Ruthann Bivolcic, BSN, MSN

Laser Skin Tightening • Photorejuvenation • Laser Skin Resurfacing • Laser Vein Treatment

Laser Body Contouring • Blue Light Phototherapy • Microdermabrasion • Laser Hair Reduction

Ruthann Bivolcic, BSN, MSN graduated with a Masters degree in Nursing from the University of California at San Francisco, after first earning a Bachelors of Science degree from the University of San Francisco, and is a Registered Nurse.

Ruthann worked for a Cardiovascular Surgery Team out of Stanford Hospital as a Nurse Specialist. This is where she assisted with surgery as well as education of patients on the overall wellness and lifestyle changes that they would experience after surgery.

Ruthann continued down the path to Corporate Wellness with Pacific Bell and was responsible for 9 clinics throughout California to over 10,000 Pacific Bell field and office employees that provided Wellness and Ergonomic services. This eventually led Ruthann to start her own consulting business in skin rejuvenation and overall aesthetic services. Ruthann pursued training with a variety of aesthetic practitioners and institutes all over the country.

Today, Ruthann has over 20 certifications in aesthetic procedures, with an emphasis on laser treatment of unwanted hair, laser skin resurfacing for wrinkles due to sun damage, laser treatment of vascular lesions, unwanted pigment spots, and some forms of cellulite. She is also adept in the treatment of frown lines with Botox, laser and injectable vein treatment, and treatment of acne and other conditions with phototherapy.

  Ruthann’s mission is to provide technically expert effective treatments in a caring and warm environment. She has a passion for aesthetic medicine and patient care. When she is not busy at work, Ruthann enjoys kick-boxing and cooking.

Services Ruthann provides include:
• Laser hair removal
• Laser treatment of age spots, wrinkles, and vascular lesions
• Laser body contouring
• Laser treatment of acne
• Laser treatment of stretch marks
• Sclerotherapy of spider veins
• BOTOX® injections
• Cosmeceutical skin care products

Please call our office if you wish to set up an appointment with Ruthann at 408-369-9300.

This service is a Radio Frequency treatment which heats the dermis, your skins inner layer. This targeted energy used for wrinkles, fine lines, reducing the appearance of cellulite, skin tightening and body contouring. This treatment provides long lasting results in just a few quick treatments. Patients often see results immediately. Over time and with follow-up procedures, your skin will tighten even more as new collagen develops. You may notice a slight redness, which should disappear in less than 24 hours. The treatment is virtually painless. It is quick 30-60 min with no downtime. It is safe on all skin types. Generally, three to five treatments at two to three week intervals will be required.

•How does the Treatment Work?
With the gradual build-up of heat, this aids in increasing circulation, causes contraction of the collagen fibers which improves laxity , firmness, contour and texture and drains unwanted fluid from adipose tissue for volume reduction.

•How many Treatments?
The amount of treatment varies with each patient and the area being treated. Generally, 3-6 treatments at two to three week intervals is required.

•Is there any down time?
No there is no downtime and patients can return to normal activities immediately.

•How does the Treatment Feel?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort. Some patients feel heat or a slight burning sensation similar to a sunburn. One may notice a slight redness after the treatment which will disappear in less than 24 hours.

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•What is Photorejuvenation?
Photorejuvenation uses a series of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments at a frequency that targets pigmented cells. The light passes harmlessly through the skin and is absorbed by spots and lesions. The abnormal cells are destroyed, leaving only healthy tissue. IPL also stimulates the growth of collagen, fills in acne scars, decreases pore size and gives skin a youthful appearance.

•What does the treatment entail?
The skin is cleansed, prepared with gel and then treated with the light. Afterwards, the gel is cleaned off and replaced with sunscreen. Cold compresses may be used if needed.

•What are the benefits of Photorejuvenation?
Photorejuvenation's short treatment time, quick effects and lack of downtime make it popular. Photorejuvenation gives skin a healthy, youthful look and decreases the appearance of blemishes such as acne scars, brown spots and redness from rosacea.

•How many treatments are required?
The standard treatment is a series of three to five treatments performed at three to four week intervals. Some may be satisfied with the results from two or three sessions, and some may desire additional sessions.

•Is Photorejuvenation safe?
Photorejuvenation is a safe, common and quick procedure with little risk.

•Are there any possible side effects?
You may experience a sunburned look for a few hours after treatment, and targeted spots will temporarily appear darker and flake off in a couple of days. Hair growth may be affected. Swelling, blistering, infection, unwanted pigmentation changes and scarring are rare side effects. Existing viral infections such as shingles and herpes may be activated by the treatment.

•What conditions respond best to this treatment?
Rosacea, age spots, enlarged pores, freckles and sun spots all respond well to Photorejuvenation.

•Will there be any downtime?
No, you may immediately return to your normal routine and even apply makeup..

•What can be expected post-treatment?
Your skin will be sensitive and will need to be protected from the sun. Any swelling will be minimal and can be treated with cold compresses. Dark spots from the treatment should flake off after a few days.

•How soon will results appear?
A session lasts about a half an hour.

•How long does a Photorejuvenation treatment last?
Photorejuvenation is a safe, common and quick procedure with little risk.

•Who should avoid Photorejuvenation?
You may want to reconsider having Photorejuvenation if you have a history of excessive scarring, bleeding or bruising, sun sensitivity, keloid formation or poor healing. Those with a family history of skin cancer should talk to a specialist about whether or not to proceed with Photorejuvenation.

•How does the treatment feel?
You will experience some discomfort. Most find the treatment to be similar to the sensation of a rubber band snapping against the skin.

•How long do the results last?
The effects of Photorejuvenation can be permanent if the skin is well cared for.

•What are the alternative treatments?
There are other light treatments and topical creams that may be used instead. You should consult a specialist, as Photorejuvenation will not treat the underlying conditions causing your problem areas.

•What are the limitations of Photorejuvenation?
Those with darker skin are less likely to see results and more likely to experience adverse side effects.

•Instructions for before treatment:
Discontinue use of Accutane® for six months, Retin-A® for two weeks and glycolic acid and alpha-hydroxy acid products for a week before your treatment. Avoid sun and sunless tanning for four weeks. Do not take aspirin or other blood thinners for at least three days before your treatment. You cannot be treated while you have infections or sores in the area.

•Instructions for after treatment:
Protect your skin with moisturizers and sunscreen. Cold compresses and steroid creams may be used as necessary. Avoid irritating your skin, and keep away from the sun and sunless tanners for a couple of weeks.

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•What is Skin Resurfacing?
This treatment is a fractional treatment. Fraction of the skin surface is being treated by the laser while leaving the uninjured skin areas to facilitate rapid healing. This treatment removes damaged skin cell and promotes healthy new skin cells and production of collagen. The results are smoother, tighter and younger looking skin.

•How long does the treatment take?
This treatment takes 30-45 minutes depending on the area being treated.

•How does the treatment feel?
Patients experience minimal discomfort from the treatment. Burning sensation or very mild pain in the first few hours after the procedure. There will be redness and some swelling for 1-3 day. •Is there any down time?
No there is no down time and patients can resume their normal activities.

•Who is a good candidate for this treatment?
This treatment is good for those patients who are looking to improve texture of the skin. This treatment helps to eliminate signs of photodamaged/aged skin, facial wrinkles or reduce scarring from skin condition such as acne.

•What areas can be treated with this treatment?
This treatment can be done on the face, neck, chest, hands, back. Also this treatment can be used for reducing the appearance of acne scars, Surgical or accident scars and stretch marks.

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•What is Laser Vein Removal?
Laser Vein Removal is a proven method for treating spider veins as well as other unwanted vascular lesions such as rosacea and port wine stains.

•How does the treatment work?
The laser emits a specialized light that passes through the skin and is absorbed by the vein. The laser causes the vein to break up and be absorbed by the body. There are several different lasers available that work extremely well at treating unwanted veins, including pulsed dye, long pulsed, variable-pulsed Nd-YAG and Alexandrite.

•How many treatments are required?
The majority of the treated veins will disappear within two to three treatments which are administered in three to four week intervals. Additional treatments may be necessary to achieve the maximum long-term effects. New veins may appear with time and require additional treatments.

•Is Laser Vein Removal safe?
Laser therapy is safe and has few possible complications. Common side effects include bruising, redness and discomfort around the treated area. These effects are not dangerous and resolve over time. Limiting sun exposure will greatly minimize the risk of complications.

•Will there be any downtime?
There is no downtime after Laser Vein Removal, but you should not exercise for a couple days following the procedure.

•What are the benefits of Laser Vein Removal over other treatments?
The benefits of Laser Vein Removal over other therapies are that there is no downtime, and it is faster than other therapies.

•What can be expected post-treatment?
After treatment, a sunburned sensation may occur, and some redness may appear around the treated area. This will disappear in a few days. A cold compress may be applied to the treated area.

•Who are candidates for Laser Vein Removal?
Clients with spider veins on their legs or face are candidates for Laser Vein Removal. Both light and dark-skinned clients can safely and effectively benefit from Laser Vein Removal.

•Who should avoid Laser Vein Removal?
Clients taking high doses of blood-thinners are generally not candidates for Laser Vein Removal. Also, clients with dark suntans, bleeding disorders or those currently taking photosensitizing medications may also want to avoid Laser Vein Removal.

•How does the treatment feel?
Most Laser Vein Removal clients report little discomfort and describe it as either as a mild burning sensation or similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin.

•What are the alternative treatments?
An alternative to Laser Vein Removal is sclerotherapy, which is a solution injected into a targeted area of skin to reduce spider veins. There are anywhere from five to forty injections per treatment.

•Is additional treatment necessary?
The number of treatments necessary to resolve your veins depends on the size of the vein and your body’s ability to heal. Future treatments may be necessary to remove new vein growth.

•Instructions for before treatment:
Avoid sun tanning or tanning products for four weeks prior to treatment. Discontinue Accutane® and Retin-A® for six weeks prior to treatment. Aspirin and other blood thinners should also be avoided for at least three days before treatment. Shave the area before treatment.

•Instructions for after treatment:
If necessary, over-the-counter pain medication may be taken. Cool compresses may be helpful in reducing pain, redness and swelling. Avoid massaging the treated area, and keep it elevated the day after treatment if possible. Avoid the sun for at least two weeks after treatment.

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•What is Body Contouring?
This service uses Volumetric Radio Frequency Thermotherapy to create heat through the rotation of water molecules and tissue resistance. This leads to a smoother and tighter skin.

•How does the Treatment Work?
With the gradual build-up of heat, this aids in increasing circulation, causes contraction of the collagen fibers which improves laxity , firmness, contour and texture and drains unwanted fluid from adipose tissue for volume reduction.

•How many Treatments?
The amount of treatment varies with each patient and the area being treated. Generally, 3-6 treatments at two to three week intervals is required.

•Is there any down time?
No there is no downtime and patients can return to normal activities immediately.

•How does the Treatment Feel?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort. Some patients feel heat or a slight burning sensation similar to a sunburn. One may notice a slight redness after the treatment which will disappear in less than 24 hours.

•How long does the Treatment last?
This treatment provides long lasting results in just a few quick treatments. Over time and with follow up procedures, your skin will tighten even as new collagen develops.

•How long does the treatment take?
The treatment is approximately 30- 60 minutes depending on the area being treated.

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Blue Light Phototherapy

•What is Blue Light Phototherapy?
Blue Light Phototherapy is a blue light system that uses a unique, high-intensity blue-violet light to activate bacteria-fighting porphyrins. The porphyrins start a chemical reaction that produces peroxide and destroys the acne bacteria.

•How does the treatment work?
During the treatment, therapeutic light is applied to the face by a medical professional. The blue light activates photosensitizers within the acne bacteria. This creates a toxic bactericidal environment in the sebaceous gland which inhibits the formation of the acne lesions. The light may be applied alone or may be combined with a topical drug that sensitizes the skin.

•What are the features of Blue Light Phototherapy?
Blue Light Therapy is a new standard for acne treatment. Features include a high intensity, narrow spectrum that destroys acne bacteria, short treatment times, no side effects, no pain and no downtime. Blue Light Phototherapy treats mild to moderate acne.

•Is Blue Light Phototherapy safe?
Blue Light Phototherapy is one of the safest acne treatments available on the market. The blue light penetrates just deep enough into the tissue to reach the target without adversely affecting surrounding skin.

•Will there be any downtime?
There will no downtime because Blue Light Phototherapy is gentle with no known side effects.

•What are the benefits of Blue Light Phototherapy?
The advantage of Blue Light Phototherapy is that it is effective, yet pain free. Other treatments cause redness, swelling and possibly burning or scarring, but Blue Light Phototherapy provides a painless, trouble-free therapy that clears acne in just a few weeks.

•What are the results?
Seventy to ninety percent of acne is cleared after the recommended number of treatments.

•How long does a Blue Light Phototherapy treatment last?
Blue Light Phototherapy treatments usually last fifteen to twenty minutes.

•Who are candidates for Blue Light Phototherapy?
Candidates include anyone with mild to moderate inflammatory acne.

•Who should avoid Blue Light Phototherapy?
Women who are pregnant and clients with photo sensitivities may want to ask their doctors before using Blue Light Phototherapy. Also, clients with severe acne may need a more intensive treatment and should ask their physician before pursuing Blue Light Phototherapy.

•How does the treatment feel?
Patients undergoing Blue Light Phototherapy will feel slight warmth on the treatment area.

•How soon will results appear?
Desired results appear after four weeks of treatment; however, subtle changes will begin to appear after a few sessions.

•How long do the results last?
Results usually last four to eight months. Touch-up sessions may be necessary.

•What are some alternative treatments?
Alternative acne treatments include creams such as Retin-A®, medications such as Accutane®, antibiotics and chemical peels. Other treatments such as dermabrasion or microdermabrasion are effective but have longer recovery times and can be painful.

•Is additional treatment necessary?
Additional sessions of Blue Light Phototherapy are necessary. The typical schedule is two sessions a week for four weeks. Sometimes more sessions are necessary.

•Instructions prior to treatment:
Before treatment, wash the skin area with a mild acne cleanser, rinse with water and dry thoroughly. Women should remove any make-up and only wear oil free make-up between sessions.

•Instructions between treatments:
Between treatments, a gentle acne cleanser may be used. Avoid touching or picking blemishes at all times.

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•What is Microdermabrasion?
Our Microdermabrasion is a procedure that uses specialized bristle tips and airflow throughout the bristle to exfoliate the skin. After the treatment, the skin has improved texture and softness as well as fewer imperfections such as wrinkles and acne scars.

Microdermabrasion in San Jose California with The DermaSweep MD is a non-invasive exfoliation and skin revitalizing treatment with no particles. Using a variable level vacuum system and an assortment of treatments tips, the DermaSweep wand gently removes the topmost layer of the skin, leaving skin smoother and cleaner. The Epi-Infusion phase of the DermaSweep MD uses topical solutions for skin specific needs, leaving patients with a fresher feeling and healthier looking skin.

•How does the treatment work?
The skin is washed to remove the excess oil and dirt. Then, a medical professional chooses the appropriate bristle tip to use over the area. The unique quality of the bristle causes the skin to be gently drawn into the bristle which results in a more effective exfoliation that patients find less irritating to the skin. This promotes the growth of collagen and new, rejuvenated skin. Moisturizers and sun block are then applied to the treated areas.

•How many treatments are required?
Microdermabrasion works best when repeated over several weeks. Discuss the optimum schedule and number of treatments with your medical professional.

•Is Microdermabrasion safe?
Microdermabrasion is a safe and common procedure. But, as always, provide your full medical history and follow your post-treatment instructions..

•Will there be any downtime?
One of the advantages of Microdermabrasion is that it has no downtime. You can return to your normal routine and apply cosmetics directly after treatment.

•What are the results?
The skin feels softer and appears younger. Minor wrinkles are improved by the growth of new collagen. Exfoliation improves small brown spots, uneven skin tone, acne and acne scars.

•How soon will results appear?
A difference is noticeable immediately, and results improve with multiple treatments. Skin improvement varies depending on your individual skin quality..

•How long does a Microdermabrasion treatment last?
A Microdermabrasion facial treatment lasts about half an hour. Additional time is required for additional areas.

•What conditions respond best to this treatment?
Microdermabrasion works well for damaged skin, whether affected by acne, sun damage or aging.

•Who are candidates for Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion can be used to rejuvenate skin of any type. Those seeking to reduce minor flaws or wrinkles without downtime are encouraged to consider Microdermabrasion.

•Who should avoid Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion should be avoided by those with recent viral infections, such as cold sores and shingles, those with eczema, sunburns or rosacea, those with auto-immune disorders, poor healing or excessive scarring and those with a history of diabetes or keloid formation. You must not have recently had laser surgery or used Accutane..

•How does the treatment feel?
Microdermabrasion does not require anesthesia, although it may be mildly uncomfortable. Tightness and heat are common effects and quickly fade.

•How long do the results last?
Lasting effects are dependant on proper skin care. Additional treatments will renew your youthful appearance. A series of six treatments over a few months is recommended for best results, followed by regular maintenance treatments.

•What are the limitations of Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is designed for minor imperfections and general improvement. Those with very large or dark spots, moderate to deep wrinkles and serious scars should seek an alternative treatment.

•Instructions prior to treatment:
Avoid Retin-A®, sun tanning or tanning creams for at least a week before treatment. Do not have other facial procedures, such as chemical peels, before treatment.

•Instructions between treatments:
Sun block and moisturizers should be applied after treatment. Anti-inflammatory creams or cold compresses may be used as necessary. Avoid irritating the treated skin with harsh chemicals, rubbing or sun tanning for one week. Contact your doctor immediately in the event of any rare effects such as blistering, scabbing or infection.

What is Laser Hair Reduction?

Laser Hair reduction uses and FDA approved 810 nm diode treatment head. The treatment safely and gently heats the dermis to a temperature that damages the hair follicle and prevents re-growth.

•Who should avoid Laser Hair Reduction?
Pregnant woman. Patients with pacemakers or internal defibrillators. Patients who take Accutane must have stopped 6 months before treatment.

•Is there any downtime?
No downtime is involved; patients can return to normal activities immediately.

•Are there any side effects?
Possible side effects include reddening of the skin and mild swelling. Burns, patchy regrowth and pigmentation changes are very rare.

•How long do the results last?
The hair reduction should be permanent, though it will not eliminate 100% of hair growth, and occasional touch-ups may be necessary.

•How many treatments are needed?
Because hair can only be affected during certain growth cycles, several treatments are necessary. Usually four to six sessions are required to achieve the desired effect.

•How long does the treatment last?
The duration varies depending on your individual needs and the size of the area to be treated. Appointments usually range from a half hour to an hour.

•How does the treatment feel?
Most patients experience a little discomfort. Some patients may feel heat or a slight stinging sensation similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin.

•What are alternative treatments?
Laser treatments, waxes, electrolysis and shaving are alternatives.

•Instructions before treatment:
Do not tan or stay in the sun for extended periods of time before treatment. Avoid aspirin and other blood thinners.

•Instructions after treatment:
Avoid any sun exposure for 48 hours and wear SPF 30 sunscreen. You may apply cool compresses to reduce any redness and swelling

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