PALOMAR E-2000

In August 1999, we received the nation's 10th Palomar 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 performed 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

What's New in 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. A chemical facial peel is much less expensive than microdermabrasion - and the results are much better

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
• 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.

SkinCeuticals
Vitamins For Your Skin

While there's nothing on the market today -- short of cosmetic surgery -- that will decelerate the aging process, studies show that daily use of antioxidant treatment formulated with L-ascorbic acid (true vitamin-C) at a high concentration will diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

SkinCeuticals, Inc. -- pioneers in Topical Vitamin-C technology and manufactures of quality skincare products backed by science -- is highly regarded for their line of topical Vitamin-C products in cosmetically elegant, stabilized formulations.

What sets SkinCeuticals products apart form the competition is the science behind them. Research shows that Vitamin-C helps stimulate the production of collagen, the skin's major structural protein, and that it offers photoprotective qualities. SkinCeuticals topical Vitamin-C products were developed to help the skin to appear firmer, smoother and younger looking, while visibly improving skin clarity, tone and texture. The product line includes, but is not limited to:

• Topical Vitamin-C Serum 15 -- a lightweight, oil-free serum that delivers a never before available 15% concentration of vitamin-C to the skin.
  
  
• Topical Vitamin-c Skin Firming Cream -- a lightweight, fast-absorbing moisturizing cream that delivers a 10% concentration of vitamin-C to the skin
  
  
• Topical Vitamin-C Eye Gel -- a lightweight, fast-absorbing gel that delivers 5% concentration of vitamin-C to the delicate eye area.
  
  
• Topical Vitamin-C Eye Cream -- a lightweight, fast-absorbing moisturizing cream that delivers a 5% concentration of vitamin-C to the delicate eye area.

Since products containing topical vitamin-c can often be drying, SkinCeuticals also offers Hydrating B5 Gel, a lightweight, oil-free, moisture enhancing gel that's rich in hyaluronic acid (the skin's natural moisturizer) and B complex vitamins (important for strong tissue). As hyaluronic acid attracts 1000 times its own weight in water, the gel acts as an "instant drink of water" for the skin.

To obtain more information about SkinCeuticals, please contact us. We are proud to have been offering this fine line of products since 1995, or visit the SkinCeuticals website at www.skinceuticals.com

Obagi Corner

What a nice time of year to focus on skin health and appearance. So many new products are entering the skin health marketplace, and often confusion arises. Therefore, I will address the most frequently asked questions:

• What is RENOVA?
  • Plain and simple, it is RETIN-A with moisturizer (watered down RETINA)
    
    
• What kind of sun protection do I need?
  • Transparent zinc oxide appears to be the best protection from the burning and cancer producing UV-A and UV-B rays. OBAGI and SKINCEUTICALS offer fantastic products available through physician offices only.
    
    
• What does alpha hydroxy and glycolic acids do?
  • These components are contained in many skin products and serve as a gentle exfoliating agent.
    
    
• How are alpha hydroxy and glycolics different from RETINA?
  • RETINA is a strong exfoliating agent that also tightens skin by causing collagen production.

Ok, now let's talk OBAGI NU-DERM!

If you are not actively using the products, it's probably time for a short refresher course. The products are formulated to be used in sequential conjunction. And yes, all products are important;

• 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 RETINA IF PREGNANT OR LACTATING)

Have you considered laser skin resurfacing? Dr. Saloom introduced laser skin resurfacing to the Gulf South area in 1995 and is the most experienced physician performing this procedure. He serves as consultant to several laser companies, and has spoken across the nation to doctors learning this technique.

Laser skin resurfacing exfoliates the outer layers of skin and stimulates collagen fibers, which leads to skin tightening. Call for a free consultation with Dr. Saloom.