Laser Surgery

PHAROS-EX 308 Eximer Laser

The PHAROS is one of the latest advancements in the treatment of psoriasis. This laser uses a very focused beam of light to target affected skin and avoid treating healthy skin as is often necessary with other light therapies. Patients are treated twice weekly for approximately eight to ten session. Treatments are painless and last only a few minutes. Most patients appreciate significant clearing of their psoriasis that lasts for several months. Treatments are usually covered by most major insurance companies. The PHAROS-EX Laser may be used to treat other skin conditions such as vitiligo. You doctor can tell you if laser treatments are right for you. For more information on this laser visit www.ramed.com.

Dr. Susan Bushelman also offers a variety of cosmetic laser services at her downtown office, City Dermatology & Laser.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) by Ellipse

We all want clear vibrant skin, but nature has a way of sabotaging us with frustrating imperfections. Sun exposure and aging leave us with brown spots and/or red marks giving an uneven skin tone. A ‘photofacial’, or IPL treatment, can erase these changes. IPL is not a true laser, but uses a broad range of wavelengths to treat these brown spots (pigment), redness and visible veins caused by sun damage and rosacea. Reducing these imperfections leads to clearer more vibrant skin.

One of the advantages of IPL is that is is non-ablative and noninvasive, meaning it does not involve surgery or destruction of the skin. IPL is similar to laser therapies in that it uses a beam of light to target the pigmentation and blood vessels and eliminate them with heat.

IPL treatments typically involve three to five visits spaced three to six weeks apart. Treatments take about 20 minutes and patients can return to their normal routine immediately. With everyone in the room wearing protective eyewear, the IPL is fired in a series of pulses until the entire affected area has been treated. Many patients experience some discomfort similar to a rubber band snapping on the skin. Ice may be applied immediately following treatment. Side effects may include redness, swelling, or bruising and are usually mild. For more information visit www.ellipse.org.

KTP Laser (Vari Lite by Iridex)

This laser offers the flexibility of 532nm and 940nm wavelengths to treat unwanted tan/brown (age) spots and blood vessels including larger red or purple vessels on the face. A scanning device can be used to treat larger areas and birthmarks. This procedure is quick with minimal associated downtime in most cases. It is uncommon to develop bruising or discoloration from the procedure. One to three treatments are typically required.

Light Sheer DuetTM by Lumenis

This diode laser offers state-of-the-art high speed permanent hair reduction. Even backs and legs can be treated in about 15-20 minutes without the need for messy topical anesthetic creams.

The high-speed DuetTM produces a larger beam of highly concentrated light. The light emitted is well absorbed by the pigment (color) located in the hair follicles (melanin). During the hair removal procedure, the laser pulses for a fraction of a second, allowing the hair to absorb the light and heat up. This significantly reduces the hair’s ability to regrow and results in permanent hair reduction over time.

Because hair grows in phases, a series of treatments will be needed to remove the hair that subsequently enters the growth phase. Treatments are generally spaced six to eight weeks apart to compensate for this.

Following laser hair removal the treated area may appear slightly red, but this is usually minimal and gone within a few hours. If you have tanned skin or have been exposed to sunlight, you may be asked to wait until the tan has subsided to begin treatment.

Additionally, the treated area must be shaved close to the skin immediately prior to treatment. This can be done at home. Three weeks prior to treatment, patients must avoid plucking and using hair removal products such as gels and waxes.

City Dermatology and Laser is located in the PNC Tower in downtown Cincinnati at 4th and Vine. Additional information is available at www.citydermlaser.com. For additional information, or to schedule an appointment call 513-421-3376.