General FAQ
We have compiled some of our most frequently asked questions on this page. If you cannot find the information you are looking for, Click here to send us your specific question and we will respond promptly.
Elyssium offers a variety of procedures that either singularly or in combination can create remarkable results.
- Titan tightens up the skin.
- Xeomin rapidly removes frown lines or “11’s” that appear between the eyebrows.
- Genesis decreases redness and fine lines and shrinks pores.
- Laser Vein Removal removes veins on the legs and face as well as vascular lesions (like red dots) on the body.
- Laser Hair Removal removes hair safely and for good!
- Peels even out skin tone, smooth skin texture and lift pigmentation.
- We provide medically-graded skincare products that are chosen for their effectiveness in reversing the signs of aging, clearing acne, improving pigmentation issues and more.
- Venus Viva resurfaces the skin reducing the appearance of acne scars, pitting and fine lines & wrinkles.
- Hydrafacial provides smoother, replenished, firmer looking skin.
- Venus Freeze contours, firms and reduces cellulite on the body.
Yes. We feel the very best treatment plan is developed through a synthesis of expert evaluation on our part and an understanding of the specific goals you wish to achieve. Please let us know if you are certain you want to undergo treatment as we would be happy to schedule your procedure immediately following your consultation.
Pricing varies considerably based on the procedure(s) being done, the area being treated and the number of necessary treatments. Actual pricing can only be determined through a face-to-face consultation with the specialist.
Yes. Join our mailing list for monthly Elyssium specials delivered to your inbox.
Yes. We are pleased to offer a 2-payment or 3-payment plan that allow you to split up payments for packages. Should you choose to pay for any package up front, you will receive a 5% discount.
We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, cash and Health Savings Account (HSA) cards.
Our Cutera Lasers are safe and noninvasive. There is virtually no redness, swelling or harmful physical side-effects. Any laser procedure may, on extremely rare occasion, create a superficial burn or small blister that generally goes away quickly and without scarring.
Yes. We can dramatically reduce the depth of acne scarring, and often remove all traces of it, depending on the severity and location. This is done using a combination of modalities as recommended by your laser specialist or physician. Often, treatment of acne scarring will involve a combination of Venus Viva and Advanced Chemical Peels.
Yes. We treat all sorts of scars, with varied high degrees of success, depending on the depth and severity of the scars. We are proud of our high success rate in improving the appearance of a variety of scars.
No. Each laser clinic is only as good as its equipment, staff, expertise and oversight. Elyssium Advanced Skin Care is independently owned and operated by our Physician Medical Director. Elyssium is not a franchise. We have been in business since 2004 and have served hundreds of pleased clients over the years. In fact, we are proud to say that our best source of new clients is recommendations from our current clients. At Elyssium we feature technology for safe and effective laser hair and vein removal, treatment of pigmentation issues, acne and acne scarring, as well as anti-aging procedures for ALL skin tones. We take pride in our ability to treat darker skin tones and have become respected and trusted in this regard. Our staff is exceptional in its knowledge, skills and application, and participate in ongoing training with our medical director. Additionally, our laser specialists do not work on commission, and are encouraged to educate and inform clients about the best procedure for them without engaging in high-pressure sales. In fact, we encourage all clients to think about the information presented to them and make informed decisions at their own pace. We individualize treatment plans for our clients and strive for 100% satisfaction!
No. Laser treatment in most laser clinics in California are typically conducted by a Registered Nurse. Most laser procedures are routine for well-trained RN’s and it is not necessary that they be performed by a physician. At Elyssium, we have a Physician Medical Director who has created our treatment protocols and therapeutic regimens and oversees clinical activities. She also provides extensive training to all Elyssium staff. In fact, Elyssium is becoming known for it’s advanced training programs in laser and medical esthetics. Our Medical Director is always available to consult with our laser specialists and will evaluate and treat clients as appropriate. Many laser clinics have minimal or no physician involvement. We encourage you to inquire about physician medical director involvement at any laser center you are considering. A physician medical director is a requirement of all laser centers in the state of California. Any laser center should be able to give you their doctor’s information (name, specialty, board certification, etc.) , describe their level of involvement, and explain their protocol in the event that there is an adverse reaction or complication.
California law requires that a laser specialist hold at least the degree of Registered Nurse (RN) (in other states, estheticians are allowed to perform these procedures). All RN’s at Elyssium have gone through extensive training under our medical director and are highly skilled and experienced.
Elyssium has been in business since December 2004. However, our Medical Director has studied and trained on laser aesthetic procedures since 1999. At Elyssium we only employ highly trained and conscientious nurses to perform aesthetic treatments. Our nurses have extensive experience performing a variety of laser procedures and other aesthetic services.
Genesis
Genesis skin rejuvenation employs laser light targeted to the dermis, the deeper layer of the skin, where collagen is made. The laser heats the dermis causing new collagen production that continues over time. The result is more even skin tone, tighter pores and a smoother skin texture. Laser also targets the microvasculature (tiny vessels) beneath the skin surface, decreasing diffuse redness and ruddy complexions.
Laser Genesis improves the skin’s overall appearance, particularly on face, neck and chest, decreasing fine line wrinkles and restoring even skin tones. Laser Genesis evens out acne scarring and is particularly effective in combination with other treatments such as chemical peels. Genesis can also be used to improve the appearance of other scars anywhere on the body. Genesis tightens pores and improves skin texture, smooths ruddy complexions and diffuses excessive facial redness, including that caused by rosacea.
Laser Genesis produces a gentle warming during treatment that most patients enjoy. Immediately following the treatment, the warm feeling continues for about thirty minutes. Many patients report a pleasant mild tingling feeling and a feeling of increased firmness for a day following the treatment.
You may return to normal activities immediately following your Laser Genesis treatment. Most patients notice a healthy, rosy glow following Laser Genesis. Aftercare instructions simply include the use of sunscreen as well as consuming plenty of water. This is truly a rejuvenation procedure with no downtime.
The number of treatments needed depends upon the problem being treated but usually ranges from three to six treatments spaced three to four weeks apart. Results are generally seen after just one treatment, but a series of treatments is required for optimum results. Depending on the concern being addressed, your provider may recommend other treatments in conjunction with Laser Genesis, such as Chemical Peels or Venus Viva. These may be alternated with Genesis if needed.
One of the greatest advantages of Laser Genesis is that the results continue to accumulate after each treatment and continue far beyond your last treatment. In fact, accelerated collagen production continues following Laser Genesis, peaking at about 12 weeks after your last treatment, then continuing at a steady increased rate. Because the natural aging process is of course continuing, it is difficult to state precisely how long results will last, but benefits seem apparent for several years. Sun protection and meticulous skin care are necessary to maintain optimal results. In the case of acne scarring and rosacea, it is necessary to control the underlying condition in order to avoid further skin disruption.
Genesis of the entire face is generally performed in about one hour. Because the procedure is quite comfortable, no anesthesia or medication is necessary.
Titan
The Titan works by delivering light to the deeper layers of the skin (the dermis) causing the dermis to heat up. This heating results in collagen contraction, or shrinking, which tightens the skin. At the same time, this heating stimulates the production of new collagen, causing the skin to tighten, the pores to diminish in size and an overall tighter look to the areas treated. During treatment, the top layer of the skin (the epidermis) is protected by continuous cooling through the Titan hand piece. The result is tighter skin with a dramatic decrease in wrinkles, skin laxity and stretch marks, with no downtime.
The Titan smooths and tightens skin on the face, neck, abdomen, breasts and arms. The Titan is a non-invasive way to restore natural contours, tighten and smooth the skin. The Titan tightens and thereby decreases the appearance of stretch marks on the body from childbirth or weight fluctuations.
The Titan delivers an intense but brief pulse of light, repeated over the entire area being treated. The sensation is that of heat which increases over a few seconds and then dissipates before it has a chance to feel too painful. Most patients find the procedure quite tolerable and no anesthesia is required. After the Titan procedure, most patients report a tighter, firmer feeling to the skin as well as a feeling of warmth for about 30 minutes following the procedure.
Optimal results are achieved after multiple “passes”. This is usually accomplished in three treatment sessions per half-face (or neck) spaced three to six weeks apart. Your laser specialist will advise you as to the optimal treatment regimen for you.
No. Because there is basically no reddening, swelling or scaring from this procedure, one can have the Titan performed on a long lunch hour and go right back to work without any negative signs on the skin. In fact, quite the opposite. Titan results are often instantaneous and enhance the look of the skin by the end of the procedure.
Remarkably, Titan Skin Tightening procedure reawakens and encourages long-term healthy collagen production, so even after the treatment, your skin continues to renew and replenish itself naturally. In fact, although positive result are often seen immediately after the first treatment, accelerated collagen production continues for twelve to eighteen months before reaching a plateau of steady repair work. Because the natural aging process is of course continuing, it is difficult to state precisely how long results will last, but benefits seem apparent for many years. Sun protection and meticulous skin care are necessary to maintain optimal results. Because as we age our skin contains less of the growth factors needed for collagen production, we recommend that all clients undergoing treatments to stimulate collagen production (like Titan and Genesis), use products containing skin growth factors or aid in cell repair. We will review the optimum product regimen for you at your free consultation.
The length of the Titan procedure depends on the number of passes being performed and the area being treated. Titan of the entire face generally takes about one hour per session.
Cosmetic surgery is invasive. It involves cutting and stitching as well as a recovery period during which there is generally swelling and pain. Anesthesia is required, which carries some risk. And of course there is the cost involved with surgery, anesthesia, operating room and recovery time. While the results may be quickly marvelous, they can also be tragically off the mark and irreversible. In later years, when the skin begins to sag once again, there may be a strange look to the facial features as they do not sag uniformly after cosmetic surgery. Titan repairs the skin by exciting natural mechanisms in the skin, which creates both natural results in tightening, and uniform relaxation at a much later date. As the normal aging process continues, laser can safely be repeated. With laser, skin keeps getting better over time, where with surgery there is no such mechanism
Laser Nail Fungus Removal
Laser treatment for nail infections uses specific laser settings to target and kill the infection-causing agents (common sources are fungal, bacterial, viral and mold/yeast). The laser is designed to penetrate both the nail and soft tissue without damaging them.
In about 95% of cases, only one treatment is needed. Proper home care must be followed.
Most patients experience only a mild warming sensation during treatment. As the treatment progresses the sensation may increase in warmth with an occasional “hot spot” which quickly fades.
You may return to normal activities immediately following your Laser Nail Fungus Removal treatment. There is no lingering discomfort or down time.
After treatment there will be no visible change in the nail. You may feel slight warmth or tingling for up to an hour after treatment.
You should begin to see healthier-looking nails grow in from the cuticle over time. On the toes, it usually takes one to three months for a 1 to 3-mm wide area of healthier nail to appear at the base. It can take 9 months to a year or longer for the damaged nail to grow out completely.
Damage to the nail matrix (the cells that form your nails) from deep or prolonged infection, or from other trauma, may have been extensive enough to have permanently affected that matrix, causing permanent changes to the appearance of the nail. It is possible that these severely damaged nails may not become perfect-looking after treatment, even when infection is no longer present. However, in most of these cases where permanent damage has occurred, the appearance of the new nail growth is greatly improved after the infection is removed.
Avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks prior to treatment. If there is sun exposure, tell your laser specialist PRIOR TO TREATMENT. If you have a sunburn, the treatment will need to be postponed. Completely remove all nail polish prior to your appointment.
Nail polish may be re-applied 48 hours after treatment.
There are no known side effects of treatment.
You will be given a post-care information sheet to take home with you after treatment.
- Apply anti-fungal cream to toes (or fingers) and nails twice daily for two weeks. If athlete’s foot is also present, keep applying the cream for 2 weeks after the athlete’s foot infection clears. Both the powder and the cream are available for purchase at Elyssium.
- If toenails were infected, treat all shoes monthly with anti-fungal shoe powder.
- If fingernails were infected, dispose of work gloves and treat all gloves monthly with anti-fungal powder.
- Anti-fungal cream and powder are available for purchase at Elyssium.
- To help prevent re-infection, dispose of pedicure or manicure implements previously used on infected nails. Avoid damage or trauma to the nails and the nail cuticles. Do not file surfaces of nails as this makes the nail weaker and allows for re-entry of infection-causing microorganisms. Clip or file nail tips as they grow out. Do not apply nail polish for 48 hours after treatment.
- Keep feet dry and change socks often, especially after exercise.
- Do not wear false nails or nail tips.
- Avoid sun and/or wear sunblock for at least 4 days following treatment
Perfect 10 Peels
The Perfect 10 Peel uses a unique blend of highly effective and safe acids to cause chemical exfoliation of the skin. This peel can be used on all skin types. Because it uses a blend of acids, it has maximum effects without side effects, and is safe for all skin tones.
Most patients experience significant peeling in sheets of skin. Some people prefer to stay home for a couple of days, while others do not mind going out in public. the bulk of the peeling occurs on day 3 to 5, so for those who have weekends off, Wednesday and Thursday nights are common times to have the peel performed.
Anyone who wishes to improve their skin will benefit from these peels. Those who are targeting acne scarring or pigmentation may require a series of 3 peels in addition to the proper product regimen.
It will usually be recommended that you do prep with the appropriate products for 2 to 3 weeks prior to the peel to maximize the effects of the peel and to prevent adverse events from the treatment. All post-care products can be purchased at the time of your peel.
Yes. But it is extremely important to avoid the sun (wear a hat) and wear sunscreen during the peeling process. Some people prefer to get peels done during the cooler weather to avoid this issue, however as long as proper care is taken, the peel can be performed any time of year.
The number of treatments needed depends upon the problem being addressed but usually ranges from one to three treatments spaced three to four weeks apart. Significant results are seen after just one treatment, but a series of treatments is generally required for conditions such as scarring and hyperpigmentation. Depending on the concern being addressed, your provider may recommend other treatments in conjunction with your peel, such as Laser Genesis, which may be alternated with your peel if needed.
TVi Peel of the face is generally performed in less than thirty minutes.
Vitalize Peel
Vitalize Peel uses a unique blend of safe but effective acids to cause chemical exfoliation of the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin. Skin regeneration following this chemical peel results in a fresh, organized, healthy epidermis. The result is a smoother and more even complexion and an improvement in pigment changes.
The Vitalize Peel improves the skin’s overall appearance, decreasing fine line wrinkles and restoring even skin tones. Vitalize Peel evens out acne scarring and is particularly effective in combination with other treatments such as Laser Genesis. Vitalize Peel is effective for pigment changes caused by acne scarring, photodamage (sun damage), age spots, freckles, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Vitalize Peel tightens pores, improves skin texture, and smooths ruddy complexions.
During your Vitalize Peel, you will experience a warm, tingling sensation. This procedure is quite tolerable and requires no pre-medication. After your peel, you may continue to experience mild tingling.
You may return to normal activities immediately following your Vitalize Peel. You may experience mild redness or tingling following your peel. For one to two days following your procedure you will notice mild to moderate peeling of the skin that can be concealed with the use of a moisturizer. This peeling is essentially unnoticeable by others. Vitalize Peel is a rejuvenation procedure with no downtime.
The number of treatments needed depends upon the problem being addressed but usually ranges from three to six treatments spaced three to four weeks apart. Results are generally seen after just one treatment, but a series of treatments is required for optimum results. Depending on the concern being addressed, your provider may recommend other treatments in conjunction with your Vitalize Peel, such as Laser Genesis, which may be alternated with your peel if needed.
The changes that occur in the epidermis following a chemical peel last for years, and may even be permanent. In order to maintain your results, it is critical to avoid sun damage. In the case of acne scarring, it is necessary to control further acne breakouts in order to avoid further skin disruption. Hormonal changes, sun damage and further acne breakouts may cause new pigment changes or scarring that may require repeat treatments with Vitalize Peel alone or in combination with other treatments.
Vitalize Peel of the face is generally performed in less than thirty minutes.