Laser Center of Maryland

Talking Face on Facebook!

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:05:19 +0000

According to a recent survey conducted by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, an increasing number of Americans are seeking advice about facial plastic surgery from sites such as Facebook and Twitter. In 2011, about 42 percent of people surveyed admitted to getting information from social networking sites, representing a sizable increase from the 29 percent which reported doing the same thing in 2010.

Protecting your skin from the hot summer sun!

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:06:55 +0000

The importance of using sunscreen to protect your skin has been well studied. But research is now showing that topical antioxidants may play an equally important role in maintaining healthy skin. Sunscreens block UV rays, but unfortunately they do not block all UV rays. Furthermore, many common sunscreen ingredients which absorb or reflect UV rays are prone to breakdown with prolonged sun exposure. This leaves the skin vulnerable and in need of something more. Enter topical antioxidants. Here is our all-star list of antioxidants.

Resveratrol - found in berries, peanuts, grapes and cocoa resveratrol applied topically prior to UV exposure can inhibit the production of hydrogen peroxide radicals which lead to premature aging and sun damage and skin cancers

Green Tea – derived from the camellia plant, green tea applied to the skin immediately after sun exposure can reverse the consequences of UV induced skin damage

Genistein – prevalent in soybeans, this polyphenol effectively increases the activity of the skins naturally occurring antioxidants.

Coffea Arabica Extract - commonly known as coffeeberry, is derive from the coffea arabica plant. Although the exact mechanism of action is not known, studies have shown that this antioxidant is capable of suppressing numerous free radicals.

Caffeine – In addition to being a potent antioxidant itself, caffeine is believed to be a key element in the antioxidant functions of some of the other antioxidants on this list, including coffea arabica, cocoa seed extract and green tea. Applying caffeine to the skin’s surface may decrease UV-induced skin cancers.

L-ascorbic Acid- the only true bioavailable form of vitamin C that provides all of vitamin C’s topical benefits, topically applied L-ascorbic acid serves as a multi-functional antioxidant.

So, there is a brief list of some of the most important antioxidants for your skin and where they come from. Remember they don’t replace your sunscreen, but when used in combination they can limit aging and damage of the skin. To find out more about what skin care products are right for you call the Laser Center of Maryland at 410-544-4600 for a free consultation!

Celebrity Tattoo Removal

admin — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 20:01:43 +0000

Good, bad or just plain ugly, tattoos have become increasing common over the past decade. The internet is littered with stories about celebrities and their tattoos. But a few recent articles have noted that much of Hollywood may be bucking the tattoo trend. Yahoo recently ran a story about Mark Wahlberg’s tattoo removal, and he’s not the only one in Hollywood looking to get rid of some ink. The list includes Charlie Sheen, Angelina J olie, Billy bob Thornton, Brittney Spears, Tommy Lee, Kathy Griffin and Tony Danza. The most famous removal might be Johnny Depp, who after splitting with Winona Ryder lasered the “na” off his “Winona Forever” tattoo leaving a new slogan, “Wino Forever.” The list also includes rappers 50 Cent and Pharrell, as well as NBA players Tyson Chandler and Jamaal Maglorie.
For a free consultation on your tattoo removal call the Laser Center of Maryland at 410-544-4600 or read more about Tattoo Removal on our website.

Get back in form with Exilis body shaping!

kathy — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:57:35 +0000

(click to enlarge)

FDA approved Exilis body shaping and fat shrinking treatment uses the energy of radio frequency to safely heat skin and target fat cells. This heating action speeds up the cellular metabolism of fat cells causing them to shrink. Better yet, the heat stimulates collagen resulting in improved skin texture and tightening.

You can expect a circumferential reduction of loose skin and fat. After just four treatments you will notice the difference. The results are gradual and they continue to improve over the course of treatment and beyond.

The most frequently treated areas are:
• Love handles
• Abdomen
• Face, jowls, & neckline
• Décolletage
• Bra fat
• Upper arms (bat wings)
• Buttocks, thighs & knees

Exilis treatment does not require downtime, does not cause pain, and no anesthesia is necessary. Treatment usually takes 15-30 minutes depending on the size of the area. You get best results after a series of four treatments.

Are wrinkles gender dependent?

peter — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 12:39:21 +0000

(click to enlarge)

Fraxel Re:pair

According to a study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, women have more wrinkles than men. Researchers from the University Medical Center in Utrecht, The Netherlands, compared wrinkle severity in the upper lip region of male and female cadavers. Females showed a higher number of wrinkles, and deeper wrinkles, than their male counterparts. The study also performed a histologic analysis on the skin of males and females. Men had a higher number of sebaceous (oil) glands, along with more blood vessels. The study suggested that this finding might explain the difference.

Certainly, wrinkle formation entails more than your gender. Avoiding over exposure to the sun and smoking, along with using good skin care products are also important factors. And, if you do happen to see a few wrinkles in the mirror, you can always schedule a free consultation at the Laser Center of Maryland!

Rethinking the Ink!

peter — Mon, 30 May 2011 05:09:00 +0000

So you didn’t believe your mother when she said getting that barbed wire tattoo around your arm was a bad idea. Now, a few years later you’re wondering how to get rid of it. A recent survey by the American Society of Dermatological surgery suggests you are not alone. Various reports have shown that approximately 35% of Americans aged 18-25, and nearly 40% of Americans aged 26-40 have at least one tattoo. What is interesting is that nearly 50% of people with tattoos have considered having them removed!

People have many reasons for rethinking the ink – for some it’s business related, others claim they’ve just “outgrown” the tattoo, and of course, some are removing their “ex’s” name! Gang members seek laser treatment in order to get rid of all association with other gang members.

With the rise in clients wishing to remove their tattoos, many companies have begun marketing “Do it Yourself” remedies. Unfortunately, these are often acid based, and lead to scarring and disfigurement. Surgical options include excising tattoos, but this is limited to small tattoos, and obviously leaves a substantial scar.

At the Laser Center of Maryland, we use a variety of lasers to safely and effectively remove your tattoo. Our lasers break the tattoo ink into microscopic fragments, which are then removed through your lymphatic system. Laser tattoo removal is a gradual process, typically consisting of 6-8 treatments. We have the right laser for every skin type.

We keep you comfortable during the procedure by prescribing a numbing cream for you to apply prior to treatment. You can also request local injections. It is our goal to make this a pleasant and comfortable treatment.

Fraxel Re:pair™ Vs. Previous forms of laser facial rejuvenation

kimberly — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 18:10:14 +0000

(click to enlarge)

Fraxel Re:pair

The Fraxel Re:pair™ laser offers the very newest and best in laser technology for skin rejuvenation on the face, neck, chest, hands and other parts of the body. This laser wipes out wrinkles, fine lines, broken blood vessels, sun-damaged and discolored skin and dramatically tightens skin in just one treatment!

Earlier methods of rejuvenation required more down time for healing. For example, resurfacing with the Super Pulsed Carbon Dioxide Laser usually has a three week down time. Treatment with the Fraxel Re:pair™ typically has a down time of about five to six days. Patients frequently get treated on a Thursday and then return to work after a long weekend. Some redness may persist for up to a week after return to work. Medical grade cosmetics are available to help cover this.

Fraxel Re:pair™ treatment is also superior to treatment performed with the earlier Fraxel Restore laser in that it so beautifully tightens crepey thin skin. Sun damage and the aging process causes collagen to thin and this causes sagging skin. Treatment with the Fraxel Re:pair™ causes collagen to remodel and thicken. You will notice a dramatic improvement in skin suppleness in the first week after treatment, and tightening continues for up to three months after treatment.

The Fraxel Re:pair™ gives you an exciting new way to reverse the damages caused by time, sun damage and gravity. It may very well challenge the decision of whether to try the riskier procedures offered by plastic surgery. Certainly, the complications are fewer and the post treatment healing time is a lot faster. Baby Boomers will love this treatment and what it can do for their overall cosmetic appearance.

Please post any questions and commentary that you may have. We value your input and would like to hear from any of you who have already received treatment with the Fraxel Re:pair™.