Joel A. Sabean, M.D. Dermatology Center of Southern Maine

N-LITE LASER WRINKLE REDUCTION

In the ongoing struggle against the aging process, keeping the skin in good condition usually seems like an impossible task. In addition to the natural toll advancing years takes on the skin, sun exposure, pollution, smoking, and stress are constantly causing further damage. Until very recently, the uphill battle to look better has been both expensive and time consuming, based on corrective rather than preventive methods. We believe that the new N-Lite laser will change forever the face of skin care. Used as part of a skin care regimen, this technology can effectively help people turn back the clock of anti-aging and help reduce its progression.

N-Lite: Cornerstone of an Anti-Aging Regimen
The implications of this kind of approach are particularly important to most people who must compete to survive and thrive. Many studies have shown that age discrimination is prevalent in both work and social environments. Hence, a large percentage of our population is concerned that the visual signs of the aging process will hurt them in their struggle for financial and social success. There are psychological benefits to turning back the clock as well. Generally, when we sense that we look better, we feel more confident about most aspects of our lives. We simply feel better.

This is why the N-Lite will make such a difference in the lives of so many Americans. This remarkable technology was created to accommodate the busy person who desires to cosmetically enhance their skin but who does not have the liberty to take time off for more invasive procedures like laser resurfacing or the traditional face lift. Most importantly, it is effective. We have seen results in our office that can only be described as incredible. Two treatments with N-Lite a few weeks apart produce results that are comparable to or better than the wrinkle reduction seen with laser resurfacing, but without the pain, downtime or risks. You can resume your normal daily activities right after treatment and even put on make-up right away. The N-Lite laser can also effectively treat areas like the horizontal neck lines or acne scarring on the chest or back that are off limits to the resurfacing laser. Our patients are ecstatic!

Two N-Lite laser treatments three weeks apart are recommended to start the process and occasionally a third treatment three months later if needed. Collagen production from these sessions usually peaks ninety days later. The two treatments increase the skin's collagen production 143%. A person's lifestyle also plays an important role in the quality and duration of the results. Smokers and people who spend time in the sun may need more sessions. The collagen one gains from treatment will age like one's native collagen. We now have pictures showing good correction 15 months later.

N-Lite treatments can be combined with other treatments. We recommend microdermabrasion a week ahead of N-Lite treatment to enhance the wrinkle reduction by allowing more efficient penetration of the laser light. After treatment, we recommend using our custom cosmetic line to help prolong the improvement from the N-Lite. The program incorporates glycolic acid, anti-oxidants, marine peptide extracts, sunscreens, retinoids, Kinerase, and other important topical agents.

Because N-Lite works to improve resting wrinkles, additional improvement in one's appearance can be obtained with Botox injections to temporarily diminish the dynamic wrinkles caused by facial muscle movements. For additional information on Botox, see our section on Botox treatment under Services we provide.

N-Liten yourself and help turn back time!

What causes wrinkles?
Wrinkles can be the result of any one, or a combination of factors including loss of collagen, sun damage, smoking, alcohol consumption, genetics and hormonal changes. Aging itself is a large contributing factor. Collagen can decrease at a rate of 1% per year after the age of 40. Sun exposure accelerates the aging process and loss of collagen. It also damages the collagen fibers so that it may no longer support the upper layers of the skin, which results in the formation of wrinkles.

What to expect during treatment?
The N-Lite laser treatment for wrinkle reduction is non-invasive and does not require general or local anesthesia. There is no pain associated with N-Lite treatment. It is a non-ablative laser, which means it does not cause any visible damage to the outer layer of the skin, thus eliminating post-treatment care. The light from the N-Lite laser targets the blood vessels in the lower layer of the skin which stimulates significant new collagen growth. The new collagen growth replaces the missing or damaged collagen in the wrinkle, thereby reducing the wrinkle. Treatments can take as little as 1 minute up to 30 minutes per treatment depending upon the area and number of wrinkles to be treated. Some patients may feel a slight warming sensation or experience some redness for ten minutes.

What should I expect after treatment?
Unlike other laser treatments there is no pain, redness or damage to the skin surface associated with N-Lite treatment. Makeup may be applied immediately after treatment and patients are able to return to their normal activities including work or sports. Patients may participate in outside activities without fear of sensitivity to sunlight. The full response from a single treatment will not be seen for 90 days. Once the change has occurred, it will not diminish for a long time.

Comparing N-LiteLaser Collagen Replenishment
with CO2 and Er:YAG Laser Skin Resurfacing Methods
In the United States, approximately 325,000 laser skin resurfacing procedures were performed in 2000. These procedures were performed with either a CO2 or Er:YAG laser. Both lasers remove the outermost layer of skin as well as a few secondary skin layers in order to remove old skin and promote the growth of new, fresher looking skin and collagen.

Most of the operations performed with these two lasers require the use of general anesthesia for up to two hours. These laser procedures also involve 7 to 14 days of postoperative care while the face is healing. Bandages must be changed regularly during this time because the CO2 and Er:YAG lasers actually burn off layers of skin. Patients are required to avoid direct exposure to sunlight for three to six months. Side effects from these procedures may include hyperpigmentation (dark skin discoloration), infection, herpes activation, permanent white discoloration, significant scarring and the inability of the skin to tan normally.

Whereas these laser skin resurfacing methods have been thought to produce favorable results, the ablation of the skin, the long recovery process and the side effects from these treatments are undesirable for most people. The new N-Lite Collagen Replenishment Laser for the treatment of wrinkles uses some of the same theories of wrinkle reduction as the CO2 or Er:YAG lasers, but without removing layers of skin. By selectively stimulating collagen without ablating (burning or cutting) the surface tissue, the N-Lite Laser Collagen Replenishment System is designed to avoid damaging the surface of the skin and can treat many more areas than the CO2 or Er:YAG lasers.

Laser Collagen Replenishment requires no anesthesia and is painless. Some people describe the sensation during the short treatment as feeling pleasant and warm. There is no follow-up care required because the surface tissue is not removed or ablated. You can apply moisturizer or makeup immediately following the procedure and can return to your normal activities immediately. There is no increased sensitivity to sunlight reported with N-Lite Laser Collagen Replenishment, so you can enjoy outdoor activities and tan normally. You can expect to see the full effect of the procedure in 90 days, after new collagen has formed.

The real difference between N-Lite Collagen Replenishment Laser and laser skin resurfacing techniques is that there are few, if any, side effects, no pain, no anesthesia, no ablation and no follow-up care. It is, without a doubt, a safe and highly effective method of reducing wrinkles, acne scars and stretch marks.

Before and After Pictures -
These are all just single treatment photos. Two to three treatments are recommended for maximal results.

Before Three months after a single treatment

    Before                                                                                       Three months after a single treatment

Before Nine months after a single treatment

N-lite Treatment Instructions

Pre-treatment

Please arrive without make-up, lipstick, eye make-up or moisturizers.
Microdermabrasion one week before treatment may enhance your
response to treatment
Avoid NSAIDS and anti-histamines for two weeks before treatment
No tanning for two weeks prior to treatment
Avoid Retin-A, Renova, Differin and Alpha-hydroxy Acid use for 1 week
prior
Check with your doctor to be sure you are not on any photosensitizing
medicines

Post-treatment

You may apply make-up right after treatment and return to your daily
activities
Avoid NSAIDS and anti-histamines for one week
Use sunscreens. You do not have to avoid sun post-treatment, however.
Wait 10-14 days for macro/microdermabrasion treatments.
Wait 10-14 days for any other laser therapy in treated areas.
Avoid strenuous aerobics for 10-14 days.