Laser
The Apogee Elite™ Two-in-One Laser System – Innovative technology from Cynosure
The Apogee Elite contains two laser systems – a 755nm Alexandrite laser and a high powered 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser – offering the most optimal wavelengths for:
- Hair removal
- Treatment of facial and leg spider veins (telangiectasia, visible veins, varicosities, and broken blood vessels)
- Treatment of pigmented lesions, age spots, freckles and sun spots.
- Treatment of sun-damaged skin – Combination treatment visibly reduces redness and pigmentation, resulting in healthier, more radiant looking skin
- Skin rejuvenation for fine lines and wrinkles
Apogee Elite was the award winner in both 2005 and 2006 for the most diversified laser by Aesthetic Trends and Technology.
Hair Removal
Cynosure’s Apogee Elite
The Apogee Elite removes unwanted hair with unsurpassed efficacy and client comfort. That’s because the technology of two optimal wavelengths, the 755-nm Alexandrite laser and the 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser, makes it possible to treat patients with all types of skin, including dark and tanned skin. In addition, multiple procedures can be done during the same visit (ie: vein treatment and hair removal).
The addition of the YAG laser allows us to treat patients of darker skin types for excessive hair growth, especially of the face, arm pits and bikini lines. Patients with pseudofolliculitis (razor bumps) on the beard, face or neck now have this option to consider.
The Apogee laser also incorporates the use of the Smart Cool system by Cynosure. This system utilizes a “double cooling” technique which uses the body’s natural cooling process in conjunction with a specifically engineered external cooling system. The Smart Cool system is used with the laser to minimize patient discomfort during treatment.
The Apogee Elite emits a beam of light that heats the target area (i.e., follicle or vein). The light energy damages the target, while sparing the surrounding skin. After a period of time, a reaction will occur (i.e., the follicle will exfoliate, or the blemish will slowly and naturally disappear).
Laser treatments are relatively painless and leave no textural skin changes or scarring. Patients sometimes report a mild discomfort which can be quickly alleviated with a stream of cold air, used in conjunction with the laser. Typically, a hair removal appointment takes about 10-15 minutes, although multiple or larger areas will take longer. Side effects are minimal and may include redness or localized swelling. These conditions are almost always gone within 24 hours of treatment.
After your treatment, the hair will exfoliate naturally in 7-14 days. During this time, you may shave if you wish, but plucking is discouraged. The technician will review specific post-treatment instructions with you.
Hair forms in a pouch-like structure below the skin called a hair follicle. What we see as hair is actually the hair shaft, which is the keratinized, hardened tissue that grows from this follicle. The best hair color for the laser light to target is dark blond to black. The laser specialist will explain more during your consultation. Everyone’s hair grows differently, depending on age, weight, metabolism, hormones, ethnicity, medications, and other factors. But all hair goes through three distinct growth phases:
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Active growth phase(called the anagen phase), which can last up to 3 months |
Regressive phase(catagen phase), which lasts about 3 days, during which the hair stops growing but is not yet shed |
Resting phase(telogen phase), which lasts 4-14 days, at the end of which the hair falls out and a new hair begins to form |
When used for hair removal, the Apogee Elite laser affects only hair follicles which are currently active or growing (anagen). More than one laser treatment is necessary to eliminate the previously exhausted (catagen) or resting (telogen) follicles as they resume production. Results vary with each case. Hair removal may require 10 or more sessions depending on skin and hair type.
Treatment of Facial and Leg Spider Veins
The presence of superficial veins on the face and legs (telangiectasias) is a cosmetic problem that troubles millions of people. Spider veins are red, bluish or purple veins that can result from sun exposure, use of oral contraception, hormone therapy, the aging process, or heredity.
Cynosure’s Apogee Elite workstation is optimized for effective treatment of facial and leg veins, as well as benign epidermal pigmented lesions.
The removal of these small veins by laser therapy is safe, effective and non-invasive.
What to Expect
The Laser is applied to the vein to be treated, delivering a series of light pulses to the vein in order to seal it off and cause it to dissolve. Laser treatments are relatively painless and leave no textural skin changes or scarring.
Patients sometimes report a mild discomfort which can be quickly alleviated with a stream of cold air, which is used in conjunction with the laser.
Immediately following treatment, veins will be darkened and more visible. Over 2-8 weeks, they will gradually fade. After each treatment, there is progressive improvement. The damaged vessels will not come back; however, if you have certain hereditary conditions, more veins may develop over time.
Typically, an appointment to treat facial or leg vessels takes about 10-15 minutes, although multiple or larger areas will take longer. Two to three sessions are recommended for treating veins and age spots.
After your treatment you may resume your normal skincare routine, although using a sunscreen is recommended. The technician will advise you of any specific pre-treatment instructions and review post-treatment instructions with you. Side effects are minimal and may include redness or localized swelling. These conditions are almost always gone within 24 hours of treatment.