Photorejuvenation Treatment Geelong

Photorejuvenation refers to the use of a light source (photo) to restore the skins vitality and youthful appearance (rejuvenate).

The choice of which light source is best will vary between individuals depending on their particular skin problem, skin type and skin sensitivity. At Geelong Veins, Skin and Laser we have a range of different lasers and pulsed light IPL options allowing us to optimise treatment by selecting the most appropriate laser or pulsed light system to suit individual needs.

Generally in photorejuvenation IPL technology is preferred to target generalised problems such as redness, flushing, irregular mottled pigmentation, hyperpigmentation, large open pores and uneven skin tone. IPL utilises the power of pulsed light technology over multiple wavelengths to reach underlying skin tissue at different depths. A series of treatments is required for optimal results and there is minimal discomfort and downtime. Any area of the body can be treated by it is most commonly used on the face, neck and hands. IPL is often combined with other procedures including peels and microdermabrasion.

Lasers are used in photorejuvenation to target more localised problems such as particular sunspots or larger facial capillaries.

In patients where there is a combination of sun damaged skin, redness, and pigmentation the use of treatments such as Photo Dynamic therapy can see remarkable results.

A newer aspect of photorejuvenation is using light sources to stimulate new collagen growth in the skin. This produces a smoother skin surface by reducing and removing fine lines and wrinkles. Importantly unlike older techniques such as CO2 and Erbium laser resurfacing the new techniques do not damage (ablate) all of the protective outer layer of the skin and consequently are safer with less pain, less recovery time and fewer complications. This new procedure utilises fractional laser technology.

Until recently the main focus of photo rejuvenation techniques has centred on the facial area. However, it is now possible to also effectively treat previously ignored areas such as the backs of the hands and the neck area.

Neck Rejuvenation

Non surgical approaches in neck rejuvenation are much more focused on improving skintone and texture. Significant photodamage is commonly seen on the neck as it is often neglected from sun protection. The outer part of the neck can appear mottled with red and brown discolouration. This often can form a horseshoe shape with sparing under the chin (which is in shadow and protected from the sun) and may extend down onto the chest. This is sometimes called Poikiloderma.

When treating the neck area with lasers, it needs to be appreciated that neck skin is different to facial skin. Neck skin is thinner and lacks as many structures such as sweat glands and hair follicles which help with skin healing. Subsequently care has to be taken when tre ating the neck requiring shorter and less aggressive treatment. Protocols are used with multiple lower power sessions and there is a need to be patient regarding outcome.

The choice of laser or light source for neck rejuvenation will depend on the nature of the problem. At the Geelong Veins, Skin and Laser we have a range of systems which enables us to tailor treatment to individual requirements.

Commonly to treat redness a Pulse Dye Laser (Candela V Beam) is used: to treat pigment a 532 KTP laser is used and to treat combined redness and pigmentation an IPL can be used.

One of the biggest breakthroughs in neck rejuvenating treatments has been the advent of fractionated resurfacing using the FRAXEL laser. This technology can result in significant improvement in texture and wrinkles. An added benefit is that it also can improve pigmentation.

Hand Rejuvenation

The hands often age quicker and out of proportion to the remainder of your skin due to their greater exposure to the environment especially sun.

The ageing hand manifests itself on 3 levels and most patients have a combination of concerns requiring several treatment modalities.

Level 1

This is where there is epidermal damage resulting in pigmentation abnormalities or roughness on the skins surface. For discrete pigmented areas the treatment of choice is laser with usually a single treatment session being successful.For diffuse or generalised hyperpigmentation treatment is by fractional laser resurfacing with the FRAXEL laser.

For diffuse or generalised hyperpigmentation treatment is by fractional laser resurfacing with the FRAXEL laser.

All pigmentation treatment programs should include using daily sunscreen to prevent recurrence of pigmentation. For resistant cases laser treatment is often used in combination with a prescription depigmentation cream such as hydroquinone 4% which is applied nightly.

Skin textural abnormalities such as roughness may be due to combination of age related reduction in water content of the skin combined with sun related skin damage. Superficial peels can help in this situation either as a regular home based program (e.g. 6-12% lactic acid) or in the clinic on an occasional basis (e.g. 20-50% glycolyic acid).

Level 2

This is where there is dermal damage resulting in wrinkling. Wrinkle formation is one of the main features of hand ageing that concerns patients. Superficial peels with a nightly program of retinoids or glycolyic acid lotions in conjunction with clinic peels (e.g. 50 to 70% glycolyic acid at 1 to 3 months intervals) may stimulate dermal collagen.

Fractional laser technology can stimulate collagen production to help dermal damage. Usually a series of 4-6 treatments at monthly intervals are necessary.

Level 3

This is where there is subcutaneous volume loss and skin laxity. Veins on the back of the hand often become much more prominent. Skin laxity is sometimes treated with deep tissue heating using monopolar radiofrequency and volume loss can be treated by dermal fillers. Whilst use of fillers such as hyaluronic acid to replace lost hand volume is a simple technique it often requires one or two syringes per hand and may need repeating every 6 months.

Prominent hand veins can be treated by using a very fine injection technique called sclerotherapy to treat these veins in the same way leg veins are treated. Each hand is treated during a separate treatment session and an elastic bandage needs to be worn for 48 hours after treatment usually one or two treatments are needed to get a satisfactory improvement.