Shedding light on laser

The Palomar Platform 101

At SAI we are exceptionally proud to offer the most comprehensive treatment range in South Africa. We offer patients multiple platforms to treat any anti ageing concern, to suit all skin types. More and more however we are noticing patients that do not fully comprehend the Gold Standard treatment options we have available or even that some individuals are unaware that treatments are available for their specific skin concern.

That ends now. The team at SAI have decided that the world must know all the results that some of these technologies can achieve. To begin, Dr Clark and Dr Marks have chosen the least understood platform: The Laser. This month we discuss our Palomar Laser and the attaching handpieces available at the SAI Sandton Branch, and we will next month delve into the Cutera Platform available at the SAI Waterkloof practice.

Palomar Laser

Palomar is a leading laser manufacturer in the aesthetic world. They are powerful, adjustable and are proven safe. This is a given for them to even be considered for use at SAI. Each singular handpiece harnesses the laser in unique and different ways to capitalise on the specific technology for diverse but focused applications.

Palomar also developed the next generation of IPL called OPL (Optimised Pulsed Light).

Here is an overview of OPL technology and the three most popular handpieces in circulation at SAI below:

OPL (Optimized Pulsed Light)

When we talk about OPL, think about the technology as the next step or next generation to Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). The advancement of OPL means that Dr Clark and Dr Marks of SAI can now optimize light to a dual-band spectrum with two peaks:

1. 500-670 nm
2. 870-1,200 nm

By better controlling peak power using the dual-band spectrum, patients now benefit from more accurate, less painful and more easily controlled treatments and results. The different handpieces discussed below further add to the accuracy and specific treatment protocols.

OPL by Palomar also offers uniform heating using Dynamic Spectrum Shifting combined with Dual Band Filter technology. This means there will be no difference in heat or discomfort irrespective of the laser spot size or penetration depth. Your leg vein treatments will now no longer cause any more discomfort than a hair removal treatment.

In summary, the reason Dr Clark and Dr Marks at SAI opted to upgrade fro IPL to OPL is simple:

• More energy and more energy choice across all laser pulse durations
• Greater peak power for accurate treatment without surrounding tissue damage
• Higher fluences to address mid-to-large-sized resistant vessels irrespective of depth

What more could you ask for. If you are considering a laser treatment, be sure to ask if the technology includes OPL. Now lets move to the handpieces.

Max G (Optimized Pulsed Light)

Max G utilises OPL technology. This handpiece is specifically designed to deliver the very accurate and uniform heating for clearing veins, vessels and pigmentation. This makes it the perfect choice for:

• Sun damage
• Spider veins
• Rosacea

By ensuring the delivery of light that accurately targets absorption peaks of both haemoglobin and melanin the Max G handpiece allows the team at SAI to target both large and small vessels in the face at any skin depth.

Lux R (Optimized Pulsed Light)

Also part of the OPL family the team at SAI use this handpiece to specifically target hair removal. The Lux R is safe on all skin types: dark skin, light skin and even tanned skin.

Finally the Lux R handpiece includes a larger spot size for faster treatment of larger surface areas i.e. back and legs.

The most common hair removal treatment areas using the Palomar Lux R at SAI include:

• Bikini standard & extended
• G-String
• Legs
• Underarm
• Arms

Many male clients also make use of the Lux R OPL Hair Removal for their back, chest and legs.

1540 Non-Ablative

A single spectrum laser approach, this Palomar handpiece is used when very specific treatment results are required or when deeper penetration is needed to achieve the desired result.

This handpiece offers high peak power, state-of-the-art cooling for ultimate patient comfort, and the Skintel Melanin Reader to determine your melanin density for treatment accuracy.

At SAI the team turn to the 1540 Non-Ablative for:

• Facial vessels
• Pigmentation worries
• Scar treatment (acne & surgical)
• Stretch mark treatment
• Wrinkle reduction
• Varicose veins in the legs
• Facial skin tightening

The best technology creates opportunities to fulfil our patients anti ageing desires with little fuss, minimal discomfort and in quick time. Palomar and their OPL technology, plus specific handpieces make that all possible like no other platform available on the market today.

For more information on any of the potential treatments available using the Palomar Laser platform call SAI Sandton on 011 883 3116 or SAI Waterkloof today on 012 460 7047 and book your consultation.

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