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NEW PHOTO REJUVENATIO TREATMENTS OFFER A QUICK AND EASY SOLUTION TO AGING SKIN

SOURCE: American Academy of Dermatology

New Photo Rejuvenation Treatments Offer a Quick and Easy Solution To Aging Skin

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Rejuvenating aging skin just got easier thanks to a new photo rejuvenation procedure developed by dermatologists. While there are a variety of options available to treat aging skin, some of these procedures require an extended recuperation period that many people do not have time for. Since the recent introduction of photo rejuvenation treatments, which do not require a recovery period, patients are now able to enhance their skin's appearance and still continue their personal and professional activities without interruption.

Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology's 2001 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., dermatologist Jeffrey Dover, MD, Professor of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, N.H., discussed photo rejuvenation treatments, the latest procedure to improve aging skin.

``Photo rejuvenation treatments are the ultimate 'low downtime' procedure,'' stated Dr. Dover. ``While patients undergoing traditional cosmetic procedures such as laser resurfacing need to allow time for recuperation, photo rejuvenation treatments are ideal for active people with early aging changes and sun damage who do not want to take time off from their business and social functions.''

Photo rejuvenation treatments stimulate new collagen formation by delivering pulses of light to the skin. After a series of these treatments, the new collagen produces healthier, younger-looking skin.

``While photo rejuvenation treatments can be used on any part of the skin, they are especially effective for improving the appearance of the face, neck, and chest,'' explained Dr. Dover. ``In addition to improving coarse, rough skin with enlarged pores, photo rejuvenation treatments reduce the signs of aging and sun damage, including fine wrinkles, freckles, and irregular pigmentation.''

Photo rejuvenation treatments are also an effective therapy for rosacea. ``This procedure reduces the overall redness, flushing, and dilated capillaries and may improve the breakouts associated with this common chronic facial condition,'' remarked Dr. Dover. ``And some people with rosacea are able to decrease or discontinue their medications.''
Photo rejuvenation treatments can also be used following laser resurfacing, chemical peeling, microdermabrasion, or facelift procedures to enhance results. ``While laser resurfacing, chemical peeling, microdermabrasion, and facelift procedures are all effective treatments for aging skin, photo rejuvenation treatments are superior to these procedures in reducing redness, flushing, and dilated capillaries, as well as diminishing brown age spots.''

``Photo rejuvenation treatments provide consistent, visible improvement in the skin with little to no downtime, minor discomfort, and minimal risk,'' stated Dr. Dover. Each treatment takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. While some patients may experience a mild amount of discomfort during the procedure, similar to the gentle snap of a rubber band applied to the skin, anesthesia is not required and there is no discomfort after treatment.

Immediately following treatment, the patient's skin may appear red and flushed and tiny capillaries may become more visible. In addition, patients treated for age spots may notice that they appear slightly darker for a few days after the first treatment. All of these changes gradually fade over a period of hours to a few days.
``Patients may notice improvement even after their first treatment,'' explained Dr. Dover. ``The skin will feel smoother and will have a more even tone.''

The results of photo rejuvenation treatments gradually improve and become more visible after each treatment. A series of six treatments, performed at three-to-four week intervals, are recommended for optimal results followed by maintenance treatments about twice a year.

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 13,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the skin; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care; and promoting a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at http://www.aad.org .