With laser and light technology development happening at such a fast pace, Dr. Hirsch urges all patients to make certain that they work with a board-certified dermatologist experienced in laser therapy to insure proper safety with treatment. Never be afraid to ask your physician about their training and qualifications, or what their experience is with a particular procedure or device. Since any type of procedure can carry potential side effects, it is crucial to entrust your face and body only to qualified, experienced hands. Click here to learn more.

Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is a tremendous advance in treating wrinkles and certain scars. Using a highly sophisticated resurfacing laser, we can gently and precisely remove sun-damaged, aging, or acne-scarred skin, layer-by-layer, helping to protect and stimulate regeneration of new collagen and firmer appearing skin. The resurfacing laser uses a precise beam of light to vaporize scars, lines, and wrinkles. Laser light penetrates to controlled depths, making the procedure very precise and safe. This is a procedure with downtime and not for everyone. Dr. Hirsch will help you decide if you are an appropriate candidate.

Fractional Resurfacing
We are proud to offer a wide variety of lasers for laser skin resurfacing. Each option performs best for different types of patients and his or her needs. The main differences in the lasers available depend on the treatment you require. The latest in resurfacing is the concept of fractional resurfacing. This novel fractional approach to laser skin treatment, represents a new science and category of cosmetic skin treatments that offers patients the positive results of more traditional resurfacing methods with the lunchtime elegance of a minimal-downtime procedure. This innovative approach is specially designed to alter only fractional volumes of the target tissue. Similar to digital alteration of photographs and paintings, the clinical effect of this treatment technique is to alter the appearance of aging and sun-damaged skin. The creation of tiny micro-wounds results in a microscopic wound healing process and resultant formation of new collagen fibers.

Nonablative Laser Treatment
Using laser energy that penetrates deeply without injuring the top layer of skin, the deep dermis is stimulated to produce natural collagen and other vital proteins that yield radiant skin. Minimally uncomfortable, this 15 minute treatment will leave only mild redness that will fade within a few hours. After 4-6 treatments done at monthly intervals, you will notice your wrinkles softened, pores less visible, and your skin tighter and more vibrant. Great for improving acne scars, wrinkles, and overall skin tone without complicated procedures and long recovery times.

Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal uses light energy to gently, yet permanently, remove unwanted hair. This advanced technology transcends the older, painful hair removal treatment of electrolysis and puts to an end the tedious routines of shaving and waxing. Laser hair removal is a gentle process. The area is shaved and then treated with the laser. The laser energy passes through the skin and is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle. In a fraction of a second, the hair follicles are treated. After your treatment, you can return to your normal activities. The use of sunscreen is recommended on any treated areas exposed to the sun.

The number of treatments you may require for optimal long-term benefits depends on the area you wish to have treated, the hair density and your hair's growth cycle. Your hair grows in cycles and many factors influence its growth. Age, ethnicity, weight, hormones, diet, medication and metabolism all play a part in your hair's location, thickness and rate of growth.

Laser Tattoo Removal
The advent of Q-switched lasers permitted the removal of most tattoo inks with very little risk of scarring. The Medlite can significantly lighten or remove many tattoo inks, and is particularly advanced in the removal of blue, black and red inks. Different wavelengths may be needed, depending on the color of the ink present. Tattoo ink is removed by using a specific wavelength which passes through the skin but is absorbed by the ink. The rapid absorption of light energy causes the tattoo ink to shatter into small pieces which are then removed by the body's natural filtering systems. The light is emitted in very short flashes called pulses. The impact of the energy form the powerful pulse of light is similar to the snap of a thin rubber band on the skin. Although the large majority of patients do not require anesthesia, topical anesthetic creams can be helpful.

The number of treatments depends on the amount and type of ink used and the depth of the ink in the skin. Professional tattoos usually require 6 - 10 treatments, while amateur tattoos require 3 - 6 treatments, all spaced approximately 6 - 8 weeks apart. Rarely, even more than ten treatments may be needed. Traumatic tattoos (pencil lead, asphalt and dirt embedded in the skin can leave a permanent "tattoo") usually respond with 1 - 4 treatments.

Laser Treatment of Brown Spots
Pigmented lesions are caused by a proliferation of melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin) or an increased deposition of melanin in the dermis and/or epidermis. Most of us have some pigmented lesions in one form or another. They include brown age and sun spots (lentigines), freckles, moles (nevi) or birthmarks. The number of treatment sessions depends on the size, location, depth and color of your specific lesion. Age and sun spots generally do well with one or two treatments, while darker or deeper birthmarks may require additional treatments, however as many as six to eight treatment sessions may be required for some lesions. Treatments are usually 4 to 8 weeks apart to allow your body to remove the maximum amount of pigment cells. You will continue to see a lightening of your lesion after each treatment as your body disposes of the pigment cells.

Photofacials
Intense Pulsed Light rejuvenation is designed to combat the effects of sun and aging in a softer and gentler way and provides a refining touch to laser procedures. Using our advanced IPL system, light energy is delivered to the skin targeting facial redness, sun spots, reducing pore size and minimizing fine lines. A series of three to six photo facial treatments are recommended at 3-4 week intervals. This procedure takes approximately 20 minutes and is associated with only mild discomfort. Postoperatively, patients may note facial pinkness, which may be covered with makeup. Patients can return to work or resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure. In addition, our advanced IPL system can be used to safely treat aging and photo-damaged skin on the neck, chest and hands.

Laser Treatment of Broken Blood Vessels and Facial Veins and Redness
Whether you're a man or a woman, you may have noticed fine, little red veins on the nose, chin, or cheeks that weren't there before. These are telangiectasias or facial spider veins, and they appear on both men and women as a normal part of aging. They can also result from pregnancy, childbirth, birth-control pills, estrogen-replacement therapy, sun damage, rosacea, and even corticosteroids. Although not usually a medical problem, telangiectasias can be an aesthetic one that make-up usually doesn't cover adequately.

Utilizing several laser technologies we are able to significantly diminish facial spider veins and rosacea in several quick, minimally uncomfortable 10-20 minute sessions. In the office, we have several laser and light systems that treat facial blood vessels and Dr. Hirsch will work with you to combine treatments for best results.

Laser Treatment of Acne
There have been several exciting new advances using lasers and light to treat acne and acne scarring. A recognized expert, Dr. Hirsch has done extensive clinical research in this area and can provide you with the latest technologies for the treatment of acne and acne scarring. Laser treatment can improve not only the active acne, but also yield improvement in acne scars. There are two groups of acne-treating lasers. One group of technologies inhibits the growth of the bacteria that is involved in acne lesions. The other groups of lasers shrink the sebaceous oil glands that play a pivotal role in acne. We utilize both technologies separately and in combination depending on your particular type of acne. Most patients require approximately 5 monthly treatments to see the desired improvement. Periodic re-treatments will be required as acne flares.

Laser Treatment of Scarring
Over the last several years, laser surgery has taken a larger role in the treatment of acne scars. Older techniques emphasized ablating the upper layers of skin. More recently, techniques involving non-ablative lasers (devices that do not disturb the skin's surface) are leading the way because of their unique ability to stimulate new collagen growth beneath scars without creating external injury on the skin's surface. While the results are less dramatic than older methods, substantial improvement can be seen. Given the variety of choices we have available in our offices, we can customize the treatment of your scars with several novel devices. These are FDA-approved devices which often work together better than any single device to optimize your final results. Dr. Hirsch is a recognized leader in optimizing treatment protocols with these devices apart and in combination and can offer these unique talents to you in our comfortable practice environment.

Visage Coblation
The unique Visage procedure uses a state-of-the-art technology called Coblation®. Radiofrequency energy is combined with natural saline solution through the use of a Soft Touch™ Wand. As it passes over the skin it gently removes the epidermis. Then, in a controlled manner, it damages the skin to start a healing process in the dermis. Visage can be customized to your own individual needs. It can be done on your entire face or just in certain areas, such as around your eyes or mouth. Dr. Hirsch can also vary the energy level of the procedure as well as the number of times the Soft Touch Wand is passed across your skin. This will depend on the amount of improvement you want. The procedure is performed in the office with local anesthesia, that is, medicine to numb the skin in the area to be treated. The whole procedure usually takes from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the amount of improvement you want.