Brown stains, spider veins, sallow tone and fine lines are just some of the features of the aging face. Conventional solutions have included cosmeceuticals such as retinols (Retin-A derivatives), bleaching agents (Hydroquinone, Arbutinin), anti-oxidants (Vitamin C) and sunscreens. Aesthetician grade glycolic acid peels and microdermabrasion are deemed luxurious but not highly efficacious. Microneedling is a process in which minute injuries are made with a specialized roller pen, thereby enabling delivery of serums, which are promoted as anti-aging remedies. These so-called solutions ignore the following priorities: a. safety; b. reproducibility; c. cost; d. longevity of results. Regrettably, if your provider doesnt understand the pathophysiology, the correct diagnosis wont be made and the appropriate therapy not chosen. Although I offer ablative laser treatments (fractionated CO2 and Erbium) to individuals who have the requisite down time to avoid social situations, the potential for infection, pigmentary changes, prolonged recovery, pain and cost must be accepted by the patient. Chemical peels (TCA, Jessners or Croton oil) can yield excellent results but are extremely technique dependent and have the same complication profile. So what are the alternatives for So Cal residents, who habitually enjoy the sun? Wearing stage make-up? Putting your head in the sand? In my practice the solution came with the Cutera XL KTP & Nd-Yag laser. The treatment can be specified to account for a. the patients complexion; b. the undesired lesion (sunspots, veins, fine lines, bruising, red scars); c. patient comfort, safety & schedule. Its gratifying to be able to offer a treatment, which has high satisfaction both from the results obtained as well as the affordable price/treatment. Compliments to Cutera who surveyed their users to provide their biomedical engineers a challenge, which they aced in the current platform. The treatments are relatively comfortable because of the advanced cooling feature, which also protects the skin against bulk heating. I was thrilled by the results so decided to investigate the companion head, Laser Genesis, which was billed as a collagen stimulator. Initially, I was skeptical that the treatment had utility, however again both my patients and my expectations were exceeded. Laser Genesis is not equivalent to the laser facials promoted by commercial med spas. Unlike the Cutera XL, where contact cooling diminishes discomfort while protecting the skin from excess heat, Laser Genesis is a non-contact treatment, which is equipped with a sophisticated external thermistor. Monitoring the LED colors, which indicate skin temperature, on the handle as well as factoring in the patients discomfort, allows the provider to deliver a safe, comfortable, addictive treatment. The results develop slowly and steadily and include finer pore size, better texture as well as reduced acne breakouts. The new age of anti-aging is undoubtedly going to require multiple modalities to address the many different manifestations. The future seems as bright as my patients complexions.
Posted on: Wed, 20 Aug 2014 05:43:58 +0000
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