Light-Based Aesthetic Treatments Gain in Versatility and Popularity

If you live with unwanted hair, sun damage, facial veins, leg veins, or acne, you may be surprised to find out that these conditions can all be treated with the same light-based technology.

“Most people are familiar with laser hair removal or some other form of light-based hair reduction,” says Brent Bellotte MD and Ranya Habash MD with their office in Boca Raton, FL. “But few know how versatile light-based treatments have become. We’ve gotten to the point where one system can treat unwanted hair, sunspots, spider veins, acne, leg veins, rosacea, and more. It’s a tremendous advantage to both doctor and patient to treat all of these conditions without having to use multiple devices or refer the patient to another practitioner.

“We use the Palomar StarLux™ Pulsed Light and Laser System myself,” explains Brent Bellotte MD and Ranya Habash MD. “Though they are very similar to lasers, pulsed light systems use a much larger lens than lasers. This spreads more light over a larger area of skin and allows faster coverage of the skin and quicker treatments as a result.”

During treatments, filtered light is directed onto the skin and absorbed by the melanin in hair or pigmented lesions and the blood in visible vessels. The light heats the pigment and disables the hair follicles and the cells that produce the pigment. In the case of vessels, the light is absorbed by the hemoglobin within the veins, causing them to shrink and fade from view.

“The StarLux cools the skin as it treats, allowing for safe and effective treatments,” says Brent Bellotte MD and Ranya Habash MD. “Most patients describe the light pulses as a ‘snapping’ sensation, which causes mild discomfort at most. After the treatment, there may be some redness for a few days, but that quickly fades and the patient can enjoy the effects of smoother, clearer skin, with improved tone and texture.”

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. West Boca Eye Center. Brent Bellotte MD. Ranya Habash MD.