Smoothbeam - Patients ask, Dr. Ringpfeil answers
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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)
Technologically advanced office made it much easier to register all information as a new patient.
#12025-10-12Liked the all the friendliness of the doctor's assistants and the doctor as well. also loved the brightness and colors of the waiting room.
#22025-09-10prompt everything explained clearly
#32025-10-01I am extremely impressed. Felt comfortable and confident in the doctor's treatments. the staff was very professional yet kind and very helpful. The doctor's knowledge of medical condition
#42025-08-06Doctor is extremely efficient and knowledgeable, and even discussed treatment for another condition -- my oral canker sores -- which nobody had ever mentioned previously. Also, the office is really lovely with nice music, rather than pical office music.
#52025-09-08the stafff and doctor were extremely friendly
#62025-11-26I was made to feel comfortable and was happy that I felt listened to and as though my needs were addressed. I feel confident that the doctor is determined to assist me with my multiple issues. The medical assistant and receptionist were also very helpful and welcoming. Thank you.
#72025-08-02Doctor took the time to asnswer questions; computer technology
#82026-02-04the doctors accent
#92025-11-09I liked all rthe art work that was hanging up in the hallways. I also liked how friendly everyone was. It seemed as though they all wanted to be here. Some times at otjher places the people at the counter can be disrespectful. Not here. The or was very caring and explained the treatment in terms that we could understand.
#102025-07-10What can we do better?
(answers:373)
Your rain spouts put water into the driveway to the back parking lot. As it gets colder, it will freeze and create a dangerous pathway for clients
#12010-12-13 11:23:03No major suggestions. I got all the answers I needed.
#22025-05-03you can not top anything. this is the best run office and staff that I have ever been in.
#32011-05-26 11:49:32Everything was great thanks!
#42011-02-25 11:46:15Loved all the options for appointments, very appreciative. Thank you
#52011-02-23 17:51:48I think you have done a great job.
#62011-02-21 16:01:23Everything was wonderful - no complaints at all!
#72025-05-22I've never been in a medical office that was so warm and inviting. The decor and overall appearance has the feel of your living room but also reminds you that you are in a clinical environment as well. This practice surpasses my expectations in every way, from the staff, dress code, advances in technology and overall care of the patient. I was made to feel that my care is your number one priority.
#82011-04-29 11:02:03everything was beyond my expectations . No doctor has ever given me such a complete exam
#92010-10-07 10:02:42music mix
#102025-05-09
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.