Dermatologic Surgeons Pioneer Non-Invasive Treatments To Look Younger = = (NAPSA)—With Americans livmodulation process is thought ing longer and leading moreactive lifestyles, men and women ofall ages are looking to medical science to help them fight the signs of aging, particularly as it affects appearance. Patient requirements are simple, yet challenging: safe and effective cosmetic procedures that can be done without general anesthesia, without going under the knife, and without significant downtime. While this may sound like a tall order, today’s dermatologic surgeons are already on the job with groundbreaking solutions to enhance and maintain the health and beauty of your skin. In the past 10 years or so, these skincare specialists were instrumental in pioneering and refining such popular cosmetic procedures as laser resurfacing, chemical peels, laser hair removal, wrinkle fillers, Botox, liposuction and noninvasive vein treatments. Now they are turning their clinical know-how to the art and science of new antiaging skin technologies that rejuvenate and maintain a youthful look. From non-wounding light sources that regenerate sun-damaged skin to radio waves that tighten andlift sagging skin, as well as innovative techniques to clear acne, dermatologic surgeons can whisk away wrinkles, age spots, skin laxity, broken blood vessels and scars. Some of the most exciting advances on the horizon include: Non-Ablative Lasers. The latest generation of non-wounding lasers can treat virtually any body area and all skin types, even skin of color. They aid the growth and replenishment of your own collagen to reduce lines, wrinkles and acne scars. These devices are also showing promise to improve white sears and stretch marks byactivating the pigment-producing melanin in the skin. Age spots and to directly activate skin cells without heat injury to tissue. The frequency and duration of the LEDs appearto regenerate living cells by making existing skin cells function more like younger cells. Although presently in the early stages of development, dermatologic surgeons predict that this treatment could transform the landscape of therapeutic and cosmetic skin surgery. acne also respond well to nonablative lasers. Because these devices work below the skin surface, treatment sessions are usually gentle, and most patients can go about their daily activities immediately afterwards. You can even schedule a treatment during your lunch hour and return to work that afternoon. Radio Frequency Waves. A breakthrough device using radio frequency (RF) waves instead of laser light is now available. This novel technology allows the dermatologic surgeon to create nearly instant tightening of the skin, producing a “lift” without the knife. RF thermal treatment can be used for wrinkle reduction, non-surgical lifting of the eyebrows and the lower half of the face, as well as help with active acne. LED Technology. The “gee whiz” in the science of anti-aging biotechnology, photomodulation is a non-invasive procedure that holds enormous potential to renew photoaged skin, heal wounds and stimulate hair growth. Patients sit in front of a panel of low-level lightemitting diodes (LED) less powerful than a 25-watt bulb. The photo- Tips for Smart Decisions. When considering dermatologic surgery treatments, it’s important to be an active consumerby interviewing doctors and investigating their credentials. Before undergoing any medical treatment designed to improve the health and beauty of your skin, remember to ask the following questions: * Is the person performing the procedure a board-certified dermatologist with specialized training in dermatologic surgery? * Is he or she specifically skilled in the procedure you are having? * Is he or she a memberof the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery? * Does he or she regularly perform this procedure; how many cases? * Is this treatment appropriate for you, your skin type, and your medical history? * What are the potential side effects of treatment? * What short- and long-term results can you expect? For more information on therapeutic and cosmetic dermatologic surgery procedures or to locate a nearby dermatologic surgery specialist, visit www.aboutskin surgery.org or call the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery’s consumer hotline at 1-800-441- 2787.
