Body Language - Denver Cosmetic Surgery Blog

You’ve read about it in the news, now you can try it in the office of Dr. Ben Lee.

Dr. Lee has invested in the new Isolaz™, a revolutionary acne laser treatment using Photopneumatics™.

Debbie Brinkman, CMA and Clinical Coordinator, performs the Isolaz treatments and is a trainer for area doctors and nurses on the Isolaz laser.

Newspapers worldwide reported on the new treatment and the speed with which the FDA allowed the new technology to come to market. Approved in a record 45 days, Isolaz has already made a difference in the lives of patients who have suffered endlessly from acne.

The 10-minute treatment (a series of 5 – 7 treatments is recommended depending on the severity of acne) produces immediate results that show up within 24 – 48 hours. The Isolaz uses a simultaneous vacuum and laser application that draws blackheads and impurities to the surface of the skin while exposing them to the painless pulsed laser light.

The Isolaz treats pustular and comedonal acne as well as mild to moderate and acne vulgaris. Patients experience 30 – 50% reduction in redness, drying and flattening of blemishes after the first treatment and 85% of patients suffering from acne who were treated using Isolaz showed improvement.

Besides managing acne, Isolaz treatments result in a visible reduction in pore size improved skin texture and complexion.

This breakthrough photopneumatic therapy suctions the skin and then beams the skin with an intense pulsed light—eliminating the deposits of oils and dirt and then beaming the skin with the IPL, a therapy that deactivates hyperactive oil glands and kills the bacteria they nourish.

Reports in U.S. News & World Report and Reuters tell of patients who have responded to Isolaz treatments. Some patients who saw immediate results reported that they’d nearly given up on controlling and eliminating their acne having spent years and thousands of dollars seeking remedies in prescription treatments and over-the-counter remedies. The best part, these patients report uniformly, is the speed with the Isolaz works, causing an immediate beneficial reaction, unlike prescription treatments that take up to months to have an effect.

The cost of treatment starts at $100 per session and requires periodic maintenance sessions, generally once a quarter, explains Debbie Brinkman, CNA and Clinical Coordinator for Dr. Lee. Brinkman is trained extensively to instruct physicians and nurses state-wide on the use of the Isolaz laser.

Rated as one of the 3 hottest products at the 2007 American Academy of Dermatology conference, Isolaz is the top-rated choice for acne treatment and has also been used to treat sun-damaged skin, removing brown spots and tiny broken capillaries associated with rosacea, plus it is also FDA cleared to perform permanent hair reduction.

Hair removal on the back and legs can take 20 minutes while treatments on the face take 10 minutes. Another benefit is that Isolaz does not cause sensitivity to light. The treatment can be used on all skin types and there is no downtime following treatment.

Depending on the particular patient’s needs, some will require continued use of topical treatments while undergoing the series of Isolaz treatments, says Dr. Lee. Patients who only get a breakout occasionally can also benefit from Isolaz because the vacuum action removes dirt and oil, leaving the skin radiant.

For information on Isolaz, contact Dr. Ben Lee at 303-783-9997 or info@drbenlee.com.

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I’m a repeat patient of Dr. Ben Lee and he’s performed several successful treatments on me that are non-invasive and require no downtime. He’s used injectables like Restylane to define my lip line and Juvederm to smooth out the smile lines around my mouth.

Dr. Ben Lee told me that the newest injectable Artefill is ideal to treat my smile lines because it’s permanent, meaning that I won’t have to get new injections twice a year as I have in the past few years. I’m looking forward to more of these permanent “fixes” that are non-invasive and require no downtime in the future. With all the medical advances available, it should be soon and I’ll be making an appointment for a consultation!—MarySue, 42, mother, wife, and caretaker to my aging parents.

Dr. Ben Lee introduced Artefill to his plastic surgery practice in 2007 after it was approved by the FDA as the only permanent filler on the market. The ingredient in Artefill that makes the filler permanent is a synthetic polymer that stimulates a cell that’s already in the human body called a fibroblast. It naturally produces new collagen, the very thing that the body produces less of as we age.

Collagen is the basis of a number of new treatments available at Dr. Lee’s office. Another is the SkinTyte Laser which is also non-invasive and is used to treat skin laxity in the face, hands, upper chest, abdomen and arms. The laser treatments—a series is usually recommended—take less than an hour and are so much more comfortable than any predecessor laser because of the cooling system that’s built into this laser. Made by Sciton, the SkinTyte Appliance focuses on specific areas to promote generation of new collagen which effectively tightens the skin, returning it to its former firmness.

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Permanent cosmetics have been around since before the days of Cleopatra. Ancient Egyptians used dyes and pigments to dress up their appearance on a regular basis. Modern women (and more than a couple of men) have rediscovered that having their daily makeup routine simplified or eliminated entirely is a very neat thing, indeed. Here are some questions about today’s micropigmentation techniques that we’ve heard from our clients, followed by answers from one of the newest members of our team, Permanent Makeup Artist Kathleen Kassel.

Q: I’ve heard that there are ways to get eyeliner and other types of makeup applied permanently. Is it like getting tattoos or something?

A: Yes and no. While the techniques used in applying permanent cosmetics (micropigmentation is the technical term for it) are similar to tattooing, the materials and tools can be somewhat different. And the skills and training are quite different. Picasso may have been a great artist, but I wouldn’t want him putting on my makeup!

Q: Who are candidates for “Permanent Makeup”?

A: Anyone who would like to be relieved of the bother of applying cosmetics every day would find permanent cosmetics a huge benefit. Wouldn’t you like to look as good when you wake up as you did the night before?

But some of the biggest benefits are seen by athletically active women, older women with failing eyesight or unsteady hands, handicapped people, people with allergies to cosmetics and some people who use micropigmentation to camouflage scars and other loss of pigment. Alopecia and vitiligo (leukoderma) sufferers find that permanent cosmetics can do wonders to improve their appearance, as do breast surgery and chemotherapy patients.

Q: Can permanent makeup be done after plastic or reconstructive surgery?

A: Not only can it usually be done, it’s often the finishing touch! Skin color can be restored and enhanced, eyebrows can be filled in, and careful cosmetic micropigmentation can add even more shape to surgical enhancement. Scars can be minimized and the pigmentation process itself can even break down scar tissue in some cases. Breast surgery patients can have pigment loss remediated, as well.

Q: What if I change my mind and want a different color?

A: Like the name implies, the pigmentation is permanent, so short of drastic procedures, you will not be able to remove it. Most women choose a natural-looking palette of enhancements that can be supplemented with traditional makeup when the occasion calls for it. Having said that, it is often possible to modify existing colors and shades with additional procedures if that’s what you want.

Discuss it carefully with your technician and be sure you’re completely satisfied with the answers you get.

Q: Why should I have my permanent makeup done by a skin care professional?

A: The guys and gals at the “tat” parlor are very creative artists, but they are used to a whole different clientele with a whole different set of needs. Your selection of a Permanent Cosmetics Technician should be a careful process.

Meet with them at their office and get to know some things about them before making your choice. What’s their background and training? Do they keep abreast of changes in techniques and trends? Do they seem to hear and understand what you want and what your concerns are?

Ask to see photos of work they’ve done. Discuss different styles with them and listen to their advice, but also listen to how they communicate. Do you understand them? And most importantly, do they understand you?

And don’t overlook the environment they work in. Is it professional looking? Is it clean?

Q: How are permanent cosmetics applied?

A: They are generally applied with an instrument that injects the pigments under the skin’s surface in the dermal layer. At Dr. Lee’s office I use a specialized instrument developed by Dr. Linda Dixon, a Hawaii-based M.D. who is one of the pioneers in micropigmentation. It can also be done with a traditional or specialized tattoo or coil machine, or a pen or rotary machine. Or they can be applied non-mechanically using techniques similar to those of the ancient Egyptians.

Q: Does it hurt?

A: Different people have different levels of sensitivity, but there can be some discomfort involved. If you and your technician feel it’s appropriate, a topical anesthetic can also be used. The better trained and more experienced your technician is, the more likely that the discomfort will be minimal.

Q: Is there a recovery period after a procedure?

A: There may be some reddening or swelling after a procedure, but it is generally minor and goes away in a few hours. You may be advised to apply ice for brief periods during the first few hours and you may be advised to wear sunglasses for a while after any work around your eyes because they may be temporarily sensitive to light. Lip coloring often involves temporary swelling and if you have a history of fever blisters, you may be prescribed some medication for them.

Q: Are there any health risks to consider before having permanent cosmetics done?

A: When the procedures are performed properly with attention paid to maintaining a sterile environment there is very little chance of infection or transmitting a communicable disease. According to the records of the Centers for Disease Control, there have been no incidences of HIV infection attributable to cosmetic micropigmentation, nor has there been any evidence of increases in the transmission of other diseases. Even allergic reactions are extremely rare, occurring less than .1% of the time.

Q: I’ve heard that permanent makeup can cause problems with MRIs. Is that true?

A: Studies by leading experts in MRI scanning safety have found only rare minor problems around the eyes and no problems at all in the brow or lip areas. They are limited to very mild redness or swelling around the eyes and did not cause any permanent damage. Testing has shown that the metallic particles in pigments are too small to react like larger metal objects and are actually quite similar in reaction to other metals that exist naturally in the body.

Q: Are the procedures expensive?

A: Permanent cosmetics are actually quite affordable. They can be less expensive than a few months’ worth of fine cosmetics. Give us a call and we’ll be happy to discuss pricing for any of our procedures.

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Q. I’ve heard of the South Beach Diet, but now the South Beach Peel? What is that?

A. The South Beach Peel combines Broadband Light treatment first followed by a Microlaser Peel. Patients see a 90 percent improvement in sun damage spots and collagen tightening for fine lines and wrinkles with this treatment.

Q. What should I expect after the treatment?

A. After a South Beach Peel, sun damage pigment will turn dark and you will experience redness and warmth like a sunburn sensation. Healing takes five days during which you will have sloughing of the skin. Redness will fad on the fifth day and makeup can be used on the sixth day.

Q. What have other patients expressed about the South Beach Peel as opposed to other type peels?

A. Our patients have been overjoyed at the results. Read some of their comments:

“Finally, my stubborn sun damage pigment is gone. My skin is so soft and my wrinkles around my mouth and eyes are improved!” –Peggy

“I had given up on getting rid of the dark pigment caused by my pregnancy. With this treatment, my face has never looked better!” – Cindy

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Q. What is Skin Tyte?

A. Skin Tyte uses broadband light energy to deeply heats dermal collagen. This process promotes partial denaturation and contraction of collagen. The heat also initiates the body’s natural healing process, which creates a renewed collagen foundation leading to increased skin firmness. The powerful cooling system maintains the outer surface of the skin at cool temperatures before, during and after each pulse of broadband light making this treatment comfortable and safe.

Q. What should I expect after undergoing a Skin Tyte procedure?

A. You will experience mild redness in the treated area immediately after treatment and this will last only 15 minutes. Since the Skin Tyte procedure is non-invasive, there is no downtime, so you can resume your normal activities immediately following treatment. Skin Tyte is safe for all skin types and can be performed on any area of the body. Face, neck hands, abdomen and arms.

Q. What do other patients have to say about the results of the Skin Tyte procedure?

A. Patients in our office have been ecstatic with the improvements. Here are some of their comments:

“My lower face and neck improved with just one treatment!” – Theresa

“My lower jowls are tighter and I look younger!” – Barb

“I don’t hide my neck under turtleneck sweaters anymore!” – Linda

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Q. What is Broadband Light Photorejuvenation?

A. Broadband Light Photorejuvenation uses the Sciton Laser, today’s state-of-the-art laser technology that delivers two precious benefits—minimized downtime and less pain with any procedure—along with being the most effective laser on the market for skin photorejuvenation. Double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ben Lee introduced this superior technology to his practice in Englewood, Colorado, last year.

Light energy is delivered to the skin to heat the surface layers of the skin. The head absorbed by the targeted areas stimulates the skin cells to generate new collagen. This process restores your skin to its natural, youthful beauty, making it smoother, vibrant and younger looking. In addition, this treatment targets and eliminates many of the fine vessels that cause redness and unwanted melanin responsible for pigmented lesions caused by sun damage.

Q. Is the Sciton laser photorejuvenation broadband light used only on the face?

A. This remarkable laser is used on all parts of the body from the face to hands to arms and neck. Remember, not only does the skin on your face give away your age, but your hands do too. Many of our patients are so pleased with the results on one area of their skin that they opt to have the Broadband Light Photorejuvenation treatments on other areas, like their hands or neck.

Q. What should I expect after Photorejuvenation?

A. You will experience slight redness that will resolve within two hours. Pigmented sun damage will darken and then fade before flaking off. Your skin, where treated, will feel smoother and fine wrinkles and pores will be less noticeable and sunspots or uneven pigmentation will fade.

Q. What have other patients experienced with Photorejuvenation?

A. Our patients have been delighted. Some of their comments are:

“I look younger, after just one treatment!”—Dawn

“No more embarrassing freckles!” –Peggy

“My skin feels much smoother and it looks great!” –Kathleen

“My hands look younger without those spots!” –Elizabeth

“Finally, I got rid of those unsightly facial veins!” –John

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Q. Since turning 40, the skin on my hands has become thin and my veins protrude. I am extremely self-conscious and feel like this is a telltale sign of my age. With all of the advances made in cosmetic procedures isn’t there a way to reverse the aging of my hands?
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Q: I keep hearing about collagen and its role in achieving younger-looking skin. I think I understand correctly that collagen is something I can’t buy over the counter so how does a person get it and keep it?

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