Avava Laser in Santa Barbara
An advanced non-ablative laser system using Focal Point Technology to deliver precise skin rejuvenation with minimal downtime, safe for all skin tones including darker complexions.
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What is Avava?
Avava is an FDA-cleared laser system that uses proprietary Focal Point Technology to deliver controlled energy deep into the dermis while sparing the epidermis. This stimulates natural collagen and elastin production without creating visible wounds, resulting in skin renewal from within with reduced recovery time.
Unlike traditional lasers that apply broad energy across the skin surface, Avava focuses energy at precise depths. What sets it apart is its ability to safely treat all skin tones, including darker complexions historically challenging to address with laser technology. The integrated ComfortCool system maintains comfort while protecting surrounding tissue.
Am I a Good Candidate for Avava Laser?
Avava may be right for you if you're showing early to moderate signs of aging, texture irregularities, or pigmentation concerns. It's often chosen by patients who want meaningful improvement without extended downtime from ablative lasers.
The best candidates are in good overall health with realistic expectations about gradual improvement. Avava particularly appeals to patients with darker skin tones who may have been told they weren't candidates for traditional laser treatments.
What We Can Address with Avava:
Fine lines and wrinkles
Acne scars and textural irregularities
Sun damage and age spots
Uneven skin tone and pigmentation
Skin tightening through soft tissue coagulation
Enlarged pores
Dull or rough skin texture
Conditions Treated with Avava
Acne Scarring: Avava's Focal Point Technology delivers high-energy pulses deep into the dermis to stimulate collagen remodeling in areas affected by pitted acne scars, helping to resurface and smooth the skin over time.
Signs of Aging: By targeting the deeper layers where collagen and elastin reside, Avava addresses fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of facial definition. The treatment smooths and refines aging skin while improving overall facial contours.
Pigmentation Concerns: Avava effectively treats sun damage, age spots, and uneven skin tone by promoting cellular turnover and encouraging the replacement of damaged tissue with healthier, more evenly pigmented skin.
Skin Quality and Texture: The laser improves overall skin clarity, smoothness, and minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores for a more refined complexion.
What to Expect Through Your Avava Procedure
Avava treatments are performed at The Riviera Medical Spa by our expert nurses following Dr. Lowenstein's protocols. Before treatment, avoid sun exposure, retinoids, and active skincare ingredients for at least two weeks.
During treatment, you'll feel continuous cooling with mild warmth as the laser stimulates collagen production. Sessions take 30 to 90 minutes. Avava can be used on the face, neck, chest, and hands. Most patients achieve optimal results with two to three treatments spaced four to six weeks apart.
Explore our Skin Resurfacing Results
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Results and Recovery Process
Recovery varies by treatment depth. Superficial treatments have minimal downtime (one to three days), while deeper treatments require two to seven days with moderate swelling and redness. Swelling peaks at days two to three and improves by day four. Sun exposure should be avoided for two weeks.
Results develop progressively. Superficial treatments show improvement within four to six weeks. Deeper treatments show texture enhancement within two weeks, with optimal results at three months as collagen increases. After your first treatment, you'll see smoothness and reduced pigmentation. By the second treatment, skin firmness becomes more apparent.
Why Choose The Riviera Medical Spa for Avava Treatment?
Avava treatments at The Riviera Medical Spa are performed under Dr. Lowenstein's clinical guidance, whose 25 years of facial aesthetics experience inform our treatment protocols. We were selected to offer Avava because of our commitment to bringing advanced technologies to Santa Barbara patients.
Patients choose us for access to cutting-edge innovations delivered with the expertise associated with Dr. Lowenstein's practice.
How Much Does Avava Cost?
The cost of Avava depends on the treatment area and the number of sessions recommended to achieve your goals. Most patients complete two to three treatments for optimal results.
A detailed cost estimate will be provided during your consultation after we've assessed your skin and developed your personalized treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Avava different from other laser treatments?
Avava uses Focal Point Technology to deliver high-energy laser pulses deep into the dermis while protecting the epidermis. This allows for more effective treatment at therapeutic depths with less surface damage. Traditional lasers apply broader energy across the skin surface, which can limit how much energy can be safely used, especially on darker skin tones.
Is Avava safe for darker skin tones?
Yes. Avava is specifically designed to be safe for all skin types, including Fitzpatrick Types I through VI. The epidermal sparing feature and precise energy delivery significantly reduce the risk of pigmentation issues that can occur with traditional lasers on darker skin.
How many treatments will I need?
Most patients see optimal results with two to three treatments spaced four to six weeks apart. Some may benefit from additional sessions depending on their concerns and goals.
Does Avava hurt?
Avava is generally well-tolerated. We apply topical numbing cream before treatment, and the integrated ComfortCool technology provides continuous cooling. You'll feel mild warmth and a cooling sensation, but significant pain is uncommon.
Can Avava be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Avava can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan alongside other modalities like CoolPeel, Vivace, or injectables, though these would be performed in separate sessions to address different aspects of skin aging. We can discuss the best treatment sequence during your consultation.
What should I avoid before and after treatment?
Before treatment, avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least two weeks. Discontinue retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and prescription topicals one to two weeks prior. Wait at least two weeks after facials, microneedling, peels, or injectables. After treatment, avoid sun exposure for two weeks, use only gentle cleansers for 24 hours, skip active skincare ingredients for one week, and avoid facials or facial treatments for at least two weeks. Always use high-SPF sunscreen once you resume normal skincare.
When will I see results?
Some improvement in texture and tone appears within one to two weeks after treatment. However, the most significant changes develop over two to three months as new collagen forms. Results continue to improve through your treatment series.
Schedule a consultation
The Riviera Medical Spa and Dr. Lowenstein's team at Montecito Plastic Surgery welcome patients from Santa Barbara and beyond. During your consultation, you'll receive a thorough skin assessment, learn about how Avava's technology works, and discover how this treatment can be customized to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Call us at 805-969-9004 to schedule your consultation.
