There is a new option available for rejuvenating skin that may prove to have a significantly quicker recovery time than tradition procedures. Portrait skin regeneration is a non-laser treatment that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for resurfacing skin.
“What this instrument does is it rejuvenates the skin of the face. It improves tone, wrinkles and pigment discoloration of the skin,” comments Dr. Peter Schmid of the Institute of Aesthetic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Currently there are only a few doctors in the United States using this method of treatment and Dr. Schmid is one of them. “The instrument utilizes nitrogen gas and a heating device radio frequency and creates what is called a plasma. This produces heat that is directly applied to the skin in multiple little pulses. The heat transmits down to the deeper layers of the skin where you get stimulation of collagen,” the doctor explains.
Portrait skin regeneration is designed to remedy sun damage, skin discoloration and wrinkles and can improve skin tone and texture. While the results have been found to be slightly less dramatic than with traditional skin treatments such as chemical peels and laser resurfacing, portrait skin regeneration is thought to be a safer option.
“The deeper techniques that we’ve traditionally used, such as laser surfacing, actually would peel the skin off and create an open wound, whereas this technology creates a closed wound,” add Dr. Schmid.
There are minor risks associated with portrait skin regeneration according to the doctor. “Some of the side effects that have been described is you can get a little depression to the skin.”
Tara Snow, a portrait skin regeneration patient commented that her results were subtle with the treatment however; she was very pleased with the results. Snow was so happy with the turnout of her first treatment; she is planning to have it done again.
“I know with as light as he went and the results that I got, that if I go a little bit deeper, I will be so impressed,” the patient added.
Snow however, was most impressed by the surprisingly quick recovery time after her portrait skin regeneration treatment. Recovery after this type of skin resurfacing is typically only one week in which you can wear makeup. Typical laser resurfacing treatments require two or three weeks of recovery time.
The results of portrait skin regeneration will continue to appear over time; however, a follow up treatment may be necessary to reach desired results. Treatment typically ranges in cost from $950 to $3,700.
If you are considering portrait skin regeneration or any cosmetic procedure, it may be helpful to speak with a board certified surgeon to discuss the benefits and potential side effects associated with the treatment.