Hair Removal
Q: In the later part of hair removal treatment, should I expect slower growth and therefore treatment intervals will be longer, or will there just be less hair to treat?
A: Due to delayed regrowth during the later stages of treatment time intervals between sessions might increase. During these later stages it is recommended to instruct the patient to schedule the next treatment when hair regrowth is observed in approximately 30% of the treatment area.
Q: What is the experience with LHE hair removal treatments on men’s beards?
A: Removing male beards is a great challenge with light-based depilation for all techniques, including LHE, laser and IPL. The beard is composed of coarse and deep hair shafts and growth is stimulated by hormones. Therefore many treatment sessions are needed (around 15). LHE treatments should be applied at least twice a week for the first 2 weeks, and then after re-growth is observed.
Q: Some patients complain of higher discomfort when treating the beard area. Is there a solution for that?
A: EMLA or other anesthetic cream can be applied prior to treatment. However be very careful to remove it with soap and water and dry thoroughly before administering treatment.
Q: Does LHE require visible hair growth to treat?
A: All light-based technologies including laser IPL and LHE require visible growth to achieve efficient clinical results.
Skin Rejuvenation
Q: What should be expected following the completion of LHE treatment of pigmented spots?
A: Typically, pigmented spots are removed within a few treatment sessions. During this treatment series, at first the pigmented spot darkens. Then, the darkened spot turns into a scab. And finally the scab peels away. Usually the whole process takes only a few days.
Q: For how long after completion of LHE treatment can improvement in fine lines and wrinkles be expected?
A: Immediately following the treatment the skin might appear slightly puffy. Since the collagen remodeling process takes a few weeks an improvement in fine lines and wrinkles can be expected to continue even a few months following the completion of treatment.
Q: Is it normal for the skin to stay red following a treatment session?
A: It is possible that the skin stays somewhat red for a few hours up to a few days post treatment, as long as there is no blistering or burns. Redness is even a good sign for LHE efficacy.
Q: Is it possible to conduct two different types of skin rejuvenation treatments during the same treatment session, e.g. fine lines and spider veins?
A: Yes, it is possible to conduct two types of skin rejuvenation treatments at the same time. When treating fine lines and wrinkles the entire face should be treated at the appropriate energy level. Then, immediately moving on to the area of spider veins/age spots, the energy level should be adjusted (usually increased) accordingly.
Q: Is it possible to apply cosmetics to the skin after an LHE skin rejuvenation treatment?
A: Typically, it is possible to apply cosmetics to the skin after a short cool-down period following treatment.
Q: Is it possible to combine skin rejuvenation treatment with steroids?
A: This combination is a contraindication; Skin photorejuvenation induces a wound healing process to improve the production of collagen. Steroids, however, decrease the synthesis of collagen, and thus interfere with treatment.
Q: How long should the LUA be held against the skin to allow maximum efficacy of LHE technology?
A: After triggering the pulse, continue pressing the handpiece against the treatment area up to the count of 2, and then remove from skin. This ensures complete heat conduction into the treated area.
Acne Clearance
Q: After the completion of a series of acne treatments, how long should the patient expect to remain clear?
A: Clinical studies have shown that patients remain acne-free for at least 3-6 months post treatment. However, in a few individual cases, acne might return after several months due to the continuous surge in hormonal levels, since LHE targets P.acnes and not hormonal changes.
Q: Is it possible to continue treating acne with medications while undergoing LHE treatment?
A: Medications that do not cause an increase skin photosensitivity may be used during LHE treatment.
Q What about Accutane?
A Accutane increases photosensitivity and may not be taken while undergoing LHE treatments.
Q: What if the patient experiences significant improvement before the 8th treatment session?
A: It is vitally important to fully comply with the recommended treatment course. Therefore, even if acne should disappear completely, do not discontinue treatment before completing 8 full treatment sessions. For maintenance of the results ClearTouch Lite™ for personal use at home keeps the P.acnes bacteria under control, allowing longer periods of acne clearance following completion of the professional LHE treatment.
Q: Is it possible to treat patients who suffer from herpes around the lips?
A: Patients with a history of herpes may be treated with LHE after completing a course of Zovirax, and only with physician consent.
Psoriasis Care
Q: Is it possible to combine LHE treatments with topical ointments for psoriasis or should the patient stop any other treatments?
A: There is no known contra indication for combining LHE with topical treatments, with the exception of anything that may cause increased skin photosensitivity. The company, however, recommends not using any kind of cream or paste on the day of treatment and one day before.
Q: Should I pre-treat the skin of patients with severe scaling and induration?
A: In cases where there is severe scaling and induration, the company recommends applying 10-20% salicylic acid daily for one week prior to LHE treatment. This allows for greater light penetration of the psoriatic lesions.
