Archive for September, 2009

Anticipating Weather Changes and the Fraxel Dual

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

fraxel-re-store-dual-wavelength-before-and-after-photoThe first touch of fall is in the air today.  Clouds, light rain, south wind, sounds familiar?  We certainly have had a beautiful summer this year and I guess it is about time to expect to pay our dues a little bit with the normal fall weather change.

I want to remind everyone though that the ultraviolet skin harming rays will continue to pass through the cloud cover and we should not forget to wear our sunscreen even in the cloudy weather.

On the development side we are recently investigating the new FDA approved dual technology Fraxel laser.  We wrote about this in one of our previous entries.  This is very exciting technology because it allows the use of two very effective wavelengths.  The wavelengths can be used in combination to markedly decrease the number of treatments necessary to get the same clinical effect. Also,the wavelengths can be used separately for more specific skin needs.

Those patients who have some bothersome brown spots can now have those treated using the longer of the two wavelengths, without requiring topical anesthesia.  This will significantly shorten your visits and provide quick and predictable results.  We’ll keep you advised right here as we get closer to introducing this technology.

To the men who are reading this, we are scheduling a special pre-holiday men’s only event.  The event is scheduled for November 5, 2009, at the Sorrento Hotel from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.  We have our special visitors that night talking about Radiesse, Fraxel, and the latest approaches to physical fitness.

We look forward to seeing all of you there.

J. Timothy Heffernan, M.D.

2009 Community Outreach to Walla Walla

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

While September is a very busy month at our clinic, my staff and I are still maintaining our dedication to community outreach.  We’ve done this for 10 years now because we recognize that there are communities that could benefit from “big city” medicine, but do not have the technology nor expertise to offer that service all the time to needy community residents.

With this philosophy in mind, we were able to make contact with these practicing healthcare providers and hospitals in Walla Walla, Washington.

Now, twice each year we load a van with all the appropriate equipment – lasers, staff, operating room supplies, etc. – and travel to Walla Walla where we spend three days taking care of people in that community.  Many of these people are retired, living on fixed incomes, or find travel to distant cities for medical care exceedingly difficult.

We feel privileged to be able to provide care for these wonderful people and sincerely hope our commitment has made a significant contribution to their lives.  We’re looking forward to the trip this September and again next spring.

J. Timothy Heffernan, M.D

Benefits of the New Fraxel Restore Dual

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

fraxel seattleLate last month, Solta Medical made an important announcement regarding their line of Fraxel aesthetic laser systems: a new addition – the Fraxel Restore Dual – will be introduced to physicians around the United States and Europe this fall.

The new laser is said to be equipped with a “novel” 1927 nm wavelength Thulium laser that offers a few key advantages for patients and physicians. Surgeons that have tested the new laser say it offers excellent versatility and greater ease of use when treating areas other than the face. The new Fraxel re:store dual also offers benefits listed below:

  • One laser system – Dual fiber technology
  • Thulium laser provides quick removal of undesirable pigmentation
  • Improved comfort and easier operation
  • “Focal cooling” built into the handpiece
  • Procedure speed may increase by 25 percent

Solta Medical will bring the new laser system to surgeons and dermatologists this fall during the Fraxel illumiNATION tour. To inquire about fraxel laser resurfacing in Seattle, contact our office.