Today's Arizona Woman
Good News:
GOOD-BYE to UNWANTED PIGMENT
BY TINA CELLE

It's on the news, it's in the news, it's the buzz around the office watercooler and it's the secret of celebrities and soap stars. So what's all the fuss about? For the last six years, thousands of women have transformed their skin with the FotoFacial™ - and loved the outcome. The procedure is non-invasive, will reduce pigmentation from sun exposure and helps lessen fine lines. An added bonus is that there is practically no "down time."

Doesn't that Sound great? Could it be true? I had to find out for myself. Since my fine lines and sunspots had been bothering me for a while, I was ready for a major change. I've had friends who had great results with laser and other resurfacing procedures; now it was my turn.

Armed with an arsenal of queries, I searched the Internet and talked to some professional acquaintances. What are my options? Chemical peel, microdermabrasion or laser? That's when I found out about the FotoFacial™. Instead of a laser, quick pulses of intense light are used to treat the face or any area that needs therapy. The patient can wear makeup immediately after if needed, and results are visible within 24 hours.

The FotoFacial™ was developed by Dr. Patrick Bitter Jr., a board-certified dermatologist from California. More commonly referred to as "photo rejuvenation," this non-surgical procedure effectively improves facial redness, dilated capillaries, uneven skin texture. It also reduces pore size. The light pulses stimulate new collagen formation under the epidermis and improve circulation, helping to give the skin a youthful appearance. People with rosacea and those with early signs of aging are the best candidates for the FotoFacial™. Also, patients who are willing to maintain the condition of their "new" skin, such as staying out of the sun and wearing sunscreen religiously, will be able to preserve the results with just one or two appointments annually.

Very soon after discovering the FotoFacial™, I ran into an old friend of mine at a luncheon I was attending. Even though I hadn't seen her in several years, she looked fabulous. Well, it just so happens that she works for Dermacare Laser & Skin Care Clinics (just a coincidence?), where this treatment is performed by one of the most experienced technicians in the state. Kelly Miller, LPN, has treated over 500 patients with the FotoFacial™ and has seen many dramatic outcomes. "As people age, the skin cell turnover rate slows down, collagen will thin out and the skin starts to get dull," says Miller. "The FotoFacial™ has different levels of light, penetration and energy to treat specific conditions. The light damages the pigment just enough so that the skin rids itself of the discoloration that doesn't belong there."


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