Q: What training do your Treatment Specialists have?
A: California has some of the strictest requirements for laser nurses in the country. At Radiance, we require that our Laser Specialists have a 2 or 4
year RN, be Nurse Practitioners, have a PA, or have an MD. First and foremost our Treatment Specialists undergo rigorous training in laser and high-
energy treatment Safety. Next, our Specialists undertake didactic training in laser, IPL, and plasma bio-physics. Before treating patients, they get
hands-on teaching with the specific instruments they will use for treatments. Finally, the new Specialist will shadow a certified, experienced
Specialist and receive ongoing supervision until safe, effective use of our instruments has been assured.
Q: Do you give discounts?
A: Yes. We show our appreciation for referrals of friends or family with discounts.
Q: What are the costs?
A: Your initial consultation is free, to help you decide on the services that are right for you. When comparing prices you should consider the costs of
not treating, or of suboptimal treatment obtained at a “discount” elsewhere. We take pride in our personalized service, in our professionalism, and
will work hard to earn your respect. Below is a table that will help you better understand our pricing:
Q: How much “down-time” can I expect?
A: Radiance treatments are generally “no down-time”. You can return to work, or other usual activities immediately after treatment. On the other
hand, some procedures are best done at the end of your day, so that you can shower, change clothes, put on your make-up, and prepare for work
the next day.
Q: How is pain managed?
A: Many of our treatments are essentially pain-free. Those that have mild to moderate discomfort are easily managed with our special topical
anesthetic, applied by hand to the areas to be treated 30 minutes prior.
Q: Do you treat those with medical ailments, or diseases?
A: Yes. The Radiance philosophy places the skin in the context of the individual as a whole. This means that we are able to treat the patient with
concomitant medical disease appropriately by considering that condition and adjusting our skin therapies accordingly.
Q: Are there any risks associated with laser, IPL, and other high-energy treatments?
A: Yes. You should not allow treatments on your body if the operator(s) do not include a discussion of risks when obtaining your signature on the
consent form. After all, why do you suppose that a consent is required? In general, laser, IPL, and our other treatments are quite safe. However, you
should ask yourself if you could live with, for example, an outcome after facial Photorejuvenation wherein you developed areas of increased
pigmentation on your face. You may experience minor and temporary hyperpigmentation, erythema (redness) or irritation after treatment. These side
effects are similar to mild sunburn. Allergic reactions to topical anesthetic, or to skin-care products can occur. Occasionally, we see infections of
treated skin.
The important point to take away is that no procedure that affects the physiology of the skin is entirely free of risk. With Radiance, you have a
physician (with over 20 years experience) working with your Treatment Specialist to prevent problems, however unlikely. Further, in our efforts to
provide a safe and effective treatment for you, Radiance reviews any unsatisfactory outcome with our Quality Assurance program. The goals of this
program are to continue improvement in the safety and quality of our services.
Q: Can you treat darker skin types?
A: We can treat all skin types, and will assist you in understanding which treatments are best for your individual needs. With this in mind, we would
recommend lower energy fluence with longer pulse duration for hair removal with darker skin types.
Q: What is the best way to protect my skin from the damaging effects of the sun?
A: While scientists have long known that sun exposure can have harmful effects, new research shows that both UVA and UVB rays are responsible
for premature aging Surprisingly, many sunscreens do not protect skin from UVA rays. To protect yourself from further photo-aging, it is essential to
wear sunscreen that has both UVA and UVB protection. The Ti-Silk line of product that we sell provides true broad- spectrum protection. Utilizing a
clear titanium oxide formula, you can now get the protection you need, and without a white nose!
Q: What is Retin-A?
A: Since the introduction of the Vitamin A derivative tretinoin (Retin-A) in the early seventies, topical Retin-A has played a central role in the treatment
of acne. More recently, doctors have found retinoids to be highly effective in the treatment of aging skin. Topical retinoids produce accelerated
desquamation which leads to a more youthful skin appearance, with the healthy “glow” of youth. In addition, they produce a reduction in fine lines
(especially around the eyes and mouth). We offer retinoids in our Neova Dual Action Therapy (available at our on-line store and in our facilities). We
often prescribe its use in conjunction with Photorejuvenation procedures.
Q: What is a bleaching cream?
A: Usually, this is referring to hydroquinone. This product is used to bleach melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. It is melanin that is
responsible for age spots and other abnormal pigmentary conditions of the skin. We often use hydroquinone either alone, in combination with Retin-
A, or in our Pro-Cyte and Neova products that you can purchase on line at our web site. It is best that you have a free consultation with a member of
the Radiance staff before starting on this product in order to get the best results.
Q: What is exfoliation?
A: Exfoliation is the process of removing dead or diseased skin from the body. There are many methods such as scrubbing, microdermabrasion
and lasers. Exfoliation, when combined with the proper skin care products and cosmetic treatments, can speed up the process of wrinkle and age
spot reduction. Our Pro-Cyte products have the ingredients necessary to achieve exfoliation.
Q: Why should I have laser hair removal rather than the methods I've been using for
years?
A: Laser hair removal is safe and effective. Waxing, shaving and other epilation methods are temporary, ongoing and are plagued by irritation,
ingrown hairs, and infected follicles. Areas such as the neck and upper back get severely irritated from rubbing on clothes and are excellent areas
for laser hair removal. Women may feel particularly self conscious about unwanted facial hair, and the need to grow it out prior to waxing. Laser hair
removal offers an excellent permanent solution by thinning out the texture and density of the hair.
Q. Is treatment painful?
A: Some areas may be more sensitive than others. At Radiance we offer our patients anesthetic (numbing) cream prior to treatments. It significantly
reduces sensitivity to the laser pulses. Response to pulses of energy at the skin varies widely, and we are prepared to guide you through treatment
in as comfortable a manner as possible. You should know that our Treatment Specialists are trained to assess your pain and to provide whatever
treatment is required to help you complete your sessions.
Q. Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
A. Laser Hair removal is intended to reduce the density (hairs per square inch) and
thickness (or coarseness) of hair. Ideally, most active hair follicles are permanently destroyed. The full coarse will take from 5 – 10 treatment
sessions on average, depending on your unique responses to the process. In most cases, there will be only minimal thin, immature (velous) hair
remaining. Each patient will have a response that is unique to them, however. Touch-up treatments may be needed in the years ahead, as new hair
follicles mature. Your experienced Treatment Specialist will provide support and guidance during your treatments.
Q: How does the LightSheer™ Diode Laser System work?
A: The system emits near-infrared laser light that is absorbed by melanin pigment located in the hair follicle. The laser is pulsed, or turned on, for
only a fraction of a second. The
duration of each pulse is just long enough to damage the follicle, while the contact-cooling ChillTip™ helps protect the skin by conductive cooling
during energy delivery.
Q: What advantages does the LightSheer™ have over other laser hair removal systems?
A: The LightSheer™ Diode Laser System was designed from the ground up for laser hair
removal. Thus it has the wavelength, fluence, pulse width, and active skin cooling system needed for laser hair removal. It was designed by
Lumenis, the company that has developed cosmetic and medical laser applications for over 30 years.
The LightSheer™ Diode Laser System's design provides for enhanced comfort during
treatment, with speed and accuracy. Since the system uses a unique cooling handpiece, it minimizes the skin irritation that other methods may
create.
Since the Light Sheer™ is non-invasive (no needles to penetrate the skin), the risk of skin infection is reduced. Because the system is fast, it allows
for efficient treatment of larger areas. Finally, the LightSheer™ Diode Laser is a precision instrument, allowing for fine adjustment. Thus it is able to
place more energy on the hair follicle while minimally affecting the surrounding skin.
Q. How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?
A. Even though price per treatment may vary from one laser center to another, we believe
that eventually you end up paying approximately the same price regardless of where the
treatment is performed. Some facilities charge less per treatment and sell you a
package of more treatments than you may need. At Radiance, each treatment is paid separately and thus you will only pay for the treatments you
need. This fee structure allows for a wide variability of skin types and responses to treatment.
Q. How does Skin Tightening and Collagen Building work?
A. The light used for Skin Tightening is tuned to gently deliver energy to the dermal tissues below the skin surface. It is in this area where the
collagen supporting structure has failed, causing wrinkles and fine skin lines. The light energy is absorbed by cells in this region, stimulating the
production of new collagen. The effect is to give your skin a younger, fresher look; reducing and softening wrinkles and fine lines.
Q. What areas can be treated by Skin Tightening and Collagen Building?
A. Most clients prefer to start on the face and neck, where results will be most noticeable.
Q. How long does the actual Skin Tightening and Collagen Building treatment take?
A. It depends on how much you would like treated. Typically it will take 4 0 minutes to treat a full face and neck.
Q. Is Skin Tightening and Collagen Building treatment painful?
A. The skin is cooled during the Skin Tightening procedure, and anesthesia is not required. In some cases a mild warmth can be felt for brief
periods during the treatment.
Q. Is Skin Tightening and Collagen Building safe?
A. Complications of Skin Tightening are extremely rare. Occasionally, skin lightening or darkening may occur. These cases are usually due to
inadequate protection from intense sunlight during the weeks following treatment.
Q. How many Skin Tightening and Collagen Building treatments are needed?
A. Typically, 3 to 5 treatments delivered at 3 to 4 week intervals will achieve maximal benefit.
Q. What can I expect to see from Skin Tightening and Collagen Building?
A. Production of new collagen is a process that begins from the time of your treatment and continues for many months after. Thus improvement is
gradual, but will usually become most noticeable after the second or third treatment. Many Radiance clients have been able to see improvement
with their first treatment.
Q. Can Skin Tightening be combined with other treatments?
A. Yes, your Skin Tightening treatment can be combined with other technologies. Microdermabrasion, and Intense Pulsed Light are frequently
combined with Skin Tightening. You and your Radiance Consultant can discuss the various options appropriate for your overall skin care regimen,
and design a program that works for you.
Q. Is Skin Tightening permanent?
A. Your improvement should stabilize after about a year. Maintenance treatment sessions can be given at six to twelve month intervals as needed to
maintain the result.
Q. Are there side effects to Skin Tightening and Collagen Building?
A. Side effects are generally minimal and can include a slight redness, or irritation of the skin. These should not persist for long.
Q. Can I wear make-up after my Skin Tightening and Collagen Building treatment?
A. Yes, you can apply your make-up immediately after the procedure.