info sheet - laser genesis - clinic 805 · dr.$kenneth$a.$smith$certified(plastic(surgeon(...
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Dr. Kenneth A. Smith Certified Plastic Surgeon 805 Fairfield Road, Victoria, BC, V8V 0A7 Phone: 250-‐595-‐3888 www.clinic805.ca Page 1 of 3
Patient Information Sheet – Laser Genesis™ This handout is written to help inform you about Laser Genesis™ treatment. During your consultation, we will review with you the potential benefits of these treatments, the alternatives, and the risks that are associated. Introduction Laser Genesis™ technology safely and effectively treats pore size, fine lines, wrinkles, and rosacea. By gently heating the upper dermis the laser targets broken blood vessels, reducing redness and stimulating collagen re-‐growth. Most people experience an overall healthier skin complexion with improved texture and tone, less visible blemishes, reduced pore size, and a decrease in fine lines. Prior to treatment, a consultation is done to determine the patient’s goals and candidacy for the procedure. The estimated duration and cost of the procedure is provided at that time. Procedure The CUTERA® 1064nm Nd:YAG laser penetrates the epidermis (outer surface of the skin) and travels through into the dermis. Once in the dermis, the laser energy stimulates cells called fibroblasts to produce new collagen. Over several treatments, this collagen helps smooth and soften the appearance of wrinkles, pore size, and textural irregularities. While delivering laser energy, it is important not to immediately cool the skin. Bulk thermal heating stimulates your cells to produce collagen. The treatments are performed by a physician-‐trained registered nurse, and require no needles, medications, or surgery. You can expect to immediately return to normal activities. Alternatives The easiest alternative is to leave well enough alone, and to utilize camouflage makeup. Laser resurfacing, injectable fillers, Botox Cosmetic®, and medical-‐grade skincare are other options, which may involve downtime. Who is a good candidate for Laser Genesis™ treatment? Laser Genesis™ can be performed on any skin type. Ideal candidates include patients with rosacea, acne, fine lines, large pores, and textural irregularities. Who is not a good candidate for Laser Genesis™? If you are pregnant, have been on Accutane within three months, or have an active cold sore, you should not have this procedure. You should advise us of all oral and topical medications that you are currently using prior to treatment, as some medications are photosensitizing and laser treatment should not be performed while you are taking such medications. Patients also cannot be treated if they are taking blood thinning medications.
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Dr. Kenneth A. Smith Certified Plastic Surgeon 805 Fairfield Road, Victoria, BC, V8V 0A7 Phone: 250-‐595-‐3888 www.clinic805.ca Page 2 of 3
If you are tanned, or have recently been exposed to the sun in the area to be treated, you may be more susceptible to potential side effects. Benefits The most obvious potential benefit of this treatment is an improvement in the appearance of redness, fine lines, wrinkles, pore size, textural irregularities and acne. This treatment requires no downtime. Risks Every cosmetic laser therapy procedure involves a certain amount of risk, and it is important that you comprehend and accept the risks involved with the Laser Genesis™ treatment. An individual’s informed decision to undergo any cosmetic procedure is based upon a comparison of the risks to potential benefits, alternatives, and costs. Although the majority of patients do not experience complications, each item will be discussed fully with your nurse to ensure your understanding.
• Discomfort/Pain: You may experience a minor and tolerable degree of heat or snapping sensation with each pulse of the laser. Laser Genesis™ is a very tolerable procedure.
• Redness/Swelling: Rarely, a minor degree of redness and/or puffiness of the skin may follow treatment. This usually lasts 1-‐2 hours and is easily camouflaged with makeup. This may persist, in rare instances, for 1-‐2 days. A mild steroid cream (0.5% hydrocortisone) will usually settle this.
• Bruising: It is uncommon to have any skin bruising following treatment. If bruising occurs, it can be camouflaged immediately, and will usually take 8-‐10 days to resolve.
• Skin Wound: It is exceedingly rare for lasers to cause a blister or skin wound. This is more of a risk in darker skin types. If a blister or skin wound develops, it may take 5-‐10 days to heal. In extremely rare instances, it may leave a noticeable lightening or darkening of the skin, or cause a scar.
• Infection: Infection is a rare possibility whenever the skin surface is disrupted. Laser Genesis™ does not involve cutting, surgery, or skin penetration, therefore infection is exceedingly rare. Should you develop a blister, you should notify the clinic, and utilize an antibiotic ointment (such as Polysporin) as directed to help avoid a skin infection.
• Scarring: Scarring is a rare occurrence; however, it is a possibility if the skin surface is disrupted. It is imperative that you follow all post-‐treatment instructions carefully.
• Pigment Changes: There is a very small risk that the treated area could become lighter (hypopigmentation) or darker (hyperpigmentation) in colour compared to the surrounding skin. This is usually temporary, but on rare occasion, it may be permanent.
• Fragile Skin: The skin overlying the treatment area may become quite fragile. Although uncommon, the fragile skin can become reddened, and the outer layer may peel off, much like a blister. This usually settles in 8-‐10 days.
• Eye Protection: Patients are required to use protective eyewear (shields) at all times during the treatment to prevent the possibility of laser injury to the eyes.
• Sun Protection: You must avoid sun exposure after the treatment for two weeks and use an SPF of 30 or higher every day.
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Dr. Kenneth A. Smith Certified Plastic Surgeon 805 Fairfield Road, Victoria, BC, V8V 0A7 Phone: 250-‐595-‐3888 www.clinic805.ca Page 3 of 3
Protocol for Multiple Treatments Most patients require a series of 5-‐8 treatments spaced a minimum of two weeks apart to see maximum improvement in the skin’s appearance. Over time, sun exposure, gravity, and the natural aging process can cause wrinkles, large pores, pigmentation, blemishes, textural irregularities, and redness to reappear. Laser Genesis™ can be performed again, as new concerns arise. In most instances, it is recommended to perform a maintenance treatment approximately three months after the completion of the initial course of treatment. Additional treatments could then be performed 3-‐4 times per year (about every 3-‐4 months) to help maintain your results. All patients can respond differently to Laser Genesis™. Your response may be subject to variation, but on average 70-‐80% of patients who have undergone treatments report a noticeable improvement in the appearance, quality, and youthful vitality of their skin. Approximately 10% will be non-‐responders. There are many variable conditions in addition to risks and potential complications that may influence the long-‐term result. Even though risks and complications occur infrequently, the risks cited above are particular for the Laser Genesis™ treatment. Other complications and risks can occur but are also uncommon. Should complications occur, additional surgery or treatment may be necessary. The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee or warranty expressed or implied as to the results that may be obtained. To further enhance your results, the IPL, Pearl®, Pearl™ Fractional, Botox Cosmetic®, dermal fillers and/or a comprehensive physician-‐grade skincare line may be used. Zinc oxide SPF 30 sunblock protection year-‐round is essential to protect your skin from future damage. If you experience any complications, or develop the symptoms of an infection, please call the office at: 250-‐595-‐3888.