Avalon Laser FAQ | Medspa in San Diego, Carlsbad, Encinitas CA

Acne and cystic acne can both be caused by several factors: hormones, certain foods, an over-production of oil from the sebaceous glands and dead skin cells clogging the pores and bacteria. When the pores become blocked, acne bacteria, such as propionibacterium acne species, start to multiply and cause inflammation, redness and unsightly pimples.

The laser light can destroy the bacteria that multiply within the acne and also target the overactive sebaceous glands that cause outbreaks of pustules.

Laser acne treatment holds many advantages. It is non-invasive, quick, relatively pain-free and often works better. It also takes away the daily hassle of medications and frequent doctor visits. Plus, it often works when traditional acne treatments have failed to produce results, because it targets the source of the problem. Unlike treatments like antibiotics or Accutane, there are no side effects such as liver problems, birth defects, depression, or prolonged light-sensitivity. There is also no risk of bacterial resistance from extended antibiotic use.

The treatment has been likened to a rubber band snapping against the skin, which may leave your skin a little red but the procedure is well tolerated. Results can be apparent almost immediately. Unlike other treatments which can take months, laser acne reduction can show improvements within days. And the effects can be very long-lasting, even up to two years, which is much longer than most typical acne treatments.

Compared with the cost of doctor’s office visits, antibiotics, mandatory birth control with Accutane, benzoyl peroxide and special makeup, the cost of laser acne reduction is very competitive.

By using a combination of special fractional optical energy, combined with specialized skin treatments, laser acne scar treatment can induce the growth of collagen to minimize skin unevenness, smooth skin texture and reduce the appearance of irregular pigmentation that make acne scars visible. Depending on the severity of the acne scars, different treatments will be combined to provide you with the best results.

Some people find that the treated skin is red and a little swollen, so you should schedule treatments so that you will have a few days to recover and not attend any special events immediately afterwards. Otherwise there is no recovery time and you can return to normal activities immediately.

This procedure is very advanced; however, there are some limitation on who is a good candidate. In general, individuals with dark or sensitive skin may not qualify. Likewise, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may want to wait to undergo this procedure.

During your consultation, Dr. Tirgari will talk to you about your concerns and examine your skin characteristics as well as medical history to determine if this is the best option for you. If you are deemed not a candidate, we offer a range of other effective treatments at our cosmetic dermatology San Diego and Carlsbad practice.

This therapy can be performed once for patients with mild acne. However, patients who suffer from moderate to severe acne may require more than one treatment session. In general, our San Diego acne treatment patients undergo this procedure for one to two hours once a month. A total of four to eight treatments within four to six months. After examining your skin, our doctor will determine how many treatment sessions you will need for best results.

Preparation steps depend on the treatment. In general, we recommend avoiding tanning, waxing, or using harsh skincare products before laser-based procedures. Your provider will share detailed pre-treatment guidelines during your consultation.

After your treatment, you’ll receive specific instructions for skincare and recovery. Many patients are advised to keep the treated area clean, use gentle cleansers, avoid sun exposure, and apply sunscreen daily to protect results.

BOTOX® is a protein used as a muscle-relaxing agent that works at motor nerve endings (nerves that lead to muscles) to relax facial muscles. When injected underneath skin, it prevents the muscles that cause wrinkles from contracting and minimizes lines and facial wrinkles.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is used to treat moderate to severe wrinkles and facial creases such as frown lines between the eyebrows, horizontal forehead lines, and crow’s feet around the eyes. It can also be used to provide a “brow lift” and reduce “smoker’s lines” around the mouth.

The effects of BOTOX® in the underarm area can last for as long as 6 months.

All of the treatments at Avalon Laser are performed by nurses and our physician and Medical Director.

A very tiny needle is used for the procedure. A few patients report minor and temporary discomfort from the injection but numbing agents can be used to help minimize discomfort if you choose.

The procedure can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. Since the procedure is nonsurgical, no recovery time is needed, although in most people it may take 3–7 days for peak effect. After BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment, you can get back to work or other activities right away.

No. Given by a trained physician or nurse in the correct amount, there is no danger of serious side effects from BOTOX®.

Juvéderm Voluma is a volumizing dermal filler specifically designed to restore — or add — volume to the cheeks. It is a hyaluronic acid-based gel. Hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar found in the body and skin. In its natural form, it absorbs water and delivers nutrients to the body.

Voluma is a specially-formulated synthetic version of HA, with added lidocaine to make injections comfortable. It is delivered deeply into the tissues at the cheeks to create a more sculpted look or to restore lost cheek volume. It has the added benefit of inducing natural collagen production and hydration for plumper, softer, more youthful skin quality. The added cheek volume provides a natural lift — often part of a treatment referred to as a “liquid facelift.”

Restylane Lyft is another hyaluronic acid-based injectable that produces beautiful results in cheek augmentation. It is slightly different than Voluma, as it has a higher viscosity (resistance to flow, or thickness). The injectable we select to add volume to your cheeks is a reflection of our professional evaluation of your skin condition, and the look you want to achieve.

Restylane Lyft is also the first FDA-approved injectable to restore volume to skeletal looking hands. Its unique level of viscosity makes it one of the most effective injectables for beautiful, natural-looking, non-surgical cheek augmentation.

Cheek augmentation results with Juvéderm Voluma last 18 to 24 months, and with Restylane Lyft, up to 18 months.

For many people, the most noticeable and initial signs of aging are hollowing at the temples and cheeks which can make you appear tired and older.

Non-surgical cheek augmentation with Voluma or Restylane Lyft has many benefits, including:

• Injections are non-allergenic. As HA occurs naturally in the body, there is no need for pre-treatment testing.
• Treatments are quick. A procedure typically takes approximately 15 minutes to perform.
• You will enjoy added volume immediately after your treatment, with a natural lifting effect that takes years off your look.
• Results are long-lasting. Non-surgical cheek augmentation with these injectables will last up to 18 months or longer before a touchup is needed.
• There is no downtime. You can return to work or your other activities directly after the procedure and can resume vigorous exercise or other physical activities the following day.

During your consultation, Dr. Tirgari will assess the areas of concern and will go over your options. At Avalon Laser, we treat each patient as an individual. If you live in the San Diego area, we encourage you to book a consultation to address your own specific needs. Please contact us online or give us a call.

Most patients describe VelaShape as comfortable and pain free. During the treatment, patients feel as if they are receiving a warm massage. This is because VelaShape uses a hand-held massaging and vacuuming device that is applied over the body. It breaks down fat cells and tightens the skin all while delivering comfort to the patient.

Using VelaShape, we also help cellulite reduction patients as well as circumferential fat reduction patients. Dr. Tirgari is a leading liposuction surgery provider who has years of experience using leading-edge lasers and technologies to deliver incredible body contouring results.

The beauty of male breast reduction with VelaShape is that it requires no downtime. Our patients can return to their daily routine right away. You do not need to take time off work, consume painkillers or anything the like. In fact, the moment you leave the office you will most likely not experience any discomfort.

In some cases, minor swelling may occur, but it subsides quickly. You will be provided with detailed instructions on how to care for the treatment area before and after each treatment session. Results can be seen even after the first session and continue to improve over time.

Juvederm is an injectable gel composed mostly of hyaluronic acid, which is a substance that occurs naturally in your own body. It is injected into the skin to restore skin volume and smooth away facial wrinkles and folds like your “smile lines”, marionette lines and the nasolabial folds, which run from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth. With proper use, deeper permanent wrinkles and folds can be corrected and reduced.

Juvederm is the only hyaluronic acid (HA) filler FDA-approved to last up to 1 year. It has a smooth consistency that provides a smooth, natural look and feel. Additionally, Juvederm is the first such dermal filler that has demonstrated safety and effectiveness in persons of color.

Our physician or nurse uses a fine needle to temporarily fill in and augment the treatment area and smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Juvederm temporarily adds volume to the skin and may give the appearance of a smoother surface.

The injection itself takes about 15 to 30 minutes. After obtaining a medical history and evaluating your skin, our physician or nurse will numb the area to be treated and inject into the areas desired. Treatment with Juvederm can last up to one year!

Most side effects are mild or moderate in nature, and their duration is short lasting (7 days or less). The most common side effects include, but are not limited to, temporary injection site reactions such as redness, pain/tenderness, firmness, swelling, lumps/bumps, bruising, itching, and discoloration. As with all skin injection procedures there is a slight risk of infection.

This is a non-invasive procedure that uses a combination of laser light and radiofrequency energy to tighten skin by stimulating collagen growth under the skin. It also reduces pore size and removes minor irregularities, which can prematurely age the skin’s appearance.

After laser hair removal, your hair will fall out one to three weeks after your initial treatment. Most patients require multiple sessions since hair follicles can only be destroyed while in the active growth phase, so the final results become visible after 12 or more weeks, depending on the number of sessions you need.

Laser treatments permanently destroy the hair follicles in the targeted area. However, you may need a touch-up treatment after a few years because the body sometimes grows new hair follicles. Most results of laser hair removal are long-lasting and can even last a lifetime.

Possible side effects of laser hair removal include skin irritation and pigment changes. Any potential redness, swelling, or discomfort post-treatment typically disappears after a few hours. New advancements in laser technology prevent the unwanted lightening or darkening of the treated skin. You can avert pigment changes by avoiding sun exposure as much as possible before and after treatment.

You can safely come in for your subsequent laser hair removal treatment four to six weeks after your last session.

All of our laser hair removal procedures are performed by highly experienced Registered Nurses who have specialized training and multiple certifications in Aesthetics. Our on-site medical director is a double Board-Certified physician who will ensure that you attain your desired result while keeping safety the highest priority. With his expertise, together with our highly trained staff and the newest laser technology, you can expect to receive the highest level of service and care.

At least 6 sessions are typically required; the majority of people will see desired results after this, although sometimes more treatments are necessary. We schedule your sessions about 6-8 weeks between treatments to allow the next crop of hair to grow out and be effectively removed. With this program, you can expect the best results. We often call you to schedule your next appointment at the appropriate time.

Everyone! With proper training and experience, and with appropriate equipment, hair can be safely and permanently reduced on almost any part of the body. The ideal candidate will have lighter skin with darker hair, which makes it easiest for the laser to target the hair follicle without affecting surrounding skin. People with darker skin tones may require a few more treatments. Give us a call! We are experienced at laser hair removal on all skin types and can customize your treatments to fit you.

Please shave at least 1 day prior to your appointment or, even better, the day of your visit. You must absolutely avoid any tweezing, waxing or use of any other hair removal products in between treatments to make sure that all of the follicles can be targeted by the laser. Shaving is OK. Stop the use of Accutane for at least 2 months prior to treatment and/or any other product that causes your skin to become sensitive to light such as Retin-A, St. John’s Wort and some antibiotics. Also, no tanning, self-tanning sprays or tanning beds for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment. If you’ve had a chemical peel, Botox or any other fillers in the area being treated, we ask that you wait 2 weeks before your laser hair treatment. Note that you cannot be treated if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

We ask that you refrain from any rigorous exercise for a couple of days after your treatment to avoid irritation. Keep the treated area out of the direct sun light for at least 10 days and use a SPF 30 sunscreen every time you go out to avoid skin discoloration (hyperpigmentation). Don’t scrub the area with any abrasive skin cleaners.

When the pulses of light are applied, a mild stinging sensation occurs, similar to that of a rubber band snapping against the skin. Clients have generally tolerated the treatments very well, since the advanced lasers we use employ an active cooling system for maximum comfort. There is generally no down time with laser hair removal and many clients come in for treatments during their lunch break, etc. A few people report some mild redness for up to 24 hours. In some cases, it takes up to 2 weeks for all of the hair to fall out of the treated area.

Yes, you can expect your hair to grow back as normal – just less of it. As your treatments progress your hair will also feel less coarse and will grow less each time. It is important to know, however, that laser hair removal doesn’t prevent new hair growth, so occasional touch-ups may be required in the future.

For one thing, it is less invasive than other rejuvenating procedures, such as a facelift. Also, results are noticeable sometimes immediately after the treatment, and there is little or no downtime. Additional skin tightening will often occur over the next few months after treatment.

Many patients notice immediate changes in the tone of their skin following treatment. However, since the process stimulates new collagen growth, it may take up to a few months to see full effect. Individual results vary, but optimal results may require at least two or three treatments spaced about a month apart.

Just about any area can be treated, although most people choose to treat their face and neck.

Our patients usually consider this treatment for several reasons. Many are not happy with their naturally thin lips and strongly believe that they would look and feel better about themselves with fuller lips. Some once had fuller lips, which have started to thin due to age.

Age-related lip thinning is very common. In fact, the only body part that continues to grow as we age is our nose. The rest of our facial features begin to shrink, facial volume is lost, and collagen production dwindles. We understand our patients’ reasons and we do everything we can to help them look and feel better about themselves.

Our patients often select the more natural lip augmentation with Juvéderm over a surgical augmentation. Lip augmentation with Juvéderm offers several benefits when compared to surgical lip implants, including:

• No anesthesia

• No stitches

• No foreign materials in the body (lip implants)

• Lower risk of pre and post-operative complications

• A more natural look

• Easy touch-up treatments with adjustable results

• More cost-effective than surgery

Juvéderm is a line of injectable dermal fillers made from a modified form of hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance that occurs naturally in the body. HA delivers nutrients to the skin, adds volume and softness, and attracts moisture. At Avalon Laser, we use Juvéderm for our San Diego lip fillers containing lidocaine, a local anesthetic, for greater comfort during treatment.

Dr. Tirgari will monitor your comfort levels during and after your San Diego lip injections. You can call one of our staff members anytime should you have any questions. Follow-up treatment will be scheduled at your discretion.

Although it may vary from patient to patient, lip augmentation results with Juvéderm Volbella XC or Juvéderm Ultra XC can last up to one full year. Volbella is an ideal injectable filler for not only adding subtle volume to the lips but also smoothing the appearance of vertical lip lines.

Age-related lip thinning is very common. In fact, the only Dr. Tirgari prefers to use Juvéderm for lip augmentation in San Diego because it is very low-risk yet delivers gorgeous results. When you meet Dr. Tirgari, he will take a look at your lips and talk to you about your aesthetic goals. Based on this, he will tailor a treatment plan just for you.

Please contact us today to schedule your complimentary lip augmentation consultation in San Diego or Carlsbad. We look forward to helping you look and feel your best without anyone knowing a procedure was done. Call us at (619) 831-8964 or complete the form on this page to schedule your appointment. Dr. Tirgari and his team serve patients in Del Mar and nearby areas in California.

Medical-grade chemical peels are specially formulated compounds that are used only by doctors and nurses to treat a variety of skin conditions. They can eliminate wrinkles, pigment spots, facial scars and dull looking skin. These treatments are an excellent way to achieve dramatic improvements in skin tone and reduce superficial lines especially when used in combination with laser treatments.

Chemical peeling promotes acceleration in the turnover of skin cells induced by the peeling agent. The skin responds with shedding, promoting new cell growth and new formation of natural collagen. The rapid turnover of cells also has the benefit of killing the bacteria that cause acne and shedding pigment, thus eliminating age spots for a more clear complexion. Chemical peels work best in conjunction with laser treatments. Several treatments are sometimes needed to achieve optimal results.

A chemical peel is a great treatment for skin that is sun damaged, has areas of uneven pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, milia, large pores, melasma, freckles, acne, and superficial acne scars. Patients should also be physically healthy. Some peels cannot be done if you are pregnant.

Your face, neck, chest, hands, arms, legs and back can all be treated effectively.

The degree to which a patient will peel is determined by the strength of a peel. Within the first 2–3 days after the peel, patients will notice tightening and darkening of the treatment area, which can be covered up with makeup. On the 3rd or 4th day afterwards, the peeling process will begin and typically lasts for another 2–3 days. Avalon Laser strongly recommends using a sunscreen 25 SPF or higher as well as staying out of the sun during this period.

The recovery period after a peel will vary according to the strength of the peel. During recovery, some tingling, swelling and redness can occur, and a crust may form on the treated area. Peeling starts soon after. Recovery can last about 5–8 days, although it can be shorter or longer, depending on the peel strength.

Your doctor or nurse may use a Salicylic acid peel, Jessner peel or TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peel. We also have proprietary peels for different skin conditions. The strength of the peel, number of layers applied and other treatments will depend on multiple factors, including your skin type, age and the specific condition being treated. Different peels can also be used at different times to achieve desired results.

The best candidates for this treatment are men and women who want to maintain or achieve a more youthful appearance. It can help younger people prevent some of the visible effects of aging and help rejuvenate facial appearance among older people. You may not be a good candidate for microcurrent if you are pregnant, have medical electrical implants, or suffer from seizures, heart disease, or cancer.

Microcurrent uses gentle electric stimulation to trigger natural skin enhancement at a cellular level. After a series of treatments, it has been shown to increase:

• Collagen Production
• Elastin
• Circulation
• Amino Acids
• Atp

The number of treatments needed to achieve maximum results will depend on your age, lifestyle, and the condition of your skin. We recommend a series of treatments approximately one week apart, followed by monthly maintenance treatments. After a consultation and evaluation of your skin, we can estimate the number of treatments you will need.

This technique can be used to treat a number of facial aging and cosmetic issues. Microcurrent treatments can:

• Improve muscle tone in the face and neck
• Lift jowls and eyebrows
• Reduce a double chin
• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
• Improve skin elasticity
• Reduce or clear up acne
• Exfoliate the skin
• Improve facial circulation and lymphatic drainage
• Reduce sun damage
• Tighten large pores
• Improve pigmentation and product penetration
• Hydrate and revitalize for softer, smoother skin
• Reduce dark circles and puffiness under the eyes
• Improve skin tone

Yes. This treatment is completely safe. Microcurrent has been used on the human body for decades with no reported harmful side effects. There is no redness or swelling, no discomfort during or after treatment, and no downtime required.

This pain-free procedure produces visible results after a single treatment. Cumulative results become visible after subsequent treatments. A series of treatments can take years off a person’s appearance.

Our San Diego microdermabrasion is one of the top choices for skin rejuvenation for facial aesthetic patients. This treatment offers the following advantages:

• Microdermabrasion is completely painless
• Patients can resume all activities right away
• It is gentle enough for skin that is sensitive to chemical treatments
• Microdermabrasion is non-surgical, and no anesthetic is required
• Rejuvenates facial skin, giving it a fresh, healthy glow and corrects a range of minor irregularities
• Treatments are short, between 20 and 30 minutes

Microdermabrasion treatment sessions usually last about 20 to 30 minutes.

Crystal microdermabrasion is considered a superficial ablative treatment, which helps exfoliate the upper layers of dead skin with heat, force and friction. It uses a special hand-held device which delivers a high-speed flow of aluminum oxide crystals or sodium bicarbonate crystals with suction to pull off dirt, dead skin cells and used crystals.

The results of crystal microdermabrasion depend on the quality of the machine and crystals in addition to the experience of the aesthetician performing the treatment. Two different types of crystals are used in this treatment:

• Aluminum oxide crystals have been used to treat patients for at least 20 years and are considered the second hardest mineral after diamond. The crystals cause no allergic or adverse reactions and are even safe if they are ingested!
• Sodium bicarbonate crystals are an organic alternative to aluminum oxide crystals, although they are much softer and less intense. Sodium bicarbonate crystals are most commonly used on patients suffering from sun damage or hyperpigmentation.

After microdermabrasion, a soothing moisturizer is applied along with sunscreen. The new, healthy skin that has been exposed during the process must be protected from environmental damages as it heals. The healing process is usually completed within a few days. Some patients may experience mild redness and peeling.

Microdermabrasion stimulates the formation of new skin cells and collagen. Diamond-tip microdermabrasion works in a similar way, except that this more advanced type utilizes a disposable diamond-tip wand that allows us to more accurately treat the sensitive skin around the eyes.

When you come to our office in San Diego or Carlsbad, one of our aesthetic specialists will closely examine your skin and determine whether microdermabrasion is the best treatment option for you. You do not need to bring anything to your consultation; however, we do ask that you tell us about your concerns and what irregularities you would like to focus on. For example, many of our San Diego microdermabrasion clients wish to get rid of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, age spots and/or sun damage.

Depending on the severity of your skin issues, we will determine how many microdermabrasion treatments you will need. In addition, we will inform you of the best possible treatment options, should you need any, such as laser skin resurfacing. To find out more about microdermabrasion in San Diego, Carlsbad, Del Mar and nearby areas, schedule a consultation by contacting Avalon Laser online or calling (619) 831-8964 today.

NAD is a natural coenzyme found in the body; however, injections should be avoided during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless specifically approved by your physician. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.

Some patients experience improved energy and focus within a few hours, while others notice gradual benefits over several days as NAD levels stabilize.

Side effects are rare but may include mild soreness or redness at the injection site. In some cases, temporary fatigue or nausea can occur as the body adjusts to higher NAD levels.

Frequency depends on your goals; some clients receive weekly injections for optimal energy and anti-aging effects, while others schedule monthly maintenance sessions.

Yes. NAD supports healthy metabolic function by improving mitochondrial performance, which helps the body convert food into energy more efficiently.

Any discomfort associated with a liquid facelift will be at the injection sites only, where you may experience temporary minor bruising and swelling. To help recover, we recommend that you ice the injection sites and take mild over-the-counter pain pills when needed.

Touch-up treatments for your non-surgical facelift in San Diego may be required in a few months. Dr. Tirgari will schedule a follow-up appointment with you. Some advanced dermal fillers, such as Juvéderm Voluma, are much longer-lasting than injectables of the past, but they will eventually be absorbed by the body, and repeat treatments will be needed to maintain your fresher, more youthful look.

After your liquid facelift treatment, Dr. Tirgari and his staff will be available to you at any time during day or night for questions and/or concerns. However, our patients tolerate this procedure very well and we have an excellent track record when it comes to superb safety, aftercare services, and outcomes.

When you visit us for your consultation, Dr. Tirgari will first discuss your concerns and examine your skin. Based on this information as well as your medical history, he will recommend the best treatment options for you and the best combination of dermal fillers and BOTOX® Cosmetic to give you the aesthetic results you are seeking.

If you wish to talk to us about our San Diego liquid facelift or similar treatment, please schedule a consultation today by calling (619) 831-8964 or completing the form on this page. Dr. Tirgari and his team serve patients in Del Mar and nearby communities from the Avalon Laser offices in San Diego and Carlsbad.

SkinTyte: This technique deeply heats the dermal collagen using infrared energy. It also causes the collagen to contract and encourages new collagen production. Powerful cooling built into the system maintains the outer layer of skin at a cool temperature both during and after the procedure.

Thermage neck tightening results appear gradually over a period of two to six months after treatment and can last for one to two years. Results with SkinTyte can take up to four months to appear as the body rebuilds and strengthens the skin’s collagen foundation.

Thermage: Thermage helps create smoother skin after only one treatment. Results are visible immediately and improve over time. They may include:

• Tighter skin of the neck
• Greater elasticity of the skin
• Smoother skin of the neck with crepiness corrected
• Gently lifted jowls
• Improved profile

SkinTyte: Results can vary from person to person and may take up to four months to appear. This treatment is designed for women and men who want to achieve noticeable, moderate skin tightening improvement without undergoing surgery.

Avalon Laser partners with financing options like Cherry and CareCredit, allowing clients to manage treatment costs with flexible monthly payments. You can discuss available options with our staff during your visit.

We kindly ask that clients provide at least 24 hours’ notice if they need to reschedule or cancel an appointment. This ensures availability for other patients and helps us maintain smooth scheduling for all visitors.

Photorejuvenation is a technology in which light is converted to heat energy when it reaches the collagen in the skin. Specific laser wavelengths of light can treat multiple skin conditions.

The procedure simultaneously treats damaged and photo-aged skin while stimulating collagen growth. Many signs of sun damage, red or brown age spots, rosacea, fine wrinkles and spider vessels can be effectively treated. Photofacial therapy can also improve the color, consistency, and texture of the skin all at once. Most people find that their skin looks and feels refreshed and smoother.

When the pulses of light are applied, a mild stinging sensation occurs, similar to that of a rubber band snapping against the skin. Avalon Laser offers a topical anesthetic 30 minutes prior to the treatment which can also help ease any discomfort, although we find it is rarely needed.

There have been few reported long-term side effects of Photorejuvenation, and the most common side effects — redness, minor swelling, and inflammation — usually go away within a few hours to a few days after treatment.

Each treatment can last anywhere from 30-60 minutes depending on the area being treated. You must discontinue using Accutane for at least 2 months prior to treatment and/or any other products that cause your skin to become sensitive to light such as Retin-A, St. John’s Wort and certain antibiotics. Also, no tanning, self-tanning sprays or tanning beds for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment. If you’ve had a chemical peel, Botox or any other fillers in the area being treated, we ask that you wait 2 weeks before your laser hair treatment.

Generally 4 to 6 treatments are recommended to reach optimal results, each approximately one month apart. The initial treatment may even show only modest results while skin remodeling begins to occur in the deeper skin. However, subsequent treatments build upon this foundation to generate a deep improvement in the texture and elasticity of your skin. For even better results, we recommend a chemical peel spaced between treatments to help you slough off the top layer of dead skin.

Your skin may look slightly flushed temporarily. This mild “glow” will usually not be noticed by other individuals, however you can apply powder or makeup right away if you choose. We strongly recommend that a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher is worn at all times for a few days after treatment since your skin will be sensitive and more prone to sun damage.

Most patients experience long-term improvement in skin appearance and texture, with collagen buildup and lightening of brown pigmentation, red spots, age spots as well as considerable improvement in superficial telangiectasia’s (broken blood vessels). This results in fresher, smoother-looking skin. Maintenance treatments every 6 months can maintain the positive benefits that have been achieved.

At your scar removal consultation, Dr. Tirgari will examine your scars and talk to you about the procedures he recommends. You will be informed about pre-treatment preparations as well as aftercare. In many cases, scar removal patients will need more than one treatment session to achieve optimal results. We are confident that we can help you, so please call us today.

Severe acne scars are typically comprised of bigger, raised areas of scarring next to areas of active acne inflammation. Acne scars in general are the visible remainders of tissue damage to the skin and the body’s efforts to repair the damage from prior acne inflammation. Acne scarring can also occur as a result of popping the pimple or picking at the skin with fingers or other instruments, such as needles.

With this additional damage to the skin, the body’s immune system works even harder trying to repair the damage. As a result, acne scars often occur. With popping blemishes, the scars can become even more prominent, as additional bacteria enter the region from this activity, creating more inflammation.

During laser acne scar treatment, laser energy is applied to target lower layers of the skin, stimulating new collagen growth. This helps minimize the scar as well as diminish surface irregularities. The procedure also removes the top layer of dead skin cells, which can block pores. This exposes a healthier skin layer.

Sculptra is primarily used to treat facial areas that have experienced a loss of volume and elasticity due to aging. It is commonly used to address wrinkles, fine lines, and facial folds. Specific treatment areas often include the temples, cheeks, nasolabial folds (smile lines), marionette lines (lines from the corners of the mouth to the chin), and jawline. It can also be used to improve overall facial contours.

The number of Sculptra treatments required can vary depending on individual factors such as the degree of collagen loss and the desired outcome. On average, most patients undergo a series of three to four treatment sessions, spaced several weeks apart. Your healthcare provider will create a personalized treatment plan based on your unique needs and goals.

Unlike some other dermal fillers, Sculptra does not provide immediate results. Instead, it works gradually over time by stimulating your body’s natural collagen production. While some patients may notice initial improvements after a few weeks, the full results typically become more apparent after a few months as new collagen forms. This delayed effect contributes to a natural-looking transformation.

Sculptra is known for its long-lasting results. On average, Sculptra San Diego patients can expect the effects to last up to two years or even longer in some cases. It’s important to note that individual experiences may vary, and periodic touch-up treatments may be recommended to maintain the desired appearance. Your healthcare provider can guide you on the best maintenance schedule for your specific needs.

Most clients notice gradual weight reduction within the first month, with more visible results after 8–12 weeks of consistent treatment.

Yes. When prescribed and administered by a licensed provider, Semaglutide is safe and FDA-approved. Common mild side effects include nausea or digestive discomfort, which typically lessen as your body adjusts.

For best results, Semaglutide should be paired with balanced nutrition and moderate activity. Your provider will help customize a plan that fits your goals.

Treatment duration varies based on your starting point and goals. Many clients continue for several months to maintain results.

It’s suitable for most adults seeking weight loss under medical supervision, but not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with certain thyroid conditions.

Avalon Laser provides a comprehensive range of medspa treatments, including laser skin rejuvenation, laser hair removal, chemical peels, Botox and dermal fillers, acne and scar treatments, and skin tightening procedures. Each service is performed using advanced technology and medical-grade skincare protocols to help you achieve safe, natural-looking results.

Yes, every procedure is tailored to meet your individual skin type, goals, and comfort level. During your consultation, we’ll review your skin condition, discuss your desired results, and design a treatment plan specifically for you.

Downtime varies depending on the treatment type. For example, injectables often have minimal recovery time, while laser resurfacing or deeper treatments may require a few days for healing. Our providers will review all aftercare instructions and give you clear guidance on what to expect.

VelaShape is a state-of-the-art technology for treatment of body fat tissue that is sometimes refractory to dieting and other means of fat reduction. It is the only FDA-approved procedure that safely shapes and slims the body. By using a combination of both infrared and RF (radio frequency) elos energy, VelaShape heats fat below skin and shrinks it. During the procedure, the treated area is gently heated and massaged to break up the fatty tissue.

VelaShape can treat excessive body fat below the skin, in addition to reducing stretch marks, love handles and cellulite effectively. It is also FDA-approved for circumferential fat reduction on the body. Many people report significant improvement in addition to firming of the skin. And in some studies, VelaShape reduced the circumference of treated thighs by an average of an inch!

VelaShape can be used almost anywhere on the body. Most people, however, tend to treat problem fat or cellulite areas such as thighs, arms, buttocks, love handles, or abdomen. And VelaShape works great to reduce the fat that leads to sagging arms and neck lines.

Sessions can last anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the treated area. Before your session, you will want to wash the treated area thoroughly and avoid using any lotions, creams or perfumes on your skin beforehand. Please shave the area to be treated. It is also good to use a washcloth to exfoliate the overlying skin and remove dead skin cells beforehand.

Best results are seen with 4 to 6 treatments, spaced about 1 week apart. And most people do report lasting benefits. However, to maintain your results, we recommend exercising regularly and eating a nutritious, balanced diet, with periodic VelaShape treatments, as needed, to help. By following a healthy lifestyle, you can keep unwanted fat and cellulite from coming back.

Absolutely. There are no drugs used or any reported long-term side effects. Most people retain a sensation of warmth or heat for several hours after treatment. Occasionally, you may experience some redness, swelling, and (rarely) bruising, but these tend to subside quickly. You can return to your normal activities right away.

Not at all. Our specialized Personalized Compounded Numbing Cream is applied before your session to ensure your comfort during treatment. Most patients report Vivace RF Microneedling is comfortable to experience.

Vivace RF microneedling is suitable for nearly all skin types, including darker skin, tanned skin, and even on delicate, sensitive skin. Since Vivace RF Microneedling does not use any harsh chemicals or peeling, there is no adverse effect on people with darker skin tones.

The Vivace Experience is designed to give you maximum comfort both during and following treatment. The Vivace system is designed to minimize bleeding, and the built-in LED light therapy is designed to reduce irritation and post-procedure redness so you can get back to your busy life. Most patients feel completely comfortable returning to their routine as soon as they leave our private clinic. It is essential to wear appropriate sun protection in the days and weeks following treatment, as your skin will be particularly sensitive to the sun’s harsh UV rays.

We advise that you wait one full day before applying makeup to allow your skin to rest and recover from your Vivace RF Microneedling procedure. You may not even choose to wear makeup due to the radiant glow produced from the Vivace Experience!

Traditional microneedling treatments require as many as six sessions to achieve optimal results. While we understand that each patient has different needs and goals in seeking Vivace RF Microneedling, an average patient will see noticeable changes in skin quality in as little as three sessions.

Vivace RF Microneedling is a versatile treatment that can enhance other areas of your body. In addition to your face, Vivace RF Microneedling can be performed on the neck, décolletage, or the hands — which may need a pick-me-up to reduce the signs of aging skin.

While many men and women report seeing initial results as soon as a day following treatment, full results are achieved at approximately six weeks following your Vivace RF Microneedling treatment session. The results of treatment are so remarkable that our clients at Avalon Laser are thrilled to see the skin restoring, day by day. While you will need some patience, it is well worth the wait!