Unfortunately we can't stop the march of time. However our collective desire to stay forever young has created an enormous market for anti-ageing treatments. Until recently the overwhelming majority of such treatments involved the use of lotions and moisturizers or cosmetic surgery to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However recent developments in laser technology are now delivering a longer lasting scientifically proven method of restoring the natural beauty of the skin.
 

What causes lines and wrinkles?
When a person is young they don't have wrinkles because the skin is moist and elastic. As a person ages the skin cells in the epidermis become thinner and less 'sticky'. As a result the skin cells begin to lose moisture more easily causing the skin to dry. In addition less collagen is produced in the dermis, which is responsible for skin firmness, and the elastin fibres begin to wear out (elastin is responsible for 'bounce' and resilience), while the skin also thins as it loses fat in the subcutaneous layer. Combined these changes cause the skin to sag and wrinkle.

One of the principal factors responsible for the aging of the skin is exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun (80-90%). These rays damage the collagen and dry the skin out. Other factors that can accelerate aging are poor diet, lack of exercise and smoking.

The first signs of the aging process begin in the late 20s and accelerate in subsequent decades. Initial signs are horizontal lines across the brow, droopy eyelids and 'crow's feet' around the corners of the eyes. After the menopause the ability of a woman's skin to renew itself is further reduced.

There are a whole host of topical lotions and moisturizes available on the market that have little long-term impact on the aging process. However it has been shown that a regular daily cleansing and moisturizing regime, coupled with the use of sunblock can help to maintain the moisture and elasticity of the skin.

Dermabrasion and dermaplaning
Dermabrasion and dermaplaning help to smooth the skin's top layers through a method of controlled surgical scraping. Dermabrasion is commonly used to improve the look of facial skin left scarred by surgery, or on fine facial wrinkles. Dermaplaning is commonly used to treat deep acne scars. Neither treatment will remove all scars or prevent aging.

Dermabrasion and dermaplaning may be performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area, combined with a sedative to make you drowsy. In severe cases, general anesthesia is required.

Dermabrasion and dermaplaning usually take from a few minutes to over an hour depending on how much skin is treated. When scarring is deep the procedure may have to be repeated.

In dermabrasion, the surgeon scrapes away the outermost layer of skin with a rough motorized wire brush (or a burr containing diamond particles). In dermaplaning the surgeon uses an instrument that resembles an electric razor to 'shave' off the surface layers of skin that surround the craters or other facial defects.

The procedure will leave the skin red and swollen. It is often necessary to prescribe painkillers to treat post-operative aching. A scab or crust will form over the treated area as it begins to heal.

Chemical peels
Chemical peels use chemical solutions to remove the outer layers of the skin. Although peels are usually performed for cosmetic reasons, they may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne scars and control acne. Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and phenol are used for this purpose. Anesthesia is not normally required for most peels, however sedation may be used to relax the patient.

Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are mild, light peels used to treat fine wrinkling. AHA peels may cause stinging, redness, irritation and crusting.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is most commonly used for medium-depth peeling to treat surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems. The recovery from a TCA peel is usually shorter than with a phenol peel. Phenol is the strongest of the chemical solutions and produces a deep peel for coarse facial wrinkles, areas of blotchy or sun-damaged skin, or pre-cancerous growths.

After an AHA peel, the skin will be dry and red and some temporary flaking or scaling may be experienced. After a phenol or TCA peel, mild painkillers may be prescribed to relieve post-operative pain. Both TCA and Phenol peels may cause significant swelling, while phenol peels may cause the eyes to become temporarily swollen shut.

With a TCA peel, the discomfort and swelling will subside within the first week. In about a week to ten days, the skin should be healed enough to return to normal activities. With a phenol peel this may take up to two weeks.

Laser resurfacing uses a laser beam to gently vaporize a thin layer of the epidermis. The heat from the laser energy also stimulates the production of new collagen in the dermis. The overall result is that new skin forms which is smoother and tighter. Consequently laser resurfacing can remove nearly all fine wrinkles while significantly improving deeper more dynamic wrinkles.

Unlike traditional treatments such as dermabrasion and chemical peels the unique characteristics of lasers mean that your doctor can have much more accurate and precise control over the treatment, especially how deep the laser penetrates your skin.

Most patients that have undergone laser resurfacing compare the sensation to having sunburn or having an elastic band snapped across the skin. Consequently anesthesia is usually not required.

An additional benefit of laser resurfacing is that the healing and recovery period is faster than with traditional treatments, though as with all treatments because the new skin is sensitive it is necessary to apply special moisturizers post-operatively and to protect the skin from the sun for 6-12 months.

Of course no therapy can prevent aging and wrinkles will re-appear in time requiring additional treatments to keep the skin looking young.

Lasers work by stimulating collagen production, decreasing the appearance of lines and wrinkles in many body areas including the face, hands, neck and chest. Because the action of laser skin rejuvenation is non-ablative (does not remove any skin) there are many benefits over other traditional laser procedures. The laser treatment is quick, offers no downtime, has minimal discomfort, and has a very low risk of any complications. Patients will experience progressive improvement over several months for a fresh, natural look.

The MedLite laser used for skin rejuvenation is one of the safest lasers on the market today. In the hands of trained medical professionals, the MedLite laser offers a safe and effective treatment with very little risk of complications. Patients of all skin types can be safely treated - including tanned skin.

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BEFORE	AFTER
BEFORE	AFTER

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