Photofacial, or collagen stimulation, is performed by a laser (Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) or a similar laser type device, an IPL machine (Intense Pulse Light). In order to understand the benefits of laser treatment, one should be aware of a few skin basics, such as the changes that occur with aging and environmental factors.
Healthy skin is smooth, soft and evenly toned. As we age, our skin becomes lax and we lose collagen, which is the backbone of our skin. We suddenly have wrinkles around our eyes, mouth and other areas of the face, caused by facial muscles. These wrinkles are called static wrinkles. Suddenly our skin is no longer smooth and is discolored by sun damage. This can show up in the form of broken capillaries or sunspots. Suddenly we look in the mirror and ask our selves, “Who is this person I am looking at.” A wise woman once stated that as we age, we also lose our vision and this is to protect us from becoming frightened when we look in the mirror. However, don’t lose all hope; there are ways to help transform your skin to a more youthful appearance.
What is collagen stimulation and how can it help me? Remember that collagen is what keeps our skin tight and looking young; the best kind of collagen is your own. How can you stimulate your own collagen? You can stimulate your skin’s collagen in the dermal layer of your skin with laser treatments, using appropriate devices and wave lengths. In short, the laser heats the dermal layer of the skin causing heat damage. Heat damage is particularly good at stimulating collagen growth. This stimulates the fibroblasts to produce collagen, which gives the skin more elasticity and plump. This helps fill in small wrinkles and fine lines. It also helps treat and even the tone of the skin. Many of the small, broken capillaries that you can see are closed down and fade away. This type of laser treatment is non-ablative, meaning it does not remove (ablate) the top layers of skin. Which means there is very little down time and you may not notice a difference immediately. However, once the collagen is stimulated it continues to produce more collagen from six weeks up to six months.
The amount of treatments a person needs and the results they receive are individual; each individual responds differently. It may take ten years off of your appearance or it might stop any more aging; both are great results! Most people feel the difference after only one treatment. They continue to get better results with a progressive program and schedule maintenance treatments as needed.
References:
- Definition of healthy skin, http//www.articlealley.com/article_1554885_17.html
- http://www.fotonamedicallasers.com/our-blog/ Thomas Sult MD
- Laser Treatment Procedures, http://www.brownskin.net/lasertreatments.html
- http://rosecea-support.org/yag-improve-erythema-and-collagen.html
For more info, contact Cindy Sult, RN, BSN at (775) 622-8505 or visit online at www.Cals-Reno.com.
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