NIW Laser Treatments

Dr. Galoob's 15 Plus years of experience and thousands of patient laser treatments includes pigment lasers, blemish lasers, vein reduction lasers, hair reduction lasers, tattoo removal lasers and abrasive skin rejuvenation lasers. Treatment strategy is individualized for each patient. Our goal is to provide the best result for that person based on their skin type, skin condition and my years of experience with skin laser treatments. The NIW Laser Treatment™ protocol was developed to provide a predictable, comfortable and cost effective means of rejuvenating the skin. Treatments are performed in the Doctor's office. No anesthetic is used. Treatment strategies are individualized for each individual patient to obtain the best possible result.

Why we get wrinkles

As the body ages, our skin gradually loses skin structure and firmness. This is a result of loss of collagen from the skin. Collagen is the mortar that holds the skin structure together. The activities we enjoy, including exposure to wind, sun and just plain living can accelerate this process.

How non ablative lasers correct skin problems

The use of non-ablative lasers has become safe, inexpensive and efficient. Today, there are many lasers designed to safely pass light rays through the skin surface. As the laser light shines deep into the skin, it interacts with blood vessels and other structures that attract its color. As a result, heat is produced that the body interprets as an injury and healing processes begin. These events occur with no visible sign on the skin surface. A constant stream of cold air that blows on the skin makes the treatments very comfortable. No topical anesthetics or coloring agents are needed. Patients apply makeup immediately after the treatment and may return to work.

Over the next few weeks as the body goes through its normal healing process new collagen is formed. The new collagen produces skin tightening, improvement in skin texture, more even color and softening of wrinkles. Since the laser treatment is very mild, more than one treatment is needed and the results are usually not seen for weeks to several months after treatment.

How often and how many treatments

Four to six treatments seems to be ideal to produce a 30%-50% improvement in skin texture, wrinkle softening and skin color. Each treatment causes a little more improvement, so there is no specific interval for treatment that is recommended. Most patients choose to do their treatment on a two to four week schedule. The improvement in skin elasticity also makes other skin tightening procedures more effective. Results begin to appear after 4-6 weeks and continue for months.

Are there other ways of reducing wrinkles?

In the past, the only method of replacing lost collagen was to irritate or abrade the skin. In this process, the upper layer of skin was removed using a chemical or a mechanical tool. Procedures such as dermabrasion, destructive laser treatments, chemical peeling, freezing and the use of irritating medications will cause a change in skin surface that includes smoothness, tightness and an improved texture. However, these types of treatments can cause the skin to be red, raw and swollen with the need for anesthesia and considerable down time. In addition, these more invasive techniques may cause scarring and loss of pigmentation.

Is the Treatment uncomfortable?

Each time the laser pulses, the laser light produces heat beneath the skin surface. The amount of discomfort for patients varies. Most patients rate the discomfort as less than 1 on a scale of 1 to 10. Many patients find it helpful to use a topical numbing cream on their skin prior to the treatment. A special numbing cream can be purchased from this office. For maximum effectiveness, the Numbing cream should be applied to clean skin (all makeup removed) at least one hour or more prior to the treatment.

Will my insurance cover any of the procedure?

In some cases, removal of skin lesions and treatment of rosacea, precancerous skin growths and other skin treatments are covered by Insurance carriers. You should discuss this with Dr. Galoob prior to the procedure to obtain more specific information.

Will the Laser treatments remove my wrinkles?

Deep wrinkles will be softened by the laser but not completely removed. Patients commonly report a 30%-50% improvement in skin texture with softening of wrinkles, tightening of creepy skin and improvement in skin color and texture. Complete removal of wrinkles (96% gone) requires a deeper treatment or some type of filler. Pretreatment with the NIW Laser makes other deeper treatments more successful and longer lasting by improving the overall condition of the skin.

How can I compare my skin before and after treatment?

Prior to beginning treatment, I will take close up photos of the proposed treatment areas so that we can compare the after treatment result with the pre treatment state. Since some of the effects are subtle, it requires good photos of the skin condition before treatment to make a fair comparison. Improvement also continues even after the treatments are discontinued. Many patients evaluated 6-8 months after treatment will notice continuing improvement.

Can the laser do other things?

The same laser used to produce new collagen can be used to erase small blood vessels, treat rosacea and remove small skin growths. In addition, with different settings it will reduce hair growth and remove veins on the face and body. A favorite treatment of my patients is the removal of the small red spider veins around the nose. Larger veins around the eye can also be diminished in size.

How should I prepare my skin before the treatment?

Either before arriving at the office or upon coming to the office you should thoroughly cleanse your skin removing all makeup, mascara, etc. The makeup in the pores of your skin can react with the laser light treatment and cause some mild discomfort. Many patients find it helpful to have a facial skin treatment with cleansing at a local skin treatment center such as C'est La Vie in Ardmore Oklahoma. If you have a facialist and would like for me to speak with them about preparation before the treatment, let me know. This can be done on the day before or the day of the procedure. Make-up can be applied immediately after the treatment.

Will the treatment remove rosacea, blood vessels and other small skin lesions?

During the treatment, Dr. Galoob will focus on small skin growths, blood vessels and rosacea. Treatment of these areas may produce slightly more redness in the first 24 hours following the post treatment.

Can I have a skin peel at the same time as the treatment?

In some cases a very light chemical skin peel will be performed before the procedure is done. This allows a little more exfoliation and penetration of the laser. You may discuss with the doctor whether you want this to be performed. The skin peel produces a slightly longer period of recovery of the skin for peeling and dryness.

What can I expect in the post-operative period?

Because the untreated skin is thinner with more sun damage, the first few skin treatments may cause more reaction than later treatments. Patients can expect a few areas of redness and some flakiness of the upper layers of skin that lasts for a few days. We will apply hydrocortisone cream to your face immediately after your treatment and give you a small amount to take home. Additional cream can be purchased over the counter (1% hydrocortisone cream USP). Patients are advised to use the hydrocortisone cream on the skin for the first few days after treatment to reduce redness and flaking. In most cases makeup can be applied immediately. Your skin care program (we strongly recommend the Obagi skin care offered in our office) can be continued throughout the healing period without difficulty.

Many patients find it helpful to schedule a facial skin treatment in the first 3-5 days following the procedure. We recommend Cest La Vie skin treatment center and can make those arrangements for you if you wish.

C'est la Vie
226-7546
1512 Meadow Lane

What happens when I come into the office for my treatment?

When you come to the office for your treatment you will be given a small container of skin cleanser and asked to thoroughly cleanse your skin prior to the procedure. If you have placed topical anesthetic on the skin this will not interfere with the activity of the topical anesthesia. The topical anesthesia can then be reapplied to the skin after the thorough cleansing. This insures that as much of the makeup etc. has been removed from your pores prior to the laser treatment. Mascara should also be removed since it can also react with the laser light to produce heat.

Treatment

Special precautions are taken to protect your eyes and personnel who will be in the room. Everyone wears special glasses or eye shields. (Our practice meets the standards of the AAAHC (www.aaahc.org) for laser safety). Lasers are maintained and calibrated on a regular basis and a technician is available at all times during the procedure.

The procedure will either be performed by Dr. Galoob or one of his experienced staff. Initial laser settings are verified by Dr. Galoob prior to each treatment. It is common for him to apply a test pulse to himself as a last safety check before treatment. The laser is pulsed in multiple spots over the area for complete coverage (like turning a flashlight off and on each time). Each pulse feels like being snapped with a rubber band. Cold air is applied over the skin during the treatment to provide comfort and to protect the skin from heat produced when the laser light contacts the hair root. Afterwards, the skin may be slightly red. Occasionally irritation and blistering may occur. A soothing cream will be placed on the skin after treatment. Irritation may last for several days.

Contact us
If you are interested in learning more about NIW Laser Treatments, call or email our office or leave your name and address on this web page and we will be happy to answer your questions.