Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Acne scarring and Stretch Mark solutions with Affirm laser

The AFFIRM Multiplex laser is the only one of its' kind to treat acne scarring and stretch marks. It's a 2 for 1!

AFFIRM is a "next generation" laser, outperforming the Fraxel laser for laser skin treatments on many fronts.

The Fraxel and similar systems are generally 1540nm wavelength lasers that emit fractional energy at 800 microns to 1600 microns deep into the skin. The AFFIRM emits 2 wavelengths. The first is more shallow (about 300 microns) where most sun damage is found). The other wavelength goes deeper (2000-3000 microns) for deeper skin rejuvenation and tissue tightening.

The AFFIRM laser is called a "Multiplex" laser because it is two "fractionated" laser treatments in one. It has a 1320nm and a 1440nm wavelength combined in a single multiplexed treatment (both lasers fire almost simultaneously so that the pulse is felt only once).
The 1320nm is considered the "Gold Standard" for acne scar treatments.

The Affirm laser is considered a non-ablative fractional resurfacing laser since it does not remove a layer of the skin as the co2 Fractional laser does. This laser fires "columns" of energy down into the skin, leaving healthy untreated skin around these columns that can help the treated tissue heal more quickly. Although it doesn't ablate the skin, it "tricks the skin" into believing it is wounded -thereby incurring a "healing response".

With the use of anesthetic cream and a Zimmer Cooler we can keep our patients quite comfortable while this laser penetrates deep into the dermis to work its magic. The Affirm can diminish Scars, Stretch Marks, and Acne scars in a series of treatments with minimal downtime.

Our patients can get treated in approximately 30-45 minutes depending on the area. They'll have a sunburn look for about 24 hours and then can usually put their makeup on the next day and no one knows they've had anything done.

Patients who have come to us after having a previous Fraxel treatment have reported that the AFFIRM is far more comfortable than the Fraxel laser even when BOTH lasers fire at once. Some clients have told us that they couldn't even finish their Fraxel treatments because they were so painful.

We have gotten wonderful results with the Affirm and skin often regains good color and texture in just a few treatments. 3-6 treatments are recommended.

When more serious skin problems present themselves, such as a patient with severe skin texture problems or very deep acne scars, then I use my Fractional CO2 laser. I get incredible results but there is significantly longer down time (4-7 days) to achieve results.

Mild to moderate acne can be treated with chemical peels, microdermabrasion and acne medications and or skin care products. Moderate to severe acne may be treated with Acne LED Blue Light Therapy alone, or photodynamic therapy with Levulon. Each treatment has its merits and offers affordability to all clients. For more information visit our website www.SilkTouchMedspa.com