LASERS IN GENERAL

The lasers used at the SkinCare Center treat a variety of skin problems. Lasers are especially effective as treatment because they are attracted to different colors or structures of the skin. This enables them to treat specific problems without damaging surrounding tissue. Skin problems that can be treated include veins on the face or legs, fine lines or wrinkles, dark unwanted body hair, or sun-damaged skin.

The lasers the SkinCare Center uses are Pulse Dye lasers and the Gentlelase. Pulse Dye lasers treat vascular problems. These include birthmarks, port wine stains, rosacea and unsightly facial and leg veins. The Gentlelase treats dark unwanted body hair. It can also reverse sun-damage.

Even though each treatment has a specific purpose, general post treatment care instructions are the same. For example the treated areas may become red and puffy. This usually lasts for a couple of hours. Make-up may be used to help cover any redness. Cool compresses can be applied for comfort and relief of puffiness. Sun exposure and tanning beds need to be avoided as they may increase the possibility of side effects.

One main side-effect associated with lasers is hypo or hyper pigmentation (white spots or dark spots). If these "spots" occur they usually fade (taking about a year). Bruising is another possible side effect. Patients should avoid using aspirin or ibuprofen for one week previous to laser treatment so as to decrease this possible side effect. Yet another possible side effect, though rare, is blistering. Blistering can occur if tan skin is treated or as a result of medications. Medications that are sun sensitizing will also be laser sensitizing. It is very important to discuss all medications with the laser technician before treatment.

The SkinCare Center's lasers are all equipped with a Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD). This is a cooling spray emitted milliseconds before the laser touches the skin. This allows the laser to reach the targeted area and not damage the skin's surface. DCD makes the treatments more comfortable and is faster than using cooling gels.

The SkinCare Center's lasers are effective tools for achieving a multitude of pleasing outcomes. A consult appointment can be scheduled by calling (865) 675-8000, extension 1306.

Vbeam Before & After Photos

GentleLASE Hair Removal Before & After Photos

Acne Scars

Acne

PHAROS Excimer Laser

Psoriasis and Vitiligo

NEW AT DERMATOLOGY ASSOCIATES OF KNOXVILLE!!!

Painless Laser Therapy Gives New Hope to Sufferers of Embarrassing Skin Diseases

 For the first time in their lives, patients who suffer from some of the most frustrating and embarrassing skin diseases including psoriasis, vitiligo, and atopic dermatitis have real hope for effectively, conveniently, and painlessly treating their conditions. 

 Here in Knoxville, Dermatology Associates of Knoxville, PC is proud to be the first physician office to offer the PHAROS excimer laser, a gentle and painless phototherapy laser shown to be effective in treating these difficult-to-treat conditions. 

 The PHAROS Excimer Laser is different from cosmetic lasers that are usually associated with pain during treatment and post-treatment downtime for the patient.  Instead, the PHAROS delivers a highly energetic but painless beam of UVB light directly to the psoriasis, vitiligo, and atopic dermatitis patches through a handpiece that rests directly on the patient’s skin.  It features the most advanced optical technology on the market, including an adjustable spot size and guiding aiming beam, to precisely target only the affected skin and spare the surrounding healthy tissue from exposure.  There is no downtime for the patients.

 Psoriasis is a non-contagious, lifelong skin disease that affects an estimated 7 million Americans. The most common form, plaque psoriasis, appears as raised, red patches or lesions covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells, called scale.  In addition to discomfort and itching, psoriasis patients commonly suffer from social embarrassment and depression.  Even worse for patients, the usual treatments are messy, time-consuming, and costly.  Topical creams and ointments have to be applied several times a day, conventional phototherapy requires 30-40 treatments and thrice weekly office visits, and the newer biological treatments usually cost the patient $2000-$3000 out of pocket each year.

 The PHAROS excimer laser is changing the way patients manage their psoriasis and is helping them achieve rapid clearing and long remissions.  Patients come in twice each week for an average of 6 weeks, and each quick treatment session that usually takes only 5-10 minutes.  Patients usually enjoy several months of treatment-free remission.

 Equally exciting for psoriasis patients, the targeted high-dose laser therapy can effectively treat stubborn plaques including knees, elbows, palms, soles, and scalp, even those that have not responded to other treatments.

Psoriasis Before Excimer Laser       Psoriasis After 12 treatments

Psoriasis Before Excimer Laser                         Psoriasis After 2 treatments

Vitiligo Before Excimer Laser                              Vitiligo After 14 treatments

Vitiligo Before Excimer Laser                              Vitiligo After 22 treatments