Thriving with Technology

Top 10 med spa technologies of the past decade TECHNOLOGY WITH THRIVING

by Louis Silberman

The past decade has been an incredibly exciting time in the med spa industry. Advancements in technology have blown the market wide open for minimally invasive procedures that deliver noticeable results with little or no downtime— and clients can’t seem to get enough. Let’s take a look at ten of the most popular medspa technologies of the past decade.

1. LASER HAIR REMOVAL

Laser hair removal (or, more accurately speaking, laser hair reduction) remains one of the most in-demand cosmetic laser treatments, with continued growth in the industry. Clients love it because, unlike shaving, waxing, and plucking, it doesn’t have to be done every day— saving time, mess, and in the long run, money. Laser hair removal works by using safe and effective laser technology to target pigmented hair follicles within the skin; the laser light damages the follicle and prevents hairs from growing back. Laser hair removal can be used on most skin types and most body parts.

2. INTENSE PULSED LIGHT (IPL) PHOTOFACIAL

This skin rejuvenation treatment is ideal for improving tone and texture and correcting hyperpigmentation. It’s popular because it’s quick, affordable, nearly painless, and effective. Photofacial treatments work by using specific wavelengths to improve skin concerns while stimulating collagen and improving connective tissue. IPL can be used to treat sun damage, rosacea, broken capillaries, certain types of acne scarring, freckling, and age/dark spots, and can be used on almost any area of the skin. Many clients find that a series of three Photofacials spaced several weeks apart yields optimal results.

3. LASER TATTOO REMOVAL

Did you know that approximately 25 percent of Americans have at least one tattoo? And the number one reason people get tattoos removed is so they can get another one in its place. Laser tattoo removal uses Q-switched technology, which emits light and energy to the tattoo’s pigment, breaking it down into microscopic pieces that are safely flushed out through the body’s lymphatic system. Most clients need 10-15 treatments (or more), depending on the size, color, and location of the tattoo.

4. STRETCH MARK REDUCTION

Stretch marks form when the skin is stretched past its typical capacity, leaving behind tears within skin tissue. They form for several reasons, including rapid weight gain and loss, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and weightlifting. Laser stretch mark removal works by using a fractional laser that scatters pulses of light over the treatment area, creating microscopic, fractionalized columns within the skin that immediately generates the body’s natural healing process, stimulating collagen and fading the appearance of stretch marks.

5. FRACTIONAL LASER

Fractional laser delivers both ablative and non-ablative wavelengths to the same or different treatment zones, providing ablative results with non-ablative downtime. Fractional laser treatments are ideal for treating sun damage, freckling, and correcting minor tone and texture issues.

6. MICRONEEDLING

Microneedling skin rejuvenation is designed to reduce the appearance of skin imperfections. Tiny needles are used to create controlled micro-injuries to the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin growth. Microneedling can be used with hyaluronic acid and other skin revitalizing serums that sink deeper into the skin. This is the best treatment for melasma because no heat is involved. It also helps with lines and wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, and stretch marks.

7. ACNE REDUCTION

Broadband Light uses a unique filter that creates a “blue light effect,” which can destroy the bacteria that forms acne. Photothermal energy also targets pigments within the skin, such as brown spots and redness, and evens out skin tone. It can be used to treat several types of acne, including red pimples, cystic acne, pustules, acne scars, active acne breakouts, and facial redness caused by acne.

8. HYDRAFACIAL

This treatment uses traditional dermabrasion technology. But rather than blasting the skin with gritty particles, it gently vacuums pores for the ulti

mate cleansing experience. The handpiece’s “vortex technology” spins away dirt, grime, and dead skin cells while simultaneously infusing the skin with serums that are designed to brighten and plump. These “boosters” can perform a number of functions, including lightening brown spots, reducing the appearance of fine lines, and targeting acne. Clients of all ages love this very popular treatment.

9. FREEZING TECHNOLOGIES FOR FAT REDUCTION

Freezing technologies for treating unwanted fat and body sculpting have become increasingly popular in the past few years. This treatment uses controlled cooling to eliminate stubborn fat that won’t go away even with diet plans and fitness routines. Fat cells are targeted deep within the skin while leaving surrounding skin undisturbed. The treated fat cells are crystallized, die off, and over time, eliminated by your body’s lymphatic system. Clients are flocking to freezing technologies as a means of achieving an improved physique while at the same time, avoiding surgery, anesthesia, invasive techniques, and significant downtime— things that are typically associated with traditional liposuction.

10. MMS AND HIFEM FOR BODY CONTOURING

Magnetic muscle stimulation (MMS) can be used to tighten and tone muscles without spending hours at the gym. Electromagnetic energy is zapped into muscles, causing them to contract and relax repeatedly for a more defined physique. High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Energy (HIFEM) is a similar technology used to tighten and tone muscles. Both of these treatments are quickly gaining popularity among clients who want to perfect their form without bulking up. Craving ripped abs and a flat tummy? Both of these treatments deliver, and as an added bonus, they’re quick, painless, and there is no downtime required.

Summary

When I opened my first med spa fifteen years ago (and soon after, a cosmetic laser and medical esthetic training center), I could not have imagined how significantly improved technology would impact our industry. Today’s treatments keep getting better and better—they’re now more affordable, more comfortable, require less (if any!) downtime, and are sought by men and women of all ages. Cheers to the Top 10!

Louis “The Laser Guy”

Silberman is CEO of National Laser Institute, a national cosmetic laser and medical esthetic training center founded fifteen years ago, and owns medical spas in Scottsdale and Dallas. He’s the author of Make It Happen Online and a motivational marketing speaker. Silberman created the sixth most visited health/beauty website and was a semi-finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2014. Contact him at louis@nationallaserinstitute.com and follow him on Instagram at louisthelaserguy.