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The Icon aesthetic system is a multi-purpose platform with seven hand pieces, each designed to tackle a particular skincare issue. From hair removal to wrinkle reduction and skin resurfacing through state-of-the-art cooling and fractional laser use, the Icon can take care of nearly every skincare issue you raise with your dermatologist.
What can Icon treatments be used for?
The Icon Aesthetic System from Palomar offers fast, significant results for a wide variety of skincare treatments. Some of the more popular treatment services your dermatologist in Southlake, TX, can provide you with include:
- Pigment clearance
- Wrinkle reduction
- Hair reduction
- Stretch mark reduction
- Acne scar reduction
- Leg vein clearance
- Skin resurfacing
The Icon system has various hand attachments that can be used, depending on the resurfacing treatment required. In particular, the Icon 2940 is designed to effectively reduce wrinkles, age spots, brown spots, caused by either natural aging or excess sun exposure.
Is an Icon treatment classed as a surgical procedure?
No, Icon treatments provided by your dermatologist are not classed as surgical treatments.
What is the average recovery time?
Since the Icon system utilizes a fractional laser, the recovery process is much less intensive. Fractional lasers focus the intense heat energy in specifically targeted areas, avoiding the healthy surrounding tissue, which means the healing process is much quicker than with other treatments—the average recovery time is between 10-14 days.
Is there anything I should avoid before undertaking an Icon treatment?
Before undergoing an Icon treatment at your local dermatologist office, we may ask you to prepare in the following ways during the lead-up to to your appointment:
- Avoid excess sun exposure
- Avoid using tanning products
- Decrease your alcohol intake
- Discontinue the use of harsh skin care products
- Avoid drinking or eating for 6 hours before your treatment
Of particular importance is the discontinuance of chemical skincare peels, aggressive scrubs, and other harsh skincare routines, though topical moisturizers and other products such as sunscreen may still be used. Sunscreen is vital if you’re unable to decrease sun exposure before your treatment occurs.
What if I’m using a prescription topical acne treatment? Can I still have Icon skin treatments done by my dermatologist?
Before proceeding with any skincare treatment, you should make your dermatologist aware of any topical treatments you’re using on the areas you wish your Icon treatment to target if they aren’t already aware of them. Your skin should be assessed before the booking occurs, as a medical professional will need to determine the appropriate wait time.
We prefer to treat healthy, non-irritated skin. If you’re using anything that causes your skin to be dry, flaky, or irritated, then a waiting period of 1-2 weeks after discontinuing use of the product that has affected your skin may be recommended. It does not mean that you won’t qualify for treatment.
I’m taking antibiotics. Can I still get Icon laser treatments?
If you’re taking antibiotics, your dermatologist may wish to perform test spots before treatment to determine your sensitivity to the lasers used. If the test spot results are satisfactory, you can proceed with your laser treatment of choice.
What can I expect to happen during treatment?
On the day of your treatment, before the laser process begins, your dermatologist will examine, cleanse, and prepare your skin. Local anesthetic or numbing cream may be applied as necessary before the laser targets the chosen area. The laser can target areas of irregular pigmentation, uneven skin texture, wrinkles, fine lines, and other imperfections.
As the procedure goes on, your dermatologist will closely monitor the effect on your skin and make sure the session is both effective and as comfortable as possible for you. Once the skin treatment has finished, soothing ointment or serum should be applied to help ease initial discomfort.
How many sessions will I need to book?
As little as one session can provide the results that you need. If more treatment sessions are desired, your doctor will advise on when it’s possible to schedule another skin treatment session. It often depends on how long it takes your skin to recover and your skin’s characteristics.
What can I expect to happen after treatment?
Immediately after treatment, you’ll notice some discomfort. Your skin will feel raw and swollen. The good news is you can safely ease the pain with over-the-counter medications and cold compresses.
Approximately 1-2 weeks after your Icon treatment session, your skin will be healing. You may see scabbing and crusting as the new skin forms. Scabbing is nothing to worry about, and you can often return to work at the end of the first week after treatment. You may find it beneficial to take antibiotics and antiviral medications, which can be prescribed. Keep taking these medications until the course is complete for the best chance at healing. During the first few weeks, try to avoid excess sun exposure.
Beyond the first few weeks, you’ll notice your new skin will remain pink. The pinkness can remain for several months. Wrinkles and other signs of aging will eventually reappear as your new skin ages.
Why choose an Icon laser treatment?
One of the unique features of an Icon laser treatment is that the device has a melanin reader. This state-of-the-art technology is the industry’s only melanin reading device which measures your skin’s melanin index during every treatment. The index helps to determine the ideal settings for your laser treatment so that the laser is safely calibrated to provide the best results possible.
Why choose Compassion Dermatology?
Our skilled skincare team remains actively informed on the latest dermatology research and innovations that will help you to maintain the best skin appearance possible. We trust the results of the Icon Aesthetic System and believe that you should too. In addition to our knowledge and skill, you’ll receive the utmost compassion and care at our Southlake facility that also serves Southlake, TX, residents. Request an appointment with us, and we’ll be happy to discuss any concerns or requirements you may have regarding our advanced Icon laser treatments.
