Skin Resurfacing

Skin resurfacing with Lumenis Stella is a non-invasive approach to address and treat more than 30 skin conditions and blemishes on different parts of the body, and features both IPL and laser therapies. From sunspots to acne to unwanted hair, the Lumenis Stella is as versatile as it is effective. With four different applicators and a wide array of power and wavelength settings, the Lumenis Stella platform can help restore the youthful glow to your complexion, as well as removing unwanted pigmentation and hair. Because of its versatile effectiveness, Dr. Robert Bonillas is proud to offer the rejuvenating benefits of Lumenis Stellar to his Scottsdale clientele. If you have a blemish in need of correcting or would like to learn more about our other cosmetic procedures, please schedule a personal consultation or call our front desk at (480) 245-6380. 

About IPL and Laser Treatments

Lumenis Stella uses light energy as either intense pulsed light (IPL) or laser energy. In dermatology, laser energy has been utilized for decades, but with the advent of IPL therapy, the number of treatable conditions has increased. When applied to the skin, light energy can do one of four things: absorb, reflect, transmit, or scatter. To achieve its clinical effect, the light energy must be absorbed, but the different molecules in the skin absorb different energy based on the light’s wavelength.^[1] The three main components that absorb light energy are water, melanin, and hemoglobin. When the light is absorbed in the epidermis (the most outer layer of the skin), there is minimal scattering. But in the deep layer of the dermis, there is a significant scattering of light energy. This is because the amount of scattering of energy is inversely proportional to the wavelength of light. The energy’s depth increases with wavelength until the mid-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, at which point dermal penetration becomes more superficial due to increased absorption within tissue water. So, the higher the wavelength, the deeper the energy reaches – and vice versa: to treat more superficial blemishes, the IPL device uses lower wavelengths. For a laser resurfacing device to cover the wide spectrum of skin conditions, it needs to be able to safely and effectively harness the power of different wavelengths. 

Treatable Conditions

The Lumenis Stella laser treats:

Vascular Lesions

Traditionally, vascular blemishes are referred to as “birthmarks” and were a sign of a mother’s emotions imprinted on her fetus – at least according to folklore.^[2] But now, vascular blemishes can become a cosmetic insecurity and can appear later in life. These vascular blemishes exist on more superficial layers of skin but can’t be treated effectively with topical creams, serums, or ointments. They can exist on just about any part of the body but most commonly as visible veins on our legs, rosacea around our cheeks, broken capillaries, and facial veins. Because of its wide range of wavelengths, the Lumenis Stella laser can address all types of vascular blemishes. 

Acne

The Lumenis Stella laser has the appropriate wavelengths to improve the coloration of troublesome acne spots. For many, the redness of their acne can be difficult to control and treat. Some may try creams and ointments, leaving their skin even more red and irritated than before. To target the base of the acne cysts, the Lumenis Stella platform uses the Stellar IPL applicator with its wavelength set to 400-600 or 800-1200. At this level, the light energy doesn’t scatter but zeros in on the pigmented cells. Once the cells absorb the energy, the redness disperses and fades, leaving behind an evenly colored complexion.

Hyperpigmentation

Medically known as melasma, sunspots can pop up on different parts of our body. With prolonged, unprotected exposure to sunlight, our skin cells absorb too much UV radiation and change in pigmentation. These spots can be uneven in size and shape and occur on our face, back, chest, neck, and hands. To treat hyperpigmentation, we often use either the Stellar IPL or the ResurFX applicator depending on the size of wavelength you need.

Unwanted Tattoos

Using the Nd: YAG Q-Switched applicator, we target darker pigmented cells like those from an unwanted tattoo. With customizable spot sizes and a 1064 wavelength, we can treat any tattoo that was once loved and now is regretted.

Uneven Tone and Texture

As we age, our skin can change in tone and texture. These conditions can appear as uneven bumps on our nose and cheeks or discoloration in our skin. To treat uneven tone and texture, the IPL laser targets each layer of the skin to disrupt the cells causing these blemishes. 

About The Lumenis Stella

With its varying wavelengths, pulse density and duration, and continuous cooling applicator, the Lumenis Stella is head and shoulders above the other resurfacing platforms in the cosmetic industry, as it offers both IPL and laser treatments. What makes the Lumenis Stella laser special is its Optimal Pulse Technology (OPT) and Multiple-Sequential Pulsing (MPS). OPT is beneficial because of its high peak power with shorter pulses that are perfect for photorejuvenation and treating uneven pigmentation. MPS, on the other hand, allows for cooling between pulses, which reduces the chance of skin damage during treatments. The Lumenis Stella comes with four different applicators:

Stellar IPL

Ranging from 400-1200nm, the Stellar IPL applicator is ideal for diminishing the sight of acne, rosacea, vascular veins or spots, and over 20 other skin conditions and hair removal. For rosacea and vascular blemishes, the iron of the red blood cells absorbs this wavelength and disrupts it from the inside out. With its Optimal Pulse Technology, the Stellar IPL applicator can change pulse shape and length during your procedure for a more customizable approach. 

ResurFX

From treating only a single blemish or your entire complexion, the ResurFX needs just one pass for optimal skin rejuvenation. This non-ablative laser operates at a 1565 wavelength and can change in area shape, size, and density, resulting in over 600 combinations of possible treatment options. 

Multi-Spot Nd: YAG

Suitable for all skin types and different areas of the body, the Multi-Spot Nd: YAG laser is ideal for treating vascular lesions and leg veins. 

Q-Switched Nd: YAG

The Q-Switched Nd: YAG applicator operates at a 1064 wavelength and is suited to treat pigmented spots and tattoo removal. 

Am I A Candidate?

Because IPL and non-ablative laser resurfacing offer minimal downtime if any,^[3] it is perfect for those who might not have room in their schedule to be laid up, focusing on recovery. With over 30 treatable conditions, the Lumenis Stella is perfect for a wide variety of patients. Skin conditions can affect anyone at any age, so there is no age limit to this procedure. 

Personal Consultation

As an experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Robert G. Bonillas MD has the skills, knowledge, and expertise necessary to treat a wide variety of cosmetic conditions. With his expert hand, he prides himself on being able to pull out and accentuate his patient’s existing beauty. Having received his medical degree in this state at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Dr. Bonillas is proud to offer his trade to the Scottsdale community. With his post-doctoral work at New York University Medical Center, Stanford University Medical Center, and the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, he underwent research fellowships and special training in plastic surgery to refine his skills. He is proud to offer the culmination of all his talents to his Scottsdale clientele. To schedule an appointment with him, please contact us by clicking here or giving us a call at (480) 245-6380.

We will begin your consultation with a brief physical examination and a new patient intake interview. Through this intake interview, we will learn about your medical and surgical history and your desired cosmetic results. Your happiness and safety are paramount to us, so please do not hesitate to ask any questions about IPL or laser resurfacing. Dr. Bonillas will inspect your skin and note what condition or blemish you currently have. Then, he will explain how the Lumenis Stellar platform works and how it will best assist your cosmetic goals. Once he has constructed an itemized treatment plan, he will go over the plan with you. Before your treatment, please come with a clean face and no makeup or cosmetic products on your skin. If you are currently experiencing an HSV outbreak, it will be best to reschedule. 

FAQ

References

1. Husain, Z., & Alster, T. S. (2016). The role of lasers and intense pulsed light technology in dermatology. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 9, 29–40. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S69106
2. Sepulveda, A., & Buchanan, E. P. (2014). Vascular tumors. Seminars in plastic surgery, 28(2), 49–57. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0034-1376260
3. Bitter Jr., P. H., MD. (2000). Noninvasive Rejuvenation of Photodamaged Skin Using Serial, Full‐Face Intense Pulsed Light Treatments, 26(9), 835-843. doi:https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1524-4725.2000.00085.x