Skin stimulation to ‘fill out’ facial wrinkles

Procedure Summary

Albert Einstein initially came up with the concept that helped develop lasers in 1917. By the 1920’s, Dr Goeckerman first published details of ’phototherapy’ using ultraviolet light with a tar-solution for the treatment of psoriasis. The first use of lasers in medical procedures was in the 1960’s when they were used in dermatology.

The use of lasers for improving the quality of the skin is a relatively recent development. But it is important to understand the difference between ‘ablative’ uses of laser light, such as laser skin resurfacing, and ‘non-ablative’ treatment as offered with laser skin rejuvenation. In ablative laser treatment the laser light removes the top layer of skin, which can help treat facial scars and other deep lines and wrinkles. Conversely, non-ablative laser therapy use lasers to a far milder extent and does not involve the removing the outer layer of the skin, resulting in much shorter recovery times and a lower risk of complications. Non-ablative lasers, also known as laser toning or photo-rejuvenation) tend to be used to treat skin blemishes on the face, but can also treat skin on the neck, hands and chest.

What can light therapy achieve  for you?

Practitioners of laser skin rejuvenation generally use one of three main treatments to stimulate the middle, or dermal, layer of the skin to produce more collagen, which 'plumps out' fine lines and wrinkles.

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) – Uses a device to deliver flashes, or pulses, of bright light, not lasers, at various wavelength, which essentially damage the unwanted skin blemish, thus prompting the growth of new tissue. The main difference between IPL and lasers is that IPL emits light at a variety of wavelengths, rather than a single wavelength like lasers, thus allowing for greater customisation of the wavelength to target the exact area to be treated. This was first developed under the name Photoderm in 1995.
• Light Heat Energy (LHE) – This uses a combination of light and heat that can be used for photo rejuvenation. LHE is more comfortable, more efficient and safer than similar phototherapy devices and can be used to treat psoriasis, unwanted hair, skin blemishes and acne. This technology was developed by Radiancy in 1998. 
• Light Emitting Diode (LED) – Does not damage skin tissue, unlike other light-based treatments, but rather uses light that stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the skin. Either yellow, blue or red light is emitted, depending on the treatment, to tighten skin and reduce wrinkles. This treatment was first discovered by NASA for treating skin wounds on astronauts, in 2000.

You should clarify with your practitioner precisely what results their device is capable of achieving, as some devices are more suited to treating, say, facial creases whereas others are more suited to treating discolouration.

“I’d heard of light therapy,” said one patient, “but I wasn’t aware of the choice of systems available. So, before proceeding with any treatment, I made sure I was fully advised on the pros and cons of each system when used in my particular situation.”

If any of the following apply to you, you should not undergo any form of light treatment:

• pregnancy
• undergone radiotherapy in the area to be treated 
• a history of keloid scarring (red, ‘overgrown’ scar tissue)
• taking any blood thinning medicine such as aspirin.  
• taken a recent course of vitamin A
  

In addition, certain types of machine do not work effectively on dark or recently tanned skin. This is something you should discuss with your practitioner.

Undergoing the procedure

There is no particular pre-treatment required for light/laser skin rejuvenation. The treatment usually takes up to 30 minutes. During the procedure, safety glasses will need to be worn to protect your eyes from the light, and a local anaesthetic will be applied to the area to be treated as you may feel slight stinging in the area being treated, though this varies depending on the type of system being used.

The treated area will feel warm for around 15 minutes after the procedure, and your skin may appear quite red at first, though this will fade within an hour or two. There is a risk that some blistering and swelling may occur, particularly if sensitive areas such as eyelids are treated. In rare cases, some people have experienced permanent scarring. As one patient commented, “Immediately after the treatment my face felt and looked very sore – and I must admit, I was concerned! However, things were looking a lot better an hour later, and by the following day all the tenderness had completely disappeared. I took extra care of my face and kept it well moisturised, and after a couple of weeks it looked absolutely great”

It is essential to follow the guidance of your practitioner after any type of light treatment. This will make the outcome as successful as possible and reduce the risk of complications.

Who should carry out light/laser skin rejuvenation?

Only trained doctors, surgeons or nurses should operate laser or intense pulsed light equipment for skin rejuvenation, though some manufacturers have produced low-power machines that can be used by trained beauticians. All clinics offering laser treatments should be registered with the Healthcare Commission.

Prices for this procedure vary depending upon the system used. Prices are determined by the amount of treatment you require and can range from £100 to £300. If laser/light therapy is something that you are considering, you can discuss all of the issues mentioned here in greater depth during a consultation with your practitioner.

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