A. Our doctors, aestheticians and technicians offer laser, chemical peels and infrared treatment for skin problems such as acne, wrinkles or scarring. They are skilled in Botox therapy, photofacials and fractional resurfacing. We offer free consultation and skin analysis and specialize in hair removal, tattoo removal, elimination of spider veins and varicose veins… there is virtually no aesthetic, non-surgical therapy that is not included in our skill set.
Q. Does the National Center for Integrative Medicine® accept charge cards or checks?
A. Payment is accepted in cash, check, credit card or by online debit.
Cosmetic Care Frequently Asked Questions
For more additional FAQs, please select an option:
Laser Hair Removal
Q. How does the laser remove hair?
A. The laser emits a beam of light that is attracted to the pigment or melanin in the hair follicle that is in an active growing cycle. Pre-determined pulse duration and energy settings are directed at and absorbed by the hair follicles, disabling the growth of the follicles, resulting in quick, safe, and effective hair removal.
Q. What is the advantage of using a laser?
A. Lasers are precise instruments that can be adjusted to the exact parameters that will specifically disable the hair follicle. The laser uses a wide beam that treats many hairs at once instead of treating hair-by-hair like electrolysis. Because of this, large areas such as your legs, arms, or back can be treated in a short period of time. You will see results that last far longer than tweezing, waxing, shaving, chemical depilation, or other temporary methods.
Q. What does the laser treatment feel like?
A. The treatment does have a slight prickly or stinging sensation. Most of our clients are able to tolerate the treatment without difficulty. However, since every person’s level of sensitivity is different and treatment areas may vary, a topical numbing cream is available.
Q. What happens to the skin after laser treatment?
A. Reddening of the skin is the desired reaction. The redness usually subsides within a few minutes to a few hours and returns to normal. Since the laser is not invasive in any way, no bandages are necessary. You are able to re-apply your make-up, return to work, and continue with your normal daily activities immediately following treatment.
Q. How many laser treatments will I need?
A. It has been our experience that most of our patients are able to discontinue treatments, knowing they will probably need an occasional touchup, after an average of 6 to 8 treatments, providing that the recommended treatment schedule is followed. It is also important to understand that results may vary depending on the individuals hair type, their stress levels, certain medications and different hormone levels. Keep in mind some individuals will require fewer treatments and some will require more treatments depending on the results desired.
Q. Is laser hair removal permanent?
A. The FDA has cleared laser hair removal, regardless of the laser, for “Permanent Hair Reduction” only. Based on our experience we believe that the hair treated will probably not re-grow. Each individual’s treatment response may be different because of their hair or skin type and given that there are between 500 and 1000 follicles per square cm, of which many are dormant at the time of treatment, we have no way of knowing if and when they may start growing due to stress levels, certain medications and different hormone levels. Any new growth or re-growth after treatment may result in fewer hairs that are very fine, and less noticeable.
Q. What to expect after laser treatment?
A. After your initial treatment, you should enjoy a significant reduction of hair. However, it will take 2-4 weeks for the treated hair to push its way to the surface and fall out. With each treatment, the hair in the active growing phase will be effectively treated. A follow up appointment is scheduled 4-8 weeks after each treatment. With that in mind, remember the importance of maintaining your follow up appointments.
Q. What if I have gray, white, blonde, red or light fine hair?
A. Since the laser is attracted to the pigment in the hair follicle, these hair colors may not have enough pigment to be successfully treated with the laser. If this applies to you, we may want to try a test spot to see if your hair responds to the laser.
Q. How many treatments will be necessary?
A. Hair grows in cycles. The laser only affects hair when it is in its early growth phase. In fact, the system will disable follicles that are actively producing hair at the time of treatment. At any time, some hair follicles are dormant. Repeated sessions will be necessary to treat these follicles when they re-enter the growth phase. Usually 5 to 8 treatments are required to achieve the desired response, but the exact number of treatments may vary depending on the individual. Hormones, certain medications or medical conditions might decrease the response to treatment.
Botox®
Q. What is Botox® ?
A. While we may have earned every one of our worry or laughter lines, the prospect of these permanent creases in the skin may not appeal to everyone. Botox® is a purified preparation of Botolinum toxin Type A, obtained from the bacterium Clostridium Botolinum. Botox® Cosmetic is a simple, nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe upper facial lines and wrinkles in people from 18 to 65 years of age. It is the only treatment of its type approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Q. How does Botox® work?
A. Botox (Botolinum Toxin) causes a temporary paralysis of the treated facial muscles and this allows the lines to soften over a few weeks to months. By doing this, the muscles cannot contract and therefore tend to relax. When muscles relax, the overlying skin remains smooth and unwrinkled while the untreated facial muscles continue to work in a normal fashion, allowing normal facial expression to be unaffected by the treatment.
Q. What areas can Botox® treat?
A. Botox is most commonly performed in the upper face. The most requested areas for the use of Botox are the frown lines between the eyebrows, the horizontal forehead lines, and crows feet or laughter lines.
Q. How is the treatment performed?
A. Botox is a simple and safe clinic procedure. Botox® is injected with a very fine needle into the muscles of the affected areas. Depending on the area treated several injections may be necessary.
Q. How long does it last?
A. There is no immediate response to the Botox® injections. It takes several days for the muscles to be affected. The effects are temporary and last approximately 3-6 months. Repeat injections will be required after this period of time to maintain the skin smoothing effects. After several treatments, the effects of Botox® may begin to last longer, sometimes up to six to eight months
Q. Are there any side effects?
A. There are very few side effects to this procedure. You may experience a mild burning sensation with injection like the snapping of an elastic band and a local anesthetic cream can be applied if patient prefers. Minimal bruising may occur. While allergy to any medicine is possible allergic reactions to Botox® are extremely rare.
SkinCeuticals Products
Q. How soon does an average user see results?
A. SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products will start to be absorbed by the skin almost immediately. Because these vitamin-C products were developed as a preventative treatment with the goal of protecting the skin from further environmental damage, the skin should benefit the moment the vitamin-C is applied.
Vitamin-C is necessary for the production of collagen, the major structural protein of the skin and although visible differences will not be seen for approximately two months, you may notice a visible difference in skin texture, color and tone in as early as a few days. The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles should become less noticeable within three to eight months. Individual results may vary, depending upon the condition of the skin at the time of initial use.
Q. Are there any side effects associated with SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products?
A. The enzyme tyrosinase converts the amino acid tyrosine into melanin in the skin. Hyperpigmentation can result when too much melanin is produced. Ingredients such as arbutin, kojic acid, and thymol inhibit or suppress tyrosinase, preventing the appearance of additional pigmentation.
Q. How would I go about learning whether the services of the National Center for Integrative Medicine® will suit my needs?
A. Call 815-330-3120 to set up a private consultation. We are confident that we can help you achieve your ultimate best. Your well-being is our highest mission.
