Altoona Laser Services
Tattoo Removal
What is a tattoo?
A tattoo is a cosmetic procedure where the pigment is injected into the skin using needles, creating a change of color on the surface of the skin. A tattoo involves multiple layers of skin, including deeper layers that do not slough off as part of the normal skin turnover process.
This makes the color permanent. As the skin changes with age, the lines and color may appear less sharp, but it will not fade or disappear completely without a specific intervention to do so.
An estimated 10% of the population in the United States has a tattoo, and eventually, as many as 50% of them may choose to have a tattoo removed.
Why do people undergo tattoo removal?
Whatever the reason you get a tattoo, it is possible that later in your life you’ll decide that it no longer is something you want on your skin.
People choose to remove a tattoo because they feel it:
- No longer represents beliefs or feelings
- No longer is aesthetically pleasing
- Hinders job prospects
- Does not work with their clothing style
- Lowers their self-image
- Causes them embarrassment
- Causes an allergic reaction or scarring
Whichever reason for tattoo removal applies to you, it is possible to do so effectively with PicoSure laser treatment at Altoona Laser.
How does PicoSure effectively remove a tattoo?
If you choose to have your tattoo removed, you have the option of three main methods: dermabrasion, surgery, or laser removal. Each of these methods has their own pros and cons. The laser method is the method of choice for Altoona Laser.
The PicoSure laser utilizes high-energy waves and precisely applied pressure to break apart the tattoo ink into tiny particles. These particles are then naturally absorbed by the body, removing the pigment from your skin and diminishing the appearance of your unwanted tattoo.
Using different wavelengths of energy, PicoSure can remove all colors of tattoos, and even more stubborn colors like yellow and red, which can work on any skin type.
Treatments usually take around 10 minutes depending on the characteristics and location of your tattoo, and are repeated every 6-8 weeks until ideal results are reached. Larger, more elaborate tattoos may take a number of treatments to effectively remove. Your treatment plan is specific to you and your tattoo, to give you the best results possible.
PicoSure Carbon Laser Peel
What is Carbon Laser Peel?
Why is the carbon peel desperately needed here? Because lighter skin (Types I-IV) lacks the necessary chromophore saturation needed for laser rejuvenation – basically, the laser has little to no color to focus on. But with the advent of the carbon peel, fairer skin types can significantly multiply the results of laser rejuvenation without ANY downtime! At Altoona laser Medspa we compound a proprietary activated carbon mixture that is applied to the face and allowed to dry, which provides an ideal laser target. Pure activated carbon particles absorb dirt, oil, dead cells, sebum and other unwanted contaminants, like leftover makeup, sunscreen & skincare products. Additionally, the carbon particles fill every crevice of the skin and attach to anything that’s causing clogging of the pores.
After the mixture is allowed to dry, it is targeted by the revolutionary picosecond pulse from the first and only PicoSure laser. As the laser’s energy instantaneously vaporizes the carbon-mask particles, the engulfed contaminants are also destroyed and removed. Additionally, a Powerful PressureWave forms within the pores as the carbon is vaporized, resulting in controlled dermal inflammation, which leads to the formation of new collagen and elastin. The resulting new tissues tighten skin and diminish pore size. Additionally, unwanted epidermal pigment is destroyed via the brilliant flash of the vaporization.
The result is tighter, brighter skin that looks, feels and is completely refreshed. There’s virtually no pain so no numbing cream is required. The results are instantaneous and improve over the next 4-8 weeks as the skin undergoes rejuvenation.
How does carbon laser peel work?
Unlike other laser treatments that rely exclusively on light energy to transform skin, the carbon laser peel is a 2-part process. First, a luxurious natural carbon cream is applied to the surface of the skin and allowed to dry. The non-toxic lotion looks something like a mud mask with a dark grey-brown coloring and rich texture. Natural carbon quickly absorbs oil, impurities, and dead skin cells from deep within pores and pulls toxins to the surface. The carbon mask also creates an even Plato for the laser energy.
PicoSure
What is PicoSure?
PicoSure is an innovative laser treatment that targets skin blemishes and tattoos to improve skin appearance and health.
The PicoSure laser targets the affected area with energy to disrupt the particles of pigment or blemish, and uses its special PressureWave™ technology to energize collagen and elastin production for younger-looking skin. Think of it like a two-for-one treatment: removal of unwanted blemishes and a boosted anti-aging kick for healthy skin.
What types of conditions does PicoSure treat?
PicoSure has been shown to erase stubborn tattoos and skin blemishes that other treatments can’t fully remove. PicoSure targets all tattoo colors, including black, blue, and green. PicoSure is also a great option for the following treatments.
- Benign pigmented lesion removal
- Wrinkle reduction
- Acne scar reduction
- Skin revitalization
Like the treatment for tattoo removal, PicoSure targets skin blemishes with powerful lasers that both address the concern and revitalize the skin. Since PicoSure doesn’t use heat, your skin won’t experience any damage due to burning.
What can I expect from my first treatment?
You don’t need to do any special preparation for your first PicoSure laser treatment. Depending on your skin blemish or tattoo, your PicoSure provider develops an individualized plan for the most effective treatment. Once you’ve discussed your skin goals, you’ll undergo the first treatment, which typically only takes 10-15 minutes. Then, you’ll most likely come back for 2-5 treatments spaced 6-8 weeks apart for maximum results.
Is PicoSure painful?
PicoSure is a low-pain procedure that doesn’t include any needles. During the procedure, you may feel some pressure or slight discomfort. If you have especially sensitive skin, you can always ask for numbing medication.
What is the recovery time for PicoSure?
After your treatments, you’ll experience some redness or swelling that fades after a few hours. So, after your appointment, you can go on with your day and show off your revitalized skin. Scarring is very uncommon with PicoSure treatment.
Tattoo removal, as well as hyperpigmentation and scar removal, has long-lasting results. However, if you want to undergo skin revitalization or target another problem spot, you can always book a touch-up appointment.
Skin Revitalization
What are the typical signs of dull and aging skin?
As you get older, you might notice that your skin loses some of its natural elasticity and plumpness. This is due to natural biologic life stages in which your skin becomes thinner and loses fat as you get older. Aging skin is even partially caused by the effects of gravity. Common signs of aging skin include:
- Age spots
- Sagging skin
- Dull skin tone
- Wrinkles
- Fine Lines
- Increased skin transparency
Your skin might age especially fast if you’ve been exposed a lot to the sun without appropriate protection. It’s important to practice good skin hygiene by wearing SPF and moisturize regularly.
What are my options for revitalizing my skin?
If you’ve ever walked down a skin care section of a pharmacy, you’ll be aware that there are extensive options for creams, serums, and other at-home treatments for revitalizing aging skin. While you can definitely try out these home remedies, sometimes you might need a more intensive treatment for dull skin. Possible in-office treatments include:
- Chemical peel
- Dermabrasion
- Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy
- Laser resurfacing
- Microdermabrasion
- Non-ablative skin rejuvenation
Some of these treatments use chemicals or harsh exfoliation, which can harm the skin. PicoSure laser treatment is a more gentle option that still delivers high-quality skin revitalization results.
How does PicoSure help revitalize aging skin?
PicoSure treatments use cutting-edge laser technology to target particles that make up specific skin blemishes, like age spots. PicoSure treatments also use PressureWave™ technology to concurrently stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins that promote cell growth and elasticity. So, when you undergo PicoSure treatment, you’re not only removing blemishes from your skin but also promoting overall skin health.
How is PicoSure different from other skin revitalization procedures?
Unlike other skin revitalization procedures, PicoSure doesn’t use any needles or heat to target the affected area. This reduces possible scarring from burning, as well as eliminates other risks of painful, invasive procedures.
Are you ready to boost your self-confidence with younger-looking, revitalized skin? Contact Altoona Laser today for your first consultation.
Wrinkle Treatments
What causes wrinkles?
Wrinkles are the result of your skin changing as you age. As collagen and elastin — both important for youthful and supple skin — diminish with age, the skin is not supported as well. This results in sagging skin, which causes wrinkles and fine lines to appear.
Wrinkles and fine lines usually appear first around the eyes and mouth, and on the neck and hands. Things that contribute to early or a more dramatic appearance of wrinkles and fine lines are genetics, smoking, stress, poor nutrition, and sun exposure.
What can be done to reduce the appearance of wrinkles?
The best way to prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You can reduce many of your risk factors by:
- Avoiding direct exposure to the sun
- Avoiding excessive use of alcohol
- Not smoking
- Eating a healthy diet
- Using skin products with sunscreen
- Using moisturizer daily
However, no matter how well you take care of your skin, wrinkles and fine lines are a natural part of aging. The good news is that with the PicoSure laser you can reduce your fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a more youthful appearance.
How can the PicoSure laser help the appearance of wrinkles?
The PicoSure laser is a breakthrough treatment method for improving the quality of your skin, without the risks, pain, or downtime of many other wrinkle treatments. This method uses highly focused energy waves to disrupt the tissues around the problematic fine lines and wrinkles.
As part of the body’s natural healing process, the disrupted tissues stimulate new growth of collagen and elastin. This improves the quality of the skin by treating the underlying cause of developing fine lines and wrinkles.
PicoSure treatments last around 10-15 minutes and require no downtime. It’s normal to have some redness, which gets better over the course of 1-3 hours after treatment. You are able to return to work and full activities immediately. Multiple treatments spaced out every 6-8 weeks may be needed to achieve your ideal goals.
Facials
What is a facial?
Many people rely on expensive skin creams and at-home treatments to fade skin blemishes and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but more severe cases benefit from professional help. While spas and dermatologists offer endless amounts of types of facials that offer varying results, Altoona Laser’s PicoSure® facial treatment delivers proven skin revitalization results with minimal side effects.
Which types of skin blemishes do facials treat?
Skin blemishes can impede self-confidence in your appearance, especially blemishes on your face that can’t be concealed. However, skin blemishes are common and often caused by:
- Genetics
- Sun exposure
- Improper skin hygiene
- Medications
- Diet
- Viruses or infections
Different skin blemishes can be identified by texture, color, and location on the body. Some skin blemishes look like a growth, with a raised texture, and others are flat but discolored. The powerful PicoSure facial treatment can combat common skin blemishes, including:
- Scars from acne, pimples, or warts
- Birthmarks
- Hyperpigmentation
Blemishes like acne or pimples might arise in adolescents but turn into scars later in life. These skin imperfections can lead to embarrassment and reduced self-confidence. However, PicoSure is able to remove blemishes so effectively that it’s difficult to tell where you once had visible scarring.
How can PicoSure treat skin blemishes?
PicoSure is a two-for-one treatment that buffs away unwanted blemishes and stimulates the production of new skin cells. The PicoSure laser first targets the outer layer of your skin, reducing the appearance of blemishes. Then, using PressureWave® technology, it stimulates your skin to produce elastin and collagen, two proteins in the skin that promote elasticity for healthy skin. PicoSure can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Each treatment only takes about 10-15 minutes. Depending on your skin condition, your PicoSure provider develops a personalized plan for your treatment. Typically, 2-5 treatments are recommended to revitalize your skin with a fresh and healthy younger glow.
PicoSure is a popular treatment because there is minimal recovery time. You may experience a little redness and swelling in the first few hours after a procedure, but otherwise, you start experiencing the benefits of younger-looking skin immediately.
Acne Scar Treatment
What is acne?
Acne is a very common skin condition that occurs when the pores of the skin get clogged with oil and dead skin, creating a localized infection. Signs of acne are red, swollen, and tender bumps on the surface of the skin. Whiteheads, blackheads, and more severe pus-filled abscesses can also be present.
Teens and women are commonly affected because hormones play a key role in the underlying causes of acne; however, anyone of any age can have acne. Acne most commonly appears on the:
- Face
- Neck
- Back
- Forehead
- Shoulders
There may be many contributing factors to the appearance of acne, including diet, medications, and stress. Specialists believe the main underlying causes of acne are:
- Excess oil production
- Clogged hair follicles
- Bacteria
- Hormones
While acne can be difficult to control, it can be treated. Despite this, an estimated 20 million Americans are affected by lasting acne scars.
What causes acne scars?
When acne is severe, it can affect multiple layers of the skin. Permanent scars can form when deep layers of tissue are damaged. These can be due to too much or not enough collagen being produced during the healing process.
Scarring can be embarrassing, especially as you age, but diminishing the appearance of acne scars is possible at Altoona Laser with PicoSure laser treatments.
How can PicoSure help improve acne scars?
Altoona Laser is proud to offer PicoSure, the only FDA-approved laser treatment for removal of acne scars. This revolutionary method uses high-energy waves and a unique pressure delivery system to break apart the scar tissue.
Acne scar tissue is diminished to tiny particles, which are then absorbed by the body. This decreases the appearance of acne scars, using the body’s natural healing ability.
As part of your initial consultation, you and your PicoSure technician determine the number of treatment sessions that are needed to get the best results possible. Treatments last around 10 minutes and can be repeated every 6-8 weeks. Several treatments are most likely needed, depending on the location and severity of your acne scarring.
PicoSure
What is PicoSure?
PicoSure is an innovative laser treatment that targets skin blemishes and tattoos to improve skin appearance and health.
The PicoSure laser targets the affected area with energy to disrupt the particles of pigment or blemish, and uses its special PressureWave™ technology to energize collagen and elastin production for younger-looking skin. Think of it like a two-for-one treatment: removal of unwanted blemishes and a boosted anti-aging kick for healthy skin.
What types of conditions does PicoSure treat?
PicoSure has been shown to erase stubborn tattoos and skin blemishes that other treatments can’t fully remove. PicoSure targets all tattoo colors, including black, blue, and green. PicoSure is also a great option for the following treatments.
- Benign pigmented lesion removal
- Wrinkle reduction
- Acne scar reduction
- Skin revitalization
Like the treatment for tattoo removal, PicoSure targets skin blemishes with powerful lasers that both address the concern and revitalize the skin. Since PicoSure doesn’t use heat, your skin won’t experience any damage due to burning.
What can I expect from my first treatment?
You don’t need to do any special preparation for your first PicoSure laser treatment. Depending on your skin blemish or tattoo, your PicoSure provider develops an individualized plan for the most effective treatment. Once you’ve discussed your skin goals, you’ll undergo the first treatment, which typically only takes 10-15 minutes. Then, you’ll most likely come back for 2-5 treatments spaced 6-8 weeks apart for maximum results.
Is PicoSure painful?
PicoSure is a low-pain procedure that doesn’t include any needles. During the procedure, you may feel some pressure or slight discomfort. If you have especially sensitive skin, you can always ask for numbing medication.
What is the recovery time for PicoSure?
After your treatments, you’ll experience some redness or swelling that fades after a few hours. So, after your appointment, you can go on with your day and show off your revitalized skin. Scarring is very uncommon with PicoSure treatment.
Tattoo removal, as well as hyperpigmentation and scar removal, has long-lasting results. However, if you want to undergo skin revitalization or target another problem spot, you can always book a touch-up appointment.
Picosure Gallery
Please look below for examples of what our Picosure laser can do for you! We offer Expert Tattoo Removal, Skin Revitalization, Wrinkle Treatments, Facials, Acne Scar Treatment, and Birthmark Removal. For a consultation or to schedule an appointment, call or text (814) 515-9092 today.
