Overview
The Portrait ® is unlike any other treatment available today. It is not laser, radio-frequency or light based treatment.
It is a completely new ‘plasma energy’ technology that works both on, and below the surface of the skin to change the skin’s architecture so that new skin and collagen is generated.
The Portrait is different then any other laser resurfacing treatment – it is effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines to moderate wrinkles and noticeably improves pigmentation caused sun-damage just like any other resurfacing laser, but more importantly it dramatically improves the skin’s elasticity causing visible tightening and lifting in areas such as the upper eyelids, naso labials and jawline, and continues to tighten over a 6-12 month period after treatment.
Procedure
Prior to the treatment areas to be treated are numbed with a local anaesthetic. During the short procedure, the unique scientific action of the Portrait transfers plasma energy to the treated areas without direct contact to the skin. This unique technique preserves the skin’s outer layer which acts as a protective dressing until new skin regenerates.
As the plasma hits the skin, energy is rapidly transferred to the skin surface causing instantaneous heating in a controlled and uniform manner, without an explosive effect on tissue or removing skin.
The depth and area of thermal effects are determined by the energy setting and spot size of the handpiece. The energy can be adjusted from 1–4 joules per pulse and the thermal effect can be increased or decreased by defocusing the handpiece either closer or farther away from the skin surface.
Recovery
The Portrait requires no dressings. Initially in the first 24 hours Vaseline alone is applied and reapplied every 2 hrs to stop the skin for drying. After 24 hours, a regime of special cleansers and moisturizers are used until the old skin lifts and slowly exfoliates to reveal the new skin.
The skin heals slowly. Depending on the areas treated or the depth of treatment, it is usually 10-14 days until a mineral make-up can be worn to camouflage any redness. The redness of the skin will slowly minimize over the coming weeks to months. It is suggested that patients could return to work and social commitments usually after 10-14 days depending on their expectation.
Risks Andcomplications
By properly preparing for any resurfacing procedure, risks and complications can be minimized. This involves patients taking all appropriate pre and post treatment medications. These medications are given to reduce swelling, herpes (cold sores) and the possibility of infection.
Provided these medications are taken as directed, the possibility of complications is uncommon. Other possibilities are fungal infection and post treatment hyperpigmentation. If occurring, these can also be treated. Although rare, there is a possibility of long-term de-pigmentation.
Considerations
As healing can take from 10-14 days and occasionally longer if there is residual dryness of the skin, it is suggested that most patients should take off at least two weeks from work. Once the skins barrier function has returned, patients are usually able to wear concealer make-up to cover any residue redness.
Who is Suitable?
Ideal candidates for Portrait®, include:
- Individuals considering laser surgery, a face lift and/or plastic surgery
- Individuals seeking to repair photo-damage and improve the appearance of age spots, or hyperpigmentation
- Individuals wanting to reduce the appearance of fine lines and moderate wrinkles
- Individuals wanting to tighten the skin
- Individuals wanting to improve the overall skin elasticity and texture of a younger skin quality
- Individuals wanting to reduce acne scarring
