Laser skin surgery, particularly the rejuvenation procedure known as laser resurfacing is able to remove sun damage and the ravages of aging to restore skin to a youthful and healthy appearance. This is more than just an appearance. The sun damaged epidermis and upper dermis are actually removed by the laser and replaced by new healthy new elements during healing. But there are limits to this technology. Deep wrinkles may be improved about 70% in a typical patient, and acne scars may be improved about 50%. But these results are sufficient to offer a very dramatic improvement.

One of the chief limitations of laser resurfacing is the time that is needed for healing. Most resurfacing patients will need to take a full week off before resuming work and social activities, and perhaps two weeks for outdoor sports. Many busy people simply cannot find the time to do this.

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In recent years there has been significant medical research on using lasers and pulsed-light to achieve skin rejuvenation without wounding. By correcting the damaged in the skin without resurfacing, results could be achieved with no "down-time" for healing. Cool-Touch™ was the first laser to be approved for this. But the results are very modest and only the collagen is affected. The most promising and effective method available today use intense pulses of light for skin rejuvenation. This method is called the FotoFacial™ and it is being introduced at the Laser Medical Skin Center.

FotoFacial™ treatments are full face, neck and/or chest treatments using pulses of intense light to resolve facial redness, flushing, pigment problems, and sun damage. New collagen growth is stimulated to improve skin texture, increase skin smoothness and reduce pore size.

The benefits of FotoFacial™ treatments are consistent, visible improvement in the skin with no downtime, no discomfort, and high safety.

FotoFacial™ treatments were developed and first introduced by Board-certified dermatologist, Patrick Bitter Jr. MD as a non-invasive method to rejuvenate and improve skin with no downtime. Dr. Paul Van Camp has trained with Dr. Bitter and offers the FotoFacial™ technique at Laser Medical Skin Center.

FotoFacial™ uses a non-laser pulsed-light medical device, (the Quantum-SR by ESC Medical) to deliver a series of gentle pulses of light to the skin. Specific settings are selected for each treatment to maximize improvement. A series of five or more treatments are performed at three-week intervals.

Medical lasers deliver just one pure wavelength (color) of light to treat one specific type of skin problem. The Quantum-SR delivers a broad band of pulsed light, so several types of improvement can be achieved in one treatment.

With FotoFacial™ treatments the embarrassing redness and flushing of rosacea can be dramatically reduced. Sun damaged, blotchy and coarse aging skin can be substantially improved. And all these improvements occur through one treatment series.

What are the indications for the FotoFacial™? FotoFacial™ treatments are beneficial in all of the following:

1. Treatments effectively reduce redness and flushing.
2. Reduction of visible small spider veins and broken vessels.
3. Removal of abnormal pigment, freckles, and age-spots.
4. Sun damage (photo-aging) is markedly improved.
5. Treatments reduce fine wrinkling and skin roughness.
6. Enlarged pores are reduced and skin texture is improved.
7. Treatments reduce irregular pigment for a more even skin tone.
8. For rosacea, FotoFacial™ treatments reduce the overall redness, flushing and dilated capillaries and improve the breakouts of this common chronic facial condition.

FotoFacial™ treatments can be used on any part of the skin. They are especially effective for improving the appearance of the face, neck, chest and the backs of hands.

You can expect to see a gradual decrease in overall redness, flushing and dilated capillaries. People with visible aging from the sun can expect to see their skin become smoother with a decrease in fine wrinkles, reduction in pore size, and fading of sunspots. Many people with rosacea see an improvement in breakouts and may be able to decrease or discontinue their medications.

Each treatment takes approximately 30 minutes. A topical anesthetic, ELA-MAX®, is applied 30 to 60 minutes before treatment so there is almost no discomfort. Immediately following a treatment, the skin may appear red and flushed and tiny capillaries may appear more visible. These changes gradually fade over a period of hours to a few days. Brown spots at first appear darker. After several days they begin to flake off. There is no purpura (bruising or discoloration). The skin is not broken by the treatment.

After your first treatment, your skin will feel smoother and will have a more even tone. These improvements are gradual and will become more visible after each treatment. Five treatments are performed for optimal results. Some patients will benefit from additional treatments.

• People who suffer from Rosacea and experience flushing and redness of their skin.
• People with all types of sun damage who desire healthier, more youthful appearing skin.
• People who desire skin rejuvenation but cannot take the time off to heal from laser resurfacing or chemical peels.

FotoFacial™ treatments can also be beneficial after laser resurfacing or facelift surgery to improve the results. FotoFacial™ treatments can be used in conjunction with chemical peels or micro-dermabrasion to enhance the results of these procedures.

With FotoFacial™ treatments there is less discomfort and no downtime or disruptions to your normal activities. The end result of FotoFacial™ treatments is smoother, healthier and younger-appearing skin.

(Medical lasers have certain risks and limitations. Treatment may not be appropriate for everyone. Full information will be provided during your consultation before deciding on any treatment. For inquiries call 330-6160.)