Microdermabrasion

	Microdermabrasion uses sterile crystals to exfoliate the top layer of skin and simultaneously vacuums the dead skin cells.

Microdermabrasion involves your doctor or a technician using a device, about the size of a ballpoint pen, that showers your face with fine granules or crystals to remove dead skin cells. Some people refer to it as a miniature version of sandblasting. The result is a healthy glow, with reduction of fine lines, age spots, acne scars, thickened skin, blemishes, and large pores. In addi­tion, the procedure stimulates the p ro duction of skin cells and collagen. The results of microdermabrasion may be apparent for several months. Many doctors recommend five or more initial treatments spaced about two weeks apart plus maintenance treatments every three months or so.

Microdermabrasion is not intended for major acne scarring, tattoos, or deep wrinkles. Ask your doctor about other procedures if these are your concerns. Delay having microdermabrasion if you have active sores or a rash on your face or if you have recently had an oral herpes outbreak. Avoid using exfoliating lotions (such as AHA and Retin-A) and scrubs for three days before and after treatment.

	Mottled pigmentation and rough skin. After seven weekly microdermabrasion treatments, skin is smoother and skin tone is even.

It takes 20 to 30 minutes to treat the full face. No anesthesia is required.You'll feel nothing more than a slight burning - comparable to sunburn or windburn - during and for a few hours after the procedure. Don't wear foundation for a day or so, and stay out of the sun for at least a week.

Beware of nonsterile conditions and inexperienced, unskilled microdermabrasion technicians. Mi c ro dermabrasion is safe if performed properly in a sterile environment. Otherwise, serious complications, including scarring and infection, are possible.

Thermoplasty

	Low eyebrows - before thermage of forehead. Thermage has tightened underlying collagen, resulting in a lifting of the eyebrows.

With thermoplasty - also known as ThermaCoolTC™, Thermage™, or ThermaLift™ - your doctor uses a radiofrequency-generating device to apply intense heat to the underlying skin, while bursts of cryogen spray cool the outer skin layers.The process can cause immediate tightening of the collagen network, which may tighten and lift your skin. It also stimulates the gradual formation of new collagen, which may thicken the skin to reduce wrinkling and tighten pores anywhere on the face.

Though some patients have reported good results with one treatment, some doctors recommend an initial series of treatments plus touchups as needed. Full benefits will appear three to six months after treatment and may last several years. Occasionally these results are dramatic; more commonly, the change is much less apparent and will not provide the improvement possible with surgical procedures.

You'll probably be given a sedative and local anesthesia before your thermoplasty treatment, so arrange for someone to drive you to and from the doctor's office.

Afterward you may feel as though you're sunburned. About half of thermoplasty patients have slight swelling for four to five days.Temporary bruising and numbness are unusual.Your doctor will let you know when you can resume your normal activities.

PL Photorejuvenation

Intense pulsed light, or IPL photorejuvenation, is a new, noninvasive technique that can even out skin color and texture. Effective on brown and red spots, the procedure can improve hyperpigmentation, blemishes, rosacea, spider veins, age spots, sun damage, freckles, enlarged pores, and birthmarks. It may also minimize fine lines and wrinkles, giving you smoother, younger-looking skin.

IPL photorejuvenation does not use lasers; instead it delivers ultraviolet and other types of light in pulses that have been compared to a camera flash. Brown and red spots absorb more of this pulsed light than does surrounding tissue - enough to destroy the darker cells, which will eventually fade away. IPL also stimulates collagen production, which works to firm and smooth your skin.

Your doctor will probably tell you to stay out of the sun for several weeks before and after your IPL treatment.Tanning may cause your skin to absorb too much light during the treatment. Sun exposure afterward can be especially harmful to your newly treated skin.

If you have a history of oral herpes (cold sores or fever blisters), your doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug for you to take before treatment to guard against a breakout. Be sure to tell your doctor what medications you're taking.You may need to discontinue certain medications before treatment. If you are pregnant, postpone IPL photorejuvenation until after your baby arrives.

Treatments are usually short, lasting 15 to 45 minutes. A cold gel will be applied to the treatment area, and your doctor may also use a topical anesthetic, though most patients report feeling no discomfort or only a slight sting without anesthesia. You'll wear protective goggles or eye shields to prevent eye damage as the doctor or assistant delivers the pulsed light with a handheld IPL device.

Patients generally have five to six treatments, each separated by about three weeks.The results can be very long lasting, though some doctors recommend that patients have one or two treatments per year after the initial series.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor?

• What are your medical credentials?
• What type of peel is appropriate for me?
• How quickly will I recover?
• How should I care for my skin before and after the peel?
• Should I stop taking my usual medications or supplements?
• Do I have any condition that would make me a poor candidate for laser treatment?
• If I have a series of nonablative laser treatments, how far apart should they be?
• How many initial treatments would you recommend for me?
• Is laser therapy likely to achieve the improvement I’m looking for?

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