Fraxel

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Innovations in Laser Skin Resurfacing – From the Fraxel to Syneron Sublative Treatment

Human skin is separated into three layers. The outer layer that you can touch is called the epidermis. This layer contains melanocytes, which are pigmented cells that determine the colour of your skin. The middle layer is called the dermis and contains collagen and elastin fibres. These fibres are what keep your skin firm and smooth. The inner layer is called the subcutis and contains fat that plumps your skin.

As your body ages, the epidermis begins thinning out and the dermis begins losing collagen and elastin fibers. This causes fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin that naturally come with age. If you don’t want to let your skin show its age proudly, you need to see a professional for laser resurfacing.

Laser Resurfacing in History

Once upon a time, you had to subject your skin to ablative laser treatments that vaporized facial tissue in the epidermis and dermis in order to get substantial results, and that required at least a week for recovery. Non-ablative laser treatments, like IPL, were developed in order to deliver results with less damage to the epidermis. These treatments are not always as effective as ablative treatments, but they do require less recovery time.

Professionals offering laser treatments were ecstatic when fractional technology was introduced in 2003 and the first Fraxel machine was released in 2004. This technology delivers the results formerly seen only with invasive ablative laser procedures but causes less damage to the epidermis and requires a much shorter recovery period.

The Fraxel machine with fractional laser technology. Machines designed with this technology can deliver amazing results with just one or two treatment sessions, but they don’t require a week or more for recovery. You essentially get the benefits of the former ablative and non-ablative laser treatments, but those benefits are combined in one improved treatment.

Today, there are many types of fractional laser machines on the market, so the Fraxel machine is not your only option. If you want to increase collagen and elastin production and plump up your skin so that the signs of ageing are less prominent, fractional laser treatment is your best option. There are also many other uses for this technology, so keep reading to learn more about these advanced treatment options.

How Does Fractional Technology Work?

When the machines for laser resurfacing first hit the market, CO2 lasers saturated the skin with solid beams of light energy and vaporized the targeted skin tissue. This was effective, but it caused considerable damage to the dermis and epidermis. Fractional technology is different because it doesn’t deliver a solid beam of light energy. The light beams are fractioned into thousands of tiny columns. These columns of energy are deep enough to affect the dermis, but they limit damage to surrounding skin tissue.

Fraxel treatments use laser beams emitted from special machines just like previous laser treatments, but the fractioned beams of energy remove old cells on the surface of the skin while creating deep holes in the dermis. The damage to the dermis naturally causes the body to start producing healthy skin cells, collagen, and elastin in order to repair those deep layers of skin. Those fresh skin cells deliver a more youthful glow to the skin while the collagen and elastin work to keep the skin tight and firm.

Fractional treatments are fast and efficient, and you should only need one or two treatment sessions to deliver significant results. When you go in for treatment, an anesthetic cream will be used to numb the skin. A gliding gel is applied over the treatment area to allow a robotic arm to glide smoothly over the skin. This arm delivers the fractioned beams of light energy.

Trained medical professionals must determine the intensity of the fraxel laser beams to ensure safe and effective results, so research the qualifications of any professional delivering treatment. In most cases, the entire face is treated in about half an hour. You can also receive treatment to other areas of the body suffering from signs of ageing, scarring, and other skin problems.

Anti-Ageing and Beyond

The reduction of fine lines and wrinkles is not the only application for fractional laser treatments. You may also consider treatment for the following skin issues:

  • Acne scars
  • Age spots
  • Actinic Keratosis
  • Sun damage

Remember, the epidermis contains cells that affect skin pigmentation, and the dermis contains collagen and elastin. Since Fraxel treatments can affect both of these skin layers, they can improve issues involving pigmentation as well as skin ageing.

Professionals trained to use this technology utilise a variety of machinery beyond the official Fraxel machine to do amazing things for patients suffering from many different skin conditions. If you have a skin problem that has not responded to other treatments or that you have yet to treat, it doesn’t hurt to discuss fractional treatment options with a professional.

Fraxel versus Other Laser Treatments

Fractional treatments are the newest laser treatments on the market, so they are among the most expensive options. Yet, many consumers prefer this type of treatment at any cost because of substantial differences from other laser treatments:

  • Fast procedures
  • Limited pain during procedure
  • Less than a week recovery time
  • Dramatic results in one to two treatments

The problem with ablative laser treatments is that they require at least a week for full recovery, oftentimes longer. The problem with IPL and other non-ablative laser treatments is that the results are less dramatic, so you often need three or more treatments to deliver expected results. Fraxel treatments are different because they deliver noticeable results in just one or two treatments and require far less time for recovery.

Advances in Fractional Technology

The Fraxel machine blew the minds of trained medical practitioners as well as patients when it was first introduced, but technology has moved on over the past 10 years. You can still see amazing results from a Fraxel machine, but many other fractioned laser machines on the market deliver even better results.

One of the best machines currently competing with the Fraxel machine is the Syneron Sublative machine. This machine uses fractioned radio frequencies to heat up the dermis. This heat damages that inner layer of skin, allowing the body to start generating fresh skin cells and producing more elastin and collagen. This is done with very little damage to the epidermis, so you get exceptional results without substantial redness, swelling, and other surface layer side effects.

The main difference between the original Fraxel machine and machines like Syneron Sublative is the depth reached by the skin. The more advanced machines can reach deeper into the skin and target the dermis with more precision. While the Fraxel machine impacts the epidermis much less than the traditional laser treatments, these more advanced machines deliver even less damage to that outer layer of skin.

You no longer have to suffer with substantial skin damage for weeks on end as a result of skin rejuvenation procedures. You can spend an hour or less with a well-trained medical provider and fully recover in just four or five days. You may not even need follow-up treatments to achieve the results you expect. That is the difference that fractional laser technology makes for your skin.

*All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Fraxel is the trademark of the Valeant family of companies. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.

Fraxel Laser

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Introduction to Fraxel Laser Technology

What It Is and How It Can Help Your Skin

When you look at your body in the mirror, what stands out to you most? If you are like most people, you focus on your biggest flaws. Maybe the flaws you see are concentrated in your face. You are watching fine lines and wrinkles develop with age. Perhaps you have skin discoloration or moderate to severe scarring from acne or an injury. You may even suffer from sagging skin or other imperfections caused sun damage or other health conditions.

While you may choose to accept your flaws and highlight your attributes, you may also choose to seek out professional laser resurfacing procedures to make those flaws less prominent. If the term “laser resurfacing” brings to mind images of raw, swollen flesh and exaggerated results that look unnatural, let us introduce you to advanced Fraxel laser technology.

This advanced form of laser resurfacing causes far less skin damage and does not require lengthy recovery periods. You can spend less than an hour with a trained professional and enjoy results that look natural and fresh. In less than a week, you will have fully recovered from a Fraxel treatment, and in many cases, only one treatment is needed to achieve the desired results.

What Is Fraxel Laser Technology?

Fraxel is the name of a laser resurfacing machine that was introduced to the market in 2004. Prior to the development of this technology, laser resurfacing treatments were either ablative or non-ablative. Ablative treatments caused significant damage to the dermis and epidermis, but they delivered maximum results in just one treatment. Non-ablative treatments like IPL were introduced to produce less surface damage to the skin, and reducing the amount of recovery time required post treatment.

Fraxel laser machines were developed as an advanced form of traditional laser treatments. This technology allowed technicians to target smaller areas of skin in a more precise manner, causing far less damage to surrounding skin tissue. Fraxel treatments are just as effective as traditional laser resurfacing procedures, but they cause far less damage to the outer layers of the skin. This means that it takes five days or less to fully recover from this type of treatment.

The main difference between traditional ablative laser treatments and Fraxel laser treatment is the type of laser beam sprayed onto the skin. Traditional treatments saturated the skin with a single beam, damaging all skin cells in the treated area of skin. Fraxel machines break that solid beam of light energy up into thousands of tiny beams, so some areas of the treated skin are not exposed to the heat produced by the lasers. This technology is referred to as fractioned laser technology, and it is now used in many other types of machines as well as the Fraxel machine.

Potential Side Effects

There are not many side effects to worry about with Fraxel laser treatment or any of the other types of fractional laser treatments. You can expect to receive treatment in less than an hour, and most patients can comfortably carry on with their daily lives after leaving the office. If you are worried that others may notice swelling or redness after the procedure, you may choose to take the rest of the day off and treat your skin with an ice pack to relieve those minor side effects. Most people do not notice significant swelling or redness, but it is prudent to expect some minor effects.

If you have dark skin, there is a chance you could experience some pigment changes after the procedure. This may also happen if you have a history of pigmentation concerns. You can discuss this possibility with your chosen Fraxel provider, though it is not an issue for most people.

Moving Beyond the Original Fraxel Laser Machine

The most current fractional laser machines offer the most precise results with treatments reaching deeper layers of the dermis.

While the original Fraxel laser machine was a huge improvement over the laser treatments used previously, these modern fractional machines produce even less damage to the epidermis while delivering greater results in just one or two treatments. These machines are not mainstream yet, but you can expect to hear more about them in the near future as consumers catch on to their benefits.

*All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Fraxel is the trademark of the Valeant family of companies. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.

Microdermabrasion

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Microdermabrasion is a popular, relatively inexpensive facial skin treatment available in many medical spas and physician’s offices in Australia. This article explains the treatment’s technology, purpose, benefits as well as some additional considerations for those interested in booking an appointment for the procedure.

What is microdermabrasion?

The most effective microdermabrasion treatments are performed in a medical office using a powerful machine. After a gentle facial cleansing, the attendant uses a machine that sends a powerful spray of specially refined crystals onto the skin’s surface. These crystals help to exfoliate and slough off dead skin cells. The massaging effect stimulates and promotes the generation of fresh new skin cells. The machine then uses vacuum power to suction off the unwanted debris including dead skin cells, dirt and oil from clogged pores and the excess refined crystals. The skin’s surface is left clean, rejuvenated and glowing.

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What are the benefits of microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion facial treatment has many benefits. It can brighten up dull and lifeless skin, help to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation spots and enlarged pores, and smooth out dry or rough skin texture. This procedure is popular because it can successfully treat several skin problems in a single treatment. The results are cumulative and for more apparent results, a series of treatments are recommended.

Which conditions can be treated using microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion can be used to treat many unwanted skin conditions, many related to aging:

  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Sun damage
  • Oily skin
  • Enlarged pores
  • Reduction of the appearance of scars
  • Age spots and hyperpigmentation
  • Dull and lifeless skin

Is microdermabrasion more effective than a normal facial?

Yes. The microdermabrasion treatment not only provides a deeper exfoliation, the effect on the stimulation of the skin during the treatment promotes the production of new collagen. This results in a more supple and fresh look to the skin.

How many treatments are recommended for best results?

A series of six microdermabrasion treatments once per week, is recommended for visible, noticeable improvement, though many people notice results after just one or two treatments. After the initial series of six sessions, one monthly treatment is recommended to maintain the rejuvenated glowing appearance to the skin.

Is there any recovery time after a microdermabrasion treatment?

No. There is no downtime associated with microdermabrasion treatment. Immediately afterwards, there may be some redness to the treated area, but in most people the redness will be gone within 24 hours. To cover the redness and return to work, many patients apply foundation or other make-up after their session.

Is there any specific aftercare required following a microdermabrasion treatment?

Microdermabrasion removes the top layer of the skin and encourages new skin cells to grow. The fresh new skin will be sensitive to exposure including wind and the sun’s rays. After a treatment, patients are given a set of instructions that will prevent the negative effects of the environment on the skin. Constant coverage with sunscreen will be recommended to prevent sunburn. Diligent use of moisturiser is recommended to encourage the skin’s new cells to maintain their plump and fresh quality.

Is treatment with microdermabrasion associated with any particular risks or complications? Does it require any specific precautions?

Facial surgery, injection therapy with wrinkle injections or filler, or any other invasive procedure to the treated area should be avoided in the weeks immediately prior to or after a microdermabrasion treatment. Waxing should not be done at least two days before and seven days or more after microdermabrasion. Exposure to UV rays indoors or outdoors, and swimming in chlorinated pools are not recommended for at least two full weeks after microdermabrasion.

Is microdermabrasion right for me?

Facial microdermabrasion treatment is sometimes available with little or no medical supervision, often in spas or beauty salons. To avoid risks or complications, microdermabrasion treatment should be sought out in medical spas or physician-supervised clinics.

Varicose Vein Treatment

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Varicose Vein Treatment – What are Your Options?


The day you run a hand over your leg or ankle and feel a protruding, throbbing vein is never a good one. If you do not feel your varicose veins, you may first discover them by seeing them in the mirror while wearing a short skirt, shorts, bathing suit or underwear. If the veins are located on the backside of your legs, someone else may notice the condition first.

In most cases, these veins may be a sign that you are getting older. Just as your face starts to develop fine lines and wrinkles as the years go by, your veins start to weaken and the valves that allow the blood to flow back to the heart become less effective. There is nothing you can do to stop your body from ageing, but there are some things you can do to naturally prevent the development of varicose veins.

Right now is the time to take action if you are starting to notice that your veins are protruding or appear darker than normal. You may still be able to correct the problem before your condition worsens. There are some cosmetic procedures that a professional can use to help you treat the problem. This guide will introduce you to your treatment options, both naturally and surgically.

Get Up and Go

An active lifestyle that limits excessive standing or sitting is one of the best ways to prevent and treat varicose veins. When you remain motionless for an extended period of time, blood flow slows down through your legs and increases your chances of developing varicose veins.

You can easily keep the blood flowing efficiently through your veins by working short bursts of movement into your day. If you sit at a desk during the day for work, you can make a point of standing up and doing simple exercises at your desk every hour or two. You may also choose to deliver letters or go talk to your colleagues in person rather than sending emails during the day.

It is also important to add formal exercise into your life. From Zumba to yoga, Pilates and boot camp, there are endless ways to add exercise into your schedule. You may also start taking a walk or going for a jog in the evenings or first thing in the mornings. This may not guarantee that you never suffer from varicose veins and it may not eliminate those that you already suffer, but exercise can help tremendously.

Watch What You Eat

What you eat is just as important as how often you move. Healthy foods will nourish your veins while helping you control your body weight. If you carry excess weight on your body, you will naturally put more pressure on your veins as they try to pump blood through your body efficiently. This is why overweight and obese people are far more likely to need varicose vein treatment than people who maintain healthy body weights throughout their lives.

Keep Your Hormones in Check

One of the primary causes of varicose veins is hormonal change. You can help treat the varicose veins that have already developed and prevent the future varicose veins by having your hormone levels checked regularly. If you become pregnant, a condition which is associated with lots of hormonal change, monitor your veins and consider using graduated compression stockings.

Compression Treatment

One way to treat varicose veins is to apply consistent pressure to the troubled veins throughout the day. As pressure is applied around your leg, the veins are constricted and improve efficiency as they pump blood throughout your body. This can help relieve some of the discomfort caused by your veins and will make living with this condition a bit more comfortable.

Beyond Natural Varicose Vein Treatments

If you suffer from a severe case of varicose veins that interfere with your daily life or you simply want to correct the problem due to the unattractive appearance of the veins, there are some additional varicose vein treatments to consider. Only a professional trained to treat varicose veins can determine which of these treatments applies best to your situation, but it is a good idea to understand all of your options.

1. Laser Procedures

Handheld devices are used to spray light over the affected veins. The light will decrease the appearance of the veins by causing them to collapse so that blood no longer passes through them. These procedures can be performed in very little time and require little to no downtime. Lasers offer the least painful method of treatment for your varicose veins. Laser treatment works best on small varicose veins, so it may not be ideal if you suffer from a more severe condition.

2. Sclerotherapy

This form of varicose vein treatment involves injecting a solution into the veins in order to close them off so that blood stops flowing through them. This is a simple in-office procedure that will typically deliver results within days or weeks. You may need to go in for repeat injections before you completely eliminate the appearance of the veins. This is a fast, low pain procedure that is completed with no recovery time required.

3. Catheter Treatments

If you suffer from more severe varicose veins that are too large for laser treatment or sclerotherapy, you may need this more invasive option. A catheter is injected into the vein and then heated up. When the catheter comes out of the vein, it causes the vein to collapse. Once collapsed, the vein will close off so that blood is no longer able to flow through.

4. Surgical Removal

If you have larger varicose veins, surgery may be the best, most permanent option. A vascular surgeon must first determine that you are an ideal candidate for this procedure, and then you must be prepared for a more substantial recovery period.

Ambulatory phlebectomy involves a series of punctures which may leave some scarring, and endoscopic surgery employs an internal camera to identify problem veins so that they can be removed. These procedures are typically performed as outpatient services, but they are still more substantial than your standard laser treatment or other options listed above.

Notice that most of these treatment options are designed to prevent blood from passing through the veins that are currently giving you problems. Your blood will continue to flow, but it will travel through other veins instead.

It is important to live an active lifestyle, eat a healthy diet, and avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time even after you treat the veins currently giving you a problem. Preventative measures can never ensure that you will not develop new varicose veins, but they can reduce your chances significantly.

Not Ready for Treatment?

If you decide not to treat your varicose veins immediately, make sure you watch for ulcers around your ankles or excessive swelling in your legs and ankles. Excessive swelling is often a sign of a blood clot which could develop due to restricted blood flow throughout your veins. You must treat blood clots immediately so that they do not put your life in danger. If you are suffering from serious varicose veins, it is a good idea to at least consult a professional to discuss your treatment options. You will know what to do in the future if you decide it is necessary to move beyond the natural treatment and prevention methods featured in this guide.

Pelleve

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Pelleve: Your Non-Surgical Solution to Wrinkles

How much money have you spent over the years on anti-wrinkle and anti-ageing creams, serums and lotions? If you are like most people, you have invested a considerable amount of money in those products because you do not want to resort to surgery. Luckily, there is a middle ground between ineffective or slow-acting topical treatments and surgery. Pelleve is that middle ground.

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What Is Pelleve?

Pelleve is a non-surgical, non-invasive cosmetic procedure that utilises radiofrequency energy. A unique device is used to saturate deep layers of the skin with this energy, reaching your skin’s collagen stores. This energy gradually heats the collagen and causes it to contract. Over time, this stimulation causes the development of new collagen.

Collagen is what keeps young skin firm and prevents fine lines, wrinkles and sagging. Human skin naturally produces less and less skin with age, which is why you start to see unattractive signs of ageing as you get older. Most topical treatments fail to deliver the results you expect because they are inefficient at stimulating the development of new collagen.

There are some surgical treatments that can force your skin to look fresh and youthful, but those procedures come with significant risks and painful recovery periods. They can also look unnatural, especially in cases where patients have been “overdone”. Pelleve does not require surgery and delivers fast, long-lasting results without the painful recovery or downtime required with surgery.

What to Expect

Begin by consulting with a professional trained to deliver Pelleve treatment to determine if you are an ideal candidate for this procedure. There are other skin-firming cosmetic procedures available, and you may want to discuss all of your options and go over potential side effects before you commit to any one procedure. A trained professional can help you see the benefits of this procedure for your specific needs.

If Pelleve is the right skin treatment for you, then you can expect a fast, virtually painless procedure that does not intrude on your daily life. You may want to schedule your first appointment on a day that has no other important appointments or activities planned for it. This will allow you to see how your skin reacts to the treatment, though most people can carry on with their daily routine immediately after the procedure.

While some radiofrequency skin treatments are moderately painful, Pelleve is different. Many people consider that it feels like more of a massage than a skin treatment, and in some cases it can even be relaxing. You will walk into the appointment looking tired and wrinkled, and you will walk out looking and feeling refreshed.

Treatment that Keeps Giving

One thing that makes Pelleve different from other skin treatments is the fact that it continues to work weeks and months after your treatment. The goal of the treatment is to stimulate your skin to start producing greater amounts of collagen. This means that your skin gradually tightens and grows smoother with time. What you see immediately after the procedure is only the beginning of the improvements that you can expect.

Pelleve is one of the newer treatments on the cosmetic market, so it does not yet have the history that some other facial anti-ageing treatments have. Yet, early evidence indicates that it is one of the more promising cosmetic procedures for those interested in reducing wrinkles and rejuvenating their skin to achieve a more youthful appearance. The fact that it is painless, requires no downtime, and can even be relaxing, makes it more desirable to many patients.

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*All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Pelleve is the trademark of Ellman International Inc. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.

Skin Needling

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What Is Skin Needling?


Skin needling is a term often used to refer to a cosmetic procedure also known as the “derma roller” treatment. This treatment involves a device covered in tiny needles that is used to make miniscule puncture holes in your skin. Thousands of punctures are created with every treatment, forcing the skin to regenerate and heal itself with the production of new skin cells and collagen.

The Value of Youthful Cells

Humans come out of the womb with smooth, soft skin that holds firmly in place. Children enjoy youthful skin that is tight and fresh. Their young skin is full of collagen, a substance that acts like scaffolding for your skin cells. Unfortunately for adults, the production of collagen slows down with age, leaving the skin with less structure. Most people start seeing looser skin and some wrinkles by the time they reach their late 30s. In your 40s and beyond, you can expect to see significant changes in the tightness and overall appearance of your skin.

These skin changes occur naturally with age, so it makes sense that the best way to turn back the skin’s clock is the generation of new skin cells. This is only possible through the body taps into its natural healing processes. When the skin begins to heal itself from the puncture injury, it starts producing more collagen and creating fresh cells. It then begins to look and feel more like it did when you were a teenager.

Beyond Anti-Ageing Benefits

Skin needling stimulates the production of collagen, but it is also used for the treatment of scarring. If you have significant scarring due to severe acne, you may feel self-conscious about the appearance of your skin. If you have tried many topical treatments without adequate results, this non-surgical procedure may be worth considering.

While skin needling may not completely eliminate all scarring, it can significantly reduce the prominence of scars. The mechanism is the same; the punctures from the treatment heal with fresh skin cells that replace the scarred cells.

What to Expect from a Skin Needling Treatment

Though this procedure is not the most comfortable option available today, it is one of the most effective for many people. You can expect to receive a numbing cream prior to the treatment that will reduce discomfort. Once your skin is sufficiently numb, your medical provider will use a unique handheld device to roll tiny needles over the surface of your skin.

These needles will penetrate your skin to a depth determined by your physician based on your goals. The needles are rolled over your skin, creating thousands of punctures in very little time. You can expect your treatment to last no more than an hour, though treatment times vary depending on the size of the area and the skin condition being treated.

Once the punctures have been made, your medical provider will remove the numbing cream. Most people can return to their normal daily activities without any obvious signs of their treatment. However, it is a good idea to clear your calendar for a few hours after your first skin needling treatment, just in case.

Results Develop over Time

You may notice that your skin looks refreshed immediately after this procedure, but the bulk of the results will come over several weeks following the treatment. Your skin will be generating more collagen and new skin cells in order to repair itself. As healing continues, the true results of skin needling will appear. The gradual change gives a subtle and natural shift from dull and lined to youthful and dewey.

Vampire Facelift

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Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy: The Vampire Facelift

In recent years the Vampire Facelift has attracted a lot of media attention. If you were a celebrity walking the red carpet at the 2013 Academy Awards, you would have received a swag bag which included a gift certificate for a complimentary vampire facelift. This is the skin-rejuvenating cosmetic procedure that Kim Kardashian tweeted about in March 2013, but it is not limited to the rich and famous. If you can afford to invest $1,000 – $1,500 in your appearances, you too can turn back the clock with a vampire facelift.

Do not let the popular name of the vampire facelift intimidate you. This is a valid cosmetic procedure that involves a unique process that uses the patient’s blood to improve the condition of facial skin. Trained medical professionals begin this modern procedure by drawing blood from the patient’s arm just as like during a routine blood test.

That is why the procedure is referred to as the vampire facelift, but the medical name for this procedure is Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, or PRP therapy. While many of our patients are intrigued by the name of this procedure and the many before/after pictures of celebrities who have received the procedure, we want to educate you about the procedure.

This page will introduce you to platelet rich plasma therapy and help you determine whether it is a good option for your skin. Celebrity pictures are encouraging, but we want you to think about your own before/after pictures. Once you understand our medical professionals complete PRP therapy and how it may benefit your skin, you can contact us for a private consultation.

Inside the Treatment

The Vampire Facelift procedure begins only after a thorough personal consultation with our medical professionals, be it the same day or weeks or months ahead of time. Once all of your questions regarding the procedure are answered, and you are at peace with your decision to awaken the natural beauty of your skin with platelet rich plasma therapy, the treatment begins.

Your trained, experienced medical professional will numb your skin for comfort before moving through the following procedure:

1. Your physician or the nurse draws fresh blood from your arm.

2. They will separate your blood’s plasma from your red blood cells. The red blood cells are discarded, and the plasma is preserved for your treatment. This plasma contains valuable platelets that can stimulate the production of collagen and the generation of new skin cells. All growth factors needed to rejuvenate and refresh the skin are included in this plasma.

3. Your blood plasma is mixed using a special process to ‘activate’ the growth factors.

4. The solution is injected into your skin as discussed during your consultation. This step will vary from one patient to another, depending on your needs and the results you expect to see from the procedure.

This Vampire Facelift is completed much like any other rejuvenating injection treatment, but the use of your own blood makes it the changes come from inside your own body. Most procedures are completed in less than an hour.

Potential Benefits of PRP

It is tempting to rush into a cosmetic procedure when you see those amazing before/after pictures of celebrities, but what can you really expect your results to look like? There are several possibilities to consider:

  • Youthful, vibrant skin glow – fresh cell production
  • Tighter, firmer skin – reduced sagging
  • Enhanced collagen production
  • Fewer fine lines
  • Reduction or elimination of acne scars
  • Elimination of dark under-eye circles
  • Improved skin texture or tone
  • Substantial increase in facial volume

Standard facelift surgeries are completed to smooth out wrinkles and tighten skin for a more youthful appearance. This is exactly what you can expect from a vampire facelift, though there are some significant differences between PRP and a surgical facelift.

Vampire Facelift vs. Surgical Facelift

The biggest difference between these two procedures is the non-invasive nature of the vampire facelift. There is less risk of complications during or after the procedure, and specifically significantly less risk of infection after the procedure, since PRP does not require surgical incisions into your skin. In addition:

  • The vampire facelift can be completed in less than an hour, but facelift surgery requires more time for both the treatment and recovery. Some PRP procedures may take a little longer than an hour if you target multiple areas of skin at once.
    • You only need topical anesthesia to control pain during PRP therapy, but you need more substantial anesthesia during a surgical procedure. You will also need pain medication after facial surgery, but that is not necessary for vampire facelift recovery.
    • Due to the lack of surgical incision, you will recover from your vampire facelift much faster than you would recover from a surgical facelift. This means you will spend far less time away from work and your family when you choose this non-invasive facelift option.

Another major difference between these procedures is the rate at which results are apparent. You will notice the full results of a surgical face lift as soon as your wounds have healed. In comparison, the full results from the PRP procedure can take up to two months to become noticeable. This modern procedure allows your skin to gradually heal and rejuvenate itself over time in a more natural fashion.

When you have a surgical facelift, it is easy for others to guess that you have undergone plastic surgery. The results are stark and immediate. PRP delivers a more natural, progressive regeneration of the skin that is not as obvious. While you will turn heads and questions will be asked about what you are doing to look so fresh and youthful, it won’t look as if you resorted to plastic surgery.

Restore Your Natural Shape and Volume

PRP is all about lifting your skin so that you see your face’s natural shape and volume return. With age, your skin naturally sinks, sags and flattens. You start to look more yellow or gray as your skin cells grow older and collagen levels deplete. You may notice fine lines around your mouth and eyes, or you may suffer from dark under-eye circles that do not go away with adequate sleep or relaxation.

A surgical facelift is effective if you have excess skin that you want removed or you just want to quickly tighten the skin. PRP is a more suitable option if you want to lift and shape your face without removing excess skin. If you still aren’t certain which option is best for your skin, come discuss your options with our experienced professionals. You will get answers to all of your questions and obtain additional information about the vampire facelift during your initial consultation.

PRP – Nature’s Facelift

Our patients may come through the door because they have heard about the vampire facelift through social media, mainstream media or from friends, but they decide to go through with the procedure for personal reasons. For many of our patients, it is a desire to look fresh and alive in the most natural manner possible. They want to look their best and stop premature signs of ageing, but they want to work with their skin rather than cutting into their skin.

The Vampire Facelift gives your body what it needs to naturally boost collagen production and develop fresh skin cells. The facelift results are not instant because it takes time for your body to make these adjustments and begin the process of healing your skin. You gradually improve the condition of your skin, but the final results are just as remarkable as the results often seen from surgical facelifts.

Don’t just look at those celebrity before/after pictures and wish those results were yours. Schedule a consultation with our professionals today to discuss the Vampire Facelift so that we can work together to bring your own before/after pictures to life.

IPL Skin Rejuvenation

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Guide to IPL Skin Rejuvenation

IPL skin rejuvenation is a common cosmetic procedure designed to produce a clear, healthy and beautiful complexion. There are a variety of specific skin issues that can be solved using IPL, from certain types of conditions, to blemishes, wrinkles, the effects of ageing, and more. In this guide, you will learn more about the procedure, the process, the technology, and the benefits.

This article forms part of a series on Facial Rejuvenation by our medical experts, including: Photorejuvenation, Skin Rejuvenation and Facial Rejuvenation. Learn more by visiting these article, voicing your opinions in the comment sections below or contacting us on 1300 788 800.

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What is IPL Skin Rejuvenation?

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light technology. It is an FDA and TGA-approved and patented form of treatment which has been shown to be both safe and effective. IPL is also known as photorejuvenation. Because it is a relatively simple and straightforward procedure, with few concerns in terms of either side effects, recovery time, or the level of invasiveness with the treatment itself, IPL is continuing to become a more widely utilised choice.

Benefits of IPL Skin Rejuvenation

IPL skin rejuvenation offers patients a wide range of benefits, including:

  • IPL is a quick in-office procedure, with almost zero needs for recovery. It’s easy to fit it into your schedule and get on with the rest of your life. You see great results without undergoing intensive surgery.
  • IPL works wonders for removing red splotches, brown spots, and scarring, as well as reducing pore size, eliminating and reducing wrinkles, and improving overall skin texture, smoothness and quality. IPL has been used to treat rosacea, hyperpigmentation, melasma, age and sunspots, broken capillaries, spider veins, stretch marks, and other conditions as well.
  • IPL is a great tool to help combat the effects of ageing, and achieve a more youthful appearance.
  • IPL offers a legitimate and long-lasting solution, as opposed to some procedures which offer only short-term results.
  • IPL can also be utilised anywhere on the body, offering great versatility from a single procedure.

Procedure Details

During an IPL procedure, intense light from a range of wavelengths is focused on the specific parts of your skin that you are treating. The IPL device itself is gently pressed onto the skin, with a smooth, transparent surface emitting the light on the targeted areas.

This light helps to spur on the production of collagen, which will help to fill in lines and wrinkles or shallow scarring, while also reducing redness, discolouration, and spots.

Meanwhile, the targeted tissue that has been damaged is naturally removed by the body. Depending on what is being treated, the exact wavelength range can be adjusted to optimise results.

You will wear an eye mask to protect your eyes and vision during the procedure, and topical gels may be applied on your skin to prevent overheating. You may also be given pain medication before or after the procedure, but you do not undergo any form of anesthesia.

The entire procedure is very quick, taking about half an hour to complete, although the exact length will depend on what you are specifically treating, and its size or scope. Once it has been completed though, you will likely spend a very short recovery and observation period in the clinic before being allowed to go home.

Light vs. Laser

It is important to understand that IPL skin rejuvenation utilises light waves, not laser. These terms are often used interchangeably by many individuals, however, this is not correct. A separate treatment, known as laser skin resurfacing, is also utilised as a cosmetic treatment for some similar conditions. Laser skin resurfacing may either be ablative (removing top layers of skin via induced injury) or non-ablative (heat damage to deep layers of skin without removing skin).

While there is an overlap between IPL and laser skin resurfacing in terms of what they are used for and how they work, they are not the same and do not have the exact same applications, either. Laser skin resurfacing is also much more expensive than IPL. The latter is also seen as offering reduced risk of abnormal healing or the potential for making certain types of skin conditions worse.

Other Considerations

While IPL is a very versatile and effective procedure, it does not produce guaranteed results for all people, all skin types, and all issues. For instance, IPL is not as effective on very dark or tan skin in comparison to fare or pale complexions.

The procedure itself may be slightly uncomfortable, akin to a stinging or slight burning sensation. After the procedure, it may feel as if you had been sunburned for about 24-48 hours. There is the possibility, although not common, that you may develop blistering or scabs following IPL.

After receiving your treatment, you will be advised to spend anywhere from two to five days out of direct and prolonged sun exposure. Your clinician may also recommend avoiding direct hot water streams, i.e., your shower, or soaking in water in a tub or pool.

Depending on what exactly you’re looking to accomplish, you will likely need to schedule multiple IPL treatments, potentially up to half a dozen. Individual IPL sessions are spaced approximately four weeks apart. Therefore, while the treatments are quick, the overall process may take some time to see final results and completion. In the first week or two after a treatment, blemishes or spots may actually darken before fading.

While IPL offers a long-lasting solution with the appearance and texture of your skin, it does not stop the ageing process, or the causes of other wear and tear to your skin. Therefore, it is not a permanent solution.

Cost

The average cost in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane for IPL treatment in 2014 was approximately $450, with a range spanning from $100-$800. Often, depending on the strength of the device. However, keep in mind that this represents the cost of a single treatment, and in many cases, patients undergo several individual treatments throughout the process. There may also be additional costs beyond the actual fee represented above. Of course, this is an elective, cosmetic procedure, and is not covered by insurance.

Choosing Your Practitioner or Clinic

As with any type of medical procedure, it is important to select the right physician or skin clinic to work with. When it comes to IPL, you should understand that this is an overall process which could take three, sometimes up to 5 treatments (in extreme cases) with 3-4 weeks in between each treatment.Therefore, your physician should from the opening consultation be able to create an overall action plan and timeline for you, and you should be on the same page with him or her with what the entails, how many treatments you will be undergoing, and how long the entire start to finish process will take.

You should feel comfortable with your practitioner, and be able to take to him or her freely about your concerns, while asking questions and receiving honest feedback. He or she should also be able to talk with you about all of your options for skin treatments and cosmetic procedures, so you know you are making the right choice. Overall reputation, combined with experience and education, as well as any additional training or certification, remain the cornerstones of selecting any clinic or individual for your procedure.

The Bottom Line on IPL

IPL skin rejuvenation is safe, easy and highly effective for treating everything from wrinkles to blemishes, and a wide range of skin conditions and related ailments. With a relatively affordable cost per treatment and little if any need for downtime, IPL offers its patients a great combination of convenience, accessibility and overall success.

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Vampire Facial

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Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy: The Vampire Facial

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy is a popular skin rejuvenating treatment sometimes known as the Vampire Facial. The colloquial name “Vampire Facial” comes from the use of the patient’s own blood in the treatment, and the prevalence of vampires in popular culture.

This procedure has garnered a lot of media attention because of its popularity with movie stars and celebrities and its sensational nickname. Patients come to the Advanced Dermatology clinic having heard about this treatment in the media. They are intrigued by its touted ability to refresh skin and erase wrinkles. They also arrive with many questions, muddled facts and misinformation they heard ‘somewhere’ or from ‘someone’.

Platelet Rich Plasma – PRP Therapy – Vampire Facial

This article is intended to provide comprehensive facts and answer commonly asked questions about platelet rich plasma therapy. In this article the terms platelet rich plasma, PRP and the Vampire Facial are used interchangeably:

An introduction to Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy:

PRP therapy was first developed, used and validated for orthopedic surgery with a body of clinical literature accumulated over more than thirty years. In this treatment, the healing platelets from blood plasma separated from a patient’s own blood are re-injected into the body to enhance healing.

Platelets are tiny blood cells that are important in the clotting process. As the clot is formed, the platelets release enzymes that promote healing and play a role in tissue regeneration by attracting stem cells to aid in the repair of a damaged area.

The same process is used in the Vampire Facial. The patient’s own blood is drawn, treated, and then the platelet-rich plasma is injected into the patient’s face. Injections are made into strategic areas to encourage skin healing and renewal through new collagen production and fresh skin cells full of human growth factors. This increase in collagen and growth factors creates a more youthful, plumper, and firmer appearing skin.

As a result of the Vampire Facial treatment, the patient’s skin is naturally refreshed with little downtime.

How the Vampire Facial works:

The Vampire Facial is a non-invasive treatment made up of small injections into targeted areas of the face. The injections are very small and similar to those used in Anti-wrinkle injections and dermal filler treatment.

Before any treatment, you will have a thorough consultation with your physician. This is your opportunity to discuss your goals and expectations for the treatment and he or she will ask about your medical history. Whether it is on the same day or at a future date, the treatment will follow the same steps:

1)    Preparation: The treatment area is thoroughly cleansed and prepared.

2)    Targeting injections: Your physician marks the areas on your face that need to be freshened or lifted with a special pencil that wipes away easily.

3)    Blood draw: Your physician takes about 2 teaspoons of blood from your arm, in the same way you would have a regular blood test.

4)    Isolating PRP: The drawn blood is placed in a centrifuge for 5 to 10 minutes. This equipment spins the blood at high speed to separate the lighter plasma from the rest of contents of the blood. This isolated platelet rich plasma is “activated” by a special process to begin releasing growth factors that, once injected into the body, will increase collagen production and have other healing effects.

5)    Topical anesthesia: If required or requested, your physician will apply a topical numbing cream to your face to keep you comfortable during your treatment.

6)    Injection of PRP: The physician injects the separated and activated platelet rich plasma back into your face.

7)    Repeat: Best results are obtained after about three treatments spaced about a month apart, though a single treatment can be effective for some individuals.

8)    Watch and wait: Growth factors contained in the plasma stimulate the release of the skin’s stem cells. The skin is being tricked into believing that it has been injured and must heal itself with new, fresh tissue. This somewhat sneaky process allows the skin to create new collagen, new blood vessels, and new cells. The results will not be immediate, so while you patiently wait a few weeks and even a few months, your skin will begin to transform itself.

How long does a PRP treatment take?

An appointment for a PRP treatment will take about 30 minutes to one hour, though treatment time varies depending on the number of areas you are targeting.

Who is the ideal candidate for the Vampire Facial?

PRP therapy is autologous, which means it comes from one’s own body. Therefore, in theory, we should all be good candidates for this treatment if we want to improve the quality and appearance of our skin. Specifically, the Vampire Facial can be used to treat:

  • Crow’s feet
  • Dark circles around the eyes
  • Fine lines around the mouth
  • Dull, rough, or grey skin tone and texture
  • Sun damaged skin
  • Acne scarring
  • Crepey skin in the eye, neck and décolletage areas

This procedure is not recommended for those with blood-related conditions, anemia, or blood or bone cancers. Patients who take blood thinning medication or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) should discontinue their medication for a few weeks prior to their treatment and for a few days afterwards according to physician instructions.

Recovery after PRP therapy

The Vampire Facial requires little recovery time. There may be redness and some tenderness on the first day that appears much like sunburn. Occasionally some bruising may occur. The initial redness will subside on the second day, and some patients then notice some swelling and a sandpaper texture to the skin the day after treatment. By the third day, the swelling should diminish. The sandpaper texture to the skin may persist for up to a week.

Though you may notice these changes, you will not likely have any significant downtime as a result of these symptoms. You can go back to your regular daily activities after your appointment and, with a light make-up application, no one will be the wiser about your procedure.

Results of PRP Therapy: What can I expect?

Within a few days patients begin to see noticeable results. Within 2 to 3 months, when the greatest benefit is seen, individuals report fully refreshed skin that looks and feels more youthful. These results can last between 1 to 2 years afterwards depending on the individual.

Caring for your rejuvenated skin

After your PRP therapy, skin hydration and sun protection are paramount. A daily skin care regime that includes a good quality moisturiser and multiple applications of sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher throughout the day is critical – especially in sunny Australia.

How is the Vampire Facial different from dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are made from a substance that mimics what is naturally found under the skin and are like a gel that fills in lines and folds on the face. The body absorbs the product within 6 to 12 months, and a repeat treatment is then required.

PRP stimulates the body to create its own new collagen and tissue to create youthful volume and improve tone and texture. It can often be used in areas where dermal fillers are not safe. PRP treatment does not target individual lines and wrinkles but rather improves the overall quality of an area.

Cost of Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

The average cost of a platelet rich plasma therapy treatment for cosmetic purposes in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane is roughly  $1,000 – $1,500, but be warned not all PRP treatments are the same. Different clinics offer different grade of treatment some of which have little to no effect at all. Ensure the treatment is being performed by a Doctor or Nurse otherwise you might be getting a treatment that uses the same name but is totally different to what we are talking about here. True PRP/Vampire Facial and Vampire Facelift procedures must be performed by a Doctor or Nurse who is allowed to inject the plasma into the appropriate depths of the skin.

Is the Vampire Facial right for you?

While the Vampire Facial has been a media darling, its popularity is not just hype. Early clinical data and positive patient reports indicate a strong future for PRP therapy. As with any cosmetic dermatologic treatment, a thorough consultation with an experienced physician who can answer all of your questions and give you information about this treatment and your other medical options is a must. Contact Advanced Dermatology on 1300 788 800 or request a call back from one our friendly staff to learn more about platelet rich plasma therapy in Sydney, Australia.

Derma Roller

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Dermaroller Treatment for Skin Cell Regeneration


The most effective way to eliminate skin problems is to stimulate the production of fresh skin cells. You cannot do that efficiently with a topical cream purchased at your local supermarket, and it is not accomplished with plastic surgery. You need a more substantial procedure that will get into the deeper layers of your skin and allow your skin to tap into its healing mechanisms to regenerate new, fresh cells. One of the non-surgical options on the market today is the derma roller procedure, also known as skin needling.

You can use the derma roller treatment to combat a variety of skin problems, but it is most efficient for increasing collagen production and eliminating scarring caused by severe acne.

How Derma Roller Treatments Work

There are some collagen-stimulating treatments that are virtually painless, but this is not one of them. It is important to trust only a well-trained medical professional who has received the appropriate training to complete this procedure. Your physician will apply an anesthetic cream to the treatment area and wait for your skin to numb before beginning the treatment.

A handheld device is rolled over your skin, producing tiny punctures in your skin. Your medical provider will determine how deep these punctures should be, based on your goals for the procedure. The punctures can go as deep as 2.5mm.

The goal the punctures made by the treatment is stimulation of the body’s natural healing mechanisms through damage to the skin. In attempting to heal and repair itself, your body naturally produces fresh skin cells. The depth of the punctures will determine how deep this regeneration process goes. Some treatments can take longer than others, but most people are finished within an hour.

Once the punctures are made, your medical provider will clean the numbing cream from your skin. Most people can resume their normal daily activities immediately after the procedure without any conspicuous signs that they had a treatment. The tiny punctures close immediately after the procedure, and the regeneration process begins within hours.

What Results Can You Expect from Derma Roller Treatment?

Dermaroller procedures do not deliver immediate results. You should begin to see gradual changes in your skin within a few weeks of treatment. Most patients see the most dramatic improvements in their skin within six weeks of treatment. Each individual’s skin responds differently and that response may depend on the condition of your skin and the type of problem you would like to address.

This procedure is extremely effective for reducing the appearance of acne scarring, but it may not completely eliminate all scarring. You can expect the treatment to significantly lighten scars with time. Discuss the number of treatments required with your medical professional to ensure you select the right treatment and receive the correct number of treatments to maximize results.

The derma roller procedure is effective at stimulating the production of collagen deep within the skin. Your skin naturally produces less collage with age, which is why wrinkles and other signs of ageing start to appear. This treatment forces your skin to rejuvenate itself with fresh skin cells, and to naturally produce more collagen to hold those new skin cells firmly in place.

When used to stimulate collagen production, you can expect to see tighter, firmer skin with fewer wrinkles in the weeks following treatment. While the results are long lasting and satisfying, there are other collagen-stimulating procedures that are less painful than derma roller. You should discuss all of your options with a trained professional to select the treatment that will deliver the best results for your skin in the short and long term.