Skin rejuvenation is a laser treatment that diminishes the damage caused by prolonged sun exposure and aging. Treatments require little or no downtime as the epidermis is left fully intact. This non invasive method of treating a range of concerns including abnormal pigmentation patches of skin, spider veins, and rosacea make treatments a hit among patients who want a refreshed look, but don’t want to suffer painful procedures or endure days, much less weeks, of downtime.
Quick facts:
- While women make up 80% of the market, the portion of procedures performed on men continues to increase with general social acceptance.
- Women ages 30-65 make up the majority of patients, though an increasing number of 20 year olds are seeking treatments to delay the onset of aging.
- 18.3 Million procedures were performed in 2007; projections suggest 28.3 Million procedures by 2009.
- Superior treatments require 532 nm KTP for superficial pigmented and vascular lesions. Treatments utilize contact cooling and precise lesion targeting prior to treatment of greater area.
How do Enhanced Skin Rejuvenation treatments work?
Enhanced skin rejuvenation treatments work by precisely targeting the three major signs of aging:
Brown discolorations, also known as pigmented lesions (age spots, sun spots, etc.), are darker than the rest of the skin and absorb more laser energy than surrounding skin.
Red discolorations, also known as vascular lesions (small veins, rosacea, cherry angiomas, etc.), are overgrown or enlarged blood vessels. Preferentially heating vessel walls causes them to weaken, fall, and be absorbed by the body.
Wrinkles and skin laxity are caused by a gradual breakdown in collagen density and strength. Deep heating laser energy starts a regenerative process which lays down
layers of new healthy collagen.
What can I expect before treatment?
You will start by meeting with Dr.Riggins to discuss your medical history, determine your eligibility, discuss details of the actual treatment and schedule a treatment time. After arriving for your appointment, the treatment site will be cleaned and a topical anesthetic may be applied. Immediately before treatment the anesthetic will be removed and laser eye shields or safety glasses will be placed over your eyes.
What can I expect during treatment?
Dr. Riggins will apply a clear aloe vera gel to the skin on which the chilled laser handpiece will glide. Treatment progresses in stages:
Stage 1: Utilizing high precision beams, laser energy is delivered to distinct sun spots and age spots.
Stage 2: The same high precision beam is adjusted to match distinct vascular targets including superficial veins and cherry angiomas.
Stage 3: The laser is changed from a precision spot to a large spot for general background sun damage.
Stage 4: The wavelength of the laser is changed to treat deeper into the dermis for collegen contraction and stimulation.
Is it painful?
You may experience a slight tingling during treatment. To help manage comfort and safety, the system is equipped with a chilled sapphire tip which cools the skin before, during, and after each pulse. On a pain scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being little pain and 10 being the most pain you have ever felt, the laser treatment pain is generally around 3 or 4. Depending on the level of the treatment, Dr. Riggins may offer a topical anesthetic to help numb the skin prior to treatment.
How long do treatments take?
Treatments can take 5 to 30 minutes or more depending on size of the treatment area. If a topical anesthetic is necessary, you should allow 20 to 30 minutes or more for
it to take effect. This is best discussed with Dr. Riggins before treatment.
How many treatments are needed?
Most patients experience considerable improvement after 1 to 4 treatments, depending on the skin condition and level of treatment. Laxity and wrinkle improvement
is most often evident after 3 to 6 treatments.
What should I expect after treatment?
Soon after treatment, your skin may appear slightly flushed and swollen. These effects usually subside after a few hours/days depending on the treatment intensity.
In most cases, treatments will cause sun spots and age spots to darken and flake off, facial veins to disappear/ darken immediately before being absorbed, and wrinkles
and lax skin to tighten with time (most comment that they start to see improvement after their third treatment).
Special care should be taken to limit sun exposure to the treated area for at least a week. Sunscreen, and in some cases make-up, may be applied immediately
after treatment. It is best to work with Dr. Riggins to determine appropriate post-treatment care.
If you have any questions about enhanced skin rejuvenation please email Dr. Riggins.
We also offer Injectable Wrinkle Management:
Please take advantage of our beauty skin care promotion
If you would like to enhance your appearance, please contact us or call to schedule your complimentary consultation. Dr. Murray J. Riggins would like to share with you the most current information on beauty transformation and help you achieve the best results possible. Please call us today!! 202.391.0295
|
