Cynosure Apogee Elite
The Cynosure Apogee Elite contains two laser systems – a 755 nm Alexandrite laser and a high powered 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser – these are the most optimal wavelengths for:
- Hair removal
- Improvement of leg veins and varicosities
By providing two different wavelengths, the Apogee Elite laser can be used to treat patients with all types of skin. The addition of the YAG laser allows us to treat patients of darker skin types for excessive hair growth, especially of the face, arm pits and bikini lines. Patients with pseudofolliculitis (razor bumps) on the beard, face or neck now have this option to consider.
When used for hair removal, the Apogee Elite laser affects only hair follicles which are currently active or growing (anagen), thus subsequent treatments may be required to eliminate the previously exhausted (catagen) or resting (telogen) follicles as they resume production. Hair removal treatments are relatively painless and leave no textural skin changes or the scarring commonly seen with needle electrolysis.
The Apogee laser also incorporates the use of the Smart Cool system by Cynosure. This system utilizes a “double cooling” technique which uses the body’s natural cooling process in conjunction with a specifically engineered external cooling system. The Smart Cool system is used with the laser to minimize patient discomfort during treatment.
The Apogee Elite laser is also used to treat spider veins on the face or legs. Spider veins are actually dilated or stretched blood vessels that appear on the legs, not “broken” blood vessels, as is commonly believed. Their precise cause is unknown, but it is thought that heredity, excessive standing, weight gain, hormonal changes and pregnancy may be some of the causes.
Laser technology has become an important factor in the treatment of vascular deformities such as hemangiomas, port wine stains, and spider veins. Nd:YAG laser light penetrates deeply into tissue and can be used for the coagulation of unwanted veins. It will take several months after the laser treatment to notice improvement and often additional vein treatments may be required.
Currently, the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser is regarded as being as effective as sclerotherapy for the treatment of leg veins, and is the treatment of choice in patients who do not respond to sclerotherapy or who are “needle phobic”.