Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology’s 2003 Annual Meeting in San Francisco, dermatologist Robert A. Weiss, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., discussed the latest advancements in non-ablative skin rejuvenation and their effectiveness in treating common signs of aging, such as wrinkles, mottled skin tone and broken blood vessels.

Photomodulation

Photomodulation is a non-invasive breakthrough technology procedure that works by activating skin cells with pulses of low-level, non-thermal light energy. This non-ablative technology converts light energy within the skin cells, similar to the way photosynthesis takes sunlight and turns it into food energy in plants. A specially-formulated topical skin care kit containing vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants designed to help the skin regenerate has been found to enhance the effects of photomodulation when used prior to treatment. As a result, existing skin cells function more like younger cells.

In a recent multi-center clinical trial, 90 female photoaged patients received an average of eight photomodulation treatments to determine the procedure’s effectiveness at reducing the appearance of wrinkles, pigmentation, redness, pore size and roughness in the periorbital, or eye area of the face.

“The results of our study using photomodulation were very significant,” said Dr. Weiss. “One week after the last treatment, we observed a 62 percent global improvement in the appearance of skin in the eye area, including a reduction of 26 percent in skin roughness, 30 percent in elastosis (or yellow, irregularly-thickened skin), 14 percent in pore size, and 25 percent in redness. Clearly, photomodulation is an extremely safe and effective treatment option for patients looking to improve the appearance of aging and sun-damaged skin without any downtime. Continued improvement is seen even months after treatment. ”

Photorejuvenation

Photorejuvenation is another new non-ablative treatment that works simultaneously to repair collagen in the dermis, or deepest layer of the skin, while gently erasing signs of aging in the epidermis, or top layer of skin. This unique light treatment selectively delivers intense pulses of light to the dermis, which injures and subsequently repairs the existing collagen. Since the epidermis is rarely injured by this treatment, there are no visible signs that the skin is being rejuvenated as is common with other traditional ablative procedures.

On the surface of the skin, photorejuvenation works by delivering shorter pulses of light that can reduce the signs of aging and sun damage, including fine wrinkles, freckles and irregular pigmentation, as well as redness and dilated capillaries commonly associated with rosacea. For best results, a series of four to six treatment sessions spaced approximately three weeks apart is recommended. Each treatment takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

“What makes photorejuvenation so appealing is that it can rapidly treat the entire face – not just a single problem or area – with little or no downtime, minimal discomfort and very little risk,” said Dr. Weiss. “In addition, photorejuvenation has been found to be extremely effective in improving the appearance of the neck, chest and hands – which can be difficult to treat because the skin is more delicate in these areas.”

Photorejuventation can also be used in conjunction with other procedures to enhance results, such as laser resurfacing, chemical peeling, and microdermabrasion. Recent studies have also found positive results combining botulinum toxin and photorejuvenation in one procedure.

“We know botulinum toxin is highly effective at erasing wrinkles and deep facial lines, but it really doesn’t affect the uneven skin tones and red and brown colors that make a person’s face look older,” explained Dr. Weiss. “When combining the two procedures, photorejuvenation is used first to treat a patient’s overall complexion and botulinum toxin injections are administered following this treatment to fill in wrinkles. The results of this combined procedure are immediate, and the patient does not incur any additional downtime.”

As with any cosmetic procedure, patients should be sure to select a qualified dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon experienced in these new non-ablative treatments and discuss the pros and cons of any procedure to determine the one that is best for them.

The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of over 14,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org