Facial Rejuvenation and Skin Rejuvenation
Skin Rejuvenation Overview
Our appearance can greatly impact on how we feel about ourselves and how others react to us. Commonly, most of the changes we attribute to ageing are in fact caused by sun damage. Sun damage causes harm to the vital collagen fibres of the skin, resulting in a loss in skin support and changes in the skins texture and tone. Sun exposure can also contribute to open / broken blood vessels to the face resulting in an increased red complexion or fine lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores.
Prior to the introduction of lasers 20 years ago, the only solution to facial rejuvenation was either chemical peeling or invasive cutting and lifting of the skin. Today, we have many new options in how we approach facial rejuvenation.
Photo Rejuvenation can be performed through a variety of new techniques involving combinations of lasers (Affirm, Gemini, Ruby, YAG, Cool Touch and fractional lasering) and light sources (XPL). The use of different wavelengths improves or reverses the visible signs of photo ageing, freckles, sunspots, sun damage, pigmentation, red broken blood vessels / capillaries and underlying redness.
Lasers also improve the overall texture of the skin as the ‘thermal warming effect’ can induce collagen formation. Although this has not been scientifically proven, there has been modest improvement documented that supports this treatment being advantageous for minor wrinkling or sun damage. For best results multiple treatments will be required usually at monthly intervals.
Photo Rejuvenation can also be used in conjunction with other procedures to enhance results. Treatments such as chemical peels, Erbium Micro-dermabrasion, Suture Lift, Silhouette® Lift, Thermage and wrinkle solution injections can all be used in conjunction with Photo Rejuvenation for better results. When combining procedures, Photo Rejuvenation is used to treat a patient’s overall complexion. We know the Suture Lift and Silhouette® Lift creates a smoother firmer skin tone, but it really doesn’t affect the uneven skin tones and red or brown colouring in the skin that can make a person’s face look older.
The Procedure for Skin Rejuvenation
After the assessment of your skin the appropriate treatment plan is decided. A local anaesthetic cream can be applied for 30 minutes prior to treatment for your comfort. One or two different lasers may be used on the same day or for consecutive treatments. Maximum results are obtained when one or more lasers are used at different wavelengths.
When the Gemini laser is used, the first pass targets individual superficial vessels by interacting with the colour of the vessel. On the second pass, the area is treated with a different wavelength that targets deeper vessels and underlying widespread flushing. Each different laser targets its specific area of concern to leave the skin enhanced in both its texture and colour. Each different laser involves its own technique and similar expected redness or minimal swelling.
The Recovery Process for Skin Rejuvenation
After photo rejuvenation, some initial redness and or swelling is normal. Ice can be immediately applied to limit this effect. Any residual swelling and redness usually settles within two to seven days. In most treatments scabbing and bruising are rare, however if they do occur it may take up to ten days for them to subside.
Treatments take approximately 45 minutes to perform and patients are advised that multiple treatments (four to eight treatments at monthly intervals) may be necessary to achieve the optimal results. As Skin Rejuvenation is a non-ablative procedure, which means the skin is NOT removed, it enables patients to have their treatment with little if any ‘downtime’ away from their normal activities. In most cases patients are able to resume work and social activities the following day.
Considerations
Patients must agree to refrain from sun exposure or solariums for two weeks after treatment. Failure to comply with any post-treatment skin care instructions may increase the chance of complications. Consideration should be made when arranging all appointments before any social events.
Risks and Complications of Skin Rejuvenation
More severe redness, swelling, and scabbing are all possible when using lasers, however they are all usually temporary, and if occur should settle within a few weeks. Other problems such as Hypo-pigmentation (lightening of the skin) and Hyper-pigmentation (darkening of the skin) although rare, are possible risks and complications of these procedures.
Skin Rejuvenation FAQs
What is Photo Rejuvenation?
Photo Rejuvenation (often called skin rejuvenation or facial rejuvenation) is a way of delivering special forms of light or laser energy into the skin. This can stimulate new collagen growth within the skin cells and improve areas where damaged or deteriorated skin occurs through normal ageing, sun exposure, genetics and or other factors such as open blood vessels, skin pigmentation and or wrinkling. There is usually little or no downtime, minimal discomfort and usually few risks involved with these treatments.
What areas can be treated?
The reason Photo Rejuvenation is so appealing is that it can rapidly treat the entire face, not just a single problem or area. It is perfect for delicate areas such as the neck and chest and is also very beneficial and effective for the hands.
What conditions can be improved?
Skin Rejuvenation treatments can even out skin tone and improve the texture of the skin including soften fine lines and wrinkles with a subtle plumping effect of the skin. Other areas of improvement are in the reduction or removal of broken blood vessels and brown age spots and in the improvement in Rosacea.
If you would like to find out more about photo rejuvenation / facial rejuvenation contact us for a cosmetic surgery consultation with one of our specialist cosmetic nurses on 03 9500 9500
