Medical Outsourcing - Russia

The Laser Centre is a state-of-the-art laser and skin surgery facility located in beautiful St. Petersburg, Russia.

The Laser Centre performs a full range of cosmetic laser procedures and treats a variety of skin lesions, and other conditions such as snoring and nasal stuffiness, with the help of sophisticated technology. Our staff of fully trained medical professionals will provide you with the highest standard of care in a confidential non-hospital environment. The purpose of this clinic is to treat skin lesions and other conditions such as snoring and sleep apnea, with the help of sophisticated technology and procedures, in a non-hospital environment.

The Laser Centre offers a full range of reliable services including: skin resurfacing and rejuvenation, tattoo removal, treatment of port wine stains, and spider veins of the face and legs. Additionally, we provide treatment for warts, moles, skin tags, age spots and freckles, as well as snoring, nasal and tonsil obstruction.

The Laser Centre also now offers the exciting new lasers for hair removal, and several non-ablative treatments for aging and sun-damaged skin.

The Laser Centre has been at the top in Russia, being the leader in:

• pulsed dye laser for the treatment of vascular lesions and birthmarks

• ruby laser for the treatment of tattoos and pigmented lesions

• laser for the treatment of snoring

• pulsed CO2 laser and Erbium:YAG lasers for facial resurfacing of wrinkles and acne scarring

• lasers for permanent hair removal

• sclerolaser for the treatment of leg veins

• Power Peel microdermabrasion system

• Fotofacial IPL/laser for facial photorejuvenation

• Otolam technology for the treatment of ear infections and chronic fluid without general anaesthesia

• Smooth Beam (S-Beam) for the treatment of wrinkles and acne

• Aurora (RFL) for the treatment of unwanted hair and photodamage

• Polaris for treatment of wrinkles and skin laxity

• Velasmooth for the treatment of cellulite

• Gemini KTP/long-pulsed YAG laser for vascular lesions of the face and legs

• Fraxel laser for skin resurfacing and renewal

The following is a list of treatments available at the Laser Centre.

Acne:

Acne treatment by topicals, non-ablative lasers, and other devices:
Although medical management of acne is the standard, it can fail or be tolerated poorly. Depending on the severity of the problem, various other treatment methods are available. The Skin Tx system by Vivier is often very effective for problem skin. The Smooth beam laser can be used for small areas or the entire face, and also helps depressed scars. We use various photorejuvenation systems to treat the face and neck as a whole, especially when sun damage is present. Additional skin tightening can be achieved with the use of a high-energy radiofrequency device (Thermacool by Thermage), which is also approved for the treatment of moderate to severe acne. Photodynamic (PDT)therapy using a topical agent (ALA) plus a light source (laser, IPL, or BLU-U) can be very effective in the treatment of acne. The light can also be used on its own for less severe acne.

Age Spots and Freckles:

Lentigenes, also known as sun or age spots, are benign pigmented (dark) lesions commonly affecting sun-exposed areas such as the face, upper chest, arms, and hands. The Ruby and Medlite lasers actually destroy the pigment in the skin without damaging the skin itself. After initial consultation, a test area or the entire area is treated. The response is evaluated in 6 to 8 weeks and further treatment may be administered. It is important to keep the area covered when outdoors for at least the first 10 days after treatment and to always use a sunscreen in the future. To prevent re-pigmentation, sometimes a bleaching agent such as Neostrata HQ or Ultraquin is used once the area has healed.

Botox:

Botox has been used in the world for over 20 years, and since the late 90’s for cosmetic purposes. It is designed to relax facial muscles to improve frown lines, horizontal forehead lines, crow’s feet, bunny lines, upper lip lines, and to reduce the appearance of prominent neck muscles. It is also used to the treatment of excessive sweating (hyperhydrosis). Treatments may be repeated every 3-6 months (longer for sweating) and the effects are totally reversible with time.

Cellulite:

Cellulite is due to an abnormal fat collection primarily located on the back of the thighs and buttocks. It is genetically predisposed in females. The Velasmooth is a new device manufactured by Syneron, which through the combination of mechanical rollers and suction, plus heat from radiofrequency and infrared lamps, helps to break down and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Treatments are scheduled twice per week for about 6 weeks, and maintenance will be required. The treatments are painless, and appear to one of the most effective modalities for this common and frustrating problem. A new smaller applicator may also be used for stubborn areas such as “love handles) in men, irregularities following liposuction, and the fullness in the upper arms and under the chin.

Collagen / H.A. Injections:

A variety of injectable agents is available to fill lines, folds, and to replace volume. Each has its unique properties and advantages. The most commonly used product is the hyaluronic acid Restylane that comes as Restylane Fine lines, regular Restylane, and the more viscous Perlane. They are based on a sugar molecule, and do not require skin tests. We also use Juvederm, another hyaluronic acid, and the collagen product Evolance, which appears to last longer. Treatments may be repeated at 4-12 month intervals. More permanent products such as Dermalive contain acrylic spheres are used in some cases.

Facial Peels (Vitalize, glycolic):

The facial peel is a non-invasive method for restoring the skin’s vitality and freshness, treating fine lines, and correcting pigment and texture problems. The peels are essentially painless and minimal side effects. Expect some redness and peeling a few days following the peel. We utilize retinoic acid (Vitalize peels) and glycolic acid.

Hair Removal by Laser:

The light emitted by the GentlelaseTM, Lyra, Gentle-YAG ,Medlite IV , and Aurora (IPL) is absorbed mainly by the pigment located in the hair shaft and follicle. The laser is pulsed, or “turned on” for only a fraction of a second. The duration of each pulse is long enough to injure the follicle but not long enough for excess heat to be transferred to the skin surrounding the hair follicle. The result is safe and effective hair removal. Most of our lasers are designed for permanency, and the Medlite is designed for cost-effective temporary removal. At the time of consultation, the laser or lasers ideal for your problem will be discussed.

Laser Skin Resurfacing:

Laser resurfacing can be divided into 2 categories. Ablative resurfacing with the CO2 and Erbium lasers refers to the ablation, or removal of skin surface. These treatments are very aggressive and have significant down-time. Non-ablative resurfacing with the Fraxel means replacing a proportion of the skin at a time without the actual removal of the skin at the time of treatment. This translates into faster recovery and fewer side effects. Resurfacing renews the skin and helps to reduce signs of sun damage, wrinkles, and pores and improves texture, tone and brilliance. Fraxel resurfacing has also become the treatment of choice for acne scars.

Leg Veins:

The standard treatment for leg veins is sclerotherapy, or injections. Occasionally this treatment is not completely effective, or in some cases, patients prefer not to have injections. Lasers are an alternative, and in some cases, the treatment of choice. We have many different lasers and light sources for leg veins, including the Pulsed Dye laser, long-pulsed YAG laser, diode lasers,and Intense Pulsed Light devices. We also offer the Endo-venous laser treatment (EVLT) for the in-office treatment for varicose veins.

Melasma:

Melasma is a troublesome pigmentation disorder, hormonally dependent and commonly affecting females during pregnancy (the “mask of pregnancy”) and with the use of birth control pills. It is one of the most difficult conditions to treat, and may be both superficial (epidermal) or deep (dermal) Options include various topical agents including stringent sunscreen, hydroquinone (Skin Tx program), microdermabrasion, Q-Switched YAG laser, and the Fraxel laser. Unfortunately, even if a favorable response is obtained, recurrences are common.

Microdermabrasion:

Microdermabrasion is the process of removing part of the outer layer of skin (stratum corneum) with the use of minute crystals of aluminum oxide or with a diamond tip. This freshens the skin, improving its tone and texture, and color. Regular exfoliation with microdermabrasion or other peels are part of a healthy skin program, and typically are repeated every 2-6 months.

Moles:

There are many types of moles. Some are removed for medical reasons and some for cosmetic reasons. Different techniques are used depending on the type of mole. The CO2 , ruby or Erbium:YAG lasers are used in various cases.

Nasal Obstruction:

Chronic Nasal Obstruction can be due to swelling of the membranes in the nose. Medically this is referred to as Chronic Rhinitis. Generally patients complain of “sinus congestion” and until now not much could be done to give patients relief from this condition. There are baffle-like structures in our noses on the side walls called the turbinates. A new side-firing laser probe has recently been introduced which can now treat the entire length of the turbinates. This reduces the size of these structures thereby opening up the airway obstruction to air flow and the sensation of congestion.

Photodynamic Therapy:

This is a process by which a topical photosensitizing agent (ALA or aminolevulenic acid) is applied to the skin before its exposure to light. There is an added benefit to combining PDT with photorejuvenation (photodynamic photorejuvenation) in that response time to treatment and degree of results are improved. It also is useful to treat superficial skin cancers and pre-cancers (actinic keratoses), and the treatment of moderate to severe acne. It is important to avoid bright light exposure for 24-48 hours after and PDT treatment.

Port Wine Stains:

A Port Wine hemangioma is an abnormal collection or network of blood vessels present beneath a layer of otherwise normal skin. The skin appears as though a red, pink, or purple liquid such as port wine had been poured on it. The Pulsed Dye laser is still the internationally accepted treatment of choice for this congenital type of birthmark. It utilizes selective photothermolysis (selective reduction of red tissue only without damaging the skin). After the test area is evaluated, treatment may begin. The procedure is relatively painless and may be given at any age. For some resistant areas, other lasers such as the KTP, Fraxel, and long-pulsed YAG lasers are used. Multiple treatments are required, and complete removal is not always possible.

Rosacea:

Rosacea is a condition characterized by inflammation and flushing mainly affecting the nose and cheeks. With time, a prominent feature is enlarged facial veins and an enlarged nose. Treatment options, besides standard medical management, include IPL (intense pulsed light), PDL (pulsed dye laser) and the KTP (Gemini) laser. The goal is to control inflammation by topical or oral antibiotics, and the redness and flushing by laser. There is no cure for Rosacea, but with aggressive therapy, the symptoms and signs can be significantly reduced. Maintenance therapy is required.

Scars:

There are many types of scars; some are red and raised, some are white and depressed, and others are simply flat and pigmented. The treatment varies with the scar type, and may include resurfacing with the Fraxel or Erbium lasers, flattening and lightening with the Pulsed Dye laser, or raising depressions with the Smooth beam laser or injections. The modality (or modalities) used will be discussed at the time of consultation.

Sclerotherapy:

Sclerotherapy is the process of closing and removing spider and varicose veins of the legs with injections. The injected solutions irritate the vein walls causing them to collapse and gradually be absorbed by the body. After a clinical evaluation to determine the cause and origin of the veins, and treatment plan will be given. Different types of solution, including foam for larger veins, may be injected under direct vision or by ultrasound guidance. Usually several injection sessions are required, and the process is relatively painless.

Spider Veins (face and legs):

We have various treatment options, including the KTP laser, Pulsed Dye laser, IPL ( Intense Pulsed Light) or a long-pulsed YAG laser. Multiple treatments are often required, and a tan cannot be present. Most spider veins can be eliminated with little or no bruising or down-time, and treatments are not very painful. Veins may be traced out with a small handpiece, or treated.

Tattoo removal:

We have 2 different lasers with 3 different wavelengths for the removal of most tattoo colors. Multiple treatments are required, but scarring is unusual. Amateur tattoos respond the best. Our lasers are also helpful in removing the tattoos used for radiation markers in cancer treatments, and for removing traumatic tattoos for accidents (“road rash tattoos”) Treatments pain is controlled by using a topical anaesthetic such as EMLA or Maxilene, available at out centre.

Tonsil Infections:

Chronic Tonsillitis often produces “pellets” of white cheesy material from the tonsil pits and pockets. These are often mistaken for trapped foul-smelling food particles. The “pellets” have a very disagreeable smell and can lead to chronic halitosis (bad breath). This condition can now be alleviated by doing laser treatments to the tonsils. The laser partially vaporizes the tonsil tissue in one or more treatments to prevent the formation of the particles. Complete tonsillectomy for recurrent acute tonsillitis and strep throat is also performed with laser but this is done in hospital under a general anesthetic similar to conventional surgery.

Varicose Veins:

Varicose veins are a common and unsightly condition often caused by diseased valves in the groin or lower legs. They are dilated vessels and frequently painful. Treatment options includes sclerotherapy (regular or foam injections, surgery (ligation and stripping) or EVLT (endo-venous laser therapy) Once your veins are evaluated by physical exam and office doppler and ultrasound, treatment options will be discussed.

Warts:

These lesions are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and may appear on almost any part of the body. Usual treatment is by cryosurgery (cold therapy with liquid nitrogen), but options topical agents, or the pulsed dye laser. Unfortunately, even if the wart disappears, there is a high recurrence rate.