Stafford Skincare

providing specialist dermatology care

Skin Rejuvenation with Medical Dermaroller Collagen Induction Therapy or Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

As we get older, our complexion becomes duller with multiple fine lines and wrinkles. The texture is rougher and there may be areas of patchy brown pigmentation over the cheeks. The worst affected areas are the sun-exposed areas of the face, back of the hands and décolletage. Although Botox® and Dermal Fillers will treat deeper wrinkles, we also need to improve the texture and appearance of the skin to make it look smoother, brighter, healthier and younger-looking.

Medical Dermaroller Collagen Induction Therapy provides advanced micro-medical skin-needling, a procedure that stimulates the skin to regenerate and repair itself naturally and safely, creating smoother “dewy” younger-looking skin. The Genuine Dermaroller Medical Device produces thousands of micro-medical needle columns in the skin. Each column is approximately 0.1 mm thick and penetrates into the dermis of the skin. Over the next 6 weeks, the skin repairs and regenerates itself naturally. New collagen is formed, new skin cells are generated and the blood supply to the skin is enhanced.

Dermaroller Therapy is safe in all skin types and colours. More information is available in the main Dermaroller section.

Improvement in decolletage after 4th Dermaroller procedure. Photographs courtesy of N. Jackson.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Skin Rejuvenation is used for more sun-damaged skin where there are deeper lines and wrinkles or red, scaling rough patches (Actinic Keratosis). Photodynamic Therapy is a well-established and highly successful method of treating Actinic Keratosis found in sun-damaged skin. Photodynamic Therapy is approved by NICE. The main advantage of PDT is that it is “highly selective” which means that only abnormal skin cells are treated, while healthy skin cells are not damaged – giving a very quick healing time with excellent cosmetic results. Treatment is simple: a light sensitive cream is applied for one hour to the skin, following which the cream is activated by shining a specific wavelength of red light (not laser) on to the treated area. There is usually only slight redness of the skin after treatment, lasting about 2 days.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a well established skin rejuvenation treatment in the USA, with studies showing an improvement in the appearance of Crow’s feet, tactile skin roughness, mottled hyper-pigmentation (brown blotches) and telangiectasia (small visible blood vessels). Dr. Ward has been successfully treating patients with PDT since 2001.

PDT skin rejuvenation showing improved texture and appearance of the skin

PDT skin rejuvenation showing reduction in blood vessels

 

FAQs

Q. What happens at my first visit?
A. You will have a thorough medical assessment during which we will have a discussion about your concerns. If I am able to help you, we will fully discuss which treatment is more suitable, possible side-effects, how often you would have to return for more treatments and the costs involved before you decide if you wish to proceed.

Q. Does everyone benefit from this treatment?
A. Dermaroller Therapy and Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Skin Rejuvenation are treatments which improve the appearance and texture of the skin. Some Practitioners may recommend Laser Therapy or Chemical Peels instead, but “down-time” is usually longer with these other treatments.

Q. Can treatments be combined?
A. Dermaroller Therapy or Photodynamic Therapy can be used alongside Botox® and Dermal Fillers without any problems.

Q. How long does Dermaroller Therapy or Photodynamic Therapy Skin Rejuvenation last?
A. Because of natural ageing, I would expect the benefits to last for about 12 – 18 months, following which treatment would need to be repeated.

Q. What happens if I don’t repeat the treatment?
A. Your skin will gradually go back to the way it looked prior to you having any treatment.

Q. What can and can’t I do after treatment?
A. After treatment you will need to wear a daily high factor sunscreen for 2 – 3 months. It is better to avoid sunny holidays for 2 – 3 weeks to allow the skin to fully settle down.

Q. What are the side-effects of Dermaroller Therapy or Photodynamic Therapy Skin Rejuvenation?
A. Most people only have mild redness and scaling for 1 – 2 days after treatment. Rarely there is patchy hyper-pigmentation (brown patches) after treatment which usually settles within a few weeks. People who are prone to cold sores may need to take anti-viral tablets to prevent activation of cold sores.

 

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© K.A.Ward 2009