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 thought the waiting area was decorated beautifully and made me feel relaxed and at home.
#12026-02-13The thorough exam that Dr. Ringpfeil gave me. The professionalism of the entire staff. Everything from the ambience to the music.
#22025-07-11I liked the promptness of seeing the doctor, and I loved that I was given all the time that I needed to speak with her.
#32025-04-25The doctor and assistant were wonderful!!! So friendly and warm. I am so used to doctors being rushed AND condescending. This was a great change!!
#42025-05-12Everyone was incredibly kind, informative and helpful. It was one of the best doctor office experiences I've ever had.
#52025-05-20I WAS VERY COMFORTABLE WITH THE VISIT
#62025-04-12It is clearly evident taht Dr. Ringpfeil is genuinely motivated by listening to your full symptoms, issues and then selecting the approach that is best for you. I scheduled my appt with the hopes of undergoing pricey treatments. Rather than signing me up and taking my check, she insisted that we first address the cause of my problems. Obviously, her goal is to heal the patient, not simply select the treatments that would be most lucrative for her. Impressive.
#72025-09-04I didn't feel rushed when asking questions - the staff took the time to explain answers well.
#82025-12-13I liked how the doctor gave me the prices of procedures that we discussed. Every doctor should do that!!
#92026-03-01I liked the fact that they took me in right away and everyone was very pleasant.
#102011-11-02 12:13:13What can we do better?
(answers:373)
sometimes 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.
#12010-11-04 13:29:14I had an appointment for a consulation for sun damage. Unfortunately, I need to see either a doctor or PA for my issue and this was not included in my appointment, so I need to make another trip. It is difficult for me to carve time out of my work day to take care of personal needs, so this is creating an inconvenience for me. I would have preferred to had the complete consultation done in one appointment.
#22011-02-14 14:14:53It was a perfect experioence, I wouldn't change a thing!
#32025-09-12I am completely happy with my needs being met here.
#42010-08-23 16:52:07any information on services provided for enhancing skin apperance
#52025-07-01before prescribing a very expensive treatment, inform the patient you are doing so.
#62025-06-08Can't think of anything. I feel good about this visit.
#72010-09-09 11:47:56You guys did great. This was a great experience for me
#82010-09-22 12:31:41Keep doing the same thing.
#92025-09-13Everything was excellent.
#102025-12-12
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.