Laser Cosmetica, the "Star Wars" of Spas for Skin

Recently, I had a chance to visit a unique spa called Laser Cosmetica with nine locations in New York, Philadelphia, and Miami. For more than eight years, Laser Cosmetica has been offering laser aesthetic services. I went to the Flagship Location in Chelsea (18 West 23rd Street, 2nd Floor, NYC) to see what they're all about. Laser Cosmetica offers all sorts of treatments (including Botox & cosmetic fillers), but they're not for relaxation alone. As the name implies, they focus on laser treatments for your skin, ranging from hair removal, to photo facials.

What is a Laser? The name LASER is an acronym for "Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation." The first laser was built by Theodore Maiman in 1960 at Hughes Research Labs, although light therapy has been around much, much longer. I'm not going to go into the details of how lasers work, because you'd be reading this blog all day, but there are two types of laser: Cold, and hot. Cold laser treatments treat the surface of the skin, while hot laser treatments affect deeper tissues. Cold laser treatment uses a lower grade of light that, rather than “cutting” or “burning”, simply encourages the natural healing properties of your cells through stimulation. It may seem very futuristic, but lasers have been used for war and for peace, and for a variety of uses, depending upon the type of laser. As new laser technology is developed and refined, new uses are being found for them (e.g. The Zerona Laser from which I recently lost 11.1 inches in two weeks).


A view of the front desk and treatment rooms on the first floor of Laser Cosmetica


At Laser Cosmetica, one of the treatments popular with models (who must endure tons of goop on their faces, but still be ready for a close up) , as well as women and men who want their skin to look more luminous, is the Photo Facial. A Photo Facial uses a laser to remove discoloration (e.g. age spots) and textural irregularities. It also boosts collagen production and causes a bit of a tightening effect on skin, while reducing fine lines. If you are someone with sun damage, or other environmental damage. This treatment, I was told, works especially well on people with fair skin and blue eyes, but if you have sun damage, it is never too late to protect your skin and mitigate whatever damage you can see. I was also told that for those who have flushing, redness and/or rosacea, studies have shown that these symptoms can improve more than 75% on average. Generally, Laser Cosmetica suggests that clients do this treatment in five sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart. I had one session to see what it was like.




Unlike the zerona laser, that you can't feel penetrating your skin at all, the laser for the photo facial does have a sensation on your skin, although it isn't at all unpleasant. It feels a little like a gentle breeze, and once once or twice did I feel a "snap!" as the laser zapped a burst capilary (a good thing, because it also removed the redness, there). One other thing you will notice is the smell of burning hair as the laser goes over tiny facial hairs (also a good thing, because who really wants those on their face, anyway?). The treatment took about 45 minutes and was actually, quite relaxing. The results are immediate and long lasting (obviously, if you do this five times plus perhaps monthly maintenance, you'll get an even better result than I did). On the Laser Cosmetica web site, you are warned that with the photo facial, brown spots and freckles temporarily become darker before they lighten and particularly sensitive areas may crust. But immediately, my skin looked brighter, smoother, and definitely less red. I have really sensitive skin, and as far as I could tell, there wasn't even any irritation (with a regular facial, I would look like a lobster). I didn't wear makeup into the spa, and left wearing tinted moisturizer with SPF, but when I washed it off at home, my skin still looked amazing! I am not a physician, but I have been told that in general, these lasers are safe, and there are no long term health hazards from the t or thermal energy used in these treatments. If you are unsure or worried, please consult with your doctor. That's always a safe bet.

Whether you are waiting for your treatment, or just want to relax for a moment, afterwards, you can enjoy the privacy of Laser Cosmetica's 23rd Street locations's "urban garden."

Laser Cosmetica's slogan is simple and direct: "We obsess so you won’t have to." It is even on the labels of the Skin Cosmetica skin care products that Laser Cosmetica offers to clients pre and popst-treatments. I haven't had a chance to review any of these yet, because of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week but I soon will, and you'll find my review here on the Advice Sisters Blog and an upcoming What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column on the Advice Sisters Web Site. In case you are wondering, all treatments are performed under medical supervision by licensed estheticians and electrologists. Laser Cosmetica’s 12-member consultation board includes physicians Dr. Alan Gold, Dr. Joshua Fink and Dr. Sam Beran.

The downside (if it really is one) is that high-tech treatments don't come at bargain prices. When I asked for a rate card, I was told that there really isn't one, because each person receives a specialized plan for optimal results. But when I pressed, a bit, suggesting that my readers would probably need to know what they were in for, cost-wise, I was told that, for example, the one treatment I had (out of a suggested, five) was approximately $500.00 That may be a small price to pay for gorgeous skin, but if you need a justification for the cost, consider that many of these treatments offer immediate and semi-to-permanent results. You might also feel better knowing that the company, founded by enterpreneur, Ryan Bloch, also has charitable partnerships with very worthy organizations such as the Children's Miracle Network, Learning Leaders in New York, and Covenant House.

There are five Laser Cosmetica locations in Manhattan, one each in Westchester, Great Neck, Philadelphia, and Miami. Check "Locations" on the Laser Cosmetica Web Site to find the one closest to you and to book your appointment, Calll 888-459-5793.

copyright 2010 Alison Blackman. Nothing on the blog may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net Subscribe to this blog by email or in a feed reader (See the right hand column of this blog). Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/advicesisters

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