FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A: Each pulse of laser feels like a slight sting or pinch, similar to the snap of a rubber band. Topical anesthetics may be used but most people don’t require it.
Q: Is laser hair removal safe for all skin types?
A: Cosmetic Laser Center of Los Angeles uses the most advanced laser systems which are FDA approved for permanent reduction of hair in all skin types, including dark skinned African Americans and Hispanics.
Q: What kind of results should I expect?
A: Our lasers are FDA approved for permanent hair reduction. The number of treatments required depends on several factors related to your specific kind of hair and skin. Usually five to six treatments spread out 8 weeks apart are required to achieve satisfactory results. Following each treatment, you can generally return to work and resume all regular activities.
Q: What type of laser do you use?
A: We carry the latest models of the Light Sheer laser (Diode laser, top XC Model) and the Epilight (Intense Pulsed Light). Both of these lasers are FDA approved for permanent hair reduction and have been shown to provide excellent results with all types of hair and skin colors.
Q: Which laser is right for me?
A: Depending on your skin tone and color, and the coarsness and darkness of your hair, the doctor will decide which laser would be best for your specific needs. However, we prefer to use the Light Sheer on most of our patients because it is faster, and provides extra skin cooling protection via it’s chill tip.
Skin Contact Cooling / Chill Tip.
It is very important to protect the top layers of the skin from becoming too hot during a laser treatment. Many lasers have different cooling mechanisms to protect the top skin, however, none of them can match the cooling protection which is provided by the Light Sheer’s contact cooling Chill Tip. The tip of the Light Sheer is made of saphire which conducts heat very quickly. This saphire tip is constantly cooled to 5 degrees by the control of the laser’s computer.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Prices vary for each patient depending on the type of laser procedure, area of the body to be treated, and the number of treatments needed. We strive to offer the LOWEST PRICES for all cosmetic laser procedures as compared to other clinics in the Los Angeles area. Our affordable prices and financing plans assure that nearly everyone can have the new look they have always wanted. Come in today for your free consultation and you will be amazed as to how affordable we truly are.
Keep in mind that most people spend more money in 4-5 years on shaving, waxing, and depiliatory products. Laser hair removal will save you both time and money and it would have paid for itself in just a few years.
A: Microdermabrasion is a treatment where very fine crystals of aluminum oxide are sprayed onto the skin under pressure and vacuumed back at a fraction of a second. This leads to removal of the superficial skin layer, without damaging the integrity of the skin. When repeated multiple times, this allows the younger softer skin to move to the surface, and literally erasing “wrinkles” and skin imperfections.
Q: Can all skin types and colors be treated?
A: Yes, but you need to be evaluated by the doctor to assess your skin condition before beginning treatment.
Q: How long does each treatment last?
A: Approximately 20-30 minutes
Q: How many treatments are needed?
A: It depends on your skin condition. Most patients require 5-10 treatments spread out a week apart. Many patients even come for a monthly treatment on a regular basis in order to maintain a youthful skin.
Q: How soon can I expect results?
A: You should notice an immediate improvement in the texture and appearance of your skin after the first treatment. However, more dramatic results are obtained after multiple treatment.
Q: Are there any side effects?
A: There are no side effects with microdermabrasion treatments. You may experience slight reddening of the skin which resolves in less than an hour after the treatment.
Q: Can you undergo laser treatments in combination with microdermabrasion?
A: Yes, the combination of laser therapy and microdermabrasion will actually give you much better results. However, the treatments should not be done on the same day. The doctor can revise a treatment plan for you to achieve the best results.
Q: Can you have collagen injections after microdermabrasion?
A: Collagen injections should be avoided 2 weeks before and after treatments. Can you use exfoliating creams (alpha-hydroxy, glycolics, or Retin-A)?
The use of these creams should be avoided 48 hours before and after treatment. Combination of microdermabrasion and exfoliating creams will actually give you much better results in removing wrinkles and rejuvenating your skin. The doctor can explain this further for you.
Q: What type of microdermabrasion machine do you use?
A: At the Cosmetic Laser Center of Los Angeles we use the very best microdermabrasion machines: Dermagenesis, which is FDA approved and recognized world wide as the very best microdermabrasion machine.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Prices vary for each patient depending on the type of skin abnormality, area of the body to be treated, and the number of treatments needed. We strive to offer the LOWEST PRICES for all cosmetic procedures as compared to other clinics in the Los Angeles area. Our affordable prices and financing plans assure that nearly everyone can have the new look they have always wanted. Come in today for your free consultation and you will be amazed as to how affordable we truly are.
A: Aesthetic surgery, also known as cosmetic surgery, seeks to improve an individual appearance. These type of operations most often involve the nose, ears, face, forehead, eyelids, breasts, abdomen, hips and
thighs.
Q: What is rhinoplasty and nasal reconstruction?
A: Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping, reshapes the nose to improve appearance, and it may also be used to
alleviate breathing problems.
Pain from nose reshaping procedures are surprisingly mild. A splint is usually worn over the nose and
sometimes inside the nose for five to seven days. There may be some bruising around the eyes, but this
usually clears up in one to two weeks.
Q: Will I have a scar after plastic surgery?
A: Scarring is inevitable of healing, however a very fine lined scar placed in the correct orientation may be virtually invisible. A plastic surgeon spends years trying to master techniques to place scars in the most desirable location. Plastic surgeons will try to make incisions in areas that will not show, like under undergarments or along natural creases. Scars will normally fade over time, but certain areas of the body such as the back and chest, produce more severe scarring regardless of the technique used for reconstruction and closure. The severity of the scarring varies from person to person.
Q: What are the risks involved with the procedure?
A: There are risks with any surgical procedure. Find out what they are, how often they occur, and how they will be handled if they do occur.
Q: What is the expected recovery time?
A: Be sure to discuss postoperative restrictions on activity and typical time periods for resuming work.
Q: What is your policy on surgical revisions?
A: Some cases may require revisions to achieve the desired results. Find out about any costs for which you may be responsible.
Q: How much will the surgery cost?
A: Cosmetic surgery is not covered by insurance, and payment usually is required in advance. Costs include the surgeon’s fee and fees for the surgical facility and anesthesia. Other possible costs are the preoperative physical and blood work, medications, surgical garments and private-duty nursing.
A: The only way to know if you are a candidate for a hair transplant is to attend a confidential consultation. A qualified consultant can educate you on hair loss and the methods of treating it, and can then evaluate your personal situation. From this, the determination will be made as to your candidacy.
In determining your candidacy, we consider:
- Number of grafts required to meet your expectations
- Density of donor hair
- Color of hair
- Skin complexion
- Texture of hair
- Future hair loss projections
Q: Won’t bare scalp be showing in the back of my head once the donor hair is taken?
A: No! The elasticity of the scalp helps us ensure that it won’t. After the donor strip is removed, the skin around it is easily pulled back together and sutured. Any minor scarring that results is naturally hidden underneath the hair on the back of the head. All signs of hair transplant surgery are camouflaged.
Q: Is there a minimum age for hair loss surgery?
A: Since hair loss does not place age restrictions on who it hits, there is no limit on when you can begin treating it. Our patients actually range from 21-80 years old. If you are noticing hair loss at a young age, you are encouraged to address it sooner than later. Getting a head start, while you still have quite a bit of naturally growing hair, will help your surgeon more successfully cover the work while newly transplanted hair gradually grows in. What’s more, there’s really no reason to wait to treat your hair loss, since it’s not a condition that just stops at any certain age. It’s an ongoing process around which your surgical restoration can be customized. Hair loss surgery helps you stay ahead of your hairline.
Q: How do I know Hair Transplantation surgery will work?
A: Hair transplantation has actually been around for quite awhile. For over 40 years, balding men and women have been turning to variations of this procedure, and finding successful results. However, the procedure is now better than ever. Heightened understandings of growth patterns and advancements in follicular unit grafting techniques have helped to produce remarkably natural results. Because the newly transplanted hair is taken from a healthy patch on your own head, it will continue to grow in its natural pattern for the rest of your life, blending with the hair that is already there. Obvious hair transplants are a thing of the past!
Q: If I’ve already had a transplant with another doctor and am disappointed with the results, can I have it redone?
A: Yes! Our doctors can improve upon a poorly done transplant and give you the natural results you would have liked in the first place. In fact, our surgeons report that roughly 40 to 60 patients per month seek a corrective hair transplant.
A: Side affects are generally limited to bruising, a small amount of pain or discomfort, relieved with over the counter pain relievers, and swelling lasting a few to several days. The bruising, if any, usually fades within one week.
Q: How many treatments are required?
A: Generally the average patient requires 8-10 treatments, depending on the goal. However, thinner people with problem areas such as “saddle bags” or “love handles” might require fewer treatments. Obese patients may require more treatments.
Q: Are the treatments painful?
A: The majority of patients experience some discomfort after mesotherapy, although usually minimal. For several days after the treatment the pain is generally relieved with over the counter pain medication. For those patients with lower pain thresholds, stronger pain medications can be used or a numbing cream can be applied when treating areas such as the face. When treating the face, occasionally pre-treatment with anti-inflammatories and post-treatment with homeopathics or anti-inflammatories might be indicated. As different formulas are used depending on the goal, inflammation and/or discomfort may not occur for certain treatments, such as for pain, where most patients report immediate relief.
Q: Can I return to work and my regular activities after the treatment?
A: Absolutely. The procedure generally takes 30 minutes or less and involves no preparation or recovery time. No heavy bandages or restrictive garments are used. Some swelling will occur for about 1-2 days after, but generally the swelling is not incapacitating.
Q: How long will the benefits last?
A: Treatment areas will remain free of unwanted fat if the patient maintains a healthy diet and exercises. Treatment for cellulite or for facial rejuvenation might require maintenance on a 6 month to a one-year basis. Since you are not removing fat cells, as you are with liposuction, fat might re-accumulate in the cells if diet restrictions are not adhered to.
Q: How is mesotherapy different from liposuction?
A: Mesotherapy requires no recovery time. It involves no general anesthesia and no surgical risk and is usually much less expensive. Mesotherapy removes fat from the cell without destroying the cell, giving you a generally smoother, more natural appearance. If you do gain weight after getting mesotherapy the fat will simply return to the treated areas, unlike liposuction, where fat can occur in places that have been thin in the past, such as arms, neck, face abdomen and calves.
Q: What are other uses for mesotherapy?
A: It is also used for chronic muscle spasms, fibromyalgia, low back pain, headaches, and localized inflammation.
Q: Can anyone get mesotherapy?
A: Generally, if you are in good health you are a good candidate for mesotherapy. Insulin dependent diabetics would not be a good candidate for mesotherapy nor anyone with severe chronic disease. Each patient should have a complete medical evaluation and an evaluation for the applicability for having the mesotherapy before having any type of therapy.
A: Prominent facial expression lines, especially horizontal lines on the forehead, vertical lines between the eye brows, and crow’s feet are most dramatically improved with treatment.
Q: Is there any discomfort with treatment?
A: There is usually mild discomfort at the injection sites. This only lasts for a few seconds. Many patients choose to use a numbing cream on the skin prior to the injections, however, this is only seldom needed.
Q: How does BOTOX® Cosmetic compare to other products such as collagen and filler materials?
A: Unlike filler materials, BOTOX® Cosmetic treats the underlying cause of the facial expression lines. Filler materials, such as collagen, only plump up the skin. Although fillers reduce the appearance of lines when there is no facial expression, the moment the person does smile or frown, the lines reappear. BOTOX® Cosmetic actually prevents the unwanted lines from appearing with facial expression, and often even at rest.
Q: Are there any limitations after treatment?
A: No. Immediately after treatment you may resume all normal activities.
Q: How is treatment performed and how many treatments are required?
A: A small quantity of solution is injected directly into the muscles that are the cause of the prominent furrowing or expression lines. Typically several injections are given with each treatment, and one or two treatments are usually effective in achieving the muscle relaxation required to eliminate the unwanted expression lines.
Q: How does the skin appear after BOTOX® Cosmetic?
A: Immediately after treatment the skin appears normal or there may be minimal redness and swelling at the treated sites. Occasionally, there can be mild bruising. If present, these changes resolve within a few hours to days. The skin feels normal and there is no unusual sensation
Q: When can I expect to see results after treatment?
A: Within 48 hours after treatment reduction in the muscle activity can be noticed. About one week after treatment the maximal benefit is attained and continues for a few months.
Q: Are there any risks or side effects?
A: Rarely. If BOTOX® Cosmetic should affect an adjacent muscle, it too may have reduced activity.This has been reported in about one percent of those treated and if this does develop, the most common change is some eyelid drooping. However, any such unwanted muscle relaxation would also be temporary. There are no reports of any injury to the eye when BOTOX® Cosmetic is administered to the muscles of the forehead.
Q: Can BOTOX® Cosmetic cause botulism?
A: No. Extraordinarily small amounts of BOTOX® Cosmetic are administered.These quantities are insufficient to cause botulism or any related symptoms.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Prices vary for each patient depending on the type of procedure, area of the body to be treated, and the number of treatments needed. We strive to offer the LOWEST PRICES for all cosmetic procedures as compared to other clinics in the Los Angeles area. Our affordable prices and financing plans assure that nearly everyone can have the new look they have always wanted. Come in today for your free consultation and you will be amazed as to how affordable we truly are.
A: Depending on how many wrinkles you need to have corrected, most collagen & Restylane injections take about 15-30 minutes. There is a slight pain with every injection but you can use a numbing cream prior to the treatment to make the injections more comfortable. You will have a small amount of redness and swelling around the injection sites, but that will resolve within a few hours. Your skin may be slightly sensitive for 1-2 days, but you can generally resume all regular activities.
Q: How Soon Will I See The Results?
A: You will see immediate results after the collagen & Restylane injection. The final result may be more apparent once the redness and swelling have gone down within a few hours.
Q; How Much Does It Cost?
A: The price varies depending on the how many and how deep the wrinkles are which you want treated. In general, collagen & Restylane are priced by the amount which is injected, per c.c.
Most wrinkles, such as the nasolabial lines, may require 1c.c. of collagen, or about 0.7cc of Restylane. Once the doctor sees you we can give you a more accurate price for the treatment.