Today's Arizona Woman (continued)
Good News:
GOOD-BYE to UNWANTED PIGMENT
BY TINA CELLE
Who doesn't want more collagen and fewer spots? I posed a few more questions to Miller. First, does it hurt? "I've never had a patient that couldn't handle the treatment. As the treatments progress, and the pigment goes away, the easier it is." Second, does it last? "After a series of at least five treatments, and as long as the patient diligently takes care of her skin, with sunscreen, an annual FotoFacial™ touch-up and maybe a light chemical peel, the skin should remain in excellent condition." Finally, who should perform this procedure? "Only a physician can purchase a photo-rejuvenation machine. It is considered a medical procedure and the technician should receive special training, preferably from Dr. Bitter himself," emphasizes Miller. "There is an art to it besides the perimeters on the machine. A technician experienced with many skin types and conditions is invaluable to getting a good result."

OK. I'm ready for my close-up and personal encounter with the machine of my dreams. For 20 minutes I sit with a numbing anesthetic gel on my face. My whole face feels as my lips would feel after visit to the dentist, but, I'm told, it will help with any irritation that will come during the procedure. After the gel is removed, Miller presses a small glass wand, which is used to transmit the energy, to my skin and I feel the sting of the hot light. It can best be described as similar to the quick snap of a rubber band. She repeats these "snaps" about 30 times all over the area that is being treated. Since this is my first time, and until she gets to know my skin, she proceeds carefully. I appreciate that very much.

When all the goo is cleaned off, I finally get to look in the mirror. Miller warned me that the brawn spots would initially appear darker - and they were. In a few hours, the redness and flushing were gone. But within 24 hours, most of the superficial "freckly-type" spots had sloughed off right before my eyes. I could hardly believe it! Within three days, most of the deeper pigmentation had become noticeably lighter. My makeup went on smoother. My skin was clearer. People noticed something was different. Did I look younger too?

There you have it. The FotoFacial™ is the big secret that I just let out of the bag (so to speak). Just four more treatments, and you won't even recognize me!

For more information, call Dermacare Laser & Skin Care Clinics at (480) 607-0600.

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