A Publication of Russell Saloom MD

****EPI Laser E-2000****

**After Several months of anticipation, we received the nation's 10th Epi Laser E-2000, the world's fastest and most effective laser for permanent hair reduction. This designation was granted by the FDA in July of 1998 supporting our assertion that we continue to offer the best products to our patients. There are only 10 such laser systems available worldwide - one is here at Premier Laser Center!

**The Palomar E2000 system resulted from years of research at Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine, part of the Massachusetts General Hospital - one of the world's leading medical research institutions. After careful scientific study of hair follicle anatomy, researchers precisely matched laser output to the size, depth and location of hair follicles within the skin.

**Permanent hair reduction is defined as long term stable reduction in the number of hairs that grow back after a treatment regime. Such hair reduction after at last one complete growth cycle (4-12 months, depending on anatomical location) is considered permanent hair reduction. Clinical trials preformed at Massachusetts General Hospital have shown that most people treated with appropriate energies achieve 10-50% permanent hair reduction following each treatment.

**Multiple treatments are generally required. The actual number depends on the color of your hair and skin, as well as factors such as hormone levels and hair follicle size. Your consultant at Premier Laser Center will develop a treatment program that best fulfills your individual needs.

**Red light emitted by the Palomar #2000 System is absorbed by the dark pigment found in hair follicles. The laser is "pulsed" or turned on for only a fraction of a second - just long enough to disable the follicle. While the laser energy is delivered, the unique contact-cooling handpiece helps protect he skin through conductive cooling.

**While you may feel a slight tingling sensation, most people tolerate the procedure very well. Because some areas of the body are more sensitive than others, you may choose to have a topical anesthetic applied to increase comfort during the procedure.

**Contact Premier Laser Center today for your complimentary consultation

Redefining Facial Peels

....Premier Laser Center offers a variety of products to assist you in the search for beautiful skin. One of the most popular services is the facial peel. We offer several alternatives depending on what you would like to treat and your major concern. Here is some information on the Obagi BLUE PEEL that we offer and how it works to help you look your best.
....-The Obagi BLUE PEEL is a one to four step application of blue solution mixed with TCA (Trichloracetic Acid). These applications will lead to the removal of thin surface layers of aged and damaged skin. Layers of dead skin cells exfoliate and are replaced by healthier ones allowing the skin's own clarity and tightness to resurface.
....-The Obagi BLUE PEEL represents a breakthrough and significant improvement in skin rejuvenation. Using slow acting TCA, instead of glycolic acid, the Obagi BLUE PEEL enables the physician to control the peel process and its depth. The process is tailored to the nature of the problem to be corrected: wrinkles, scars, laxity or pigmentation problems.
....-Depending upon the condition of your skin 1 - 4 coats of the solution will be applied. Most people will not require sedation. If the doctor indicates sedation, you will need someone to drive you home.
....-At each level, you will experience a mild burning sensation that lasts 2 to 3 minutes. The doctor may use an electric fan to minimize the sensation. A bluish tint remains on your skin: it will usually wash off in 12 to 24 hours. Your skin will begin to peel within 2 to 3 days and should be healed in an average of 7 to 10 days. This peeling should not disrupt your regular lifestyle.
....-Your doctor will determine how many peels are necessary to achieve the desired result. In most cases the procedure takes 25 - 30 minutes.

What a Tangled Web

Spider veins are red or bluish short lines, the size of a hair or larger, that may look like a spider web, hence the name "spider veins." They appear most commonly on legs or face.

Causes: Facial occur in both men and women and tend to run in families. Facial veins may occur as a result of ling term sun exposure or rosacea.

Spider veins in the legs are much more common in women and occur due to hormones, estrogen and progesterone at puberty or with pregnancy, birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy. leg veins can also appear after an injury to the leg or a broken bone. conditions such as pregnancy, which increase pressure on the pelvic area, occupations requiring prolonged standing, and high impact aerobics, such as jogging are also a major contributing factor.

Treatment: Individualized treatment regimens will yield the best results. Dr. Saloom will plan treatment based on the size and location of the veins and other factors such as your hormonal status, medications and other health problems. Options include, Sclerotherapy (an injection of saline solution into the vein) and laser. Dr. Saloom has helped many women reduce their spider veins with state of the art laser procedures. they are safe, effective and affordable.

Obagi Corner

     Last month, we had the opportunity to meet Dr. Zein Obagi, the founder of Obagi Medical Products, at a full day teaching conference in New Orleans. The presentation included detailed discussion of current product line, future developments including possibly a make-up line, and a demonstration of the revolutionary Blue Peel.
    In early August, Ms. Tracy Blair, the Obagi regional representative coordinated a seminar for our patients in the conference center of the Baton rouge General Health Center, where our offices are located. She discussed the entire Nu-Derm system and gave a slide presentation of representative benefits of the system. I performed a live Blue Peel on my receptionist Tania. The audience was able to watch the entire 15 minute process and ask questions. Door prizes and gift coupons were given to all attendees.
     Look for another Obagi seminar in the coming months. We were excited at the success of this one and look for3ward to seeing you at the next one.
     Now that Summer is winding down... you might want to consider a slightly more aggressive approach using the Nu-Derm products.

Continue with the entire system (cleanser, toner, clear, blender and Retin-A)
Consider increasing the amount of Retin-A used to improve results (use sun block as needed)
Remember it's okay to peel some - that is how you shed dead skin cells that dull the skin's natural luster.

What do the different products really do?

Cleanser - just that
Toner - normalizes the skin's Ph to healthier status
Clear - skin lightener to even color and pigment problems
Blender - also a skin lightener with deep moisturizing ability
Retina-A - exfoliates surface skin cells and stimulation of collagen to tighten skin
(DO NOT USE RETIN-A IF PREGNANT OR LACTATING)

....It is the combination of these products that enhance your skin's appearance. Obagi also offers sun blocks, moisturizers, and hydrocortisone cream. Contact Sally or Laura if you have any questions.