A dermatologist describes the most exciting cosmetic skin treatments being offered today are Fraxel? Laser Therapy and Thermage CPT, both developed by Solta Medical of Hayward, CA. These procedures are minimally invasive treatments which improve the appearance of the skin with minimum patient downtime. Literally any body surface area and all skin types and colors can be treated. The following is a list of conditions that can usually be treated effectively with these technologies:
* Wrinkles
* Poor texture
* Large skin pores
* Sun damage
* Sun spots
* Brown spots
* Acne scars
* Surgical scars
* Traumatic scars
* Melasma
* Uneven pigmentation
* Stretch marks
* Syringomas
Fraxel? Laser Therapy
The Fraxel? Laser treatment system works by applying microscopic laser columns that penetrate deep into the skin. There are two basic layers of skin involved in the treatment:
* The epidermis or outer layer of your skin
* The dermis or sub-layers of skin, which include collagen and elastin
The network of collagen and elastin in the dermis are the proteins that help keep your skin youthful-looking and tight. As people age and are exposed to more the harmful effects of the sun, these proteins break down faster than the body's ability to regenerate them. The skin then begins to develop the wrinkles, lines, agespots and sagging associated with age.
The Fraxel? system combats this process by focusing microscopic (1/2 the thickness of a hair follicle) laser columns deep into the dermis. Because the laser columns are so narrow and are precisely focused, the laser treatment causes tiny wounds to only a portion of the skin, leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. This stimulates the body's natural healing system to regenerate new collagen and elastin, which tightens the skin and gives it a more youthful appearance. And because only a portion of the skin is affected, it is able to heal much faster. That means that the patient has much less down time. Depending on the procedure the patient may be able to resume normal activities the same day.
This is an outpatient procedure, only requiring the application of a topical anesthetic cream. Typically the only side effects are some sun burn like redness which usually clears up in a couple of days. The marvel of this treatment process is not only the amazing results, but also the speed of the recovery with little or no downtime and minimum risk of complications.
The Fraxel? Laser system is far and away a better process than any of the classic cosmetic treatments such as chemical peels, dermabrasion and CO2 laser resurfacing. Usually the optimum results are achieved with 3 or 4 treatments each involving 15% to 30% of the skin. If you have always wanted to improve the look and feel of your skin but were afraid of the effects and long down time associated with other procedures you might want to consider Fraxel? Laser.
Thermage CPT
The Thermage system uses monopolar capacitive radiofrequency (RF) energy to tighten and contour skin. Unlike other treatments which may require several treatments to achieve results, the Thermage system may deliver benefits with a single treatment. The treatment involves the delivery of a controlled amount of radio frequency (RF) energy deep into the dermis, thus heating a volume of collagen. This causes tightening of the existing collagen and over time stimulates the regeneration of new collagen. This remodeling of the collagen helps create smoother, tighter skin; improved tone and texture; and an overall younger-looking appearance. At the same time the deep heating occurs the surface of the skin is cooled to protect it from any damage. As a result the skin requires no recovery time and the patient can usually return to normal activities quickly.
The process is also performed in an outpatient environment, typically using a topical anesthetic cream. Depending on the length of the procedure, a relaxant and/or pain medication may also be used by the physician. Thermage is the only non-surgical procedure that can provide results with a single treatment.
Both the Fraxel? Laser and Thermage CPT treatment therapies should only be performed by a Board Certified medical professional that has undergone specialized training in the use of these procedures. You should consult with your dermatologist to determine if these treatment options are right for you.
Tom Hills writes Dermatology Santa Barbara articles about skin care, laser skin care treatments, cosmetic skin care procedures, acne, and other dermatology issues. To receive a free guide on Skin Care and how to find the best dermatologist in Santa Barbara visit dermatologistsantabarbara.com dermatologistsantabarbara.com
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