ThermaScan Laser Treatments for Acne and Aging

When it comes to removing the signs of aging from the skin, there has long been a search for an effective, quick and lasting treatment. Laser treatments have been used in the past with some moderate successes. The maintenance on the skin afterwards however, could be long-range and something that not everyone was thrilled with. For acne treatments, the laser was not always a girl's best friend, unless it could do something about the oil overproduction that helped to create the acne outbreaks in the first place. Now, with ThermaScan available, the surface of the skin is no longer the only place to treat the skin effectively.

How It Works

Usually done as an outpatient treatment in a doctor's office, the ThermaScan laser treatment differs from the rest, primarily because of its targeting software and technology. The scanner this machine is equipped with is so detailed, capable of locating and mapping every sebaceous gland or collagen reservoir under the skin, the better to find and manipulate. The surface of the skin is largely ignored with this laser treatment, as the laser does all of its work sub-epidermal. There is very little discomfort for the patient, just a slight warming, or a gentle static shock sensation, depending on their sensitivity. Most doctors will have a topical anesthetic cream available that can be used if necessary.

Depending on the treatment, the gently chilled laser will be targeted and launched at either a collagen reservoir or sebaceous gland, just underneath the skin. Targeting the sebaceous glands have been known to severely limit the production of oil in the skin, helping to prevent further acne outbreaks after the necessary treatments are complete. The collagen reservoirs remain under the skin, long after the skin has reached the point where it no longer makes its own. The laser will trigger the dormant cell reservoir, reactivating the distribution and creation of collagen, so that it can fill in the fine lines and wrinkles and acne scars from the past. Each treatment is short, lasting no longer than 15 to 30 minutes each.

After Care

Since there is less discomfort during today's ThermaScan treatments, there is also less side effects occurring as they have with other laser treatments in the past. There is less reddening of the skin, during and after treatment, for example. If a patient has sensitive skin, they may be given topical treatments to lessen the chances of their skin being irritated post-treatment, as well as recommendations for protective measures, like sunscreen. As with all laser treatments, patients should avoid direct exposure to the sun. The number of treatments each patient will require after the first will vary, depending on their particular skin condition, but most, like acne patients, generally average out at around three to four.