Frequently Asked Questions

Learn about DLC procedures here on this page, including BBL, Chemical Peel, Halo Pro, Kybella, and Sclerotherapy.

More questions? Give us a call at 919-942-2922.

Broad Band Light (BBL) Photofacial

What is BBL Photofacial?
BBL Photofacial is a corrective phototherapy treatment that uses Broadband Light (BBL) to target signs of aging, sun damage, and other skin conditions. This process will restore your skin to its natural beauty, making it clearer, smoother, and more vibrant.

What conditions does it treat?
BBL Photofacial treats brown pigmentation such as freckles and age spots. BBL also treats vascular issues such as redness, small blood vessels, and rosacea as well as aging skin, uneven skin texture, and loss of firmness.

How does BBL Photofacial work?
The light energy delivered by BBL will precisely deliver laser energy to specific targets in your skin. gently heat the upper layers of your skin. The heat absorbed by the targeted areas will stimulate your skin cells to regenerate. If brown spots are the target, BBL penetrates the skin to reach the pigment. The particles of the pigment left behind will peel or slough off within 7-14 days. If redness is the target, blood vessels in the superficial layers of the skin absorb the laser energy which causes them to close. Over the course of several weeks, the body continues to absorb the destroyed vessel remnants.

What does BBL Photofacial feel like?
Patients often describe a warm popping sensation. You may experience some discomfort in more sensitive areas. A topical anesthetic is recommended.

Is there downtime associated with BBL Photofacial?
Immediately following treatment, you can expect to see redness, and it may feel like a slight sunburn in the treated area. Depending on the aggressiveness of your treatment, you may have swelling for a day or two. Pigmentation will turn darker and will slough off in 7-14 days. You may have bruising with vascular treatments.

What areas of my body can be treated?
All areas of the body can be treated. Long-term benefits of BBL are appreciated on all areas of the body

How many treatments will I need?
Your provider will personalize a treatment plan. Multiple sessions are performed every 2-6 weeks until the desired result has been achieved. Usually 3 to 4 treatments are required for full correction, although additional treatments especially for rosacea and vascular sun damage, may be required.

What aftercare do I need?
You may be sensitive to sunlight and should apply sunscreen and other skin care products as directed by your provider.

What is Forever Young BBL?
Forever Young BBL is a phototherapy treatment using noninvasive pulses of BroadBand Light (BBL) therapy to target the signs of aging and sun damage. This treatment makes skin clearer, smoother, healthier, and younger appearing. Forever Young BBL will help your skin look better over time.

What will happen during the treatment?
First, a cool gel is applied to the treatment area. Second, achilled applicator is placed on the skin to deliver the light therapy.

What does a Forever Young BBL treatment feel like?
Patients often describe a warm popping sensation. You mayexperience some discomfort in more sensitive areas. A topical
anesthetic is recommended.

Is there downtime associated with Forever Young BBL?
No. In most cases, you can apply makeup immediately and return to your normal routine.

What areas of my body can be treated?
All areas of the body can be treated. Long-term benefits of BBL are appreciated on all areas of the body.

How many treatments will I need?
Four treatments per year. We recommend one treatment every 3 months.

What is the difference between Forever Young BBL and BBL Photofacial?
A BBL Photofacial is a corrective treatment for brown pigmentation and redness. Forever Young BBL can be done after a BBL Photofacial to maintain results and as an anti-aging preventative treatment.

Chemical Peel

How do chemical peels improve the skin?
Chemical peeling is a procedure that aims to accelerate skin exfoliation by the use of chemical substances resulting in renewed, healthier looking skin and more uniform complexion.

Who can benefit from chemical peels?
Chemical peels address the visible skin imperfections that result from skin aging and sun exposure, such as fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone and texture. Peels also address skin tone unevenness, melasma, and acne.

Who is the ideal candidate for a chemical peel?
Chemical peels are appropriate for patients with mild-to-moderate skin imperfections that result from skin aging and sun exposure, such as fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone and texture.

How do I decide which particular peel is most beneficial for me?
During the initial consultation, your provider will evaluate your skin condition and recommend the appropriate peel regimen based on your needs.

Can chemical peels be performed on patients with dark skin?
DLC offers the Beta-Lift Peel, a superficial chemical peel ideal for use on acne-prone skin and the Vitalize Peel, ideal for treatment of pigmentation and skin texture. Both of these chemical peels are appropriate for all skin types.

What should I expect during the chemical peel?
The peeling agents are applied uniformly over the entire face and neck, or different strengths can be combined to correct different skin problems. Tolerance to the procedure varies from patient to patient. Tingling or burning sensations are normal and expected reactions. A handheld fan can be used during the procedure to minimize discomfort, which usually subsides in a few minutes.

How will my skin look right after a chemical peel?
Immediately after your peel your skin may be light yellow, frosted, or yellowish/orange.  This is temporary and will fade in a few hours.

How severe is the peeling and what is the duration of the peeling process?
You may or may not peel after a chemical peel. If you do peel the sloughing of epidermis skin begins around day three and generally is completed by day six or seven. Even if you do not peel, you still benefit from the peel procedure.

How can I protect my skin post peel?
Since the new skin is more susceptible to sunburn, extra precautions should be taken to limit sun exposure for at least one week after the peel. It is imperative to use a broad spectrum sunscreen product with an SPF of 30 or higher.

When can I resume my regular skin care regimen?
You can resume the use of your regular treatment products after you have completely finished peeling. Most chemical peels today are supplemented by the peeling effects of creams, such as retinoic acid (Tretinoin, The Perfect A) on a daily basis, which cause a constant turnover of the top layers of the skin, further improving the results.

 How many treatments are required?
Best results are achieved by doing a series of 3 peels initially followed by maintenance peels every 3-4 months

Will my daily routine be affected after the treatment?
Normal activities may be resumed immediately post peel. We recommend avoiding heavy exercise and excessive sweating during the peeling process.

Can make up be worn post peel?
The day the peel is applied the patient should not put any make up or other products on his or her face post peel. Make up may be worn on day 2 of the peeling process.

Can a chemical peel be applied to other parts of the body other than the face?
The face, neck, chest and hands are the most commonly applied areas.

Halo Pro

What is the Halo laser treatment?
Halo is the world’s first hybrid fractional laser with unique dual wavelengths which applies tunable non-ablative (1470nm) and ablative (2940nm) wavelengths to the same microscopic treatment zone to maximize results and reduce downtime. The dual wavelengths allow the provider the ability to customize treatments for each individual based on their individual needs.

What results can I expect?
Halo is a complete skin rejuvenation treatment. You will see improvements in overall tone and texture in addition to significant removal of discoloration, reduction in fine lines, reduced pore size, skin reflectivity and glow.

How many treatments do you need?
What’s great about Halo is that you can choose how many treatments you want! Discuss with your provider your needs and you can choose to have one or two more aggressive treatments or have multiple treatments that are less aggressive and achieve a similar goal over a longer period of time.

What happens during the treatment?
Thirty minutes to an hour before the treatment your provider may place a topical anesthetic on your skin to reduce the sensation during the procedure. Prior to the treatment, the area will be measured with motion tracking technology to ensure the area is treated evenly. The provider will treat each measured section by rolling the Halo hand piece over the skin until the system recognizes the treatment is complete.

What does Halo feel like?
With a topical anesthetic and integrated cooling technology, most patients experience a feeling of heat with occasional prickling sensations, but are generally comfortable. After the treatment, most patients will continue to feel warm for an additional 30 to 60 minutes, or a bit longer with deeper treatment levels. We take measures to cool you off after your treatment.

What is the downtime after Halo laser treatment?
Halo Laser Treatment produces expected side effects, often referred to as “down-time”. The intensity and duration of your side effects depends on the aggressiveness of your treatment and your individual healing characteristics. Generally, patients who are treated more aggressively experience more intense and longer lasting side effects. Conversely, some patients who receive a less aggressive treatment may experience side effects of greater-than-expected magnitude. Notify your physician if the severity of your side effects becomes more than you expected.

In addition, redness, swelling and pinpoint bleeding may also occur. You may experience more severe swelling around and below the eyes one-day post treatment. Occasionally, oozing can occur, in isolated areas, for a few days. You will notice some swelling and redness over the next few days. Swelling may be significant and cause some discomfort. The worst swelling is usually in the morning, particularly around the eyes.

The skin will start to look “bronzed” and little dark dots will appear on the treated area. Some patients may also experience itching during the healing process. You may notice a “sandpaper” texture a few days after treatment. Your skin will feel dry, and begin to peel or flake. This treated tissue is working its way out of your body as new, fresh skin is regenerated. This sloughing skin is a normal result of Halo laser treatment; most patients complete this process in 5-7 days.

How soon after my treatment can I return to normal activities?
5-7 days after a treatment on the face. (On other areas, such as neck/chest/hands/arms, or any area off the face where healing is slower, the process may take up to 2 weeks to feel smooth)

When will I see results?
You will see initial results seven days after your Halo treatment, but your skin will continue to improve over time. Most patients see the greatest pigmentary improvement in the first two to three weeks. This is followed by a dermal regeneration phase that continues to improve for months.

How long will my results last?
Halo results will last for years to come, but you should continue to keep your skin protected at all times using UV sunscreen to protect your new, healthy skin. Each additional Halo treatment you get will only improve the results, giving you even better looking skin.

How much does a Halo treatment cost?
Every Halo treatment is customized for your skin, and your lifestyle. Depending on your needs, your provider may recommend a single treatment, or a series of treatments.

Kybella

What is submental fullness?
Submental fullness characterized by an accumulation of excess fat beneath the chin and jawline, commonly known as a “double chin.” It can be something you’ve had your whole life due to genetics, or start to appear as you get older or if you gain weight.

What is Kybella?
Kybella is the only FDA-approved injectable treatment used in adults proven to permanently dissolve submental fullness (double chin) and improve the contour of the jawline.

How does Kybella work?
The active ingredient in Kybella is synthetic deoxycholic acid. This is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that helps rid the body of excess dietary fat. When injected into the fat beneath the chin, Kybella destroys those isolated fat cells so that they can no longer store or accumulate fat.  Over the course of several weeks, those destroyed fat cells are absorbed and flushed from the body, revealing a sharper chin profile and reduction in submental fullness.

How many treatments will I need?
Dr. Adigun will create a tailored treatment plan based on your unique chin profile.  At each treatment, you will be given multiple small injections under your chin. At a minimum you will need two treatment sessions. You may receive up to 6 treatment sessions, spaced at least 1 month apart. Many patients experience visible results with 2 to 4 Kybella treatments.

What does it feel like?
The treatment area is first injected with lidocaine which feels like a small prick and slight burn. You won’t feel the Kybella injections once the lidocaine takes effect, but you may experience slight burning and aching at the injection sites afterwards.

What are the possible side effects?
The most common side effects are swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, redness and areas of hardness around the treatment area.

When will I see results?
Kybella results may be noticeable at four to six weeks and results will continue to improve for 6 months after treatment.

How long will results last?
Kybella causes permanent destruction of the treated fat cells. Once those cells are affected, they cannot store or accumulate fat. After reaching your desired result, further treatment is not expected.

Sclerotherapy

What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure to treat uncomplicated spider veins and uncomplicated reticular veins. The treatment involves the injection of a solution into the affected veins.

What are spider veins?
Spider veins are very small and thin fine red or blue veins located close to the surface of the skin. They can look like a thin red or blue line, tree branches or spider webs. Spider veins can be found on the legs, feet, and face and may cover a small or large area.

What are reticular veins?
Reticular veins can also be known as feeder veins. They are the blue and green veins deeper beneath the surface of the skin.

What causes spider and reticular veins?
Reticular veins enlarge because of increased pressure in the vein. The condition may be hereditary. Reticular veins frequently accompany spider veins. Spider and reticular veins can be caused by many factors.

  • Having a family member with prominent veins may increase your developing them. Approximately half of the people who get varicose veins have a family history of them.
  • Over time, valves in the veins may weaken and not work as well.
  • Women are two to three times more likely to develop varicose veins than men. Up to half of American women have varicose veins. Changes in hormones due to puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or birth control pills may increase a woman’s risk of developing varicose veins.
  • During pregnancy, the growth of the fetus increases the pressure on the veins in the legs. Varicose veins that occur during pregnancy usually improve within 3 to 12 months following delivery.
  • Overweight and obesity.Having extra weight on the body can put additional pressure on the veins.
  • Prolonged standing or sitting.This is particularly true with legs bent or crossed. When standing or sitting with legs bent or crossed, the veins have to work harder to pump the blood up to the heart.
  • Other possible causes for varicose veins are race, posture, occupation, hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, primary valvular incompetence, and incompetent perforating veins.

 What Is Asclera® (pronounced a skler-ah)?
Asclera® (polidocanol) is a prescription medicine that is injected during  sclerotherapy to treat spider and reticular veins.

How Does Asclera® Work?
Asclera® is a liquid that is injected into the affected vein. It works by damaging the cellular lining of the vessel, causing its collapse and eventual destruction.  The destroyed vein material is then absorbed by the body over the next several weeks.

What should I expect after being treated with Asclera®?
Clinical-grade compression pantyhose must be worn for several weeks following treatment for optimal results.  For extensive varicosities, longer compression treatment is recommended. Gentle walking is encouraged 15-20 minutes immediately following treatment and daily for the next week.

What should I avoid after receiving an Asclera® Injection?
For two to three days following the treatment, avoid (if you are uncertain, please ask your healthcare provider):

  • Heavy exercise
  • Sunbathing
  • Long plane flights
  • Hot bath or sauna

Are there any possible side effects to Asclera® treatments?
Yes, they may include:

  • Severe allergic reactions have been reported following polidocanol use, including anaphylactic reactions, some of them fatal. Severe reactions are most frequent with use of larger volumes (> 3 mL). The dose of polidocanol should therefore be minimized.
  • In rare cases, formation of small “burns” or ulcers form, usually due to leakage of Asclera® into the skin and surrounding tissues. They heal in time, but may leave discoloration or small scars.
  • Inadvertent perivascular injection of Asclera®can cause pain. If pain is severe, a local anesthetic (without adrenaline) may be injected.

You should tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including:

  • Prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal products

You should not be treated with Asclera® if you:

  • Have a known allergy to polidocanol
  • Have an acute vein or blood clotting (thromboembolic) disease
  • Are pregnant or nursing

PRP – Platelet Rich Plasma

What is platelet-rich plasma?
PRP is a high concentration of platelets surrounded in its own plasma. A small amount of blood is drawn and the red cells are isolated from the platelet-rich plasma.

Are there any risks?
Since the autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is processed from the patient’s own blood, there is virtually no risk of an allergic reaction or rejection. Nevertheless, before any treatment, disclose all the medications you are taking (including herbs) to your doctor.

How does the PRP process work?
First, the practitioner draws an amount of blood similar to what is required for a basic lab test. Second, the practitioner places the blood into a centrifuge and spins the blood at a very rapid rate to separate the platelets from the other components of the blood. Third, the platelet-rich plasma is activated to release growth factors and signaling proteins.

How long does the procedure take?
The entire procedure usually takes 30 minutes or less to perform in your health care provider’s office.

How many PRP treatments are needed for hair loss?
The number of treatments needed depends on each individual patient’s needs and your provider’s treatment plan. As a stand-alone therapy, we recommend a series of at least three sessions spaced four-six weeks apart for optimal results.

Is the treatment painful?
There may be some temporary discomfort during the injections, and occasional redness and bruising immediately following the treatment that resolves quickly.

Are there any side effects?
There have been no known side effects reported to date. Some patients may experience some mild irritation, swelling, bruising, itching, discoloration or tenderness at the injection sites. These are temporary side effects and typically resolve within two days.

How long do the effects of PRP for hair loss last?
The longevity of the results of PRP treatments vary based on the extent of the procedure, areas treated, number of sessions, and the nature of the cause of the hair loss.

Can someone be allergic to PRP?
There is virtually no risk of allergic reaction. In addition, no allergic reactions have been reported to date. Our PRP process is used to rapidly collect and isolate a patient’s own PRP for injection and contains no animal or synthetic products.