FAQ

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• How much does a consultation cost?
  
  Our consultations are free. Just call us at 505.888.3733 (toll-free: 888.900.4033) and we'll schedule you an appointment around your convenience.
  
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• What will I look like after the treatment?
  
  PhotoPneumatic Therapy (PPX)?Minimal redness (like a mild sunburn), generally lasting for only a few minutes. Smoothbeam Laser?Clients can expect ?red spots? on the treated area for 1-2 hours following the treatment. PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT)?Clients can expect to be red for a few days (like a moderate sunburn), often followed by peeling for 3-7days.
  
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• Do you have financing available?
  
  Yes. Low interest financing is available. You may apply in our office, by phone: 800-365-8295, or here on our website (see payment option page for further information)
  
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• Does insurance pay for the treatments?
  
  Generally speaking, no (the treatments are considered ?cosmetic?)
  
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• When will I start seeing results?
  
  Although there is variation from person to person, most clients see results even after their first treatment. Clients generally tell us that they first notice that their acne goes away faster, they have fewer large pimples, and their skin becomes smoother.
  
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• Besides acne/acne scars, what else can the lasers do?
  
  PhotoPneumatic Therapy (PPX) is also FDA approved for permanent hair reduction, ?sun spots?/hyperpigmentation (brown/red spots), and small veins. The Smoothbeam laser is FDA approved for fine lines. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is FDA approved for actinic keratosis (precancerous sun damage) and the treatment of some skin cancers.
  
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• How do the treatments work?
  
  PhotoPneumatic Therapy (PPX)?Vacuum gently unclogs the pores while the light kills the bacteria and suppresses the oil gland Smoothbeam Laser?Damages oil glands and stimulates collagen PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT)?Suppresses oil gland activity and kills bacteria; kills unhealthy/precancerous sun-damaged cells
  
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• Will I experience any discomfort during or after the treatments?
  
  PhotoPneumatic Therapy (PPX)?Virtually painless. The vacuum may cause a pulling or pinching feeling, and you may experience some warmth as the light is flashed. There is generally no discomfort after the treatment. Smoothbeam Laser?Most clients feel a mild-moderate ?sting? during the treatment. An ice pack is used during the treatment to minimize this sting. Topical anesthetic or "laughing gas" is available if desired. There is generally no discomfort after the treatment. PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT)?There is a mild burning sensation (like a sunburn) briefly during the treatment. No topical anesthetic is needed. After the treatment, it feels like a moderate sunburn.
  
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• What causes acne?
  
  Acne is caused by three interrelated factors: 1. Overactivity of the sebaceous (oil) glands. These abnormal oil glands tend to be overly sensitive to hormone production?which causes even more oil?which makes the problem worse. 2. Excessive growth and insufficient shedding of skin cells. This tends to clog the pores and cause blackheads and whiteheads to form. 3. Bacterial growth in these oil-rich clogged pores. The above factors create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. This inflames the skin and creates the redness associated with ?pimples?. Cysts may develop beneath the skin's surface. These cysts can rupture, spread infection into nearby tissue, and cause scarring. Acne is not caused by: ? Foods (although there is some debate about dietary influences) ? Dirt (excessive washing does not help) ? Stress?(although stress may make acne worse) ? Hormones?(although hormones may make acne worse) Acne can become worse from: ? Picking and squeezing ? Stress ? Monthly hormonal changes ? Excessive hormone production (e.g., polycystic ovary syndrome) ? Contraceptives (due to the hormones) and other various medicines
  
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• Is there a money-back guarantee?
  
  No. Medicine is not an exact science. Results can vary, but clients generally see significant clearance of their acne and/or acne scarring.
  
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• Which treatment is better for me?
  
  Every client?s skin is unique. The struggles and desires of clients differ? and their skin response to specific treatments may vary. There is no way to know how well individuals will respond to specific treatments or products. Dr. Chavez uses her experience of what is most effective for the most clients, takes each individual?s skin and struggle into consideration, and formulates a customized treatment plan for each client. Because both treatments are equally priced, clients can also "mix and match" treatments based on their particular needs.
  
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• How do ClearWaves treatments help acne/scars?
  
  ClearWaves treatments attack acne at all three levels? 1. The oil glands?the laser/light treatments targets overactive oil glands, the root cause of acne. 2. The clogged pores?the PPX treatment helps evacuate clogged pores immediately during the treatment. Clear Solutions Skincare and other topical products can help shed dead skin cells to prevent clogged pores. 3. Bacterial growth?the laser/light treatments kill bacteria during the treatments. Because our bodies tend to get resistant to antibiotics, for continued bacterial control Dr. Chavez generally avoids using antibiotics. Instead, we recommend strong antimicrobial cleansers that do not cause resistance. Also, some topical products change the pH of the skin, making it less likely for bacteria to grow. For acne scars, the laser/light treatments stimulate new collagen to form in the skin. This improves the appearance of many acne scars by reducing the depth and softening the edges of the scars.
  
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• What home-care do I need to follow after the treatments?
  
  PhotoPneumatic Therapy (PPX)?Sunblock is recommended. Smoothbeam Laser?Home-care: Must use sunblock to avoid blisters/hyperpigmentation. PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT)?Clients must remain indoors and away from bright light for two days after the treatment. An antimicrobial ointment is recommended during the healing process.
  
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• Will the treatments improve oily skin?
  
  Yes. The laser/light treatments suppress oil gland production, making skin less oily.
  
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