why I choose a medical spa over a non medical spa for tattoo removal

Where should I go to get laser tattoo removal?

That’s an easy answer. A highly skilled and trained medical spa or doctors office. Most laser technicians who are trained in the art of laser tattoo removal received specialized training for wound care, medication management, patient comfort control and more. Going to a tattoo parlor, or other non-medical establishment can be dangerous.

Why should I avoid pop-up or new laser tattoo removal businesses?

Experience and training cannot be replicated by visiting a laser certification school. Most programs offer hands-on experience, however. They don’t teach the more critical aspects of lasing…wound care and contraindications. There are too many risk factors to cover to explain why a medical background trumps any 2 day training course to become certified for operating a laser.

I was told that my “certified laser specialist” was just as qualified to perform laser tattoo removal as a doctor, is this true?

No. Would you undergo surgery at the hands of someone who only had 2 days of training to remove an appendix? There isn’t a comparison. The skill and knowledge of a seasoned laser trained medical professional or esthetician is second to none. The schooling required for advanced skin care is no less than 6 months of theoretical and clinical training.

I’ve seen a few new shops open in my area, what kind of questions should I ask them prior to booking an appointment?

The first question we would ask is, are you a medical professional or esthetician? If not, how many successful tattoos have you removed? How long was your training and who is your medical director? Do you have experience treating patients with extensive medical history records?

Chances are the new shop isn’t qualified enough to answer your questions or perform laser tattoo removal or other.

I received a super low quote to remove my tattoo, is this legit?

Cost is important for a lot of people, however. Would you select a surgeon to operate on your loved one, or yourself based on how much money they would save you, or would you choose the surgeon who has performed thousands upon thousands of successful procedures prior to your visit?

Who do you go to for your medical grade laser procedures or other medical procedure?

Like most of you, we’re consumers as well. We always choose the most qualified practitioner to perform any medical grade laser procedure. Laser tattoo removal is a medical procedure. Choose your clinic wisely. Too many times we have treated clients for mistakes because they wanted to save a few hundred dollars. It’s not worth the money and it’s not worth the risk to your health. As always, please contact your physician for any medical advice or questions.

MAINE LASER CLINIC

Medical Director Dr Amato Polselli

Disclaimer: The before and after photos on this page are actual clients. Please note that results do vary and it’s always best to consult your physician with any and all concerns.  CONSULTATIONS ARE ALWAYS FREE!

 

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Disclaimer: The before and after photos on this page are actual clients. Please note that results do vary and it’s always best to consult your physician with any and all concerns.  CONSULTATIONS ARE ALWAYS FREE!

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Medical Microneedling with Medical Roll-CIT

Microneedling - Principles

Medical microneedling causes microscopic breaks in the blood vessels immediately below the surface layer of the skin (epidermis). This action releases blood platelets that are responsible for blood clotting. The blood platelets release a series of growth factors that promote the production of collagen, elastin, growth factors and other substances. In turn, collagen and elastin help to tighten and smooth the skin. We therefore need to boost this chain of events in order to promote as much elastin and collagen production as possible. This all occurs at a microscopic level.

What are the benefits of Medical Microneedling?

Benefits

Just as effective as more invasive procedures like fraxel treatments.

Benefits

Uses the body’s natural processes to boost collagen and great for anyone who prefers a natural skin care treatment.

Benefits

Improves pigmentation marks.

Benefits

Shrinks pores.

Benefits

Increases the absorption of skin care products.

Benefits

The Dermatology Review reported that micro needling is “proven to increase product  absorption up to 1000 times.”

Benefits

Treats acne scarring–The appearance of scars is diminished by the production of collagen fibers from medical needling. In a study completed with patients participating in a series of medical rolling sessions, over 90% of patients saw reduction in deep and recessed facial scars.

Benefits

Tightens and thickens skin.

Benefits

Rejuvenates skin and helps the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Benefits

Softens the wrinkles around the eye and reduces the appearance of dark circles.  Dark circles are challenging to treat since they are mostly based on genetics.  However, studies have demonstrated that microneedling plumps the delicate skin around the eyes​ and reduces the appearance of dark circles caused by thin skin.

What is the role of Vitamins A and C?

Collagen production can be boosted by preparing the skin with Vitamin A prior to the micro-needling treatment. An enhanced state of collagen and elastin production is then maintained by continuing the skin care regime through the six sessions. While vitamin A activates the factories for collagen and elastin, normal collagen cannot be produced without vitamin C. Vitamin C applied topically is therefore an essential cofactor to be applied with the vitamin A.

How do I prepare for microneedling?

The skin should be prepared thoroughly prior to medical microneedling treatment. The application of an Environ® Vitamin A gel and cream is highly recommended for a minimum of three weeks prior to microneedling treatment. Longer periods of preparation are associated with faster healing and better results.

What happens during a medical microneedling procedure?

Immediately prior to treatment, our trained providers will remove all makeup and cosmetic creams and double cleanse your skin to remove all oils on the skin’s surface, allowing the anesthetic cream to penetrate effectively.

A topical anesthetic cream is then applied to the skin. The area is usually covered with cling film to ensure effective skin anesthesia. Anesthesia takes about 30 minutes. Once anesthesia has fully developed over the treatment area, our providers will start the micro-needling process. You may feel the roller working on the skin and be aware of a small sensation but this should not be painful.

Once medical microneedling is complete, the treated skin is sterilized and immediately treated with a high percentage of vitamins A, C and E. A soothing alginate mask is included to help penetrate product as well as reduce inflammation.
After the treatment, you can expect to appear as if you have a mild to moderate sunburn.

What is after care like after medical microneedling?

The normal skin care regime should continue both day and night. The skin should be hydrated with the recommended vitamins and moisturiser. You will be able to return to your daily routine the day after the treatment. About 10 days after the procedure, the skin will become more radiant.

How long do I wait in-between subsequent microneedling sessions?

Medical microneedling can be undertaken at an interval between one week and a maximum of one month. Each repeated treatment adds to the treatment before and these effects will exceed those achieved by Fraxel, Thermage and Titan at a fraction of the cost.

Microneedling

Disclaimer: The before and after photos on this page are actual clients. Please note that results do vary and it’s always best to consult your physician with any and all concerns.  CONSULTATIONS ARE ALWAYS FREE!

Disclaimer: The before and after photos on this page are actual clients. Please note that results do vary and it’s always best to consult your physician with any and all concerns.  CONSULTATIONS ARE ALWAYS FREE!

WATCH THIS VIDEO
FOR MORE INFORMATION

Disclaimer: The before and after photos on this page are actual clients. Please note that results do vary and it’s always best to consult your physician with any and all concerns.  CONSULTATIONS ARE ALWAYS FREE!

Laser Hair Removal Video – Maine’s first Diode Laser

Laser Hair Removal

 

We’ve received several requests to upload a new video of laser hair removal.  For those of you considering laser hair removal as an option to remove unwanted hair, look no further.  Here at Maine Laser Clinic, we use the world’s first fiber coupled Diode Laser Hair Removal device.

Why use a Diode Laser Hair Removal Machine for laser hair removal?

Diode devices are more stable mediums for safe operation and continuous output power.  This mechanism ensures a constant source of energy emitting the right wattage per pulse, ensuring a safe and high powered procedure that yields the most effect results for permanent hair reduction.

I heard IPL’s are better for hair removal?

Intense Pulse Light, or IPL devices are non-collomated light sources are in fact not lasers at all.  With IPL’s, there is substantial loss of selective targeting for permanent hair reduction.

Why is selective targeting important with Laser hair reduction?

Selective targeting is the secret sauce behind the absorption coefficient.  Meaning, the more energy that is absorbed by a particular chromophore, like hair pigment.  When undergoing Laser Hair Reduction, the overall effectiveness of the procedure is tied to the amount of energy being delivered AND absorbed by the melanin in the hair shaft.

Hair shaft?  What does that have to do with Laser Hair Removal?

The hair shaft, or follicle contains the hair stems cells.  Those stem cells are responsible for regrowth of hair during the hair growth cycle.  When they are selectively targeted by a laser, the outcome is damage to the stems cells and a lot less hair!

Who offers the best options for laser hair removal in Maine?

Here at Maine Laser Clinic, we are trained in the various forms of hair removal and reduction.  Collectively, our practitioners have 25 plus years of medical and health care experience.  Additionally, we all undergo ongoing safety and laser education training through organizations such as the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery as well as attend industry events like the annual American Academy for Dermatology exhibition.

There is no one in the state of Maine more educated and dedicated to art of laser aesthetics than our staff.  Call today and find out how we can help you achieve your esthetic goals.

207-200-6530

Check out this Tattoo Removal Video

Check out this Tattoo Removal Video


Check out this awesome laser tattoo removal video.  It’s always awesome to have a homemade tattoo to remove in just one session.  People ask, “why do homemade tattoo’s come up so fast?”  It’s simple, homemade tattoo’s usually aren’t deep as “professional” tattoos.  The machines used to deposit tattoo ink penetrate the dermis at rapid speeds – depositing tattoo ink that lasts many years.

Homemade tattoos are usually done with a tiny pin and old India Ink.  The superficial ink isn’t deep enough to hide from the energy most tattoo machine deliver in such a short time, consequently making them much easier to break up and remove.  Call our office if you have a tattoo you’re considering removing.  We always offer complimentary consultations.

Before and After Photos

Before and After Photos

We’re always amazed at how well customers recovery after a treatment.  Check out these cool before and after photos of patients who had tattoo removal, Botox, Juvederm, Microneedling, Nail Fungus Treatment, Hair Removal and more.

 

PicoSure™ Laser Comes to Maine Laser Clinic

PicoSure™ Laser Comes to Maine Laser Clinic

PicoSure™ Laser Comes to Maine Laser Clinic

Maine Laser Clinic is proud to announce the first ever PicoSure™ laser system in the great state of Maine.  What does this new addition mean for our community?  Well, picosecond laser tattoo removal is the newest and best option for removing unwanted tattoos – often called, “tattoo regret.”

Maine Laser Clinic recently partnered with CynoSure to bring the first PicoSure™ laser to Maine.  With this addition, our clinic will now have advanced options for tattoo removal, skin rejuvenation, scar revision, and brown spot removal.  These are truly exciting times for our clinic.  Additionally, our partnership with allow us to grow in areas of charitable contributions, that were unsustainable before now.

How does the PicoSure™ laser work?  Cynosure has developed a system that works to use photomechanical destruction of ink particles, decreasing the amount of treatment times, as well as protecting other chromophores in the skin.  There’s a lot of technology behind this system, so please call us to learn more about this wonderful addition and to learn now Maine Laser Clinic can help you achieve your cosmetic goals.

How Do I remove Unwanted Hair?

How Do I remove Unwanted Hair?

How do you remove unwanted hair?

Before answering that question it’s important to note the different methods used to remove unwanted hair. It’s also important to note there’s only one true way to “remove” unwanted hair. Electrolysis is the only proven method to permanently remove unwanted hair. However, there are many factors that hinder the efficacy of electrolysis such as, hormonal change, childbirth and genetics. In addition, it’s important to make the distinction between, permanent hair removal, and permanent hair reduction. Most methods offered today through various marketing channels promote permanent hair reduction. Those methods include: Laser hair removal, Intense pulsed light, and Diode epilation.

Before we go any further, we have to provide you with more background into the field of hair removal. When lasers were initially introduced for dermatology and aesthetic applications in the 90’s it was one device for each application. Unfortunately, most of those devices had serious limitations. For example, the GentleLase Alexandrite laser was a good technology for hair removal on white skin and some pigmented lesions, but really nothing else as it is very dangerous on dark and tan skin. The V-Beam laser was also introduced in 90s and is a good classic technology for red facial vessels but produces in many cases severe swelling and can lead to purpura.

The Medlite C6 and Medlite II (introduced approximately in the 2002 -2005 range) are diode lasers for hair removal that work well on white skin but are very painful. The Cutera Cool Glide (released in 2003) is the classic long pulsed Nd:YAG for hair removal (painful), vascular applications and photorejuvenation treatments. As new technology was developed, practitioners were buying different devices one-by-one to round out their service offerings and some have ended up owning multiple laser/IPL/RF devices.

Maine Laser Clinic uses the LightPod Neo which is the best technology on the market for pain-free high efficacy hair removal, that also allows the treatment of dark and tan skin including PFB, facial vessels and rosacea. The technology also provides a pain-free experience for photorejuvenation with skin tightening, and the treatment of nail fungus and tattoo removal. In fact the technology employed by Maine Laser Clinic also works really well treating most non-ablative applications or at least as good as any other competing technology on the market.

Laser hair removal is a complicated market, but in short form choosing a method that is virtually painless, cost efficient and produces results should factor in your decision when shopping for a reputable hair removal provider. Maine Laser Clinic lasers are the only high powered, air cooled, fully portable devices that don’t hurt the patient during treatment on the market. Every other device that is similarly powerful (an important distinction) is large, water cooled, painful, expensive and can’t be moved.

Doing your research is definitely important but you need to make sure you are speaking with people who are knowledgeable and have a base line to compare to. We recently read on a competitors website that someone in the Southern Maine area uses the E-Matrix for hair removal, which is surprising as E-Matrix it is not a laser but a Radio Frequency Device for skin improvement so there is a mismatch on the science between technology and application and the manufacturer does not list hair removal as an application on the product page making it even more skeptical. We are not saying it’s impossible, but highly suspect.

The best way to learn and differentiate the lasers is to speak to practitioners that are successful and have used a variety of technologies (which we will happily connect you to), see the device your self in person and have someone with some kind of technical insight to provide guidance (a friend, a colleague, or an advisor).

We hope you found this information useful in your quest to rid yourself of unwanted hair. We are always willing and able to speak at length about hair removal and look forward to your inquiries.

MAINLASERCLINIC

How does laser tattoo removal work?

How does laser tattoo removal work?

Do you have a tattoo you’d like removed, but don’t know where to start? Rest assured you’re not alone. Thousand-and-thousands of people like yourself are regretting their tattoos. What are you options for removal? Luckily, doctors and scientists have spent years researching the best method to effectively remove unwanted tattoos. In this video you’ll see the laser tattoo removal process, as well as learn why tattoos are so hard to remove.  Lasers have been used in the tattoo removal process since the early 1960’s.  Laser technology has enabled practitioners and customers a variety of options to remove tattoos.

What is in tattoo ink?

Believe it or not there are many heavy metals used to develop tattoo ink.  For instance, mercury is used to make the color red, lead is used for yellow, green and white.  Nickel is used for black, and cadmium is used in red, orange, and yellow.  Zinc and chromium are used for yellow, white and green.  Cobalt for blue, aluminum for green and violet, titanium for white – copper for blue, and green.  Additionally, iron is used for brown, red and black.  As you can see, there are many toxic ingredients involved in making tattoo ink.

Are there any risks associated with laser tattoo removal?

As in any medical procedure there are always risks to consider.  As we mentioned before, the heavy metals used in tattoo ink make it a contradiction for treatment to pregnant or breast feeding mothers.  The laser that’s used effects various chromophores in the skin – bulk heating can occur resulting in scarring, pigmentation changes and possible infections.

We’re not trying to scare anyone, but it’s best to be informed beforehand.  Enjoy the video and make sure to call our office with any questions or to setup a free consultation!

Myths about Rosacea

Myths about Rosacea

Rosacea is often misunderstood. The following information will hopefully dispel common rosacea myths.

Myth – Rosacea is a form of acne

Although rosacea may have an acne-like appearance, acne is acne, rosacea is rosacea. Acne products will not treat rosacea. In fact, applying acne products may further irritate the skin.

Myth – Avoiding all triggers will vanish rosacea

An individual with rosacea may still experience a flare-up even in the absence of triggers. Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition – although avoiding triggers will not prevent rosacea, it may help reduce the amount of flare-ups.

Myth – Rosacea is a disease of alcoholics

Although alcohol is a known trigger for flare-ups, it is not the cause of rosacea.

Myth – Rosacea is a result of poor hygiene

Rosacea is not caused by the lack of a good skin care and there is no evidence supporting a correlation to rosacea to personal hygiene.

GOOD SKIN CARE TIPS FOR ROSACEA

A skin care routine that incorporates healthy choices is integral in managing rosacea symptoms. Use fragrance-free products that are non-drying and free of alcohol or astringents. Whenever possible you should avoid rubbing or scrubbing your skin – it’s much better to blot your skin dry. Moisturize your skin (especially in winter months) and make a habit of applying facial sunscreen (SPF 30+) daily.

AVOID…

Harsh soaps and rough washcloths, sponges or brushes. Avoid direct UV exposure on the face. Waterproof cosmetics and heavy foundation.

Be aware of triggers…

Try to avoid or minimize triggers that cause flare-ups:

  • Cosmetic products with fragrance, alcohols, abrasives
  • Stress or emotional upset
  • Environmental exposures – strong winds, direct sunlight
  • Spicy and acidic foods
  • Thermally hot foods
  • Caffeine – coffee, tea, soda
  • Alcohol – beer, red wines, gin, bourbon, vodka, etc

You do not have to feel embarrassed…

Many people who suffer from rosacea feel self-conscious or embarrassed about their physical symptoms. With laser treatments, we can help manage most cases in a safe and gentle manner.  Triggers vary from person-to-person. Feel free to contact us to receive a Trigger Tracker to identify possible triggers that may aggravate your skin.

Are you being too vain?

Are you being too vain?

Due to our age spot removal promotion, we have been frequently asked, “Am I being too vain for wanting this age spot removed?”  Our position is not to question motives regarding any aesthetic procedure. Whether clients are removing unwanted hair or have tattoo regret – we strive to achieve a level of comfort that’s above their expectations.

The question of whether vanity is a positive or negative perception is intriguing.  For millennia, humans have strived to alter their appearance and defy the aging process.  Mesopotamians and ancient Egyptians were enamored with aesthetic appearance.  Access to beautification was limited to those with power or influence.

In today’s culture, aesthetic applications are available to anyone.  Cosmetic companies like L’Oreal and Maybelline manufacture lines that appeal to many socioeconomic demographics.  However, the question still persists, what about taking it a step further than cosmetic applications and choosing a more permanent modality like laser hair removal, or pigmented spot removal?  Is it too vain?

The psychology of “self” and our perception of how others see “us” goes beyond the notion of vanity.  Recently Congress passed a provision that requires most health insurance providers to cover psychological disorders and mental conditions.  We’ve finally realized that the mind is as important – if not more – than any physical ailment or condition.

The emotional construct of self-awareness and perception are an important component of psychological connectedness.  Meaning, the idea of vanity is only a concept of societal framing associated with stereotyping and should not influence an individual’s perception of self-worth.

As we strive to understand the full complexity of the human brain, we are left with unanswered questions and only time will tell just how connected our emotional self truly is.  In short, if you seek aesthetic changes your reasoning for doing so is as good as any excuse, regardless of the motivation.