Cosmetic Services

At Skin Spectrum Dermatology Tucson in Arizona, we offer a variety of cosmetic services to keep your skin looking young and healthy.

Contact us to schedule a consultation with Nicole James, PA-C , or any of our certified medical laser technicians regarding any of the following procedures:

Clear + Brilliant®
ResurFX
Excel V Laser
Fotona
Thermage®
Genesis
ThermiTight


Clear + Brilliant®

Do you already follow a regular skin care routine but feel ready for a more advanced treatment? Clear + Brilliant may be the answer. It’s a gentle laser skin resurfacing procedure we offer at our Tucson, Arizona, clinic. For patients who are interested in preventing early signs of aging or addressing pigment and enlarged pores, the Clear + Brilliant laser treatment provides visible results that continue improving with each session. Patients of all ages at Skin Spectrum love the procedure because there’s no discomfort or downtime and — best of all — it works.

What conditions does Clear + Brilliant treat?

Clear + Brilliant is considered an excellent laser treatment because it is less aggressive than other laser skin rejuvenation procedures while addressing a variety of skin concerns. The fractional laser technology used in Clear + Brilliant treatments addresses:

  • Early signs of aging, such as fine lines and texture changes on the skin
  • Pigment from photodamage and Melasma
  • Dull skin tone
  • Enlarged pores

These treatments can also be part of the Proactive Aging Management care we offer at Skin Spectrum, which addresses the role diet, exercise and hormones play in aging.

Patients with more significant skin concerns may benefit from other laser skin rejuvenation treatments at our Tucson practice, such as MaxFX™ CO2 or ActiveFX™ fractional laser procedures.

How does the laser work?

Fractional laser treatments work by creating millions of controlled pinpoint wounds in the skin’s upper layers, stimulating the production of healthy tissue to replace damaged tissue. Unlike older laser technology — which essentially obliterated the upper layer of the skin and required significant downtime — the Clear + Brilliant laser creates micro treatment zones without damaging surrounding tissue.

What can I expect?

A Clear + Brilliant treatment begins with the application of a topical anesthetic about 30 minutes before the laser treatment. After the numbing cream is wiped off and your skin is cleansed, your provider carefully glides the handheld device across the treatment area. Patients wear protective eyewear during the procedure.

The anesthetic and Zimmer cooling device help minimize any discomfort experienced during the treatment session, which typically takes about 20 minutes. Patients say the sensation is of mild to moderate tingling for about 15 minutes. We apply a cooling mask immediately after the procedure to help reduce any discomfort.

How many treatment sessions will I need?

We recommend including Clear + Brilliant in your overall skincare regimen and tailoring the number of treatments to your concerns. Patients who are getting laser skin rejuvenation for the first time often schedule three to five treatment sessions about four weeks apart. After that, we recommend maintenance treatments about once every four to five months.

In most cases, patients notice their skin appears smoother, clearer and brighter a few days after each treatment.

What is the recovery like?

Expect your skin to appear pinkish for about six hours after the treatment. Your skin may be a bit dry the following morning, but in most cases there won’t be any indication that you’ve had a laser skin treatment. Redness that persists for up to two days may occur, but that’s less common.

If you’re beginning to notice early signs of aging or just want a laser skin rejuvenation treatment without downtime, contact us to learn if Clear + Brilliant is right for you.

ResurFX™ Laser Skin Resurfacing

Among the most effective skin care treatments we offer our Tucson patients is laser skin resurfacing using the ResurFX system. It is the only truly non-ablative fractional laser treatment, and it’s a safe and comfortable option for successfully treating skin concerns on both the face and body.

If you’re ready to enhance the health and appearance of your skin, visit the cosmetic dermatology leaders at Skin Spectrum. For your comprehensive facial assessment, request a cosmetic consultation online or call (520) 797-8885.

What conditions can the ResurFX laser treat?

ResurFX is among the most versatile treatments we offer for skin care in Tucson. Laser skin resurfacing treatments with this system can improve:

  • Uneven skin tone
  • Scars from acne or injury
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Loose skin
  • Stretch marks
  • Enlarged pores

How does the laser work?

The ResurFX laser was developed by Lumenis®, one of the world’s leading makers of medical devices, as a skin resurfacing option that prioritizes patient comfort just as much as effectiveness. It is a non-ablative laser, meaning it stimulates the skin to develop collagen without harming any tissue. As collagen grows, the skin looks tighter, more even and more youthful. ResurFX is also a fractional laser, meaning the laser light that is delivered to the skin is divided into tiny dots. Unlike other fractional devices, ResurFX requires only one pass over the skin to produce effective results, reducing treatment time. The device allows for highly customizable treatments, as we can adjust factors such as laser shape, size, density and energy strength to fit each patient’s precise needs.

Who will perform my treatment?

At Skin Spectrum, our team of highly qualified laser technicians perform ResurFX treatments. They can also evaluate patients’ skin and make recommendations for other cosmetic services, including alternative laser and light treatments, that might be more appropriate for certain conditions. They have a wealth of experience with laser technologies.

What can I expect?

During a ResurFX laser skin rejuvenation treatment at our Tucson practice, we can use a topical anesthetic prior to your treatment. However, due to the non-ablative nature of the laser, most patients find treatments extremely comfortable. The FDA-cleared system includes temperature-monitoring CoolScan™ technology to ensure the skin always stays protected. Treatments can take 30 minutes or more, depending on the size of the targeted area. Multiple treatments spaced several weeks apart produce the best results.

What can I expect after treatment?

Patients can return to their everyday activities immediately after a ResurFX treatment. Mild redness, tingling or swelling may be present for up to a week, but these side effects should fade quickly and be easily concealed by makeup. It’s important for patients to properly protect their skin from the sun after a laser treatment.

 

Excel V Laser

Versatility combined with excellence is an elusive ideal. The Excel V laser, available at our Tucson office, achieves that ideal. This is the most powerful vascular laser on the market to treat conditions ranging from broken blood vessels and superficial spider veins to deep, thick lesions.

If you are looking for an Arizona dermatology practice for treatment of vascular conditions, or if you simply want to restore the vibrant, healthy appearance of your skin, request a cosmetic consultation online or call us at (520) 797-8885.

What does Excel V treat?

Some of the most common skin conditions treated by the Excel V laser include:

  • Pigmented lesions
  • Port wine stains
  • Cherry angiomas
  • Diffuse redness from rosacea or scarring
  • Telangiectasias (spider veins)
  • Facial veins

What can I expect after Excel V treatment?

The results and recovery period will depend on the laser mode used in your treatment. Typically, patients experience mild redness and swelling for 2-3 days after treatment.

What is Laser Genesis?

One of the Excel V’s most popular modes is the Laser Genesis. Our Tucson patients who can’t afford to endure a lengthy recovery period undergo a series of Laser Genesis treatments to gradually reverse signs of premature aging. The Laser Genesis treatment combats facial veins, acne, redness and uneven texture in a subtle way, so your renewed radiance looks natural. Another laser rejuvenation option that involves little downtime is Clear + Brilliant.

What can I expect after Laser Genesis treatment?

Because Laser Genesis is a gentle procedure and doesn’t require downtime, you might not notice much change after your first treatment. An attractive feature of the treatments is their incremental nature, so there’s no bruising or other obvious sign of your procedure. Seen from start to finish, however, the results can be dramatic.

How long will results last?

By gently stimulating collagen growth, the benefits of each Laser Genesis treatment continue for months after your final session.

Fotona

Skin Spectrum patients have a proven option for improving laxity and skin tone — and it doesn’t require an incision. It’s called Fotona, and it’s an incredible solution for skin tightening for our Phoenix and Tucson‐area patients. Fotona is especially effective at improving the lower face, including the jawline. For many women and men, this area of the face is one of the first to show its age.

Fotona Skin Tightening Before & After Photos


fontana before and after

fontana before and after

How does Fotona work?

Fotona is a laser device that uses higher wavelengths than other lasers to target the deeper layers of skin, creating more significant and lasting results. While Fotona excels at jawline rejuvenation, it’s also an excellent option for treating the following concerns:

  • Loose neck skin
  • Loss of definition in the chin
  • Laxity on other areas of the body, such as the knees and arms

During your consultation, you and Dr. Comstock, Dr. Pai or Nicole James, PAC, discuss each of your options. In some cases, a two‐pronged approach, such as combining Fotona with KYBELLA®, may provide more significant results.

Your treatment with Fotona is relatively brief and quite comfortable. Your provider moves the laser handpiece over your skin, delivering powerful pulses of energy. Although most patients report a sensation of heat, the procedure isn’t painful.

The heat created by Fotona stimulates your skin to contract and produce more of its own collagen, leading to improved definition and youthful‐looking tightness. You should expect your appointment to last for about 40 to 60 minutes.

What can I expect after treatment?

Fotona doesn’t require any downtime, and you can comfortably return to your usual activities as soon as you’d like. Keep in mind that the results of your treatment aren’t instant. Expect them to take several weeks to appear as collagen development occurs. If the collagen texturizing step is added, one may have a pink flush to the skin for 30 to 60 minutes after this fourth step.

How long will my results last?

The results of your Fotona treatment can last for several months and even longer with occasional touch‐up treatments. Fotona simply helps turn the clock back.

Learn more about Fotona and your other options for tightening and toning aging skin. Request your consultation with Skin Spectrum online or give us a call at (520) 797-8885 to set up your visit to our Tucson office.

Thermage®

If you’d like to have firmer skin and more sculpted facial contours without surgery or downtime, consider Thermage skin tightening treatments. It takes just a single treatment to set you on your way to looking naturally refreshed and renewed, with improvements that increase gradually for months. Women and men visit Skin Spectrum for Thermage in Tucson, Arizona, for skin rejuvenation that begins with collagen formation. Thermage also has the unique side effect of helping to control acne and rosacea. When used to treat the body, Thermage also softens cellulite while tightening the skin, adding to its body contouring effects.

If you’re ready to tighten and firm your skin, visit the cosmetic dermatology leaders at Body by Skin Spectrum. For your comprehensive assessment, request a cosmetic consultation online or call (520) 797-8635.

Thermage Before & After Photos

thermage before and afterthermage before and after

How does Thermage work?

This non-surgical treatment uses radiofrequency energy to heat the collagen in the deeper layers of the skin without damage to the outer surface of the skin. Your skin is improved in two ways. First, existing collagen is tightened. Second, collagen production is renewed to further increase firmness over time. The result is a comprehensive, deep improvement that goes beyond the surface.

What can I expect during the Thermage treatment?

The Thermage procedure is a simple treatment. With each touch of the ThermaTip device, you will experience a brief, deep, heating sensation as the radiofrequency energy is delivered to your skin and underlying tissue. This deep heating sensation is your indication that your collagen is reaching effective temperatures for tightening. Our highly qualified laser technicians control the amount of energy delivered to balance procedural comfort with maximum results. The ThermaTip device is cooled before, during and after heating to protect your skin and make the treatment as comfortable as possible. The new vibrating tip has made the facial treatment virtually pain free. Medications can be prescribed to diminish discomfort and help you to relax.

What can I expect after Thermage treatment?

Immediately after treatment, there may be some mild, transient swelling and pinkness. Studies have shown that measurable tightening improvements appear gradually over two to six months after a single treatment session. The improvements continue out for 12 months. Many patients see improvement as early as two to three weeks after treatment. Some patients opt to do a second treatment a few months after the first to achieve additional tightening. Otherwise, Thermage is usually repeated in one to two years to maintain improvement.

Is Thermage a safe procedure?

The Thermage procedure has an excellent safety record. The most frequently reported side effects are swelling, redness, bumps and blisters on or around the treated areas, which usually disappear in a few days or weeks. A rare but longer-lasting side effect described as a “skin depression” has also been reported but is very unlikely under the care of an experienced practitioner. If you are pregnant or have a pacemaker, you should not have Thermage. If you’re not a candidate for Thermage and you’re interested in improving the look of your chin, particularly reducing the appearance of a double chin, an FDA-approved injectable called Kybella™ may be a suitable alternative for you.

Are there other treatments available to complement my results from Thermage?

Yes! For more complete skin rejuvenation, you may visit our dermatology center for an ActiveFX™ fractional laser treatment, IPL, ResurFX™, Spectra laser treatment or a chemical peel prior to, at the same time or after your Thermage treatment. These treatments are more superficial and focus on refining the outermost layers of your skin to enhance the results of Thermage.

Genesis

What is Genesis?

Genesis is a noninvasive laser treatment that stimulates collagen to treat fine lines, tighten skin and fill in scar divots. The heat-based laser uses the body’s natural processes to stimulate collagen growth to even skin tones, treat wrinkles, shrink large pores and dissolve active acne.

It is a safe and effective laser technology option for successfully treating skin conditions commonly associated with the signs of premature aging and sun damage. If you’re ready to enhance the health and appearance of your skin, visit the cosmetic dermatology leaders at Skin Spectrum. For your comprehensive facial assessment, request a cosmetic consultation online or call (520) 797-8885.

What conditions can Genesis treat?

Some of the most common skin conditions treated by Genesis include:

  • Acne
  • Scars (e.g., acne scars, surgical scars and burn scars)
  • Angiomas

  • Facial Veins
  • Large Pores
  • Rosacea

  • Uneven Skin Texture
  • Wrinkles
  • Jawline Laxity

What part of the body can Genesis treat?

Genesis can be used anywhere on the body.

How long are Genesis appointments?

Depending on the desired treatment area, Genesis treatments normally take anywhere from five to 40 minutes.

How long will results last?

To achieve optimal results, our team at Skin Spectrum recommends five to seven treatments spaced at four-week intervals. Results will improve with each treatment and become relatively noticeable after a six-month grace period. Patients are encouraged to practice daily skin maintenance and maintain a healthy lifestyle to contribute to the successful outcome of the treatment.

What is the recovery process?

Genesis treatment requires zero downtime or recovery. Skin may appear pink for 20 to 30 minutes after treatment.

Is the Genesis treatment painful?

Genesis is not painful; most patients report a warm or heating sensation during treatment. Some find it to be quite soothing.

Are there any side effects to Genesis?

The most common, but rare, reported side effect of Genesis is a slight redness that appears within a few hours post treatment.

ThermiTight

What Is ThermiTight?

ThermiTight is a nonsurgical skin tightening system that helps to treat both unwanted fat and loose, sagging skin in the same procedure. The procedure is ideal for those wanting to reduce some signs of aging without taking time out of their lives. ThermiTight treatments represent a new era in facial and body rejuvenation, helping you comfortably and effectively keep the years at bay.

How Does It Work?

ThermiTight treatments can target loose skin and excess fat in a variety of areas. ThermiTight’s skin-tightening properties are extremely effective at treating one of the trickiest areas: the neck. You may notice some improvement immediately. Results will continue to develop over the course of about three months.

Who Is a Good Candidate for ThermiTight?

ThermiTight is an attractive option for men and women who wish to target both unwanted fat and skin laxity in a single procedure and would prefer to avoid surgery. ThermiTight gives patients noticeable results without any downtime.

What Happens During a ThermiTight Procedure?

Your ThermiTight procedure is performed while you are under local anesthesia. During the procedure, your doctor inserts a very fine needle just below the surface of your skin and moves it back and forth. As it moves, the needle releases radiofrequency energy that gently melts away fat cells and stimulates your skin’s natural regenerative processes. While this happens, you may experience a warming sensation, but the procedure is not painful. Most treatment sessions last about one hour.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Most patients are satisfied with their results after a single treatment, but others may wish to have multiple sessions. During the consultation, your doctor discusses your goals with you to develop an effective treatment plan and determine what makes the most sense for you.

before and after thermitite

Before ThermiTight

before and after thermitite

After ThermiTight

How Much Downtime Should I Expect?

Patients don’t normally require any sort of downtime, and the overwhelming majority of people who undergo ThermiTight return to their normal activities as soon as their treatments are complete. Some people report lingering swelling or redness, but these effects are temporary and don’t interfere with everyday activity.