Scar wars
The beginning of the year signals change for everyone. Beauty regimens change, makeup habits are improved. But how can we start over on a blank canvas when that very canvas isn’t so smooth to begin with?
Acne scars from our teens, zits we poked and prodded with less- than-clean nails or bumps from spots left untreated have all made their mark on our face. Starting from scratch means cleaning up the surface so we can begin with a fresh new face for the new year.
A new treatment from Facial Care Center, called Renew, targets these imperfections.
“Renew is a machine that employs fractional laser resurfacing technology used for skin rejuvenation and for treating acne scars, photodamaged and aged skin,” says Shyla Valdez, who took her dermatology residency training at UERMMMC. “It’s equipped with the revolutionary CAP (Combined Apex Pulse) technology, which is able to deliver both high and low fluences, for collagen remodelling and collagen stimulation respectively, thereby improving efficacy of treatment while minimizing side effects.”
What’s the difference between Renew and diamond peel, which dermas have been using for years to smooth skin free of bumps? “Diamond peel is a kind of microdermabrasion treatment that involves exfoliation of the superficial epidermal layer of the skin,” Valdez explains, “while Renew is a kind of laser resurfacing treatment that targets the dermal layer of the skin.”
Renew works under the surface of the skin, while a peel treats the upper layer — which isn’t to say that the effects of both treatments are mutually exclusive.
“Both diamond peel and Renew stimulate collagen production which results in firmer and finer skin. They both address treatment and improvement of acne scars. Since they target different layers of the skin, they can be used as complementary treatments to each other,” she says. Valdez warns that a two-week interval between treatments is necessary.
Anyone can try the treatments, notes Valdez, since Renew targets acnes scars, fine lines and stretchmarks.
“Effects last six to eight months from the last treatment session done,” she says. ”Significant improvement is seen after three to four treatments. Acne scars are diminished or at least they appear less depressed. Skin is firmer and finer. Fine wrinkles are diminished. Stretchmarks are improved.”
There are a few conditions, though. “Patients with active infection on the treatment site, cancer, conditions with impaired wound healing, autoimmune diseases like Lupus, photosensitive diseases, or are pregnant can’t undergo treatment,” says Valdez. ”As long as there is no active inflammation on the treatment site post-surgery, patient may undergo Renew treatment.”
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For more info, call 892-7546.
E-mail me at jackieoflash@gmail.com.
