Sending a Signal
Q: I keep hearing about collagen and its role in achieving younger-looking skin. I think I understand correctly that collagen is something I can’t buy over the counter so how does a person get it and keep it?
A: You’re right about collagen and its importance. Collagen is one of many things that ceases to reproduce as actively as we age. We’ve brought a special laser to our office that actually increases collagen production. It’s the Sciton™ laser that comes equipped with literally dozens of different types of laser tips to be used on different areas of the body. This comprehensive laser can be adjusted with different tips to address every individual’s specific needs.
Collagen production is affected negatively by antioxidants (pollutants in the air including smoking) and aging.
The Sciton laser is especially effective in rejuvenating skin on the faces and necks, according to Debbie Brinkman, CMA and Clinical Coordinator for Dr. Ben Lee, facial plastic surgeon. The treatment is non-invasive so there’s no down time, something busy patients appreciate. On average three treatments of 30 to 40 minutes each are recommended. The treatments are scheduled three to four weeks apart.
What the Sciton does is to prompt the body to produce more collagen, explains Brinkman. “We’re sending the signal to the body to do the healing.” The healing process she is describing is the production of increased collagen which returns the skin to its youthful condition, plumper and more full. The infusion of collagen then erases fine lines and wrinkles that begin to develop as one’s collagen begins to deplete. And because collagen is a naturally-produced substance, not a foreign injection, allergic reactions and side effects aren’t a worry.
The patient reclines on a spa treatment bed as the medical technician passes the Sciton laser wand over specific areas of the face and neck. Combined with a MicroLaserPeel—removal of the top layer of skin—the results are a refreshed, younger looking you.
Some clinics continue to use the Sciton laser for hair removal, something Dr. Lee abandoned for an upgraded hair-removal laser known as the Aesthera Photopneumatic Therapy (PPx) laser. He invested in this upgraded hair removal laser (it also is used for acne treatment to eradicate acne in short order without medication or downtime) in first quarter of 2007. The Aesthera actually has wand tips that are better suited to addressing different parts of the body that require hair removal: legs, arms, backs, bikini line.
Plus the Aesthera has a cooling mechanism that means patients undergoing hair removal don’t have to use numbing gels prior to treatment.