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Skin Rejuvenation Services, Photorejuvenation, and Intense Pulsed Light
This attitude is pervasive amongst the Boomers, and as a result there has been a considerable research effort in the area of anti-aging, and in particular, rejuvenation of the skin and face. Times are changing as we realize that there are apparently ways to reverse skin aging, without necessarily undergoing any surgery! In fact, although cosmetic surgery is catapulting in popularity, so too is non-ablative rejuvenation. This fancy term simply means promoting younger appearing skin without disrupting the surface of the skin.
One of the great advantages of non-ablative rejuvenation is the “no downtime” aspect. That is, it is unnecessary to take leave from work for recovery. The other advantage is discretion. It is generally unnecessary to explain to others that you are in treatment, as the only thing your friends or coworkers will notice is your overall improved appearance. This usually presents as multiple vague compliments from those around you, such as: “You look good!” or “You look rested!” or “What did you do to your hair?”
Some of the specific signs of aging include the following: facial or body spider veins, flushed red face, blotchy or mottled brown “age spots”, enlarged pores, bumpy skin, dull complexion, fine lines and creases, loss of skin tone, sun damaged thin skin, pitted scars from a lifetime of skin experiences such as acne or chicken pox, and generally uneven skin texture.
The first step is consultation with the M.D. to assess your skin. The treatment program is highly individualized, dependent on the mutually agreed upon identified skin problems for that individual. There’s no point on working on a particular sign of aging, e.g. fine lines, if that is not an issue for you! Sometimes an objective point of view might bring to attention issues not recognized, and this too might be valuable.
The specialists in non-ablative skin rejuvenation usually recommend a multifaceted approach, with several different specific treatments, all leading to the final common goal of more attractive, younger appearing skin. These treatments fall broadly into categories as follows: topical products, microdermabrasion, injectables, and light treatments. Of course, your treatment program will reflect your unique needs, and may involve additional and alternative treatment modalities. One important commonality of all of these treatments is that they have all been clinically tested, and proven, by scientists, to be safe and effective. The other important commonality is that they converge in the end to achieve your goal of more attractive, younger, and healthier skin. It is generally held that “the total is greater than the sum of the parts”, and this has been illustrated in some studies combining treatments. That is, treatments often facilitate one another.
Photorejuvenation is a very hot topic nowadays in the field of skin anti-aging and cosmetic enhancement. The field is advancing rapidly, but now several years into research, development, and commercial application, it is clear that rejuvenation with light works, and as of 2003, the experts agree that there are no associated long-term deleterious effects.
Photorejuvenation has been demonstrated with a number of diverse light devices, but one state of the art technology that was specifically derived for this purpose is an Intense Pulsed Light Device, known as Vasculight. The collective scientific data, reviewed in 2003, concludes that the benefit is irrefutably effective, and versatile. The effects appear to be relatively long lasting. And remember, it is non-ablative, and downtime is minimal or unnecessary.
Vasculight delivers white light, (without the harmful ultraviolet rays), to the deeper levels of the skin, without disrupting the surface. There the light stimulates cell division and dense repopulation of the skin with fresh young cells that step up the synthesis of collagen. Research has repeatedly demonstrated these and other anti-aging effects within the treated skin, including in addition, thickening and hydration of skin, reduction of fine lines, smoothing of skin texture, diminishing of pores, and greater radiance. Additionally, the light energy eliminates or diminishes the abnormal brown pigments that often accumulate in aging skin. And finally, the technology is very effective in reducing the flushing facial redness and facial veins that characterize some of us as we age. This benefit package is usually achieved without significant adverse effects. Any side effects that do occur are generally transient and mild.
Red face is a very prevalent problem. In some cases, the red face is a symptom of Rosacea, and may be associated with red or purple facial veins over the skin surface, plus excessive intense and embarrassing flushing episodes. These cosmetic problems are stigmatized by the pervasive public myth that “red face is caused by excessive alcohol consumption”. This is not invariably, or even usually, true! Until recently there has been no truly effective treatment for the above symptoms, excepting support groups. Now intense pulsed light is improving the lives of people who have lived with this challenging problem. It is not a cure, but long lasting relief is possible!
It is important to remain realistic in your expectations. Non-ablative rejuvenation is slow, steady, and moderate, while surgical rejuvenation with facelift, or, ablation of the skin to a deeper level is dramatic, and immediate. Expect gradual improvement over 12 weeks. The outcome is better thought of as “looking more attractive, looking the best you can be”. In fact, non-ablative skin treatment is an ideal complement to those considering surgery, or it is the perfect temporizing measure for those considering surgery “later”.
For an ever-increasing number of people, healthy, attractive, glowing skin is paramount, with or without surgery.
Generally, microdermabrasion is recommended in the skin rejuvenation program because it contributes to the goals in its own way, with emphasis on the surface. Additionally, microdermabrasion facilitates deeper penetration of the intense pulsed light, and better absorption of the topical products recommended for home use. One treatment facilitates the other.
Skin care products are a hazard that most of us have experienced as we sift through the claims and invest significant sums of money in over the counter products that may feel good, but miss the target. The products are often very complicated, and unproven. The effort has been made in recent years to objectively evaluate the effects of single ingredient products on skin health and enhancement. The medical director at Nirvana has made the effort to review the research, and with this evidence will make recommendations according to your skin needs. Additionally, there are some skin care lines available at Nirvana that have the credibility of scientific principle, expertise, and reputation. And the search for the “newest and the latest” is an ongoing effort by Nirvana’s medical director. Each year there are new and promising developments in the field that will be added to the repertoire, if there is basis for efficacy and safety.
The treatment program is developed with you the individual and the medical director, a family physician with special training and interest in skin and cosmetic enhancement. The light and laser devices described above are true medical devices, and accordingly are operated by only by the M.D. or trained and certified nurses. The microdermabrasion device is also a medical instrument operated by a trained, certified and experienced esthetician. The clinic is fully specialized in the above-described treatments. Ongoing medical education and professional development is our commitment to you. The Intense Pulsed Light Device referred to above, the Vasculight, is cleared for vascular and pigmented lesions by both the Health Protection Branch of Canada, and the FDA.
Manufacturer: Lumenis Ltd.
Licence: #24033, Vasculight Class:3
Indications: Combination Intense Pulse Light Plus NDYag laser indicated for treatment of Vascular Conditions Larger Deep Veins, Pigmented Conditions and Skin Rejuvenation.
Click here to read our Red Face article
For more information:
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Click here to read what our patients have to say about Intense Pulsed Light
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