Dear Dr. Seckel, I have been researching into the use of laser surgery for facial blemishes, wrinkles and facial rejuvenation. In trying to locate a suitable surgeon it is difficult to ascertain which treatments are referred to by their real names and which are simply generic marketing terms. There appears to be new surgery which is non intrusive and is referred to as IPL. You refer to the laser genesis in other posts which appears to be this kind of treatment and I am wondering what differentiates this from FotoFacial, Photo rejuvenation etc. Are they essentially the same procedure? Thank you, Lee, San Diego, CA.
Dear Lee,
I agree with you that the topic of non-surgical laser and photo facial skin rejuvenation and wrinkle removal is a very confusing topic, made worse by the wide variety of branding of facial rejuvenation techniques. I have attempted in my book Save Your Face to organize and clarify this broad topic and the book gives more detail than I can in this blog.
True facial rejuvenation requires restoration to a youthful appearance and includes not only wrinkle removal but also removal of brown spots, red spots, dry skin and skin tightening. Laser skin rejuvenation is a very exciting, new and effective method of non-surgical facial rejuvenation.
No one technique can do it all. That is why I use a 6-step facial rejuvenation program (see archives on the right hand side of the screen to see posts on the 6-step facial rejuvenation program) that combines several different types of treatment.
To help you sort through all the ads and claims keep in mind the following:
Lasers can be used for facial rejuvenation in two ways:
1. Ablative lasers (CO2 and Erbium) provide a laser skin peel for wrinkle removal, removal of pigment and brown spots and tighten skin-they are the Gold Standard-but they require at least a 2-3 week recovery because the face is raw after treatment. This is surgery.
2. Non-ablative lasers (like LaserGenesis)-the ones that are advertised most today- do not remove skin and there is minimal or no recovery time required. But they are most effective for removing brown spots and red spots but THEY ONLY IMPROVE NOT REMOVE WRINKLES. Furthermore improvement of or wrinkle removal requires many (5-6) treatments and 6 months to see noticeable improvement
IPL (also called photo facial and fotofacial skin rejuvenation) is not a laser. Like a laser it uses light energy or light waves to treat the skin. IPL is VERY ERFFECTIVE for removing pigment and red flushing and rosacea or small blood vessels from the skin. WRINKLE REMOVAL is the same as for the non-ablative lasers-it is possible, but requires time and many treatments.
Radiofrequency and infrared non-surgical facial rejuvenation is the newest technology for facial and skin rejuvenation and may prove to be very beneficial and exciting. Unlike Lasers and IPL, radiofrequencyand infrared are not light energy, but are different types of energy used to stimulate new collagen growth in the deeper skin layerrs and cause skin tightening. The newest system Aluma® with FACES® by Lumenis also claims to improve wrinkles. Radiofrequency does not treat brown spots and red spots.
I hope I have not confused you more, but marketing of these products is so intense that it is hard for the patient to make clear choices.
I strongly urge you to read my archives on the 6-step facial rejuvenation program – it is easy to understand and includes many non-laser, non-high tech solutions that you should do first.
For further infromation visit drseckel.com, read Save Your Face or contact me.
Dr Seckel
Boston, Massachusetts