FACIAL REJUVENATION

What is Facial Rejuvenation?

Facial rejuvenation is often referred to as a non surgical face lift. Using the pulsed dye laser over the entire surface of the face not only evens out the colour and texture of the skin but also alters the underlying matrix of the skin. This causes the skin to become tighter and removes fine wrinkles around the eyes and other locations. Its effect is less extreme than a surgical facelift and less startling to others. People often sense a freshening of their appearance, and their friends and coworkers note that people look 'better' or less'tired' without realizing that they have had 'work done.' Treatments typically are performed every 6-8 weeks. Depending on the condition of the skin Facial Rejuvenation may take 3-6 treatments. This treatment requires no time to be taken off work or family obligations and is far less expensive than surgical face lifts.

Is the treatment with the pulsed dye laser safe?

Yes. In fact, pulsed dye laser treatment is so safe that it has been used successfully for the treatment of port wine stains in infants and young children. The outer layer of the skin, (the epidermis) is protected during the treatment by a cooling method which sprays a cooling mist onto the skin before each laser pulse thus increasing the patient's comfort.

Depth of Penetration
Greater Depth Of Penetration

595 nm - greater penetration into tissue and targeted vessels

What are the side effects?

1. With any laser therapy there is a possibility of adverse effects. These may include purpura (a small purple laser bruise), redness and swelling in the treated area. These are transient and do not last more than a few days.

2. The treated area may hyperpigment, or appear darker after the re discoloration/bruising heals. Normal skin colour usually returns within 6 months after laser treatment.

3. The treated area may show a slight depression after laser treatment. This depression usually resolves within a few months.

4. Permanent side effects such a scarring are rare, but this is a risk with any laser. The laser in use at Laser Health Works is a pulsed dye laser called the VBeam by Candela. It has had no reported incidence of scarring. If post treatment skin care instructions are not followed, this can increase the chance of scarring.

What will the treatment consist of?

The laser treatment will include the following:

• Wearing of safety eye wear to protect your eyes from the laser light.
• A small hand piece will be applied to the treatment area by the physician to deliver the laser energy.
• A spray of cooling mist will be felt prior to each laser pulse.

Is the treatment painful?

Dynamic Cooling Device

Cryogen sprayed onto skin milliseconds before laser pulse
Epidermis is optimally protected during laser pulse

Some patients may feel a slight discomfort associated with the laser pulse. This feeling has been described by patients as the snapping of a rubber band on the skin. This discomfort is minimized by the cooling device on the pulsed dye laser which sprays a fine mist of cryogen on the skin to cool it before each laser pulse. In addition, for some patients, a topical anesthetic may be used prior to treatment.

DYNAMIC COOLING DEVICE

• Safety
• Patient comfort
• Selectivity
• Ease of use
• Speed
• Visibility
• Operator-independence

What precautions should be taken before and after pulsed dye laser treatment?

It is recommended to avoid sun exposure before and throughout the course of treatment. A sun block (SPF 30 or above) should be used. Darker pigment as a result of sun exposure may produce side effects or make the treatment less effective. Do not drink alcohol or take aspirin for three days prior to, and two weeks after your laser treatment. The post treatment care needed depends on what lesion was treated. Be sure to discuss this with our physician before treatment.

 

 

What care do I need to take of my treated area?

Care of the Treated Area

The treated area may show a reddish/bruised discoloration. This will last for 5-14 days, depending on what part of the body is treated. The treated area is very delicate and should be treated with care.

1. Discomfort or stinging may be evident, but usually lasts no more than six hours. Tylenol (NOT ASPIRIN) may be taken or ice applied during this period.

2. If swelling occurs, ice compresses may be applied. If there is facial swelling, sleep with your head elevated.

3. Antibiotic ointment should be applied twice a day if any bruising is present, or if there is also crusting or scabbing (rare).

4. If a crust or scab develops allow it to fall off on its own. Do not pick at the area. Keep the area moist with the ointment.

5. Do not scratch or rub the treated area until any bruising or crusting disappears.

6. Showering is permitted. Do not soak in a hot tub until the area is healed. Do not rub the treated area with a face cloth or towel. Pat the area gently to dry so the skin is not disturbed.

7. Avoid swimming and sports if any bruising is present to reduce skin irritation and infection.

8. Do not apply make up for 2-3 days, or as long as crusting is present. Using new make up will cause less irritation.

If you are like the majority of clients that do not have crusting after treatment with the vascular laser then we recommend a treatment program to soothe the skin and assist in the post treatment regime. For a period of six weeks Peau Vive Soothing Concentrate 403should be used routinely in the morning and evening. The soothing concentrate is specifically indicated to treat sensitive or stressed skin. It incorporates ingredients such as Escin, which has a vasoconstrictive and decongestive effect. This will reduce the redness and puffiness of the skin. Also a part of the ingredients is extract of passionflower which is rich in flavonoids. This has a vasoconstrictive and anti-inflammatory effect on the capillaries.

Using the Soothing Concentrate 403 along with the correct moisturizer can assist in the progress of treatment as well as leaving your skin feeling comfortable and hydrated between treatments. We will assist you in choosing the Peau Vive products which are best for your skin type and the type of treatment that you have had.

WHEN ANY DISCOLORATION/BRUISING CLEARS, THERE MAY BE VERY LITTLE CHANGE IN THE VASCULAR LESION. IMPROVEMENT WILL TAKE PLACE SLOWLY OVER A PERIOD OF SEVERAL WEEKS. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS REGARDING YOUR LASER TREATMENT, PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE.

How many treatments will I need?

This depends on what lesion you are having treated. Treatment may consist of multiple treatments. For facial veins, one treatment may be sufficient for clearance but a second visit is recommended for best results. Someone who has moderate rosacea may need anywhere from 3-5 treatments. Solitary lesions like spider hemangiomas may resolve in 1-2 treatments. The precise number of treatments is unknown in advance. As physicians, our first concern is your safety. The type of vascular lesion to be treated is but one factor that will determine the number of treatments needed. There are many other factors which influence how quickly lesions resolve successfully with a laser treatment. With our clinical judgment we try to deliver the optimum laser energy to your lesions without causing you undue side effects.

Can I read more about the type of laser you use to treat vascular lesions?

The pulsed dye laser is manufactured by the Candela Corporation in the United States, and is called the Candela V Beam. Click on their icon to read more.

Are these procedures covered by insurance?

Most private insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic procedures. Government Health plans generally cover very little if any of these procedures as they are deemed cosmetic and elective. Some private and public carriers will however, cover the treatment of disfiguring birthmarks such as hemangiomas or port wine stains. In addition the treatment of psoriasis and rosacea may be covered by some insurance companies. Please consult your insurance carrier.