NLite Laser Skin Rejuvination
What is NLite Laser Skin Rejuvenation?
 NLite laser treatment |
The NLite is a medical, non-invasive laser that uses yellow light to stimulate the body's own collagen layer to gradually reduce depressed scars, wrinkles and fine lines. Being non-invasive, it does not damage the skin, as is the case with other surgical lasers, which remove the top layers resulting in a raw surface for up to two weeks and redness for three months or even longer. The NLite provides an entirely new approach to wrinkle and scar reduction and has been shown to be an extremely safe and effective method of skin rejuvenation for men and women. There is no ‘down-time’ following NLite and no sudden change in appearance. A British invention, it is being used extensively in the UK and the United States and is very popular with celebrities and TV personalities.
Why do lines and wrinkles deepen and widen, as we grow older?
Most people interested in maintaining youthful skin and reducing wrinkles will have heard about collagen. Collagen is a protein (a biological polymer consisting of amino acids) that serves as a key structural component of connective tissue such as skin, bone, ligament etc. The dermis or inner layer of the skin contains large amounts of collagen, whose fibres form a supporting mesh responsible for the skin's characteristics such as strength, texture and resilience. With the passage of time, collagen is subject to wear and tear and it slowly breaks down over the years. When needed, cells known as fibroblasts will replace broken collagen fibres with new ones. Unfortunately, as we age, the skin's ability to replace damaged collagen diminishes and more gaps and irregularities develop in the collagen mesh. This process eventually leads to wrinkles.
How does the NLite laser work?
The NLite is a pulsed-dye laser that uses very low power laser energy to stimulate the fine blood vessels beneath the skin. These vessels are not damaged at all but are tricked into behaving as if they were. Chemical signals are released that cause the fibroblasts to begin generating new collagen in the treated area. The result is that, over time, lines and wrinkles reduce in depth and in the case of fine lines can disappear completely.
At the same time the body is stimulated to produce the enzymes needed to breakdown and remodel the existing damaged collagen. In this way old collagen is replaced with fresh, new organised collagen. This acts as a new foundation for the skin, reducing wrinkles and improving skin tone. It is also very effective at controlling active acne and improving the appearance of acne scarring.
How effective is the treatment and how quickly will the results be evident?
Because collagen is laid down slowly, there is no immediate effect. While this may seem like a disappointment, the gradual nature of the response is a blessing in disguise. Instead of having an obvious cosmetic change, your skin condition will slowly improve over time. NLite clients tell us that people start telling them how well they look, without being able to lay a finger on precisely why. In clinical trials a reduction of up to 69% in wrinkle depth was achieved with just one treatment, with an average reduction of 58%.
How many treatments are necessary?
Best results occur in patients who have a course of treatments. We suggest a minimum of four treatments at two weeks apart will maximise results. However, the first treatment will usually produce a noticeable effect, especially around the eyes, although the result will vary from person to person. It must also be remembered that the skin is continually ageing, so it is envisaged that further treatments in the future may well be desirable. In general, the younger the skin and the better the blood supply, the better the result.
What does the treatment involve and how long does a treatment last?
The NLite laser pulses are expertly applied in milliseconds over the required areas. The patient may notice a sense of short light flashes as it passes over. The laser produces a 7mm diameter pulse every second. Some patients experience a warming glow and tingling sensation. The sensitive lower epidermis level of the skin and surrounding tissue is not affected; therefore there is no need for any type of anaesthetic. Typically a whole face can be treated in less than 30 minutes.
Can all areas of the body be treated, and does skin colour make any difference?
All areas can be treated. The laser parameters have been specially designed to ensure that skin colour makes minimal differences to the benefits of the treatment so all skin colours can be treated safely. Men or women can both be treated with the NLite laser. The patient is required to inform the laser consultant of any medical history, or medication that they are taking at the time of the consultation.
Are there any side effects?
Worldwide clinical trials have found laser wrinkle reduction with the NLite laser to be remarkably safe. In rare cases there may be some slight swelling and/or reddening, and on the few occasions it has happened has settled very quickly. There is also a very small risk of pigmentation changes within the treated area. A small minority of patients have had pin-point sized bruises, which can look a little unsightly, but settle completely within a few days. This side effect is very much the exception and the NLite is generally complication free.
What are the costs likely to be?
This will be discussed at the initial, in-depth consultation, and with no obligation to undergo treatment. Costs will vary between individuals according to the areas treated. Treatment will only be undertaken after the patient has had a chance to have any queries whatsoever fully explained to them at either the time of the consultation, or, the treatment itself.
Is NLite treatment safe?
Yes. There is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that the treatment can lead to skin disorders or an increased risk of skin cancer. Furthermore, every precaution has been taken to ensure the safety of the patient. Having met all the necessary conditions, The Cottage Surgery is registered and inspected by The Healthcare Commission. The lasers are also subject to periodical checks by the Regional Radiation Physics and Protection Service. Only qualified and fully trained laser operators carry out the laser treatment. Patients are required to wear approved protective eyewear at all times.
Updated Sunday 22nd 2007f July 2007
