Lunch break procedures are simple treatments that take an hour or less to complete and can therefore be performed during the client’s lunch break. They include such well-known treatments as Botox injections and various light therapies.
Botox
Botox is an injectable derived from Botulinum toxin type A that in turn comes from a bacterium. It is used to treat various facial wrinkles. Botox works by temporarily paralyzing facial muscles so they don’t contract and form wrinkles.
The procedure usually takes about 15 minutes. The doctor will administer several injections, with the exact number depending on the treatment site.
IPL
IPL stands for “intense pulsed light,” and it involves using powerful bursts of visible light as a treatment for various conditions like wrinkles, age spots, rosacea, and port wine stains. IPL can also be used to treat mild to moderate stretch marks and acne. A typical session lasts around 20 minutes. Most patients need four to six treatments to get the desired results.
As with laser treatments, the light is absorbed by pigment cells in the skin. The light is converted into heat that then damages the targeted area. Unlike lasers, which use only one wavelength, light treatments use several wavelengths. IPL systems usually have filters that enable the doctor to choose the wavelengths best suited for treating a specific condition.
IPL is described as non-ablative or non-wounding, for it doesn’t damage the epidermis. It therefore has the advantages of causing only minimal discomfort and having no recovery time. The patient can immediately go back to work after their treatment.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic treatment that has the advantage of permanently destroying unwanted hair. The esthetician uses a device that emits a laser that targets the pigment in the follicles or roots of the hair. It is especially effective at eliminating coarse and dark hair.
Before treatment, the esthetician will trim the targeted hair, so it is just a few millimeters above the skin’s surface. They will then apply a cool gel or cooling device to both keep the skin from overheating and make it easier for the laser to penetrate the skin and reach the follicles. A single session can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour depending on the size of the treatment area. A client will usually need to undergo three to seven sessions to get rid of all of the hair.
