Resurfacing made easy

After researching fractional laser resurfacing devices, Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Kourosh Tavakoli chose the one he believes delivers the best results with the least fuss. Gillian Samuel reports.

The fractional laser has opened a new era in laser resurfacing primarily because it has taken away the down time once associated with laser treatments,’ says Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Kourosh Tavakoli.

‘The fractionated laser is designed to prevent damage to the surrounding skin and because of this the redness and swelling normally associated with traditional laser resurfacing treatments is considerably reduced,’ he says.

Dr Tavakoli spent some time researching fractionated laser devices before opting for the Palomar Starlux to use for skin resurfacing and anti-ageing treatments in his practice. ‘I chose the Palomar primarily because it is a renowned laser company with over 30 years experience in cosmetic laser devices.’

Palomar’s Starlux 1540 nanometre erbium glass laser handpiece uses tiny individually focused lenses that divide a laser beam into a number of tiny beams. The main advantage of fractional technology is that it removes the bulk heating effect of conventional lasers by fragmenting the heat effect into small zones. These coagulated micro treatment zones (MTZs) achieve an effective result with much less collateral damage and no bleeding.

Fractional lasers use wavelengths of 1540/1550nm that attract water well but also can penetrate deeply into the dermis. These wavelengths enable new and better
treatments for skin conditions including melasma and scarring, and a more gentle way to treat wrinkles.

Dr Tavakoli underwent trial treatments himself so he could evaluate the experience firsthand. ‘I found the Palomar significantly less painful than other laser resurfacing devices and that’s a major positive.’ In addition to not requiring numbing creams or medication, he says the treatment allows for a very quick turnaround time. ‘There’s a very low down time in terms of swelling and redness, in the vicinity of 24 hours for most patients.’

He says the Starlux’s flexibility was another decisive factor. ‘I needed a machine that performed a number of functions and the Starlux also allows you to add on an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) handpiece for hair removal so you don’t have to buy a second machine, which is not only a positive in terms of economy but also clinical floor space.’

Apart from the IPL handpiece, other dedicated function add-ons include the Lux1540 for treating melasma, wrinkles and for scar revision; the Lux2940 for skin resurfacing; LuxIR-IPL 825nm to 1350nm for skin tightening and a new model, the Lux2780, is soon to be released.

According to Dr Tavakoli another plus is its running costs. ‘They are the best for a fractionated laser because you get more mileage with the disposable head than with
the main competitor in the field.’

He has been using the Starlux for scar revision, ‘in the treatment of acute and chronic scars such as old acne scars or new surgical scars that are red and raised’. He says the laser treatment significantly improves scar colour, texture and evenness and that he has been getting excellent results with mild to moderate acnes scars.

‘It is a widely held belief that fractionated laser treatments for acne scars yield better results’

It is a widely held belief that fractionated laser treatments for acne scars yield better results than with any other modality. The Starlux handpieces also allow for close proximity of micro treatment zones. Each MTZ is only microns wide with around a millimetre between them (this measurement is called the pitch). One head has 100 MTZs
in a 10mm diameter area and another has 320 in a 15mm area. Clearly the pitch is smaller on the 15mm head, allowing for a more intensive skin rejuvenating effect.

The reduction of fine line wrinkles is another important clinical use for the Starlux in Dr Tavakoli’s practice. ‘The Starlux gives fantastic results for correcting fine wrinkles
when used in conjunction with other treatments such as Botox. The Botox paralyses the muscle and then I can use the fractionated laser to smooth the wrinkle out.’ He says he has stopped using chemical peels for all his facial patients and is using laser resurfacing instead. Chemical peels carry a minor but significant risk of white patches developing on the skins of some patients.

Dr Tavakoli says treatments usually take half an hour to one and a half hours in an in-office procedure. Laser resurfacing with the Starlux requires no anaesthetic and
involves just one day off work for most patients.

He stresses that a course of four to five treatments is usually needed to obtain the desired results. ‘The laser gives an equal result but there is no risk of hypopigmentation, making it extremely attractive for Asian patients and patients with darker complexions.’

Bella Media Advertorial July 08

Plastic surgeon Dr Kourosh Tavakoli and his skilled team can meet all your beauty needs at Luxe Medispa.

Luxe Medispa’s team of dedicated and highly skilled staff deliver a comprehensive range of treatments and optimal care to revitalise and rejuvenate you. A state-of-the-art, fully equipped medispa, Luxe Medispa is directed by renowned Sydney plastic surgeon, Dr Kourosh Tavakoli, who has invested unlimited time and resources to bring the highest level of technology and expertise to his clients.

Anti-wrinkle treatments

To reduce wrinkles and the signs of ageing, non-surgical treatments are used to relax the facial muscles. These muscles, through repeated facial expressions, are responsible for causing wrinkles, which can be smoothed away to create a more youthful appearance.

Dermal fillers

Dermal fillers add structure and volume to the skin, instantly transforming fine lines, creases, furrows, wrinkles and other facial depressions. These nonsurgical procedures allow us to define your facial contours in an instant and are both flexible and fast. You can choose a one-off treatment to add volume to a selected area or a series of treatments for optimum results.

Laser and Intense Pulsed Light treatments

The Palomar Starlux 500 Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) machine is the latest technology for total skin management. We have chosen the Palomar StarLux because it offers the most versatile, effective and comfortable aesthetic treatments available for our patients. In addition to fractional treatments for skin resurfacing, pigmentation, wrinkles, scars and acne scars, StarLux offers such treatments as permanent hair reduction, photo facials for the clearance of sunspots, rosacea and spider veins, fractional skin tightening, acne treatment, leg vein clearance and more.

Endermologie

Endermologie is a non-invasive treatment, which allows us to manipulate connective tissue beneath the skin’s surface. This can aid in cellulite reduction, anti-ageing, as well as for pre and post-surgical procedures. This tool can be used with our post-surgical patients to enhance directional movement of fluid or aid in drainage to reduce swelling and help shorten recovery time. Treatments can also break up internal scar tissue, increase circulation to help in wound healing and enhance fibroblast cell activity, which stimulates collagen and elastin production. The result is firmer and more toned skin.

Medical-grade skincare

Chirally correct Cosmedix peels restore the skin to a healthy, youthful state with virtually no down time and little pain. Traditional peels work by destroying healthy tissue and forcing the healing process into action. Cosmedix nontraumatic peels work by stimulating healthy change in the skin to create a radiant complexion. Peels are available as one-off treatments but optimum results can be achieved over time with a series of prescribed corrective treatments.

Download pdf Bella Advertorial July 08 (158kbs)

StarLux Treatments

Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Kourosh Tavakoli offers a revolutionary skin treatment with excellent results and no down time.

Some skin treatment devices, such as CO2 lasers, use the ablative method: removing the epidermis and some of the dermis. While a good result is eventually seen, the drawbacks include red and raw skin and a risk of infection for several weeks after treatment. Other devices use the non-ablative method: sending light pulses into the dermis while leaving the epidermis intact. This allows quick recovery, but when the light pulses don’t penetrate far into the dermis the change in skin tone and texture is negligible.

StarLux Fractional Soft Tissue Coagulation is a method that guarantees great results and minimal recovery time. The StarLux1540 beams penetrate deeper into the dermis than any competing device for effective, long-term results. And the fractional, non-ablative approach stimulates quick healing in the dermis, while leaving the epidermis intact, with no lasting redness.

StarLux fractional treatments are also easier to apply than those of competing systems, which can involve long
preparation and clean-up time. Some devices require dye be applied to the skin, which is hard to rinse off afterwards. But StarLux doesn’t require dye or prolonged appointments. Treatments are quick and convenient.

The Palomar StarLux1540 Fractional Laser System delivers light in an array of narrow, focused ‘microbeams’ to create columns of coagulation (heat) within the skin. The heated tissue within the columns initiates a natural healing process that forms new, healthy tissue. This results in a fresher, more youthful skin tone and texture. StarLux Fractional Soft Tissue Coagulation can be applied to any area of the body, including the face, chest, arms and hands.

After treatment, any lingering redness, heat, swelling or tightness in the treated area generally fades within a few hours. Because the light pulses are confined to narrow columns in the skin, much of the skin is left unaffected and the healing process is rapid. Most people notice positive changes in skin tone and texture within a few days, while a series of treatments at four to six week intervals may be required to achieve the desired results.

Bella Beauty - Jan ‘08 - Luxe Medispa Feature

Bella Beauty is a magazine published by ACSM, Bella Media.

…… Luxe medsipa featured in the leading Beauty Therapy magazine, Bella Beauty in January 2008.

Click here to view thia feature.

February 2008 - The Daily Telegraph

Dr Tavakoli exclusively comments regarding Kylies new look…

Click here to read the full story…

Vogue - Jan 2008 - Endermologie

Cellulite treatment without surgery is what celebrities such as Elle McPherson, Penelope Cruz, Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani and Amber Valetta are turning to.

Australian distributor C8 answers your questions on Australia’s number one cellulite treatment; Endermologie®

Click here for the full Vogue Article

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