As your trusted cosmetic dermatologist in the Bellevue area, Eastside Primary Care & Wellness offers anti-aging laser treatments to treat fine lines, wrinkles, acne and more. Find out more about our ThermaScan treatment below.
What is ThermaScan?
ThermaScan is a non-invasive infrared laser that is used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as to treat active acne. It can penetrate deep into the skin without affecting the surface to stimulate the growth of new collagen while shrinking sebaceous glands.
How does ThermaScan work?
Laser light is applied to the treatment area. As the laser passes harmlessly through the upper layers of the skin, its energy is selectively absorbed by the target tissues deeper in the skin, gently heating them. This buildup of heat stimulates specialized cells to produce new collagen, which strengthens and adds resilience to the skin in the treated areas. The growth of collagen continues for some time after the treatment(s) and will lead to a gradual improvement in skin tone in the months ahead. The energy absorbed by the targeted areas also generates heat in and around the sebaceous glands. By creating a mild thermal injury just below the skin’s surface, ThermaScan alters the structure and function of the sebaceous gland. This leads to a reduction of oil production and as a result, a clearance of acne.
What areas of the body can be treated?
The most popular areas for treatment are on the face (around the eyes, mouth and cheeks) and on the upper neck. When treating for acne, the most commonly targeted areas are on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. ThermaScan is effective on all skin types.
What will happen during the procedure?
Your skin will be cleansed in the treatment area and your eyes will be protected with safety shields. The practitioner will place a chilled handpiece against the skin, which prevents the surface of the skin from getting too warm during the procedure. Laser energy is applied and gently heats the deep layer of the skin where collagen-producing cells exist. Once one section of the skin is treated, the handpiece will be moved to another location until the entire treatment area has been covered. The procedure typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes. Those who wear facial cosmetics can apply their makeup right away, and freely carry on with their day.
Will it be uncomfortable?
ThermaScan laser treatment is gentle, non-invasive, and is usually very well tolerated on most areas with no anesthetic. You may feel a warming of the skin as the procedure progresses. The sensation is no worse than a rubber band snap, though it should be noted that the sensation varies from patient to patient and depends on the intensity of treatment. A topical anesthetic cream can be applied to extra-sensitive areas.
What should I expect immediately after the treatment?
Typically you will experience some slight redness that should resolve within a few hours. Results vary depending on your condition, number of treatments, and the area being treated.
How long will it take to recover?
One of the outstanding aspects of a ThermaScan treatment is that there is virtually no downtime associated with the procedure. No wound is created; therefore, there is no healing time associated with the treatment. After a session, the treated area may appear slightly red for up to an hour. However, makeup can be immediately applied.
What aftercare will I need?
You may be given skin care products and instructions on how to use them. It is recommended that you always use some level of sun protection to avoid sun damage and premature aging of your skin.
Are there any side effects?
ThermaScan has proved to be one of the safest types of laser therapies available for any skin type, and has virtually no side effects.
How many treatments will I need and when should I expect results?
It takes time for your skin to develop wrinkles and lose its resilience. Understandably, it will take time to reverse the progression of these conditions. Clinical studies suggest that a minimum of four ThermaScan treatments, ideally spaced 4-6 weeks apart, are needed to initiate the collagen remodeling process. Patients report that they usually begin to see benefits by the fourth treatment. New collagen will continue to grow, even after the treatments cease, and the majority of results are usually observed 3-6 months later. When treating acne, a minimum of 4-6 treatments are required every 2-4 weeks. Initially acne could become worse but by the third treatment there is typically a very noticeable decrease in the severity and number of acne lesions present. Your practitioner may suggest regular touch-up ThermaScan treatments to sustain the results obtained in the first several treatments.
Can it be combined with other procedures?
Absolutely. ThermaScan treatments can be performed in combination with other procedures such as Botox® and laser skin peels.
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