The company was founded in February 2000. As the largest provider of aesthetic services in America, you will find us conveniently located in communities coast-to-coast. We believe that our tremendous growth is a testament to our ethics and the satisfaction of our patients.
There is no laser that has received FDA clearance for a claim of permanent hair removal. However, the LightSheer™ Diode designed by Lumenis™ was the first to be cleared by the FDA for permanent hair reduction (which is defined by the FDA as 85% or greater hair reduction). It is possible that follicles in the treated area, while not being completely destroyed, will be sufficiently disabled to the point where they produce only fine, light hairs that do not respond to further treatment. This is backed up by extensive clinical studies and you should be wary of anyone who claims otherwise.
The LightSheer™ laser is specifically designed for hair removal. We have chosen this laser because of the extensive clinical research which demonstrates its effectiveness for permanent hair reduction. Other Laser Hair Removal systems that we have investigated cannot make this claim. We have used the LightSheer™ Diode for hundreds of thousands of treatments, so we know it works and provides the kind of long term results that our patients have come to expect from Advanced Laser Clinics of Illinois.
This laser targets the pigment located in the hair follicle and shaft. The light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle and this energy is converted to heat which results in damage to the hair follicle. This damage causes delayed re-growth of hair and, in most cases, permanent destruction of many of the hair follicles. Unlike electrolysis, which disables one hair follicle at a time, the laser reaches and treats hundreds of follicles at a time.
The LightSheer™ system was developed from years of research at the Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine, one of the world’s leading medical laser research institutions. The laser is pulsed, or turned on, for only a fraction of a second and the duration of each pulse is just long enough to disable the hair follicles. A unique component of the LightSheer™ system, the actively cooled sapphire hand piece was designed to protect the skin by actively cooling it before, during and after the laser light is transmitted. It also actively draws off heat from the skin surface, which further protect the skin from injury.
The cooling tip has a mild anesthetic property, which allows tender areas to be treated in a relatively painless fashion. You will feel a tingling or stinging sensation during the treatment, but most people tolerate the procedure well. Topical anesthetic is available to increase your comfort if you choose. Following your treatment, you may experience a sunburn-type sensation in the treated area for several hours.
Our laser treatments are performed by technicians who are trained and certified in all aspects of Laser Hair Removal. Since we have done over 250,000 aesthetic treatments nationwide, Advanced Laser Clinics™ staff is highly experienced. We specialize in Laser Hair Removal & Skin Renewal Tratments, and are committed to the industry and your personal image enhancement.
Advanced Laser Clinics™ recommends (6) treatments. In fact, it is not uncommon for a person to need six or seven or more. There are a variety of factors that can influence the number of treatments any individual may require to achieve the desired results. To ensure maximum results, we offer our unique Written Service Guarantees.
We offer 1 year Written Guarantees. They state that if you require additional treatments beyond your 6th session, we will treat you at no additional charge. This way, you know up front what your total cost will be, regardless of the number of treatments that you may need. During your consultation, we will discuss the Guarantee options further so you can decide what is right for you.
Post treatment reactions vary depending on the coarseness, density and color of the hair and the area being treated. In general terms, most patients experience redness similar to a mild sunburn.
That depends. The melanin content in your skin is one of the factors that must be considered when determining whether or not you are a good candidate for Laser Hair Removal. When you come in for your consultation, we will examine the areas you want treated, determine your Fitzpatrick skin type and discuss your desired results.
The laser energy is attracted to the melanin in your hair. The greater the amount of melanin, the better the results. White or gray hair does not contain any melanin and, therefore, does not respond to the treatments. However, some hair that many would call blonde or red actually does contain enough melanin to be treatable. That is precisely why we offer a complimentary consultation, so we can evaluate your hair and skin type and discuss your options.
No, in fact we ask that you do shave the area you want treated. We are actually targeting the anatomical structures below the skin. Surface hair interferes with this process.
This is optimal, but not entirely necessary. After your first treatment, you will experience a no-growth period in the treated area and will find it will not be necessary to bleach, tweeze, etc.
Typically, our treatments are spaced from 7 weeks to 14 weeks, depending on the area of the body that is treated. Having performed well over 250,000 treatments nationwide, we have determined these intervals to ensure optimum results. In fact, as an industry leader, many providers are now imitating our recommended intervals.
You will see some results immediately. It takes a week or two for all of the hair in the treated area to fall out. After that, you will experience several weeks of no growth in the treated area. So you are actually receiving immediate gratification while you are moving toward your long-term goal.
The only medications that are prohibited for Laser Hair Removal are Accutane and Retin-A, which must be discontinued prior to treatment. During your consultation, we will review any medications or supplements that you are currently taking to help determine the appropriate course for your treatment.
That depends. Pregnancy restricts the use of topical anesthetics and may present some other challenges. While there is no evidence to suggest that pregnant women cannot be treated safely, it is our policy not to treat without written permission of the patient’s physician. When you come for your consultation, we can discuss the particulars of what you would like to have done and review your options.
Microdermabrasion is a quick and convenient procedure that has become very popular with patients showing the early signs of aging, sun exposure and other facial imperfections.
Advanced Laser Clinics of Illinois has multiple packages available depending on your specific needs. When you come in for your complimentary consultation, we will discuss the options in detail so you can decide for yourself which one is best for you.
Microdermabrasion is a closed vacuum system delivering aluminum oxide crystals to the skin. This process exfoliates the thickened epidermis and then vacuums away the crystals and skin debris to reveal healthier skin. Microdermabrasion results are best when combined with the ALC skin care regimen. Our skin renewal products and services are proven winners in the fight against aging skin and keeping a smooth and youthful appearance.
Yes, Microdermabrasion is safe for every skin type and skin color.
Microdermabrasion is generally suggested for:
Microdermabrasion requires a series of treatments (visits). While results are achieved with a single treatment, it is unrealistic to expect significant results from just one visit. Cumulative results can be significant with as few as six treatments repeated one to three weeks apart. Monthly maintenance treatments are recommended.
The number of treatments depends on the type of skin problem(s) the patient has. The Advanced Laser Clinics Professional will suggest a treatment plan designed to reach your desired result.
Since we are only treating the outer layer of skin (stratum corneum), serious side effects are not an issue. Non-invasive and non-wounding to the skin’s surface, Microdermabrasion Treatments have virtually no discomfort, down time or recovery. Patients typically experience some redness for about an hour after the procedure and some tightness of the skin. Two to three days after the procedure, there may be some minor flaking and skin may be sensitive. Healing time for most is a few days.
Though Microdermabrasion requires a series of treatments, you can see some visible improvement in the skin after the first treatment. Some patients will notice improvement in the skin texture and the skins ability to absorb any skin care regimen that is being applied.
No, there are many areas of the body that may benefit from Microdermabrasion. The most common are the face, neck, chest and hands.
The LightPulse™ Skin Renewal concept was developed by Advanced Laser Clinics™ to offer patients a unique, age-defying therapy without laser resurfacing or painful chemical peels. The LightPulse™ combination therapy includes three proven ways to fight and reverse the effects of time: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), Microdermabrasion and specifically formulated skin care products that augment the treatments.
We have multiple packages available depending on your specific needs. When you come in for your complimentary consultation, we will discuss the options in detail so you can decide for yourself which one is best for you.
LightPulse™ Skin Renewal is comprised of three distinct therapies:
Yes, yes, yes you do. You will receive maximum results by utilizing the complete series. We have selected these therapies because they complement one another. Once you have your complimentary consultation, a highly trained technician will tailor a program specifically for you (based on your desired results and skin characteristics), including the proper skin care regimen, proper interval between Microdermabrasion and IPL treatments as well as the type of treatment that should be performed.
Benefits are:
After completing the LightPulse™ Skin Renewal series, healthy skin cells form, creating the new growth of healthy tissue. Once your desired results are achieved, approximately two to four maintenance treatments a year, depending on the patient, are recommended.
Broken capillaries respond dramatically to LightPulse™ Skin Renewal. After your LightPulse™ Skin Renewal treatment, dilated or broken blood vessels decrease, gradually fade and slowly disappear.
You are likely to experience some discomfort. A topical anesthetic is an option. With the application of a topical, most patients find that they can receive a more intense treatment with less discomfort. The laser technician will adjust the intensity of the treatment to suit your desired result and comfort level.
The number of treatments depends on the size, location, depth and color of the lesion, the patients skin type and the level of expected outcomes. Some patients report a visible change in 7-10 days. Strict sun protection, of course, is a necessary component in healthy skin care programs and even more critical with LightPulse™. The treatment protocols recommend a patient to undergo a four to six treatment regimen for maximum benefits. LightPulse™ treatments are cumulative and can take up to nine months to see the final result.
Light wrinkles and fine lines may be reduced after a series of treatments. Deeper wrinkles benefit from the addition of fillers such as Botox or Collagen.
Our LightPulse™ Skin Renewal specialist will determine the ideal frequency during your consultation. Usually, the patient has a Microdermabrasion and then an IPL treatment a week later. The patient then waits at least two weeks before their next Microdermabrasion.
Each facial treatment is approximately 45-60 minutes.
The skin reacts differently depending on the type of damage being treated. Makeup applications are permitted immediately after treatment. The application of LycoGel, a healing makeup, is highly encouraged to reduce redness and promote healing. Most patients feel confident to face the public within minutes.
Acne scars that have a color (red or brown) will appear less severe after LightPulse™ Skin Renewal.
After a series of treatments are completed, the patient will notice improvement in the skin texture and the appearance of enlarged pores.
Extreme sun exposure is not recommended. A patient who has casual sun may be treated. It is always advised to apply sun block to treatment areas to insure maximum results.
Yes, many areas can be treated. The neck, chest, shoulders, forearms and hands are the most commonly treated.