Nonsurgical procedures offer less-invasive skin care

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Nonsurgical procedures offer less-invasive skin care
Marija Potkonjak, Tribune
August 29, 2007
East Valley Tribune.com

Flawless skin is no longer the exclusive hallmark of the wealthy.

Injectibles, advanced laser technology and other nonsurgical treatments are bringing nurses, teachers and stay-at-home moms into the dermatologistÌs office or medical spa for a quick Û and affordable Û facial pick-me-up that requires little or no downtime.

ÏItÌs not about anti-aging,Ó says Dr. Susan Van Dyke of Van Dyke Laser and Skin in Scottsdale. ÏItÌs about looking better at any age.Ó

Patients who opt for nonsurgical procedures want results that are subtle and natural. Advances in laser technology and injectibles allow dermatologists to smooth the skinÌs surface, tame hyperpigmentation, heal broken blood vessels and fill in lines caused by aging or weight loss.

Patients in their 20s come in to prevent damage caused by sun and aging, while older patients seek corrections.

ÏThe people I see in my practice are very realistic about their goals,Ó says Van Dyke. ÏThey want to look good for 40. They donÌt want to look like a different person.Ó

Van Dyke recommends sitting down with a dermatologist and discussing options. ItÌs important to have reasonable goals when considering a nonsurgical treatment. ÏWe canÌt fix everything, but we can make it better,Ó she says.

FRACTIONATED LASER RESURFACING
Lasers became the tool of dermatologists about 20 years ago. Initially the advance was slow and gradual, but now laser technology is advancing at an explosive rate.

ÏItÌs very competitive among the laser companies,Ó says Patty Melde, a registered nurse and the aesthetics director for IntelliDerm Medical Spa in Gilbert. ÏTheyÌre always trying to bring out the newest and the best.Ó

Fraxel, one of the newest lasers on the market, is billed as the Ïkinder, gentlerÓ laser. It works by creating microscopic ÏwoundsÓ in the treatment area (about 20 percent of the surface area). The body then naturally produces new collagen and skin cells.

Five treatments are required. Laser resurfacing may not work for people with darker skin tones. Average cost: $1,000 to $3,000.

AFFIRM
The ideal candidate for this laser is someone with fine lines, mild to moderate wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation Û just about anyone living in Arizona. The laser firms the skin by stimulating the production of collagen.

ItÌs a 30-minute treatment with little downtime. Four or five treatments are needed for optimal results. Average cost: $2,000 to $5,000.

THERMAGE
Thermage tightens and firms all three layers of the skin: the outer layer, known as the epidermis; the collagen-rich layer beneath the surface, the dermis; and an inner layer, the subcutaneous layer. It heats the collagen in the inner layer and tightens it. Saggy skin on the face, neck, upper arms and abdomen can be treated. Thermage is also known as the Ïthermal eye liftÓ because it can lift the brow and tighten the eyelids. Generally only one treatment is required and there is no downtime. Average cost: $1,500 to $3,500.

INJECTABLE FILLERS
Collagen breaks down as the skin ages, creating spaces (and sags and wrinkles). Restylane, Juvederm and Artefill are a few brand-name fillers that work by taking up space. Usually theyÌre injected into the skin and to plump lips and fill out the folds between the nose and the corners of the mouth. Restylane has more volume and lasts about six to eight months before being naturally absorbed. Only one injection is required for a single treatment. There may be swelling at the injection site. Average cost: $400 to $600 per syringe.

PHOTO FACIALS
ÏPhoto facialÓ is a blanket term that covers about two dozen different types of lasers, says Van Dyke. Photorejuvenation reduces brown spots, broken blood vessels, improves texture, tightens pores and visibly reduces the signs of aging by using a broad range of light waves to reduce the size of damaged cells and stimulate collagen reproduction.

Requires five treatments for optimum results. There is no downtime. Average cost: $500 per treatment.

SCULPTURA
This filling agent is different than the average filler. Sculptura fills in the cheeks and other ÏhollowsÓ in the face caused by aging or weight loss. A tiny needle injects the filling agent beneath the skinÌs surface and stimulates the skin for a more permanent effect.

There is no instant gratification with Sculptura. ÏItÌs more of a commitment,Ó says Van Dyke. About three injections administered one month apart are required for optimal results. Some swelling may occur. Average cost: $2,000.

You should know
Even though a scalpel isnÌt being used in these skin rejuvenating procedures, they are still considered medical procedures. Whether you choose a medical spa or a dermatologistÌs office, make sure a medical doctor is overseeing the procedures. If a nurse or medical assistant is performing a particular procedure, donÌt be shy about asking to see their license.

Sources
IntelliDerm Medical Spa: 2730 S. Val Vista Drive, Gilbert. (480) 584-5446 or www.intelliderm.com
Van Dyke Laser and Skin: 5206 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. (480) 948-5045 or www.vandykelaser.com

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