Laser Technology and Advanced Skin Care

When I was in my early teens my mother and I would watch The Geraldo Rivera show every day during the summers when I was out of school. We loved his show and at the time Rivera's show was one of the most forward thinking on television and offered anything and everything under the sun. I remember several of his shows vividly but the one I remember the most was when a dermatologist came on his show to do a laser procedure to reduce wrinkles. The procedure was going to be performed on Rivera and I was completely enthralled with the whole concept. As Rivera sat back in the large doctor's chair in the studio the dermatologist used a laser on Rivera's crows feet. Within seconds, it was evident the creases were swelling a bit and began to turn red. Rivera stated it didn't hurt that badly and he was promised a more youthful appearance.

That laser treatment was done nearly twenty years ago and since then technology has progressed at an advanced stage. There is nothing that can't be bought or replaced and laser procedures have only gotten better. Though there is still down time, redness and swelling the results are not only noticeable but amazing. Laser advances have come so far that damaged skin cells can be pinpointed among healthy skin cells to be removed. Looking younger has never been easier or more available.

Nonablative Fractional Surfacing

Often called Fraxel, it's a technique used to smooth moderate to fine-lines and reduce age spots with a recovery time that is close to two days, give or take a day. The nonablative fractional surfacing is less painful than other procedures with less oozing, peeling or raw skin. The laser is used to penetrate the skin in order to aid in collagen production but should be calibrated according to the skin type. Darker skin tones are often prepped with hydraquinine for this procedure.

Ablative Fractional Surfacing

This procedure includes the use of a laser to "destroy tissues a millimeter deep" and aid collagen and smooth wrinkles. This procedure is more painful than the Fraxel and the down time is greater. The skin can swell, ooze and bleed from this treatment. Like the Fraxel, ethnic skin tones are at a higher risk for damage so it's important to discuss the ins-and-outs before recieving the treatment.

Intense Pulsed Light

Unlike the treatments above; this procedure does not minimize or eliminate wrinkles. In fact, it is used for reducing and spot treating problem areas such as brown spots and broken capillaries. Although it's similar to a laser, it's not the same. The treatment uses short bursts of bright light to pin-point brown cells or red spots. The light and heat damages the cells to reduce their appearance. The procedure is safe for all skin types but may need to be adjusted for women of color.

Radiance MedSpa

Marie Claire