This FAQ is to help provide information about the services that Christina Clinic offers. If there is any further information we can provide or to schedule a consultation please contact us.

Laser Hair Removal

Q- What is lasertrolysis?

A- Lasertrolysis is a method of removing unwanted hair, utilizing laser energy targeted to the hair follicle to cause thermal damage and prevent further hairs from growing. It was invented by a team of laser dermatologists at the Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital.

Q- How does the LightSheer diode system work?

A- The near-infrared laser light emitted by the system is preferentially absorbed by the pigment located in the hair follicle. The laser is pulsed, or turned on, for only a fraction of a second. The duration of each pulse is just long enough to damage the follicle, while the system's unique, patented contact-cooling handpiece cools the skin during the laser energy delivery.

Q- Is the hair removal permanent?

A- Theoretically, damage to the hair follicle can remove unwanted hair permanently, but because of the nature of hair and the many factors that influence the growth of hair, the results are variable. The effect of repeated treatments is cumulative. In fact, most people experience long-term hair removal.

Q- Is it safe?

A- As with any medical treatment, use of the LightSheer Diode System can have some side effects. However, side effects have been minor and manageable in clinical use. The precise laser parameters used for the LightSheer Diode System were carefully defined by studying the anatomy of the hair follicle and precisely matching the color of laser light and the pulse duration to the size, depth, and location of the hair follicle. This research has resulted in a safe technique that effectively eliminates the risk of scarring and substantially reduces most other complications following treatment.

Q- Is it painful?

A- No treatment to remove unwanted hair is completely painless. The LightSheer Diode System is fast which reduces treatment time. It provides long-lasting hair removal, reducing the need for repeated treatment. The cooling lens helps reduce discomfort while protecting the skin surface from thermal injury during delivery of the laser light. If large or sensitive areas with unwanted hair are to be treated, a topical anesthetic cream may be applied to the site to further reduce discomfort.

Q- What will the treated are look like after the procedure?

A- Immediately after treatment, the site will be somewhat swollen, appear slightly red in color, and will feel like a mild sunburn. This reaction subsides over a few hours, and then the treated sites usually return to their normal appearance. The amount of discomfort after this procedure is usually minimal and does not limit most normal physical activities. Since light is used to remove the hair, there is no bleeding and no open wound is created. For this reason, there is no need to apply a bandage and wound care is generally not required.

Q- How long does the procedure take?

A- Each pulse of laser energy from the LightSheer Diode System will treat a square area of skin of approximately half an inch (12mm). For this reason, the amount of time required depends on the size of the area requiring treatment. For example, the upper lip and bikini line may require only 5-15 minutes of treatment. While a longer period of time will be required to treat the back or legs.

Electrolysis

Q- What is electrolysis?

A- A certified electrologist inserts a tiny probe into the hair follicle along side the hair and a small amount of current is delivered to the probe to destroy the hair root either by heat or chemical reaction. In some methods both are used at the same time.

Q- How long has electrolysis been performed?

A- Electrolysis was first discovered by Dr. Charles Michel, an opthamologist in 1869 because he wanted a safe, effective way to permanently remove ingrown eyelashes. He published his first scientific paper in 1875. From that day until the present, the same basic technique has been used, only greatly improved and modernized.

Q- What can I expect during the initial consultation?

A- You will be offered a complimentary, no obligation evaluation and sample of the actual electrolysis process. We will fully explain the process and evaluate your needs to determine the best electrolysis plan for you.

Q- Who can benefit from electrolysis?

A- Both men and women can benefit from electrolysis at some time in their life. Many people find that ridding themselves of unwanted hair can give a boost to their self esteem.

Q- How long does electrolysis take to achieve permanency?

A- Electrolysis is not an overnight miracle process. It requires time and patience to overcome a problem that did not develop miraculously overnight. The overall results of hair-free skin are well worth the time spent.

Q- What are the causes of hair growth?

A- One of the oldest known facts about unwanted hair growth is that it appears during normal systematic changes in a women's life: puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Specifically during these times, the quantity of androgens in the female body increase and higher levels of androgens increase hair growth.

Q- What do I do before and after treatment?

A- Before treatment, hairs should be about 1/8 of an inch long. Once you have started treatment, do not wax or tweeze hairs. Cutting hairs is the best way to treat hairs during the process. After treatment care is vital to ensure healing. Do not scratch or pick the area, use soap on the area, go outside or use a tanning booth for 24 hours after treatment. Cortaid or an antibiotic lotion are excellent products to use 24 hours after treatment. If you need to cover redness immediately, we have a colored lotion available in our office.

Superficial Chemical Peel

Q- What is a Glycolic Peel?

A- A glycolic acid peel treatment is a specific technique for skin renewal. This procedure removes the damaged layer of surface skin cells revealing fresh skin, and stimulating cell rebuilding and restructuring of deeper skin layers.

Q- What is Glycolic Acid?

A- Glycolic Acid is one of the alpha-hydroxyacids (AHAs), a group of naturally occurring substances often referred to as "fruit acids" because they are found naturally in various fruits and other foods. Glycolic acid is found in sugar cane juice. Leading dermatologists and plastic surgeons world wide have long appreciated the positive results of AHA treatments. Numerous clinical publications have demonstrated their benefits in improving skin appearance and texture. Improvements have been observed in clients with dry skin, oily and acne-prone skin, and with pigmentation concerns including age spots and melasma.

Q- What are the benefits of a Superficial Chemical Peel?

A- This procedure can help your skin appear smoother, healthier, plumper and tighter with more even pigmentation.

Q- What should I know about a Chemical Peel?

A- Professional products must be used for two weeks prior to the initial peel. Products are formulated with alpha-hydroxyacids (AHAs), polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) and bionic acids to enhance therapeutic treatments. These products are beneficial in helping to improve the visible signs of aging, sun damaged skin and acne.

Galvanic Current Treatment Facial System

Q- What does this process do?

A- This process gently forces a water soluble acid pH solution into the skin. The ions of electricity from the positive pole will pass through the product that has been applied and assure a deeper penetration of the product into the skin.

Q- What are the benefits of this process?

A- A Galvanic Current Treatment cleanses the skin by softening the keratin and sebum assisting in removing blackheads and congestion. Your skin will be firmer and more hydrated. The increased circulation creates a healthier more vibrant glow.

Q- How long has this treatment been used?

A- For more than 50 years spa professionals have used gentle galvanic currents to revive stressed and dull skin.

Javani™ Medical Facial

Q- How does Javani™ work?

A- Javani™ infuses natural collagen and antioxidants by using ultrasonic therapy to deeply penetrate the skin. It deeply hydrates the thirsty skin, restoring moisture to healthy levels and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for days.

Q- Is there a skin reaction after the treatment?

A- Many clients have a Javani™ facial before a special event such as a class reunion or wedding because the skin looks healthier, smoother, younger and softer right after the treatment.

Microdermabrasion

Q- What is microdermabrasion?

A- This process is known as the "magic wand" taking the cosmetic industry by storm. Microdermabrasion introduced in 1992, improves the skin structure at both the epidermal and dermal level. The procedure improves the client's looks and gives them a "glow". The skin is pulled up by suction into contact with a diamond dust coated wand and abraded as the instrument is moved over the skin surface. The operator moves the wand over the face, neck, chest or hands.

Q- What are the benefits?

A- This is a treatment that can be done for busy people who don't have a lot of down time for a cosmetic procedure. The goal is improvement and microdermabrasion reduces acne scarring, lessens the appearance of large pores, lightens age spots and softens fine wrinkles. The essence of the technique is like taking a fine sandpaper and running it across the top of a piece of wood to remove small imperfections, making it smooth.

Q- How does the procedure feel?

A- The process is not painful, although some clients experience a slight scratching sensation during the microdermabrasion. They may feel tingling or minor burning and the skin may become pink, but those effects usually last about 30 minutes. Overall, clients are very pleased with their post treatment appearance, find their skin feels softer and note they need to use less makeup. Clients are encouraged to use a mild glycolic acid-based cleanser at home, together with or without a glycolic acid according to their ability to tolerate this type of product.

Q- How many treatments are needed?

A- This depends on the individual's needs. We offer a complimentary consultation and demonstration treatment. When you have five treatments, we offer the sixth treatment complimentary. We include a soy mask with every treatment. Microdermabrasion does not provide permanent results. Clients need to return every three to six months to rejuvenate the particular area they are treating. Overall, it definitely makes the skin smoother, improves mild pigmentation problems, reduces pore size, un-roofs comedones and postules and gives skin a smoother contour.

Eyebrow Shaping

Q- Can you give me some of the basic rules for eyebrow shaping?

A- 1. Place an instrument from the corner of the nose and extend it up to the inner corner of the eye. This where the brow begins.

     2. The highest point of the arch should be to the outside of the pupil.

     3. The end of the eyebrows should extend no lower than the point at the beginning of the brow.

Q- How can I decide whether I should do electrolysis or waxing on my eyebrows?

A- We offer a complimentary consultation and will discuss the specific pros and cons of each method and analyze your particular brow appearance.

Capillary Cauterization

Q- What type of capillaries are best treated with the Bono Blend technique?

A- Tiny vessels on the face, neck and upper chest respond best to our method.

Q- What type of after care is advised?

A- After treatment care is critical for success. Nothing must be done to open the coagulated blood vessel segments. Anything that increases the blood flow or stretches the skin must be avoided for 24 hours. Do not stretch the skin, sunbathe, wash face, take a sauna or apply makeup for 24 hours following treatment.

Q- What are causes of dilated capillaries?

A- Some non-medical causes of dilated capillaries are: sun exposure, cold exposure, trauma to the skin and heredity.