Spa-Deep Cleansing Facial is a complete service that combines the relaxing aspects of facial as well as providing extractions. This facial is recommended for the individual who has never had or who infrequently has facials.

Mini-Facial A skin pick me up that helps skin look its best before any important engagement. Mini-Facials help maintain the skin between full deep cleaning facials. This rejuvenating treatment includes a Multi-Vitamin Power Exfoliate peel and nutrient masque.

Hydrating Facial Skin that doesn’t feel soft and smooth may be lacking the moisture it needs. Sun, wind, even indoor air conditioning and heating can upset the skin’s natural moisture balance. To restore softness and smoothness, this facial begins with penetrating steam therapy to open pores, remove surface build-up and allow moisturizers to be better absorbed.

Acne Facial Keeping your complexion blemish-free requires treating the skin below the surface. The acne facial is a treatment specifically developed to deeply cleanse and decongest pores, normalize oil production and calm inflamed skin.

Multi Vitamin Power Facial – For the latest in vitamin repair and hydroxy acid exfoliation, try our most popular treatment. This facial includes a non-irritating vitamin power exfoliation and vitamin recovery masque to noticeably improve elasticity, tone and skin texture.

Designed to treat premature and mature skins, sun-damaged skins and also smokers.

Skin and Spa for Him

Hot Towel Facial Unwind and relax beneath hot steamy towels in this facial created especially for men. Deep cleansing and softening for skin irritated by shaving resulting in smoother, well-conditioned skin.

Deluxe Back Facial A facial for the back. To cleanse, purify and nourish this much-neglected area with back touch therapy.

Facial Chemical Peels

Remove the damaged outer layers of skin to reveal a softer, smoother, younger-looking you. Silk Touch Medspa and Laser Center offers a variety of chemical peels for your individual needs. A chemical peel involves the application of an exfoliating solution to the skin in order to remove damaged outer layers and expose the soft, clear and radiant underlying skin. Chemical Peels help diminish fine lines, acne, and skin discoloration while increasing the moisture retention of your skin.

Lactic Acid Peel

Lactic Acid derived from milk is milder than a Glycolic Acid peel, and typically better for working on hyperpigmentation problems, age spots and freckles. Our formulation contains licorice extract, an effective skin lightening additive.  The Lactic Acid Peel is appropriate for dry skin or oily skin.  This peel penetrates the epidermis, is non-irritating and is an excellent exfoliant.

Glycolic Acid Peel

Glycolic Acid is a good all-around acid for normal-oily skin types to exfoliate the skin.

Glycolic Acid is an excellent peel if you have oily, acneic skin or blackheads and need to deep clean your pores. You will see more clarity in the surface texture of your skin, and acne marks will fade.

If you have more of a “normal” skin and want to soften lines and other topical skin marks the Glycolic Acid Peel is effective at giving the skin an all over revival for a youthful glow.

PCA Ultra Peel ® I

Specially formulated to treat dehydrated, maturing skin, Ultra Peel® I is also appropriate for many skin types, conditions and sensitivities. It will help treat smoker’s skin, pigment disorders, sun damaged skin and acne.

This treatment is especially ideal for sensitive skin, as it produces only a mild tingling sensation. Moderate to aggressive exfoliation will be experienced, depending on the number of layers applied. Overall, the final result will be plump, hydrated and ultra-soft skin.

We recommend multiple sessions required for optimum results!

Acne Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Acne Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a safe and highly effective method of treating not only moderate to severe acne, but a variety of skin conditions.  PDT is a proven alternative to systemic* drugs such as Accutane®, which carries significant risks and side effects.

Acne can be difficult to treat.  Finding the best treatment for each individual can be trial and error because so many factors come into play.     Diet, stress, and chocolate are often blamed for causing acne, but it is more likely that genetics, hormones, clogged pores and bacteria are the major causes of acne.

These factors cause the sebaceous glands (oil producing glands in the skin) to produce excess oil (sebum), which combined with dead skin cells, clog the opening of the pores. Bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) form in the pores creating red inflamed pimples, pus filled whiteheads or black heads.

Dr. Kerr and his Silk Touch Staff use a very effective approach for hard to treat acne.  Levulan®, a clear painless solution, is applied to your skin and left on for 30-minutes to several hours.   The Levulan® is absorbed by active cells like acne sebaceous glands, making the targeted acne cells more sensitive to the light. During the procedure, Levulan® is activated with the correct wavelength of light within the non-UV blue spectrum. This combined interaction of the solution and the light is what gives rise to the term “photodynamic therapy.” Treatments target and destroy acne activity leaving your skin smoother and in many cases makes it possible to avoid or discontinue the use of antibiotics such as Accutane®.

PDT improves:

• Moderate to persistent acne in teens and adults
• Large pores
• Oil gland production
• Acne Vulgaris
• Acne Rosacea
• Actnic Keratosis (sun spots)
• Sun Damage
• Fine Lines & Wrinkles
• Blotchy pigmentation

CONDITION TREATED: Moderate to severe acne in teens and adults.

TREATMENT: Application by Levulan which is activated by blue light or IPL treatment.

RESULTS: Destroys most common bacteria that cause acne.

RECOMMENDED # OF TREATMENTS: 1 to 3 treatments is often needed for hard to treat acne.   Recommended acne home skin care products.

TREATMENT INTERVAL:  Approximately once a month.

TREATMENT TIME: 1-4 hours.  Light micro followed by the application of Levulan®.  Client must sit with the Levulan® on the skin for 1-3 hours.  30 minutes for Laser Light application.

RECOVERY TIME: Client MUST stay out of sunlight and bright lights for 24-48 hours.  Redness and peeling can last up to a week.

Q&A: What is Levulan®

Levulan® is a 20% solution of Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA). ALA is a “natural” product found in all humans throughout the body.  Levulan®?   has been used extensively for the treatment of a variety of different skin conditions including actinic keratosis, sun damage, fine lines, and blotchy pigmentation are also improved because of the positive effect of Levulan®?   and the light treatment.
*Systemic treatments are any medications that are taken orally, injected or infused that affect the entire body system.

Mole / Lesion Removal

At Silk Touch Medspa we use a variety of treatment protocols to treat moles, cherry angiomas, and skin tags.

Moles are clusters of melanin cells.  They can occur in a single spot or in groups in the form of dark or light, raised or flat. They can occur on any part of the body. Moles can be present at birth, or they appear over time as our skin is exposed to the sun. In the growth of moles, sun exposure also seems to play a role even in the development of atypical, dysplastic or moles. They can also develop due to genetic reason.

Mole Removal Methods include:

Excision Method with Stitches: The mole is removed with a medical blade and stitches are placed to close the incision.

Cauterization: Using a cautery tool, the mole is burned away.  No stitches are required as the mole has been cauterized.

Shaving Method: With the use of scalpel, the mole is lifted and removed and then an electrical instrument is used to cauterize or burn the area to stop the bleeding.  A bandage is placed on the wound with a topical antibiotic.

Laser Mole Removal:  IPL Lasers have been used successfully to deliver light energy to the targeted area.  This light energy is absorbed only by the pigment in the skin.  The pigment is broken up and then “carried away” by the body and absorbed during the healing process.  Several treatments may be required.

Acne LED Light Therapy

Silk Touch Medspa offers LED RED and BLUE light therapies.  The combination of these treatments can produce very significant reductions in moderate to severe acne. Clinical studies have shown up to 80% clearance rates with this combination of treatments.

Light therapy is the application of light energy to the skin for therapeutic benefits. It is a natural photobiochemical reaction similar to the process of plant photosynethsis. NASA’s Space Program has proven that LED light therapy (near-infrared) promotes wound healing and human tissue growth. The energy delivered by the Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) enhances cellular metabolism, accelerates the repair and replenishment of damaged skin cells, as well as stimulates the production of collagen – the foundation of a healthy and smooth skin. The treatment is non-ablative, non-invasive, painless and absolutely no downtime. It is safe for all skin type and all ages. Light Therapy can be used alone in a treatment or combined with other treatment protocols. Clients do not need to miss work or social functions after the treatment.

Blue Light

Blue light therapy works by increasing the production of certain photo sensitive chemicals which are produced by the acne causing bacteria. These chemicals in turn neutralize the bacteria, allowing the skin to return to its normal state.A complement to microdermabrasion or other oily & acne-prone skin treatments, Blue Light targets bacteria that cause acne. The bacteria are destroyed by a thermal reaction.

Blue light therapy is an alternative for clients who do not respond well to antibiotic therapy or who develop problematic side effects. Blue Light also enhances collagen rejuvenation.

Red Light

Red Light Therapy at 633nm is proven to stimulate cellular mechanisms responsible for tissue repair and regeneration. In combination with Blue light, this treatment speeds up the reduction in acne lesions by reducing inflammation, thus helping the skin to heal naturally. Red light therapy can also restore pigment to Vitiligo patients, which no other treatment is capable of.

A complement to any skin care regimen or used alone, Red Light promotes collagen production, and smoothes skin texture; improves skin firmness and resilience, increases circulation and moisture retention and reduces the appearance of aging and damaged skin, such as fine lines, wrinkles, & superficial hyperpigmentation.