FAQs

This is section contains frequently asked questions on topics of interest to my patients. If you do not see your question or need further clarification on a topic, feel free to email me or call our office for more information.

Q: What is Photoepilation? How does it work to remove hair?

A: First, the skin is cleaned of any make-up. The eyes are then protected with shields or goggles. Then cool gel is applied. The treatment begins after settings have been carefully chosen to match your skin type.

Q: What can I expect from photoepilation (hair removal) treatment?

A: Two to three days before you come in, you will be instructed to shave the area to be treated. (Click here to learn more)

Q: Is it true that laser hair removal can actually increase hair growth?

A: Absolutely not. Laser Hair removal targets active follicles to inactivate them and stop them from producing hair. Occasionally, someone might have a medical condition that encourages new growth, but Dr. Powell can identify these causes and address them as well.

Q: Is laser hair removal permanent?

A: Yes, once the active follicles have been destroyed, they do not grow back. Not all are actively growing however and those follicles will only be stunned and will produce another hair within 6- 8 weeks. Appointments are generally scheduled to “catch” follicles in their growth phase, hence multiple treatments are necessary.

Q: What is Botox and how does it work?

A: Botox is a purified pharmaceutical product manufactured by Allergan. It contains Botulinum toxin type A.

When injected into an overactive muscle, it weakens the muscle cells by inhibiting the release of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. In small doses Botox allows relaxation and smoothing of the overlying skin, thereby, eliminating areas of active wrinkling.

Q: How is Botox given?

A: Using the smallest possible needle, Botox is injected into the overactive muscles in customized sites to address your own individual wrinkling patterns.

Q: How long can I be treated with Botox?

A: Botox can be given for as long as you desire with the same, excellent results seen from the first injection. No tolerance develops because Botox is so highly purified. Usually the results even improve over time.

Q: Can I help maintain my response to Botox?

A: Overtime, with continued Botox use, the overactive muscles will shrink thereby resulting in longer lasting results in those areas. Many patients report forgetting how to frown, for example, thus reducing the activity of the muscles causing the wrinkles.

Q: Will I look worse if I stop using Botox in the future?

A: The answer to this is a resounding NO. Botox is an incredible wrinkle prevention therapy. So, no matter if you ever stop, your skin will be less wrinkled than if you had never started.

Q: Do the injections hurt?

A: Because of the tiny needle size, discomfort is minimal. The procedure takes less than 2 minutes. Complaints are rare.

Q: Does Botox work immediately?

A: Botox begins working in about three days. Maximum effect is seen in seven to ten days and lasts 3-4 months. The longer Botox is used the longer it seems to last, though results may vary.

Q: Are there any side effects?

A: Though very rare, occasionally the brow may appear lower for a short time. Most are easily fixed with a quick return visit to the office for assessment. Extremely rarely the eyelid may droop. This usually lasts less than a week and is fixed with eye drops.

Q: What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and how does it differ from laser light?

A: Laser light uses pulses of light but eliminates all but one wavelength of light. Laser can make only one wavelength at a time.

Q: How much pain is associated with IPL Skin Rejuvenation?

A: The discomfort associated with IPL is minimal and is reduced by the application of a cool gel. The feeling is best described as a warm sting of a small rubber band. I have never had a patient comment that it is not tolerable.

Q: What is the recovery time for IPL?

A: IPL is considered a no downtime procedure. Afterwards, you may resume normal activities. Most feel a warm sensation for 2-3 hours afterward and in some the skin looks slightly flushed. Makeup can be applied immediately. One should refrain from direct sun exposure.

Q: What are the long term effects of IPL skin rejuvenation?

A: Though aging differs from person to person, skin color looks more uniform, skin texture is smoother and skin feels tighter. Collagen and elastin are encouraged to grow and that effect will last months. If sun exposure is limited, and good skin care performed, the results are long lasting.

Q: Who is the best candidate for skin rejuvenation?

A: Those with brown spots, broken capillaries, large pores, and rough texture will see the most benefit. Medium and light skin tones are easiest to treat.

Q: What is the typical cost for IPL?

A: One treatment of the face is $350. Sometimes I do limited areas for a partial charge but generally most need and want the whole face treated. Some cases need a few treatments three to four weeks apart for the best results.