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, and can selectively target the region that is responsible for generating new collagen. How does ThermaScan work? ThermaScan’s laser improves skin from the inside out. As the laser passes through the upper layers of the skin, its energy is selectively absorbed by the target tissues, gently heating them. This heating stimulates the growth of new collagen which adds firmness and resilience to the skin. The growth of collagen continues for some time after your treatment and will lead to a gradual improvement in skin tone in the months ahead. What conditions can be treated with ThermaScan? Fine lines & wrinkles Active acne Atrophic acne scars 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. ThermaScan is effective on all skin types. How many treatments will I need? It takes time for your skin to develop wrinkles and lose its resilience. Appropriately, it will take time to reverse the progression of these conditions. A minimum of 4 ThermaScan treatments is recommended, ideally spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Patients report that they usually begin to see benefits by the fourth treatment. Your physician may suggest regular touch-up treatments to sustain the continued growth of new collagen as you age. What will happen during the procedure? Your skin will be cleaned in the treatment area and your eyes will be protected with safety shields. The physician will place a chilled handpiece against the skin. This prevents the surface of the skin from getting too warm while the laser energy penetrates deeper into the dermis. 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. Will it be uncomfortable? ThermaScan laser treatment is gentle and non-invasive. There should be minimal discomfort. 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. However, no injections are needed for ThermaScan treatments. What should I expect immediately after the treatment? Typically you will experience some 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? Because this is a non-invasive procedure, there is virtually no downtime. After a session, the area treated may appear red for about an hour. However, makeup can be immediately applied. What aftercare do 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 solar protection to avoid sun damage and premature aging of your skin. When should I expect results? Because it takes time for collagen to remodel, typically a minimum of 4 treatments are required for the results to become visible. New collagen will continue to grow, even after the treatments cease, and the majority of results are usually observed 3 to 6 months later.
