APRIL NEWSLETTER

 

What... Injure my skin to make me look better? Part III

This newsletter is the final part of our series discussing the various resurfacing techniques available to repair damaged skin. Our discussion today will cover laser resurfacing commonly referred to as MicroLaserPeel or laser peel. 

Review from parts I and II

Skin has two major layers, the epidermis and dermis. The most superficial layer of the epidermis is the stratum corneum, which is composed of a compact layer of dead skin cells.  The bottom of the epidermis contains pigment cells. The epidermis is the layer primarily responsible for hydration and protecting you from the environment including sun damage.  The dermis contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, sweat glands and sebaceous glands. The dermis provides volume to the skin with collagen and glycosaminoglycans and nutrients to the epidermis.

Basic principles common to all resurfacing techniques include the following:

·    Facial skin is best suited for resurfacing techniques. Caution must be used with resurfacing other areas of the body.

·    Deeper levels of resurfacing increase the risk for complications.

·    Repeated superficial resurfacing procedures may give acceptable results with less risk for complications than a single deep resurfacing procedure.

·    Resurfacing below the hair follicles most likely will cause scarring, so deep scars are best treated by excision.

 

Laser resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is accomplished by cellular water absorbing the laser wavelength and converting the light energy to heat energy. The result is vaporization of the skin cells resulting in inflammation and stimulation of the healing process.

Two lasers used for resurfacing include the CO2 laser (wavelength 10,600nm) and the Erbium YAG laser (wavelength 2940nm). The 2940nm wavelength of the Erbium YAG laser is absorbed approximately 10 times more efficiently than the 10,600nm wavelength of the CO2 laser. Therefore, the Erbium YAG laser doesn’t penetrate as deeply as the CO2 laser and there is less thermal damage to the surrounding tissue. This results in a precise peel with the Erbium YAG laser and fewer complications with hypopigmentation. A drawback to the Erbium YAG laser is that it is not as effective at the removal of deep lines/wrinkles as the CO2 laser. The Erbium YAG laser is the preferred choice at this time for facial resurfacing due to the decreased risk of hypopigmentation.

Newer methods of facial resurfacing have been developed to reduce the downtime associated with laser resurfacing. An example is Fraxel, which uses a laser to vaporize hundreds to thousands of miniature holes in the skin to induce inflammation and stimulate the healing process. The advantage is that the holes are sealed over within a day, reducing downtime. Another method is plasma resurfacing, which converts nitrogen gas to superheated plasma. The plasma heat is absorbed by the skin to stimulate healing. The advantage of this method is that the injured skin remains in place as the new skin underneath comes to the surface. These newer methods still impart changes to the skin and you won’t want to attend a social event and have your picture taken the day after treatment.

Integrated Skin Solutions uses the Erbium YAG laser for resurfacing. This laser allows us to precisely peel the skin to any given depth while reducing the risk for hypopigmentation. MicroLaserPeels are performed to depths varying from 10 to 70 microns. A strict regimen of skin care must be followed before and after the peel to obtain excellent results.

On the day of the procedure, the face is cleansed and topical anesthetic is applied for one hour prior to the peel. The procedure is then performed. The laser peel takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. You can expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours in the office. Prescriptions are written to control any discomfort during and after the procedure but in many cases a handheld fan provides adequate relief. Fifty to 70 micron peels result in a downtime of 4 to 5 days. Many clients schedule a deeper peel before a long holiday. A 10 micron peel usually involves no downtime. Repeated MicroLaserPeels at 10 to 20 microns can give excellent results in some cases if an individual can’t schedule any downtime. MicroLaserPeels are an excellent way to improve skin texture, pigmentary changes and superficial scars/lines. In some cases we combine a MicroLaserPeel with a Broad Band Light (BBL) treatment.

In summary, all the various techniques of resurfacing have their advantages and disadvantages. At Integrated Skin Solutions we perform a thorough consult including photos prior to the procedure to determine the best course of treatment to improve your skin.

That concludes our three part series on the various resurfacing techniques. We hope you enjoyed the information! Next month’s topic will be a surprise.

Kinerase Pro+ Therapy

Lastly a final update that we now carriy the Kinerase Pro+ Therapy line.  The Kinerase Pro+ Therapy line consists of three products:

- Kinerase Pro+ Therapy Skin Smoothing Cleanser- this cleanser is to be used as part of a treatment regimen. The cleanser has been designed to work in alternate cycles to promote exfoliation and skin rebuilding without irritation or drying of the skin. It contains several alpha hydroxy acids (lactic, citric and malic) and green tea extract to promote cell turnover resulting in even skin tone and a brighter, clearer complexion with a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains white tea extract for anti-oxidant benefits. This cleanser should not be used for more than a six week period. Allow 2 to 6 weeks in between cycles of use. It is recommended to switch to Kinerase Gentle Daily Cleanser in between cycles to allow the skin to recover from exfoliation.

- Kinerase Pro+ Therapy Advanced Repair Serum- this serum contains a proprietary blend of plant based extracts proven to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in addition to improving the texture, tone and blotchiness of sun damaged skin. This serum is to be applied to specific areas of concern twice daily.

- Kinerase Pro+ Therapy Ultra Rich Night Repair- this is a luxurious cream designed to deliver 8 hours of moisturization with additional ingredients to help repair and rebuild the skin. It should be applied to the face and neck nightly. It can also be used as a morning moisturizer for dry skin.

The Kinerase Pro+ Therapy products are treatment options available exclusively through physicians. Kinerase Pro+ Therapy line complements the Kinerase core products. Integrated Skin Solutions will have both Kinerase lines available for sale at the Women’s Expo. Drop by our booth and give our staff feedback on this exclusive line of skin care products!

Keep in mind that Integrated Skin Solutions will also have special pricing on the other skin care lines that we carry including Avene, Glytone, Niadyne, Physician’s Choice of Arizona, Prevage MD, SkinMedica, SkinCeuticals, and Zeno.

 

Sincerely,

John Carter, MD, Julianne Mazurek, MD, and Donetta Taylor

Integrated Skin Solutions- “Where looking good is understood!”

7424 NW River Park Drive (Hwy 9)

Parkville, MO 64152-5028

816.505.5550 Fax 816.505.4550

www.integratedskin.com

Questions or comments- info@integratedskin.com