WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PHOTO REJUVENATION?

Rejuvenating aging skin has just gotten easier thanks to a new procedure called photo rejuvenation.  While there are a variety of options available to treat aging skin, some of these procedures require an extended recuperation period that many people do not have time for.  Since the recent introduction of photo rejuvenation treatments, which do not require a recovery period, patients are now able to enhance their skin’s appearance and still continue their personal and professional activities without interruption.

A leading dermatologist, Jeffrey Dover, M.D., and also Professor of Medicine, Section of Dermatology at Dartmouth Medical School in New Hampshire states…”Photo rejuvenation treatments are the ultimate ‘low downtime’ procedure.  While patients undergoing traditional cosmetic procedures such as laser resurfacing need to allow time for recuperation, photo rejuvenation treatments are ideal for active people with early aging changes and sun damage who do not want to take time off from their business and social functions.”

Photo rejuvenation treatments stimulate new collagen formation by delivering low-intensity laser pulses to the skin.  After a series of these treatments, the new collagen produces healthier, younger-looking skin.  While photo rejuvenation treatments can be used on any part of the skin, they are especially effective for improving the appearance of the face, neck, and chest.  “In addition to improving coarse, rough skin with enlarged pores, photo rejuvenation treatments reduce the signs of aging and sun damage, including fine wrinkles, freckles, irregular pigmentation, and acne scarring,” explains Dr. Dover.

Photo rejuvenation treatments are also an effective therapy for rosacea.  The procedure reduces the overall redness, flushing, and dilated capillaries and may improve the breakouts associated with this common chronic facial condition.  “Photo rejuvenation is far superior to other procedures such as microdermabrasion, chemical peeling, and laser resurfacing in reducing redness, flushing, and dilated capillaries, as well as diminishing brown age spots,” states Dr. Dover.

The treatments provide consistent, visible improvement in the skin with little or no downtime, minor discomfort, and virtually no risk.  Each treatment takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour.  While some patients may experience a mild amount of discomfort during the procedure, anesthesia is not required and there is no discomfort after treatment.  Most patients feel the process is quite relaxing.

Immediately following treatment, the patient’s skin may appear red and flushed and tiny capillaries may become more visible.  In addition, patients treated for age spots may notice that they appear slightly darker for a few days after the first treatment.  You may feel like you have been in the sun and have a mild sunburn.  All of these changes gradually fade over a period of hours to a few days.

“Patients may notice an improvement even after their first treatment,” explains Dr. Dover.  “The skin will feel smoother and will have a more even tone.”  The results of photo rejuvenation treatments gradually improve and become more visible after each treatment.  A series of four-to-six treatments, performed at two-to-four week intervals, are recommended for optimal results and should be followed by maintenance treatments about twice a year.