Longer lasting alternative to facials and Microdermabrasions

May 25th, 2008 By Sookyee | Posted in Antiaging Skin Care, Laser Treatment, Microdermabrasion No Comments »

The introduction of fractionated laser technology now offers a treatment option which treats uneven pigmentation, lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and loose skin with results that last up 5 to 10 years.In a recent ASAPS study, chemical peels and microdermabrasions were among the most popular non-surgical cosmetic enhancement procedures.

Unfortunately, these procedures must be repeated several times a year to maintain their results. Chemical peels will help even skin pigmentation and improve the texture of the skin. Microdermabrasions remove the outer most layer of dead cells, which with multiple treatments reduces lentigenes or brown spots and makes the skin appear refreshed.

However, even when combined, chemical peels and microdermabrasions simply cannot effectively treat lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and loose skin.

Reliant Technologies, the originator of fractional laser skin resurfacing, offers a way to treat pigmentation and texture like chemical peels and microdermabrasion but also effectively treats lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and loose skin, often with a single treatment, that lasts for years.

Fraxel lasers are separated by two classes- Erbium and CO2, or non-ablative and ablative. The Fraxel Re:store is an Erbium non-ablative class laser. By employing a continuous scanning pattern, the practioner can control the density with which the laser treats the skin.

The laser coagulates microscopic pixels which penetrate 1.5 millimeters into the skin, called microthermal zones, which stimulate collagen synthesis for removal of lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and tightening the skin. This fractionated treatment also evens skin pigmentation and texture. Because this is a non-ablative laser, multiple treatments may be required to achieve optimal results.

The Fraxel Re:pair is a fractional ablative CO2 class laser, and is the only fractioned CO2 that has been clinically proven and received FDA clearance for treatment of lines, wrinkles, irregular pigmentation, textural abnormalities, and vascular dyschromia (redness). The Fraxel Re:pair has also been clinically proven to be effective in the treatment of acne and atrophic scars.

Utilizing the same continuous scanning technique as the Fraxel Re:store, a microscopic treatment zone is penetrated, removing old skin and causing an instantaneous contraction from untreated skin, producing a tightening effect. With minimal downtime and the risks associated with surgery removed, the Fraxel Re:pair treatment offers a preventative measure to someone who is considering a facelift in their future. Since this laser is ablative, a single treatment will produce significant results.

With the popularity of cosmetic procedures on the rise, it is important to know the effectiveness and implications of a procedure in order to determine what will work best for you. If you have enjoyed the benefits of facials and microdermabrasions, consider laser resurfacing as a means to acheive more significant and permanent results.

About the Author
Karl Swanson, M.D., is a graduate of the University of Illinois Medical School. He served as a Flight Surgeon in the United States Air Force and is currently the Medical Director of Ultimate Image Cosmetic Medical Center located in Clearwater, Florida.




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Non Surgical Face Lifts: your different options: part 2

May 18th, 2008 By Sookyee | Posted in Antiaging Skin Care, Chemical Face Peels, Microdermabrasion 1 Comment »

Are you thinking about getting a facelift? Worried about finding the money to do it? There are many different ways that people can get the facelift effect without spending the money.When you decide to go for this type of procedure, you need to do your research and seriously think about the procedure you are considering. You need to be sure that you are going to get the effect you desire, with little or no side effects. Remember when you have a bad experience you may not want to repeat the procedure.

There are also many non invasive procedures that may give you the same results and you should investigate some of them.

Collagen Injections

In this procedure collagen is injected into the affected area and the procedure has been around for a while.

Collagen is used to plump the skin and helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, thus making the skin smoother and more supple looking. Collagen is made naturally by our body, but it begins to break down and collagen injections replace this when it becomes missing.

Microdermabrasion Treatments

This is a type of exfoliation that removes the outer layer of skin cells from your face, chest and hands. This type of treatment removes dead skin cells and lets new skin cells develop allowing for a younger look

This procedure removes those dead skin cells so new skin cells can develop and provide the skin with a healthier and younger look.

Microdermabrasion is usually come in a series of treatments that are used in many high quality skin care products. Skin will acquire a healthy glow and helps skin look even and healthy.

These are considered non surgical lifts because it offers many of the benefits of surgery without the intrusive procedure. Microdermabrasion diminishes the look of lines and wrinkles, large pores and coarse skin.

Chemical Peel Treatments

These are very popular because they don’t cost much and offer immediate results. These chemical peels improve the texture of the skin and give you a more youthful look because the remove the outer layers of skin. These outer layers get damaged by the elements, and can feel rough and dry. The chemical peel will regenerate the skin.

The chemicals used in this procedure are adjusted according to your needs. The stronger the chemical, the deeper the peel, but the more side effects you’ll have.

Sometimes patients who undergo facelifts also use chemical peels in conjunction, but the procedure can also be used as an alternative to a facelift. The face peel doesn’t prevent aging but it will make skin look brighter, smoother and younger.

Wrinkle Creams

These are the most natural of all the treatments. A good wrinkle cream can do many things for your skin. You can reduce wrinkles and plump, and hydrate your skin.

Wrinkle creams will make your wrinkles lessen immediately and provide antioxidants and anti aging properties. This is probably the best of all non surgical facelift procedures. Wrinkle creams are known to be less expensive and can be a better choice. You don’t experience any pain or side effects from using them.

When you are looking for the right procedure to reduce your aging process, there are many different ways to do it, and many different prices. Before choosing the best method for you, you need to look at all of your options.

About the Author

If you want to look years younger, then you should know about the LifeCell Anti-Wrinkle Cream and the antiaging cream that works in 60 seconds. Get a trial offer and see it at work and prove the results to yourself.




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Microdermabrasion

May 18th, 2008 By Sookyee | Posted in Antiaging Skin Care, Microdermabrasion No Comments »

Microdermabrasion is a clincal cosmetic procedure also called Microderm. The process involves the partial or complete removal of the outermost layer of skin that is dead.

This clinical procedure is achieved with the application of light abrasion via different methods like the abrasion resulting from target jets of zinc oxide or fine organic particles. This mechanical method targets the roughened surface and the dead skin particles are removed with the help of a specially designed hand piece. The procedure is carried out under professional supervision.

Microdermabrasion is a clinical remedy to get rid of sun-damaged skin and reduce scars and dark spots on the skin. The procedure does not involve any pain. The procedure is also used for effective scar removal, where the scar is raised and removed.

In spite of media claims, there is hardly any evidence that the procdeure stimulates the formation of collagen in any way. Microdermabrasion is successfully used for the treatment of severe acne, but is known to be ineffective when dealing with any sunken scar. When adotping the option however, it is essential to periodically repeat the treatment, as advised by the dermatologist.

The procedure is avoided in the case of a patient treated with Accutane or Isotretinion in the previous year. Previously microdermabrasion involved the spray of abrasive crystals, but now a wand with a rough surface works just as well, if not better.

This procedure is extended by professionals who offer facial spa treatments. There are a number of tools that aid microdermabrasion and the growth of this treatment industry has witnessed many innovations. Crystal microdermabrasion and Diamond microdermabrasion are the two systems commonly used. The treatments rely on the effect produced by the tiny crystals that are blasted onto the surface skin. The resultant exfoliation gives the person a whole new skin and a fresh look.

The Diamond microdermabrasion system does not involve the use of crystals and the removal of the dead skin cells takes place when a special diamond tipped gadget abrades the skin. There are also a number of Home microdermabrasion systems avialable that offer the cusomers an alternative to professional treatments at spas. The home alternatives are not only cheap, but also easy to use. In fact, the big wigs in the industry are all part of the competition, launching their own home systems. Abrading the skin is not a new method in the pursuit of a fresher look.

Various refined techniques are now available and applied for promoting new skin growth. The theory and practice revolve around the belief - the deeper the wound, the more the rejuvenation of skin!

In the process, the skin is re-wounded till the dermis and this induces healing. The healing initiates the remodeling of the structural proteins and consequently in a firmer and rejuvenated skin.

In the case of Dermabrasion, the medical practitioner uses a rotary wire brush to abrade the skin. This procedure unlike Microdermabrasion requires medical assistance and monitoring. This is because experience and expertise are the two essentials to identify the blood vessels in the dermis precisely and at the same time, avoid skin damage. Both the procedures take weeks for the induced healing to bear fruit and show. Post operative care is essential to monitor the open wounds, which is a major concern.

To counteract the challenges posed by the Dermabrasion procedure, the blond free alternative, Microdermabrasion which was not only safer but also quicker, was introduced. The non-ablative skin procedure is being advocated by many happy customers who benefited from the effective skin rejuvenation. However, just as in the case of any treatment or procedure, it is better to conduct a little prior research and get mentally and physically prepared for the treatment. It is important to understand the procedure, advantages, the supporting studies and the histo-pathological results.

The Microdermabrasion procedure technique has its unique advantages and now there is a skin rejuvenating program that offers only the best to clients. Microdermabrasion is one of the ways to rejuvenate skin, especially facial skin and a well informed move is always successful. So, click on and make your choice!




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Microdermabrasion: home vs doctor’s office

May 18th, 2008 By Sookyee | Posted in Antiaging Skin Care, Microdermabrasion No Comments »

Comparison between personal microdermabrasion and professional skin resurfacing treatment. Covers all aspects from price, convenience to effectiveness and after-treatment recovery.

Most people I know would rather go see a doctor for microdermabrasion treatment instead of rubbing foam or cream against their face by themselves with bare hands. There is a certain peace of mind that comes with professional treatment along with a large hole in your pocket.

Other people prefer the personal microderm abrasion kits because a) they can be used in the privacy of your own home and b) they are much more affordable. There’s a trade-off though.

Office skin resurfacing will always outperform home microderm in terms of effectiveness. It’s equally true that the office treatment will always be more expensive and time-consuming than its home counterpart. So how do you find the right balance between money, comfort, results and side effects?

Microdermabrasion Comparison
Both home and professional microderm use micro crystals to abrade the skin. The results are similar: reduction of fine wrinkles and scars, smoother, fresh-looking skin, removal of age spots (professional microabrasion is more effective, due to the precision and depth of the abrasion).

The main difference between personal and professional microdermabrasion is that in the office, specialists use hand-held machines, similar to sandblasters, to spray and circulate high-pressure crystal flow (aluminum oxide, sodium chloride or sodium bicarbonate) onto your skin. A vacuum system of the machine sucks away used crystals and dead skin cells, leaving the skin refreshed and smooth.

In home micro dermabrasion kits, the professional machine is replaced by a small foam applicator which you use with your fingers to apply the micro-crystal cream or foam; massage it gently across your face, so that the crystals are pushed against your skin; then wash and rinse.

Professional microdermabrasion is performed in spas, beauty centers and doctor offices, by trained professionals. The procedure lasts 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the area treated. Several sessions are needed (6 to 12, depending on your skin condition and your expectations).

If time or money are in short supply, you can always choose to buy and use one of the many home rejuvenation systems. But remember that the trained hand of a professional is steady and precise, unlike your own fingers.

A certified professional moves the microdermabrasion wand over the target area, applying even and steady pressure to remove the top layer without affecting the deeper skin layers. He knows exactly how much pressure to apply and how many times to go over the treated area (usually, between 1 and 3 times per session).

What about after treatment recovery? Your face will look red for about 24 hours (similar to suffering from a mild sunburn) after professional microderm. With home microdermabrasion your skin doesn’t burn or become red because most micro-crystal creams have special ingredients that calm and nourish the skin during treatment.

Both types of microdermabrasion treatment need long term commitment. For visible results, home kits must be incorporated in your daily or weekly skin care routine. Professional microdermabrasion must be performed in a series of 10-12 weekly sessions, followed by maintenance sessions every 2-3 months in order to achieve good results.

Professional microabrasion costs somewhere between $100 and $300 per session while home products are much cheaper: $15-$200 (and last a long time).

Bottom line is this: professional microderma is more effective but also more expensive, it requires several visits to the doctor’s office and it will leave your face red for a few hours after the procedure. At home kits require less time and money, but are not as effective in removing deeper skin imperfections.




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Skin resurfacing options

May 12th, 2008 By Sookyee | Posted in Antiaging Skin Care, Chemical Face Peels, Laser Treatment, Microdermabrasion No Comments »

The skin is not only the body’s largest organ, it’s also the one that best regenerates itself. At least, that’s its ideal. When we are young, our skin is constantly renewing itself by producing new cells and shedding the old ones. As a result our skin looks young because it is young. The skin you wear today is not the same skin you wore just a month ago.

However, as we age, our skin sheds and renews itself at a slower rate, meaning that our skin looks older because it is older.However, you do not have to accept this state of affairs. Instead, cosmetic skin resurfacing can hurry the process again, leading to a younger, healthier appearance to your skin. However, not all skin resurfacing options are the same, and in selecting your skin resurfacing, you should choose carefully.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is just the wearing away of the skin with a small wheel similar to a very fine circular sander. It represents the most straightforward skin resurfacing treatment available, and it provides sufficient, but necessarily the best, treatment for irregular skin texture, especially used for mediation of wrinkles, acne scars, or scars from injury.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels, especially light peels with fruit acids, can not only remove the layers of dead skin, but can moisturize the skin and remedy not only wrinkles, but also skin discoloration and acne. Chemical peels are less useful for scar mediation, but because they can be very low impact, they can be used constantly for subtle improvement of the face’s texture and complexion.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing utilizes a laser to burn away the top layers of the skin, exposing the younger, fresher layers of skin below. When the skin heals, it responds to the trauma of losing its outer layer by tightening up its collagen, which also begins the process of new collagen production. Since collagen is the primary component of skin volume and strength, the new skin is stronger and healthier, and more even than the old skin.

Fractional Laser Resurfacing

The main disadvantage to laser skin resurfacing is that in order to achieve the best results, it requires a deep penetration into the skin. The result of this is that the skin is seriously injured and may require several weeks or months to heal, and may cause you significant pain in the process.

Fractional laser resurfacing, also known as Fraxel, seeks to get the positive results of deep resurfacing without the down side by not performing a complete resurfacing. Instead, the laser is used to burn deep columns into the skin, which can stimulate the skin to heal itself, but not forcing the skin to completely regenerate.

Fraxel is especially useful in treating acne scarring and other scars that are recessed. Fraxel is also good for correcting skin discoloration, although it may require more treatments than full resurfacing.

About the Author

To learn which procedure might be best for you, consult a plastic surgeon in your area. In Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Kun Kim offers a full range of skin resurfacing options. Please contact him to set up your initial consultation.




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Skin rejuvenation options: Laser resurfacing and Microdermabrasion

May 3rd, 2008 By Sookyee | Posted in Laser Treatment, Microdermabrasion, Non Surgical Face Lift No Comments »

Want to rejuvenate your skin and banish blemishes but are afraid of going under the knife? Today there is a variety of new alternatives to invasive cosmetic surgery. With great results and no incisions necessary, facial treatments like laser skin resurfacing and microdermabrasion are gaining popularity among men and women.

Laser Skin Resurfacing -

Laser resurfacing can treat a huge array of problems … removing unsightly scars, spider veins, wrinkles, discoloration, and acne.

The type of laser used will depend on the particular treatment sought, but the basic process uses beams of light to remove the outer dermal. A new, undamaged and blemish-free complexion will be revealed.

Sessions can last anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours, depending on the size of the treatment area and extent of the damage being treated. Most patients will have to make repeat visits for optimal results. It is most often used on the face, but also works well on other common problem areas of the body like the thighs.

Although highly effective and able to treat a wide variety of problems, the recovery period for laser skin resurfacing can be a nuisance. The treated areas will be dressed for a few days and once removed, the area will have to be protected with Vaseline until fully healed ten to twenty days later. Even after twenty days, skin might remain red for anywhere from two to six months afterwards, especially for fair individuals.

Fortunately, the pain level is minimal, usually equivalent to that of mild sunburn with some dryness and peeling. If you’re looking for a milder treatment with less downtime, you might consider microdermabrasion.

Microdermabrasion -

During a microdermabrasion treatment an instrument that resembles a wand is massaged over the area, using any one of a variety of materials including zinc oxide or organic particles. The topmost dermal layer is abraded off.

What results is the removal of fine lines, blemishes, mild sun damage, acne, and some discoloration. Afterwards you’re left with a new, undamaged layer of skin that can be penetrated more easily by topical moisturizers and creams. Initially the area may be irritable or red, but this usually disappears a few hours afterwards.

Microdermabrasion works best when used fairly regularly. By receiving repeated treatments, deeper dermal flaws might eventually be removed or diminished, and it will promote the process of new cell growth, giving skin a refreshed appearance.

There are also machines and creams that are available for home use. These are effective to some extent, but as you would expect, they are not nearly as powerful as the equipment available in a cosmetic surgeon’s office.

Most people aren’t born with a flawless complexion, and the effects of time and harmful elements can mark your skin with permanent blemishes. A good skincare regime is paramount in maintaining a healthy glow, but for those imperfections you can’t reach with topical lotions and creams, laser resurfacing or microdermabrasion are both winning options.

A Baltimore Botox, microdermabrasion or laser treatment can help erase fine lines and wrinkles around the face, eyes, and lips. At Cosmetic Surgery Center of Maryland, the board certified plastic surgeons combine artistry with state-of-the-art medical technology for beautiful results. http://www.drcohenplasticsurgery.com/.

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