Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled some of our most frequently asked questions on this page. If you cannot find the information you are looking for, Click here to send us your specific question and we will respond promptly.
Click here for testimonials from Isis Skin & Body clients.
General
What procedures does Isis Skin & Body offer?
Isis offers a variety of procedures that either singularly or in combination can create remarkable results.
- VelaShape decreases cellulite and inches, and smooths and tightens skin
- Titan tightens up the skin.
- Genesis decreases redness and fine lines and shrinks pores.
- Laser Vein Removal removes veins on the legs and face as well as vascular lesions (like red dots) on the body.
- Laser Hair Removal removes hair safely and for good!
- IPL removes age spots and discoloration.
- Peels even out skin tone, smooth skin texture and lift pigmentation.
- We provide medically-graded skincare products that are chosen for their effectiveness in reversing the signs of aging, clearing acne, improving pigmentation isues and more.
Do I have to have a consultation prior to my procedure?
Yes. We feel the very best treatment plan is developed through a synthesis of expert evaluation on our part and an understanding of the specific goals you wish to achieve. Please let us know if you are certain you want to undergo treatment as we would be happy to schedule your procedure immediately following your free consultation.
How much do treatments at Isis cost?
Pricing varies considerably based on the procedure(s) being done, the area being treated and the number of necessary treatments. Feel free to contact us for a general price range, but please note that actual pricing can only be determined through a free face-to-face consultation with the laser specialist. Multi-package and other discounts are also available.
Do you ever have specials?
Yes. Check out Isis Specials for updated Promotions and Specials at Isis.
Do you have financing? Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. We are pleased to offer interst-free, in-house financing with an Isis Line of Credit. Isis Financing allows many of our clients to start care immediately and make reasonable monthly payments for Isis services. We also offer a 2-payment or 3-payment plan that allow you to split up payments for a small administrative fee.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Isis Financing, cash, money orders and cashier's checks. We also accept personal checks from our established clients.
Is laser dangerous?
Our Cutera Lasers are safe and noninvasive. There is virtually no redness, swelling or harmful physical side-effects. Any laser procedure may, on extremely rare occasion, create a superficial burn or small blister that generally goes away quickly and without scarring.
Can you really do something about acne scarring?
Yes. We can dramatically reduce the depth of acne scarring, and often remove all traces of it, depending on the severity and location. This is done using a combination of modalities as recommended by your laser specialist or physician. Often, treatment of acne scarring will involve a combination of laser Genesis and Advanced Chemical Peels.
Can you treat other types of scars?
Yes. We treat all sorts of scars, with varied high degrees of success, depending on the depth and severity of the scars. We are proud of our high success rate in improving the appearance of a variety of scars.
Are all laser clinics pretty much the same?
No. Each laser clinic is only as good as its equipment, staff, expertise and oversight. Isis Skin & Body is independently owned and operated by our Physician Medical Director. Isis is not a franchise. We have been in business since 2004 and have served hundreds of pleased clients over the years. In fact, we are proud to say that our best source of new clients is recommendations from our current clients. At Isis we feature technology for safe and effective laser hair and vein removal, treatment of pigmentation issues, acne and acne scarring, as well as anti-aging procedures for ALL skin tones. We take pride in our ability to treat darker skin tones and have become a respected and trusted in this regard. Our staff is exceptional in its knowledge, skills and application, and participate in ongoing training with our medical director. Additionally, our laser specialists do not work on commission, and are encouraged to educate and inform clients about the best procedure for them without engaging in high-pressure sales. In fact, we encourage all clients to think about the information presented to them and make informed decisions at their own pace. We individualize treatment plans for our clients and strive for 100% satisfaction!
Does the Physician do all the procedures?
No. Laser treatment in most laser clinics in California are typically conducted by a Registered Nurse. Most laser procedures are routine for well-trained RN's and it is not necessary that they be performed by a physician. At Isis, we have a Physician Medical Director who has created our treatment protocols and therapeutic regimens and oversees clinical activities. She also provides extensive training to all Isis staff. In fact, Isis is becoming known for it's advanced training programs in laser and medical esthetics. Our Medical Director is always available to consult with our laser specialists and will evaluate and treat clients as appropriate. In addition, due to the slightly higher risk and greater skill required with vein and vascular treatments, our Physician Medical Director performs all such treatments. Many laser clinics have minimal or no physician involvement. We encourage you to inquire about physician medical director involvement at any laser center you are considering. A physician medical director is a requirement of all laser centers in the state of California. Any laser center should be able to give you their doctor's information (name, specialty, board certification, etc.) , describe their level of involvement, and explain their protocol in the event that there is an adverse reaction or complication.
What are the qualifications of a "laser specialist"?
California law requires that a laser specialist hold at least the degree of Registered Nurse (RN) (in other states, aestheticians are allowed to perform these procedures). All RN's at Isis have gone through extensive training under our medical director and are highly skilled and experienced.
How long have you been doing these procedures?
Isis has been in business since December 2004. However, our Medical Director has studied and trained on laser aesthetic procedures since 1999. At Isis we only employ highly trained and conscientious nurses to perform aesthetic treatments. Our nurses have extensive experience performing a variety of laser procedures and other aesthetic services.
Do you offer Botox, Collagen Injections, Restylane injections?
No. Consistent with our philosophy at Isis Skin & Body, we offer only non-invasive treatments.
Titan
How does the Titan work?
The Titan works by delivering light to the deeper layers of the skin (the dermis) causing the dermis to heat up. This heating results in collagen contraction, or shrinking, which tightens the skin. At the same time, this heating stimulates the production of new collagen, causing the skin to tighten, the pores to diminish in size and an overall tighter look to the areas treated. During treatment, the top layer of the skin (the epidermis) is protected by continuous cooling through the Titan handpiece. The result is tighter skin with a dramatic decrease in wrinkles, skin laxity and stretch marks, with no downtime.
Click here to see our article, "Does Titan Non-Invasive Facelift Really Work?"
What is the Titan used for?
The Titan smooths and tightens skin on the face, neck, abdomen, breasts and arms. The Titan is a non-invasive way to restore natural contours, tighten and smooth the skin. The Titan tightens and thereby decreases the appearance of stretch marks on the body from childbirth or weight fluctuations. This treatment can be done in combination with Velashape when body contouring is also desired.
What will my skin feel like during and after my Titan treatment?
The Titan delivers an intense but brief pulse of light, repeated over the entire area being treated. The sensation is that of heat which increases over a few seconds and then dissipates before it has a chance to feel too painful. Most patients find the procedure quite tolerable and no anesthesia is required. After the Titan procedure, most patients report a tighter, firmer feeling to the skin as well as a feeling of warmth for about 30 minutes following the procedure.
How many Titan treatments will it take to get a great result?
Many patients experience excellent results with just one treatment. However, at Isis, we believe optimal results are achieved after multiple "passes". This is usually accomplished in three treatment sessions per half-face (or neck) spaced three to six weeks apart. Your laser specialist will advise you as to the optimal treatment regimen for you.
Do I have stay at home after a procedure because of the after-effects?
No. Because there is basically no reddening, swelling or scaring from this procedure, one can have the Titan performed on a long lunch hour and go right back to work without any negative signs on the skin. In fact, quite the opposite. Titan results are often instantaneous and enhance the look of the skin by the end of the procedure.
How long will my Titan results last?
Remarkably, the Titan procedure reawakens and encourages long-term healthy collagen production, so even after the treatment, your skin continues to renew and replenish itself naturally. In fact, although positive result are often seen immediately after the first treatment, accelerated collagen production continues for twelve to eighteen months before reaching a plateau of steady repair work. Because the natural aging process is of course continuing, it is difficult to state precisely how long results will last, but benefits seem apparent for many years. Sun protection and meticulous skin care are necessary to maintain optimal results. Because as we age our skin contains less of the growth factors needed for collagen production, we recommend that all clients undergoing treatments to stimulate collagen production (like Titan and Genesis), use products containing skin growth factors or aid in cell repair. We will review the optimum product regimen for you at your free consultation.
How long does the Titan procedure take?
The length of the Titan procedure depends on the number of passes being performed and the area being treated. Titan of the entire face generally takes about one hour per session.
How would you compare Titan to cosmetic surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is invasive. It involves cutting and stitching as well as a recovery period during which there is generally swelling and pain. Anesthesia is required, which carries some risk. And of course there is the cost involved with surgery, anesthesia, operating room and recovery time. While the results may be quickly marvelous, they can also be tragically off the mark and irreversible. In later years, when the skin begins to sag once again, there may be a strange look to the facial features as they do not sag uniformly after cosmetic surgery. Titan repairs the skin by exciting natural mechanisms in the skin, which creates both natural results in tightening, and uniform relaxation at a much later date. As the normal aging process continues, laser can safely be repeated. With laser, skin keeps getting better over time, where with surgery there is no such mechanism.
Genesis
How does Laser Genesis work?
Genesis skin rejuvenation employs laser light targeted to the dermis, the deeper layer of the skin, where collagen is made. The laser heats the dermis causing new collagen production that continues over time. The result is more even skin tone, tighter pores and a smoother skin texture. Laser also targets the microvasculature (tiny vessels) beneath the skin surface, decreasing diffuse redness and ruddy complexions.
What is Laser Genesis used for?
Laser Genesis improves the skin's overall appearance, particularly on face, neck and chest, decreasing fine line wrinkles and restoring even skin tones. Laser Genesis evens out acne scarring and is particularly effective in combination with other treatments such as chemical peels. Genesis can also be used to improve the appearance of other scars anywhere on the body. Genesis tightens pores and improves skin texture, smooths ruddy complexions and diffuses excessive facial redness, including that caused by rosacea.
What will my skin feel like during and after my Laser Genesis treatment?
Laser Genesis produces a gentle warming during treatment that most patients enjoy. Immediately following the treatment, the warm feeling continues for about thirty minutes. Many patients report a pleasant mild tingling feeling and a feeling of increased firmness for a day following the treatment.
How long after Laser Genesis treatments may I return to normal activities?
You may return to normal activities immediately following your Laser Genesis treatment. Most patients notice a healthy, rosy glow following Laser Genesis. Aftercare instructions simply include the use of sunscreen as well as consuming plenty of water. This is truly a rejuvenation procedure with no downtime.
How many Laser Genesis treatments will it take to get a great result?
The number of treatments needed depends upon the problem being treated but usually ranges from four to six treatments spaced three to four weeks apart. Results are generally seen after just one treatment, but a series of treatments is required for optimum results. Depending on the concern being addressed, your provider may recommend other treatments in conjunction with Laser Genesis, such as Chemical Peels or Titan non-surgical facelift. These may be alternated with Genesis if needed.
How long will my Laser Genesis results last?
One of the greatest advantages of Laser Genesis is that the results continue to accumulate after each treatment and continue far beyond your last treatment. In fact, accelerated collagen production continues following Laser Genesis, peaking at about 12 weeks after your last treatment, then continuing at a steady increased rate. Because the natural aging process is of course continuing, it is difficult to state precisely how long results will last, but benefits seem apparent for several years. Sun protection and meticulous skin care are necessary to maintain optimal results. In the case of acne scarring and rosacea, it is necessary to control the underlying condition in order to avoid further skin disruption.
How long does Laser Genesis take?
Genesis of the entire face is generally performed in less than one hour. Because the procedure is quite comfortable, no anesthesia or medication is necessary.
Vi Peel
What is special about the Vi Peel?
The Vi Peel uses a unique blend of highly effective and safe acids to cause chemical exfoliation of the skin. This peel can be used on all skin types. Because it uses a blend of acids, it has maximum effects without side effects, and is safe for all skin tones.
What is the peeling process like?
Most patients experience significant peeling in sheets of skin. Some people prefer to stay home for a couple of days, while others do not mind going out in public. the bulk of the peeling occurs on day 3 to 5, so for those who have weekends off, Wednesday and Thursday nights are common times to have the peel performed.
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Who can benefit from this peel?
Anyone who wishes to improve their skin will benefit from the Vi. Those who are targeting acne scarring or pigmentation may require a series of 3 peels in addition to the proper product regimen.
Do I need "prep" or "post" care products?
Preparatory products are not required. However, if the reason for doing the peel is pigmentation or scarring, it will usually be recommended that you do prep with the appropriate products for 2 to 3 weeks prior to the peel to maximize the effects of the peel. All post-care products will be provided to you at the time of your peel
Can I get a peel any time of year?
Yes. But it is extremely important to avoid the sun (wear a hat) and wear sunscreen during the peeling process. Some people prefer to get peels done during the cooler weather to avoid this issue, however as long as proper care is taken, the peel can be performed any time of year.
How many Vi Peels will it take to get a great result?
The number of treatments needed depends upon the problem being addressed but usually ranges from one to three treatments spaced three to four weeks apart. Significant results are seen after just one treatment, but a series of treatments is generally required for conditions such as scarring and hyperpigmentation. Depending on the concern being addressed, your provider may recommend other treatments in conjunction with your Vi Peel, such as Laser Genesis, which may be alternated with your peel if needed.
How long will my Vi Peel results last?
The changes that occur in the epidermis following a chemical peel last for years, and may even be permanent. In order to maintain your results, it is critical to avoid sun damage. In the case of acne scarring, it is necessary to control further acne breakouts in order to avoid further skin disruption. Hormonal changes, sun damage and further acne breakouts may cause new pigment changes or scarring that may require repeat treatments with Vi Peel alone or in combination with other treatments.
How long does the Vi Peel take?
Vi Peel of the face is generally performed in less than twenty minutes.
Vitalize Peel®
How does Vitalize Peel® work?
Vitalize Peel® uses a unique blend of safe but effective acids to cause chemical exfoliation of the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin. Skin regeneration following this chemical peel results in a fresh, organized, healthy epidermis. The result is a smoother and more even complexion and an improvement in pigment changes.
What is Vitalize Peel® used for?
The Vitalize Peel® improves the skin's overall appearance, decreasing fine line wrinkles and restoring even skin tones. Vitalize Peel® evens out acne scarring and is particularly effective in combination with other treatments such as Laser Genesis. Vitalize Peel® is effective for pigment changes caused by acne scarring, photodamage (sun damage), age spots, freckles, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Vitalize Peel® tightens pores, improves skin texture, and smoothes ruddy complexions.
What will my skin feel like during and after my Vitalize Peel®?
During your Vitalize Peel®, you will experience a warm, tingling sensation. This procedure is quite tolerable and requires no pre-medication. After your peel, you may continue to experience mild tingling.
How long after Vitalize Peel® may I return to normal activities?
You may return to normal activities immediately following your Vitalize Peel®. You may experience mild redness or tingling following your peel. For one to two days following your procedure you will notice mild to moderate peeling of the skin that can be concealed with the use of a moisturizer. This peeling is essentially unnoticeable by others. Vitalize Peel® is a rejuvenation procedure with no downtime.
How many Vitalize Peels® will it take to get a great result?
The number of treatments needed depends upon the problem being addressed but usually ranges from three to six treatments spaced three to four weeks apart. Results are generally seen after just one treatment, but a series of treatments is required for optimum results. Depending on the concern being addressed, your provider may recommend other treatments in conjunction with your Vitalize Peel®, such as Laser Genesis, which may be alternated with your peel if needed.
How long will my Vitalize Peel® results last?
The changes that occur in the epidermis following a chemical peel last for years, and may even be permanent. In order to maintain your results, it is critical to avoid sun damage. In the case of acne scarring, it is necessary to control further acne breakouts in order to avoid further skin disruption. Hormonal changes, sun damage and further acne breakouts may cause new pigment changes or scarring that may require repeat treatments with Vitalize Peel® alone or in combination with other treatments.
How long does the Vitalize Peel® take?
Vitalize Peel® of the face is generally performed in less than twenty minutes.
Epidermal Leveling
What is Epidermal Leveling used for?
- Refines and refinishes dull, lifeless skin.
- Safely removes the skin's top layers, fine facial hair, and surface imperfections.
- Reduces acne scarring, uneven pigmentation, and fine line wrinkles.
Is Epidermal Leveling right for my skin type?
Yes! It is ideal for all skin types and tones.
How often should I have this procedure?
This treatment is recommended once a month for the best results.
How will this procedure effect my facial hair?
Epidermal Leveling removes hair temporarily without the harsh effects of waxing and does not change the hair growth pattern or hair texture.
Can anyone perform this procedure?
No. Certification is required to perform procedure and can only be done in a doctor's office.
What else should I know about Epidermal Leveling?
- It is non-invasive and helps make other skin care treatments more effective.
- It thins and compacts stratum corneum and thickens the dermis resulting in increased absorption of active products, increased firmness and elasticity, and minimized fine lines and wrinkles.
- It is very important to provide essential nutrients and protection to your newly exposed skin. When Epidermal Leveling is used in conjunction with specially designed skincare products, the procedure can make healthy and beautiful skin a reality.