Smoothbeam - Patients ask, Dr. Ringpfeil answers
Please feel free to use the blog below to share information about Smoothbeam or to ask Dr. Franziska Ringpfeil a question that might be of interest to others.
Philadelphia and Mainline Center of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
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Written by Dr. Ringpfeil
Smoothbeam Laser
Overview:
This non-ablative diode laser selectively destroys sebaceous glands.
Expected results:
Destruction of sebaceous hyperplasias. While not first line treatment for acne, the Smoothbeam laser offers an effective treatment option in recalcitrant inflammatory acne.
Preparation:
None
Post treatment instructions:
Sun protection x 6 weeks
Time to desired results:
1-3 treatments about 3-4 weeks apart may be necessary to eradicate sebaceous hyperplasias, acne treatment is variable and may require between 1-5 treatments.
Contraindications:
None. Safe on all skin types.
Duration of desired effects:
Permanent. Note: sebaceous hyperplasias are genetically determined and new growths may form in other areas. The Smoothbeam laser does not prevent this genetic tendency.
Downtime:
Redness and possible blister formation for up to 3 days.
Selected Patient Questions and Answers
# of surveys: 4187
Last updated: 1/02/2024 11:10 AM
PATIENT RATINGS
Would you recommend us?
- definitely
- 93.1%
- probably
- 6.16%
- maybe
- 0.58%
- not likely
- 0.08%
- no
- 0.02%
Compare our service to other similar practices
- excellent
- 87.9%
- very good
- 10.1%
- good
- 1.8%
- poor
- 0.06%
- very poor
- 0%
Overall doctor performance
- excellent
- 94.2%
- very good
- 4.89%
- good
- 0.80%
- poor
- 0.03%
- very poor
- 0%
The doctor listened to you attentively
- excellent
- 93.9%
- very good
- 4.97%
- good
- 1.05%
- poor
- 0.05%
- very poor
- 0%
The doctor took time to answer your questions
- excellent
- 94.0%
- very good
- 4.66%
- good
- 1.27%
- poor
- 0.02%
- very poor
- 0%
The doctor explained treatment options
- excellent
- 94.3%
- very good
- 4.16%
- good
- 1.25%
- poor
- 0.14%
- very poor
- 0.02%
The doctor explained treatment options
- excellent
- 92.0%
- very good
- 5.69%
- good
- 2.18%
- poor
- 0.11%
- very poor
- 0.0%
Front desk performance
- excellent
- 85.6%
- very good
- 10.2%
- good
- 3.66%
- poor
- 0.31%
- very poor
- 0.08%
Aesthetician performance
- excellent
- 88.6%
- very good
- 7.61%
- good
- 3.39%
- poor
- 0.24%
- very poor
- 0.08%
Office comfort
- excellent
- 90.9%
- very good
- 6.93%
- good
- 2.08%
- poor
- 0.05%
- very poor
- 0.05%
Parking
- excellent
- 66.4%
- very good
- 14.4%
- good
- 15.7%
- poor
- 2.49%
- very poor
- 0.9%
Friendliness of the staff during appointment
- excellent
- 90.9%
- very good
- 7.23%
- good
- 1.85%
- poor
- 0.05%
- very poor
- 0%
What WE DID WELL
(Answers:674)
i liked the fact the doctor acutally explianed everything to me in a way that i as a child could understand. that was the part that i really enjoyed
#12025-07-10appreciated the thorough explanation from the doctor and the instant research on a product I wanted to know more about
#22025-11-26Everyone was extremely welcoming, pleasant and professional. I felt very secure with the knowledge and professional, caring treatment by both the doctor and her assistant.
#32025-12-29The doctor explained things thoroughly to me. She was able to treat a couple of skin growths on site today. I was given a couple of sample products as well as a coupon toward the purchase of one of the prescribed products that I am to use.
#42011-05-18 16:40:00EXCELLENT SERVICE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVISE & ASSISTANCE. VERY CLEAN, NICE & CONFIRTABLE OFFICE SETTING. VERY KNOWLEDGEBLE DOCTOR. THANK YOU AGAIN. I WILL RECOMMEND YOU GUYS TO OTHERS. EXCELLENT JOB!!!
#52025-04-14I love the decor of the office.
#62010-11-08 15:17:21I liked scheduling my appointment online, it was fast and simple.
#72012-10-02 10:02:31I have been to a number of derm docs....often it seems as though they have you try this or that but never seem to have a clear plan as to how they will treat ALL of the issues at hand. Thank you for taking the time to address each one of my concerns.
#82025-10-09The staff was thorough and extremely friendly, I felt welcomed and well informed.
#92011-12-01 14:56:48The doctor was very friendly and made everything relaxing.
#102025-06-19What can we do better?
(answers:373)
DO NOT CHANGE A THING- YOU FOLKS ARE WONDERFUL!!!!!
#12025-12-16don't change a thing, you guys are the best! Please send me Real Estate Referrals, thanks
#22010-09-30 09:51:55receptionist should not be so quick to refuse insurance before fully understanding the the type of insurance and how it functions
#32011-09-14 09:34:31JUST THE WAY YOU SERVE ME NOW...........WITH GREAT RESPECT AND i REALLY APPRECIATE IT.
#42010-11-11 10:41:38Everything is just great!
#52025-05-13Parking was a little tight.
#62011-06-09 15:52:46all good
#72010-10-14 12:21:49No room for improvement. You have a first-rate, exceptional staff Dr. Ringpfeil! Everyone especially Linda Heckman is so professional. Jessie makes a great first impression and is an asset to your team!
#82010-12-15 19:35:32Well basically there is no need because your doing a very good job.
#92010-10-04 16:54:13sometimes I feel the phone staff is not as helpful as it could be, but that is not reflected in the quality of services. Front office is very professional overall.
#102010-11-04 13:29:14
Hello,
I have had inflammatory acne since I was 16 (i’m now 22). I now get the some cysts around my period, n my cheeks (usually 1-3, but this month I got 6). They don’t heal quickly, are painful, and leave large red marks. I was wondering if this laser is a good option for me? Will this destroy alot of my sebaceous glands, or only the hyperplasias? I don’t wish to have extremely dry skin, but it always has been very very oily.
The strength of the Smoothbeam laser is its ability to destroy oil glands. This is the reason that it received FDA approval to treat acne when it was first released to the market many year ago. We use it only occasionally for acne. However, it is the right choice for some people. If used for acne, we recommend about 3 treatments 6 weeks apart to induce remission. For acne treatment with Smoothbeam, your skin must be fair (Fitzpatrick skin type III or lighter) and not tan at time of treatment. A medical consultation is needed prior to treatment.