Laser procedure fixes cosmetic imperfections
By Joanne Fox | Posted: Thursday, October 30, 2008
Orange City Hospital Registered Nurse Lori Budden displays the Vbeam Perfecta which removes skin imperfections. (Staff photo by Jerry Mennenga)
ORANGE CITY, Iowa -- Just the thought of a laser procedure on your skin may sound scary. After all, think of all of those cosmetic procedures gone wrong that are shown on television.
Relax. Laser therapy in the hands of qualified technicians can only result in positive results.
Orange City Area Health System has a Vbeam that will rejuvenate skin with pulsed dye laser treatment.
"It's not like a biting laser that some people associate with treatments," explained Lori Budden, R.N., one of two technicians (Kelly Van't Hof, R.N., is the other) who administer the technique. "This laser targets bursts of light onto areas of the skin."
The light is absorbed by specific blood vessels or melanin-pigmented areas in the skin's dermis, depending on the condition being treated.
"The light targets browns and reds in the skin," Budden said. "It literally breaks down the collagen in the skin."
Such skin problems as age spots, facial and leg veins and port wine stains are among the most common skin imperfections that might need treatment. But stubborn warts can also be treated successfully, Budden said.
The procedure for treatment is comfortable. Most patients will recline or lie down, but they can be seated, Budden said.
There are protections because, after all, it is laser therapy. Both the patient and the technician will wear protective eye wear. The skin being treated will be protected by a cooling mist before the laser pulse is used which prevents side effects like redness. No anesthetics are required, but for patient comfort, they may be used, Budden pointed out.
"Patients talk about a feeling of warmth or a tingling sensation during treatment," she said. "At worst, individuals will compare the treatment to a mild rubber band snap."
The first thing patients should do is talk to their general practitioners about which treatments would be right for them and ensure a specific diagnosis has been made on the condition.
Most insurance companies will not reimburse for cosmetic skin procedures, although Budden said the technicians will do a free consultation to answer questions and concerns.
Some insurance carriers will cover the treatment of a disfiguring birthmark like port wine stains. Additionally, the treatment or psoriasis, warts and rosacea may be covered by insurance. Budden suggested asking your provider for details.
To learn more about a Vbeam treatment, read the story entitled, "Laser procedure fixes cosmetic imperfections" in the Journal's most recent Siouxland Health magazine and online at www.siouxcityjournal.com/siouxlandhealth.
Relax. Laser therapy in the hands of qualified technicians can only result in positive results.
Orange City Area Health System has a Vbeam that will rejuvenate skin with pulsed dye laser treatment.
"It's not like a biting laser that some people associate with treatments," explained Lori Budden, R.N., one of two technicians (Kelly Van't Hof, R.N., is the other) who administer the technique. "This laser targets bursts of light onto areas of the skin."
The light is absorbed by specific blood vessels or melanin-pigmented areas in the skin's dermis, depending on the condition being treated.
"The light targets browns and reds in the skin," Budden said. "It literally breaks down the collagen in the skin."
Such skin problems as age spots, facial and leg veins and port wine stains are among the most common skin imperfections that might need treatment. But stubborn warts can also be treated successfully, Budden said.
The procedure for treatment is comfortable. Most patients will recline or lie down, but they can be seated, Budden said.
There are protections because, after all, it is laser therapy. Both the patient and the technician will wear protective eye wear. The skin being treated will be protected by a cooling mist before the laser pulse is used which prevents side effects like redness. No anesthetics are required, but for patient comfort, they may be used, Budden pointed out.
"Patients talk about a feeling of warmth or a tingling sensation during treatment," she said. "At worst, individuals will compare the treatment to a mild rubber band snap."
The first thing patients should do is talk to their general practitioners about which treatments would be right for them and ensure a specific diagnosis has been made on the condition.
Most insurance companies will not reimburse for cosmetic skin procedures, although Budden said the technicians will do a free consultation to answer questions and concerns.
Some insurance carriers will cover the treatment of a disfiguring birthmark like port wine stains. Additionally, the treatment or psoriasis, warts and rosacea may be covered by insurance. Budden suggested asking your provider for details.
To learn more about a Vbeam treatment, read the story entitled, "Laser procedure fixes cosmetic imperfections" in the Journal's most recent Siouxland Health magazine and online at www.siouxcityjournal.com/siouxlandhealth.
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