February 2, 2006 • ISSUE 67 / VOLUME 1

New treatments rejuvenate skin

Non-ablative options lessen healing time

Procedures for non-surgical rejuvenation of the skin are among the fastest growing segments in cosmetic medicine and surgery, and public interest is expanding at an explosive rate.

Techniques for laser resurfacing of the skin gained popularity in the early 1990s. Results were generally good. However, the prolonged healing period and the possibility of complications related to post treatment abnormalities in skin pigmentation, (particularly for patients residing in sunny climates) tempered early enthusiasm for these procedures.

More recently, advances in so-called non-ablative, or "non-peeling" procedures for skin rejuvenation offering the advantage of minimal, or no downtime have fueled public enthusiasm.

Among the newest (and theoretically, most advanced) of such devices, the Syneron Galaxy, is now available in Honolulu. Unlike other currently available devices that utilize a single source of energy — laser, intense pulsed light (IPL), radiofrequency (RF) — the Galaxy system incorporates a synergistic blend of two forms of energy intended to enhance results while minimizing the possibility of complications.

Two treatment options are available: the FotoFacialRF, which uses a blended combination of IPL and RF, and the FotoLiftRF, which uses a synergistic combination of non-ablative laser energy and RF. A newer applicator designed for treatment of resistant brown and red spots is now available. This applicator has proven to be very effective and allows isolated treatment of brown spots if a patient does not desire a full fotofacial procedure.

Both treatments utilize energy that is focused beneath the skin surface, thus minimizing the risk of visible skin injury that leads to "downtime."

Most patients are able to return to work immediately. In addition to the face and neck, these procedures may benefit sun damaged, aging skin of the chest, hands, and forearms.

The FotoFacialRF (and FotoBody) treats age spots, freckles and other pigmented blemishes and helps restore youthful glow, radiance and smoothness to the complexion. The FotoLiftRF firms, tones and tightens the skin, and improves fine wrinkles and pores.

Both procedures are performed following application of topical anesthetic cream and are effective for all skin types. The Syneron device was named the best anti-aging treatment of 2004 by New York Magazine.

"Double eyelid" surgery

Surgical modification of the upper eyelid (called the double eyelid operations) has become increasingly popular in recent years.

Currently it is by far the most frequently performed cosmetic operation in Asia and is extremely common in American cities with large Asian populations.

In the past, such surgery was considered a "westernization" procedure and, as a result, many surgically modified eyelids did not match the patient’s face. Dr. McCurdy has developed a surgical formula that allows individualization of the size and shape of the eyelid, thus achieving an appearance that accentuates and flatters the natural characteristics of the Asian face.

By virtue of his experience, lectures and publications on this subject, he is recognized as an expert in surgery of the Asian eyelid, and offers illustrations on his website (www.asiancosmeticsurg.com) demonstrating the flexibility that can be achieved with double eyelid surgery.

A patient who desires double eyelid surgery must make the three decisions regarding the eyelid appearance:

1. The size of the lid (small, medium or large)
2. The shape of the lid (oval or round).
3. The disposition of the epicanthal fold – a web-like segment of skin that varies in size and may blunt the inner corner of the eye.

At the present time, small and medium double eyelids are requested more frequently than large lids as patients feel that they better match the Asian face. The pre and postoperative photographs on the web site illustrate the variations and surgical flexibility of double eyelid surgery.

For more information on these procedures, visit www.youthfulface.com, or call Cosmetic Surgery Associates, at 531-8897.