Our new technology means we can scientifically measure the damage you’ve done to your skin
Q. Growing up in Colorado, I have spent years in the sun. As a teenager, I never wore sunscreen and now as an adult I am paying for it. My skin is starting to show fine lines and I even have sun spots. Is there a way to see how much skin damage I have endured?
A. Yes! Technology has made it possible to map your skin’s damage. Using the VISIA Complexion Analysis, you are able to see how much damage your skin has suffered throughout the years as well as exactly where the damage is located. Different areas of your face are likely to have varied kinds of damage. VISIA is a digital mapping of your face which shows the areas of damage and identifies specific kinds of damage, i.e. blackheads, sun damage, whiteheads, wrinkles. The VISIA also measures your skin damage against the average skin damage by others your age and coloring. Dr. Raval then uses this data as the basis of his recommendations for your treatment plan, a customized plan built specifically for your needs. Ongoing, we use VISIA to continue to measure the progress of your treatment.
Once the damage to my skin is tallied, then what?
Q. I want to get my skin analyzed by the VISIA Complexion Analysis system to see the destruction from years of being outdoors done to my face. Once the UV damage has been mapped out on my face, what are the options to get on the track to repairing it?
A. Once you see the damage, there are many options to repairing your skin. Most importantly, it is never too late to start using sunscreen daily and moisturizing your skin. But to begin repairing the damage that has already been done, there are numerous options. One of the benefits of the VISIA Complexion Analysis is that Dr. Raval has the ability to tailor a specific treatment depending on your skin type and individual needs. Most likely a laser treatment will be recommended to slough off the damaged skin and dead skin cells that give your face a dull, lifeless appearance. An urbium micro-laser peel using the Sciton laser restores life and vigor to your face while reversing sun damage. The Sciton is best known for it’s abilities to restore textural problems and superficial wrinkles to a smooth, youthful finish. During the procedure, the laser is directed towards a thin layer of water applied to your face. Once the laser comes into contact with the water it evaporates and the dead skin cells “explode” leaving you fresh-faced and rejuvenated.
Rest assured your treatment will be comfortable
Q. It sounds like it could be a painful process. How badly does it hurt and is there any downtime?
A. First of all, the VISIA is completely pain-free. It’s like having a photo taken. We promise, the only thing that will hurt is hearing if you have damaged your skin and how intense that damage is compared to others your age. When it comes to treatment, we do everything possible to ensure that your treatments in Dr. Raval’s office are pain-free. Among the things we do to minimize any sensation during treatment are to apply a topical numbing agent to the skin prior to treatment to desensitize it to the laser. The procedure is minimally invasive and the pain has been referred to as “a warm sensation.” Following the procedure, your skin will be red and sensitive and depending on how deep the laser treatment is, some slight scabbing is also a possibility. All redness and other side effects should subside after seven days at which time you are able to return to your normal activities.