This year, the first wave of the baby boomer generation reached retirement age, but most are more vibrant, active and young at heart than the previous generation. Thankfully, new technology has provided options to create non-surgical “face-lifts” which can keep skin looking just as young and vibrant. The process uses thermal heating which penetrates deeper into the collagen layers of the skin and re-configures its molecular structure. After healing is complete, skin appears more firm, less wrinkled, and youthful.

The term “skin rejuvenation” is becoming well known in the aesthetics industry. But what does it really mean? According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (Dec. 1, 1999), the goal of skin rejuvenation is to restore a more youthful look, tighten the skin, and reduce the wrinkles and visible signs of aging. Effects of aging include environmental factors such as exposure to the sun; sagging and loose skin; and changes in pigment. These effects show up as sun-damaged skin, wrinkles, and age spots or blotches.

There are several key categories of facial rejuvenation. These include: fillers and Botox®; chemical peels; dermabrasion; and intense pulsed light therapy or IPL. One of the most effective ways rejuvenate skin today is by using IPL - directing ultraviolet light of specific wavelengths through the layers of the skin to create tissue changes. Aesthetic practitioners choose a specific wavelength in the ultraviolet spectrum of light in order to effect a desired change in their client’s skin.

There are many manufacturers of intense pulsed light systems. Fractional ablation refers to the delivery of an array of high precision microbeams which create columns of coagulation about 1.5 mm into the dermis, the second layer of skin. This allows for deeper penetration than previous technologies by using columns, or fractionation. The heated columns then initiate a natural healing process that speeds up the formation of new, healthy tissue. The deeper the columns: the greater the volume of new tissue. Specialists call this entire process “non-ablative” meaning there is minimal damage to surface skin. This minimizes the risk of permanent injury and reduces “down-time” in terms of healing. With older technology, patients would be swollen for 5, 7, or 12 days according to specialists using the system. With new technology, patients are swollen for only 1 or 2 days.

One of the great features of this technology includes the ability to safely use it in darker skin types. Typically, darker skin is more sensitive to laser therapy and may scar more readily. Fractional technology allows the provider to treat all skin types from light to very dark. The following case studies and comments are from two women with very different skin types who were treated with the fractional ablation system.

Case #1: Andrea “Andy”

Andrea is fifty-nine years old with blond hair and very fair skin who used to model occasionally when she was younger. While still a very beautiful woman, “Andy” wanted to firm up her face to give it a more youthful look. “I was really excited to receive this treatment because I still feel so young! I felt minimal discomfort and I was swollen for only about a week after.” She adds with a smile, “It’s a great pick-me up – a chance to look younger without going under the knife.”

Case #2: Nylda

Nylda is forty-eight and is of Hispanic background. Her skin tans more easily and she is noticing a few more spots and small veins. “I have always been told that I look young. When I think about how close I am to 50, it has made me more aware of my appearance. Make-up was just not enough to cover my darkening spots. After one treatment, I could tell right away that the dark spots had faded.”

Debra Herbold, Licensed Aesthetician and former Licensed Nurse Practitioner for thirty years, is very excited to use this technology on her clients. “I like to try new techniques on myself first so I can advise my clients from a personal perspective. The new fractional techniques create dramatic results within a few weeks. My clients can look younger just in time for a big event like a wedding, a reunion, or party.”

New technology such as fractional ablation is here just in time for the baby boomer generation to ignore the ticking clock. It provides a more convenient and cost-effective alternative to receiving a face-lift. Added benefits include the ability to remove pigmented lesions, discolorations, spider veins, and hair which surgery alone cannot do. And it works on all skin-types. What more could we ask to keep them guessing?

About Debra Herbold, LPN, Medical Aesthetic Nurse

Debra brings over 30 years of clinical nursing experience to Total Perfection Med-Spa. She is a member of the Association of Medical Esthetic Nurses, Association of Skin Care Professionals and the Arizona Esthetic Association, her involvement in which keeps her abreast of the current skin care technologies as they are released. She has received certification in Botox and dermal fillers from Aesthetic Medical Educators and medical laser certification from Advanced Laser Training Institute. Her goal is to recognize her client’s skin conditions, help improve or correct their concerns and educate them in all aspects of skin health and healthy aging.