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Melasma Unmasked: Considerations When Treating A Pigmentation Disorder

Melasma, often referred to as the “pregnancy mask,” is more widely known as a pigmentation disorder that has a profound effect on the quality of life for those with the affliction (1). Studies report patients with pigmentation disorders feel self-conscious, and unattractive, that it affects their daily activities and they felt the need to put effort into hiding their condition or else others would be attentive to it (1). While melasma affects people of all skin types, it is predominant in women with darker skin (Fitzpatrick III-VI)(2), which can add further difficulty to an already hard-to-treat, chronic disorder (3).

Melasma is becoming increasingly common. Some dermatologic centers cite it as being the most commonly seen condition next to acne (4), yet there is a large percentage of that population who are not seeking treatment largely due to unawareness of treatment options (5). For those that do seek treatment, a familiar, collective approach to address melasma (in the medical setting) has traditionally come in the form of hydroquinone or other topical compounds, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or Q-switched lasers (3).

Building upon these traditional treatment options, Aerolase, with the clinical expertise of Washington DC-based dermatologist, Cheryl Burgess, MD, has developed a two-step, “one-two punch” protocol to effectively address melasma in all skin types within one treatment session. First, Aerolase’s 650-microsecond 1064nm Nd:YAG laser technology offers a solution to address the deeper, dermal melanin and vascular components (6) of melasma, while also helping to break up the epidermal pigment. The laser energy is painted over the entire facial area at fluences of up to 28 J/cm2. Then, depending on the patient’s skin type and condition, either a light to medium chemical peel or hydroquinone compound is applied to address the remaining epidermal pigmentation.

“We have had great success removing dermal pigmentation with the Neo due to its depth of penetration and speed of the pulse,” says Dr. Burgess. “Then, we (typically) layer that with a chemical peel to generate a new epidermis to remove superficial pigmentary concerns, and if blending is needed, we may use a hydroquinone compound,” she continues. “Furthermore, this overall treatment promotes a complete skin rejuvenation, tightening and brightening by refreshing both the dermal and epidermal layers of the skin.”

What separates Aerolase laser treatments from other traditional laser modalities in treating melasma is the ability to achieve deeper penetration with higher fluences in a pulse duration that is short enough to eliminate adverse effects. 650-microsecond 1064nm Nd:YAG laser technology enables deeper penetration than Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers so that the laser energy will reach pigmentation at both epidermal and dermal layers. It also enhances the safety profile of the prior generation long-pulsed Nd:YAG lasers by shortening the pulse duration below the thermal relaxation time of the skin. This adds a greater margin of safety, reduces the risk of burns, hypo- or hyperpigmentation, and eliminates the need for skin cooling. The combination of high power in a short pulse duration is what enables 650 Microsecond Technology® to be so effective yet so safe and gentle. The gentleness of the treatment is what allows practitioners to apply a chemical peel immediately post-laser treatment and make this treatment combination so highly unique and effective.

Combination treatment for addressing difficult conditions is now trending to be common practice. This approach to treating melasma comes as a new and exciting possibility, especially for patients with skin of color who routinely require a more cautious approach to treating their condition. Some of the well-documented complications stem from irritation with certain triple combination topicals or either hypo- or hyperpigmentation that can be induced with laser, microdermabrasion or chemical peels that are too aggressive (7), which will, undoubtedly, only add to the already prominent negative effects on a patient’s quality of life.

Dr. Burgess addresses this stating, “It is better to be on the cautious side when treating melasma rather than speeding up the treatment to see results quicker. There are aggressive treatment options, but they run the risk of stressing the skin, especially in darker skin types, which can have undesired results and cause further complications. Taking more precautions allows a safe option to achieve desired and more predictable results. This protocol, utilizing advanced laser technology, allows for heightened degrees of efficacy while negating risk.”

Due to melasma’s high rate of recurrence and array of triggers, preventative steps and ongoing treatment need to be adhered to. Sunscreen and UV protection are essential in the ongoing battle with melasma and can help promote long-term success, with longer periods of clearance. Advances within UVA and UVB blocks have enabled heightened protection against this trigger of melasma and should be applied every day (8).

The Neo’s 650-microsecond 1064nm laser technology, in combination with chemical peels, provides a new, advanced solution for treating melasma. It proves to be an enhancement towards effectively addressing melasma in patients with skin of color and drastically increases the margin of treatment safety to deter any historical adverse effects.

1. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2008 Sep;7(3):164-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2008.00384.x.

2. Melasma and PIH in skin of color. By Lisette Hilton, Dermatology Times Online. October 19, 2015

3. Arch Dermatol. 1995 Dec;131(12):1453-7.

4. Cutis. 2007 Nov;80(5):387-94.

5. Many With Melasma Suffer Without Seeking Medical Help. By: DAMIAN McNAMARA, Skin & Allergy News Digital Network. OCTOBER 12, 2010

6. Ann Dermatol. 2010 Nov; 22(4): 373–378.

7. AAD: Search Continues for Optimal Melasma Treatment. By: DAMIAN McNAMARA, Skin & Allergy News Digital Network. February 4, 2011

8. Identifying melasma triggers. By: LILY TALAKOUB, M.D., AND NAISSAN WESLEY, M.D. Dermatology News Online. JUNE 12, 2015

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Laser Optical Engineer

Aerolase is the fastest growing medical laser company, serving the high growth dermatology and aesthetic laser market. Nestled in the picturesque Hudson Valley in Tarrytown, NY, the location is also ideal for access to NY City and other areas of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S. We are hiring in many areas and currently seek laser optical engineers with a passion for creating new things. The company offers a friendly, team-oriented work environment and competitive compensation including salary, bonus, stock options, 401k, and health/dental/life insurance plans.

About the Team:

We are a diverse team of friendly, creative hard-working people with a passion for achieving our objectives
We are creative, hands-on and innovative with a strong orientation toward high customer satisfaction
We have created a very team-spirited company culture and believe it is important to have open and effective cross-functional collaboration and communications – and enjoy our work!

About the Role:

We’re looking for an enthusiastic, creative and detail-oriented problem solver to help support the production, service and repair of our unique solid-state laser devices.

Must have expertise working with assembly and/or development of small, sensitive, high precision instruments, preferably solid-state laser technology, with a high caliber technology company. We prefer design and hands-on experience in multiple laser technologies including solid state lasers, semiconductor lasers, non-linear optical materials and devices, optical benches, and beam directors. Experience with the technical aspects of developing laser and laser-based products is strongly preferred.

Candidates should have proven ability to address complex challenges with ingenuity and innovation, and capability to work independently to manage multiple simultaneous tasks, and see all tasks to completion. Also should have the ability to work well in a collaborative multidisciplinary team environment, define and analyze system performance specifications, and ensure adherence to those specifications in the application environment.

Responsibilities:

Perform sensitive manual optical assembly of lasers.
Test, troubleshoot repair and assemble lasers, subassemblies and various components, including high-voltage laser power supplies and other electronics.
Support the development and implementation of test fixtures, equipment, procedures and documentation for the engineering and operations functions.
Support product design and development activities related to new products and product improvements.
Support development and maintenance of quality and regulatory documents and procedures.
Provide customer technical support as needed including product service, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
With suppliers, act as a technical and operational liaison as needed.
Maintain thorough, complete and accurate written records; comply fully with the company’s quality system and any regulatory requirements.
Follow safety rules for working with high-voltages and high-power lasers.
Perform other duties as completion of responsibilities necessitates or as assigned by supervisor.

Skills and Experience:

Minimum 5 years of experience in an engineering role involving sensitive high precision instruments, preferably involving solid state lasers.
Theoretical and practical knowledge and skills of adequate policies and procedures for the control of laser hazards and high voltage hazards, using relevant protective equipment, ensuring adequate safety education and training of other personnel.
Understanding of system and component design, testing and troubleshooting.
Enjoy working with your hands/mechanical ability.
Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
Proven technical and project management skills.
Experience with manufacturing within a Quality Management System (especially medical).
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Self-motivated, detail oriented and well organized. Ability to make decisions and work independently Strong work ethic and desire to help the company successful by producing a reliable product.
Not afraid to ask questions and make suggestions for improvement.
Be able to work under pressure due to customer demands.
Strong computer skills (Windows™ software).
Ability to successfully manage multiple projects and daily responsibilities. Ability to discern and appropriately communicate sensitive issues.
Ability to walk, stand, bend, reach, stoop/squat, and crouch. Ability to carry heavy items.
Will require working indoors and outdoors – work environment includes the office, the production areas, mechanical rooms, and customer and supplier facilities. Also includes regular contact with high-voltage equipment and laser light emissions.

Educational Requirements:

BS. in Physics, Mechanical or Optical Engineering, Master’s Degree preferred

About the Team:

We are a diverse team of friendly, creative hard-working people with a passion for achieving our objectives
We are creative, hands-on and innovative with a strong orientation toward high customer satisfaction
We have created a very team-spirited company culture and believe it is important to have open and effective cross-functional collaboration and communications – and enjoy our work!

About the Role:

We’re looking for an enthusiastic, creative and detail-oriented problem solver to help support the production, service and repair of our unique solid-state laser devices.

Responsibilities:

Perform sensitive manual optical assembly of lasers.
Test, troubleshoot repair and assemble lasers, subassemblies and various components, including high-voltage laser power supplies and other electronics.
Support the development and implementation of test fixtures, equipment, procedures and documentation for the engineering and operations functions.
Support product design and development activities related to new products and product improvements.
Support development and maintenance of quality and regulatory documents and procedures.
Provide customer technical support as needed including product service, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
With suppliers, act as a technical and operational liaison as needed.
Maintain thorough, complete and accurate written records; comply fully with the company’s quality system and any regulatory requirements.
Follow safety rules for working with high-voltages and high-power lasers.
Perform other duties as completion of responsibilities necessitates or as assigned by supervisor.

Skills and Experience:

Minimum 5 years of experience in an engineering role involving sensitive high precision instruments, preferably involving solid state lasers.
Theoretical and practical knowledge and skills of adequate policies and procedures for the control of laser hazards and high voltage hazards, using relevant protective equipment, ensuring adequate safety education and training of other personnel.
Understanding of system and component design, testing and troubleshooting.
Enjoy working with your hands/mechanical ability.
Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
Proven technical and project management skills.
Experience with manufacturing within a Quality Management System (especially medical).
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Self-motivated, detail oriented and well organized. Ability to make decisions and work independently Strong work ethic and desire to help the company successful by producing a reliable product.
Not afraid to ask questions and make suggestions for improvement.
Be able to work under pressure due to customer demands.
Strong computer skills (Windows™ software).
Ability to successfully manage multiple projects and daily responsibilities. Ability to discern and appropriately communicate sensitive issues.
Ability to walk, stand, bend, reach, stoop/squat, and crouch. Ability to carry heavy items.
Will require working indoors and outdoors – work environment includes the office, the production areas, mechanical rooms, and customer and supplier facilities. Also includes regular contact with high-voltage equipment and laser light emissions.

Educational Requirements:

BS. in Physics, Mechanical or Optical Engineering, Master’s Degree preferred

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Hyperpigmentation

Photos Courtesy of Cheryl Burgess, MD.

Photos Courtesy of Jennifer Parker-Porter, MD.

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Vascular Lesions

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Photos Courtesy of Michael Gold, MD.

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Rosacea / Redness

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Hair Removal

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PFB

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Scars

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Autoimmune Disorders

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Skin Rejuvenation

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Staff Accountant / Junior Accountant

Aerolase Corporation, a leading aesthetic laser innovator, seeks a Staff Accountant / Junior Accountant. Having made the Inc. 5000 list as one of the world’s fastest growing private companies as well as annual best-in-class product awards, Aerolase has transformed the market with products that provide uniquely tolerable treatments to the patients and exceptionally high ROI for the practitioners. The company offers competitive and an exciting high-growth company culture.

Duties:

• Provide support to the Controller and the management team
• Maintain day-to-day financial accounting functions, including A/P, A/R, expense tracking
• Support the month-end close process, ensuring accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial statements.
• Uploading annual budget and tracking actual to budget variances
• Use of financial reporting software
• Support external auditors and other required outside reporting requirements
• Participation in quarterly inventory reconciliations
• Assist team with projects such as policy creation, system implementation, client support etc.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Some experience with and strong understanding of the monthly close process and technical accounting
• Detailed oriented, with ability to see the big picture
• Self-starter who can work independently and employ time management skills to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of MS Excel (V-lookup, formulas, pivot tables).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Accounting a MUST, good understanding of GAAP
• 1-3 years’ experience in an accounting function (including internship)
• General Ledger/Operational Accounting experience
• Knowledge of Quickbooks or other reporting software a plus (more the better)
• Industry experience a plus

Senior Accountant

Aerolase Corporation, a leading aesthetic laser innovator, seeks a Senior Accountant. Having made the Inc. 5000 list as one of the world’s fastest growing private companies as well as annual best-in-class product awards, Aerolase has transformed the market with products that provide uniquely tolerable treatments to the patients and exceptionally high ROI for the practitioners. The company offers competitive and an exciting high-growth company culture.

Duties:

• Provide support to the Controller and the management team
• Own day-to-day financial accounting functions, including A/P, A/R, expense tracking
• Assist in establishing and maintaining policies & procedures in accordance with GAAP and Aerolase policy
• Key contributor to the month-end close process, ensuring accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial statements.
• Assist in the preparation of management reports – (cash management, various projections, month end reporting package)
• Involvement with the annual budget process
• Use of financial reporting software
• Support external auditors and other required outside reporting requirements
• Prepare and submit payroll
• Participation in quarterly inventory reconciliation to the perpetual
• Ad hoc projects

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of the monthly close process and technical accounting

• Detailed oriented, with ability to see the big picture

• Experience in continuous improvement and accounting best practices

• Self-starter who can work independently and employ time management skills to meet deadlines.

• System savvy – ability to learn new financial software

• Intermediate knowledge of MS Excel (V-lookup, formulas, pivot tables).

• Global consolidations experience a plus

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Accounting a MUST, good understanding of GAAP

• 3+ years’ experience working as a staff/senior accountant

• General Ledger/Operational Accounting experience a must

• Extensive knowledge of Quickbooks and other reporting software

• Prior involvement with system implementation

• Prior public accounting experience (any size firm) a plus

• Industry experience a plus

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The Art of Skin Clinic, Bahamas.

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Melasma Unmasked: Considerations When Treating A Pigmentation Disorder

Melasma Unmasked: Considerations When Treating A Pigmentation Disorder

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Laser Optical Engineer

About the Role:

Let’s Discuss Your Acne Strategy.

Start Delivering Excellence.

Hyperpigmentation

Learn more about treating hyperpigmentation today.

Vascular Lesions

Learn more about treating vascular lesions today.

Rosacea / Redness

Learn more about treating rosacea and redness today.

Hair Removal

Learn more about treating hair removal today.

PFB

Learn more about treating PFB today.

Scars

Learn more about treating scars today.

Autoimmune Disorders

Learn more about treating autoimmune disorders today.

Skin Rejuvenation

Learn more about skin rejuvenation today.

Acne

Learn more about treating acne today.

Staff Accountant / Junior Accountant

Duties:

Senior Accountant

Duties:

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