A mutual collaboration with leading experts resulted in the development of FemTouch™ – a vaginal laser procedure driven by practitioners and women’s needs

Leg veins, spider veins and other visible benign vascular lesions are common aesthetic conditions for which patients seek treatment for both medical and cosmetic reasons. Lasers and other light based technologies enable effective treatment of leg veins and vascular lesions by inducing vessel collapse through coagulation with minimal damage to adjacent structures.

Tattoo inks are made of solid colored particles, which can be targeted and eliminated by dedicated lasers in the similar manner as pigmented lesions. Different tattoos might require different types of laser in order to remove them, depending on the type of ink, the color, and the depth of the tattoo. Q-Switch lasers release high-powered pulses of extremely short duration. The intense and rapid heating induced by light absorption leads to a photo-thermal effect. As the chromophore is heated, it undergoes sudden thermal expansion generating shock waves audible as a popping sound with each laser pulse. This photo-acoustic effect generates forces that allow fragmenting tattoo pigment particles. The pigment treated this way gradually becomes shallower over time until it fades away. The peripheral tissues remain unaltered making the treatment selective and safe.

Skin toning refers to the use of Q-Switched lasers for non ablative skin rejuvenation. This term is more common in Asian countries. In skin toning, multiple passes of low-dose Q-Switched Nd:YAG are delivered through a large spot size to induce sublethal injury to melanosomes causing fragmentation and rupture of melanin granules into the cytoplasm. This effect is highly selective for melanosomes and leads to overall skin brightness. Moreover, the subthreshold injury to the surrounding dermis stimulates the formation of collagen that results in tighter skin.

Scars result from a chaotic wound healing response leaving behind fibrotic tissue due to irregular collagen formation. There are different types of scar including atrophic, hypertrophic, contracture and keloid scars. Available scar revision therapies depend on the type of scar, and range from topical creams for mild scarring, to grafting in the case of large, traumatic scars. Laser scar revision is an effective method for treating a wide range of scars that improves skin texture and pigment as well as functional aspects.

For acne and some surgical scars (see also Acne Scars Treatment), fractional skin resurfacing can effectively treat textural and pigment concerns. IPL can also be used to decrease pigmentation and vascular effects. Scars caused by burns and other traumatic injuries are more complicated in nature and can negatively affect the quality of life due to disfigurement, pain, bleeding, pruritis (itching) and restricted range of motion. Fractional ablative laser resurfacing has been proven to effectively treat such scars and provide consistent and significant functional improvement as well as measurable cosmetic benefits.

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition which expresses itself in redness on the face and sometimes on the neck and chest. The exact cause of Rosacea is yet unknown and many who are affected by it are unaware of their condition.

Rosacea can be effectively treated using Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). IPL uses controlled light in specific wavelengths to alleviate the inflammation, redness, pimples and uneven skin tones caused by the condition. IPL offers a gentle, long-lasting solution for those suffering from Rosacea by providing a gradual and natural improvement to the skin’s appearance.

Pigmented lesions are hypermelanocytic areas typically induced by sun exposure, the natural aging process or congenital factors. Pigmented lesions vary widely in size, shape and depth. They can be either raised or flat and are usually a cosmetic rather than a medical concern. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) which targets the melanin is effective in treating benign lesions and clearing them.

Photorejuvenation refers to the use of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to treat conditions related to sun-induced skin damage. IPL uses a broad spectrum of light which is primarily absorbed by melanin and oxyhemoglobin and is effective in reducing the appearance of sun spots, capillaries, elastosis and fine lines.

Skin resurfacing procedures use lasers to reduce the signs of aging and improve skin texture, laxity and tone. They are also used for scar and stretch mark reduction as well as for treatment of a variety of other cosmetic concerns. Skin resurfacing can be achieved with either ablative or non-ablative lasers (see Ablative Skin Resurfacing). Non-ablative resurfacing keeps the skin intact, stimulates collagen growth and tightens the underlying skin. It is ideal for patients who prefer a milder treatment approach with less downtime and no risk of skin infection.

Laser hair removal targets the entire hair structure, from the hair shaft, down to the follicle, meeting the principle of selective photothermolysis. Light energy with a specific wavelength is primarily absorbed by the endogenous chromophore melanin resulting in rapid heating which is required for local thermal necrosis of the follicles’ regenerative structures.

To achieve permanent hair removal, the laser system must be able to effectively treat the different hair types and colors as well as the various skin types while providing maximum skin protection. The laser’s wavelength, pulse duration and spot size determine the effectiveness of the treatment (on all skin types) and also influence the depth of penetration and treatment speed.