Turning Back the Hands of Time

Our hands play a crucial role in non-verbal communication from waving hello to clenching our fists in frustration. Unfortunately, our hands are also able to communicate something we may prefer to hide; our age. While 4 of the top 5 non-surgical cosmetic procedures focus on reducing the signs of aging to our face, very few options exist to combat the age spots and tell-all crepe paper skin found on aging hands.

Traditional ablative laser treatments have never been a viable option for the delicate skin surrounding our hands due to the extreme discomfort, downtime, and potential for scaring associated with the procedure. Gentler, non-ablative procedures from microdermabrasion to simple topical creams have produced some positive results smoothing the top layers of dermis, but little success tackling age spots or sun damage. Since wearing gloves went out with corsets and Sunday strolls in the park, you may be wondering if there is anything you can do.
Introducing Fraxel Laser Technology
Enter the age of fractional laser therapy. Introduced to the world by Reliant Technologies, Inc., Fraxel Laser Technology (FLT) was recently approved by the FDA for complete skin resurfacing; calling it a total body solution. Often compared to an artist performing pixel by pixel edits to a photo, a physician can resurface the skin targeting cell by cell the areas that need improvement. While traditional ablative laser treatments remove entire layers of skin, this fractional approach targets much smaller fragments. The laser administers highly accurate, microscopic impacts in a pattern covering approximately 20% of the skin’s surface. Leaving large portions of healthy skin untouched allows for the rapid recovery of the upper layer of dermis and greatly reduces the discomfort and redness often associated with traditional ablative laser techniques.
Although the areas of treatment are extremely small, the laser effectively penetrates deep into the dermis removing any offending pigmentation from age spots or freckles. It’s deep penetration has the added effect of stimulating the body’s natural rebuilding of collagen creating tighter, younger looking skin. Dr. Forney, of Dermatology Affiliates in Atlanta, was one of the first physicians to perform Fraxel Laser Therapy in Georgia. After successfully using FLT in her practice, Forney explains, “What makes this so appealing for use on the hands is that it not only resurfaces the skin but it tightens it as well. The procedure heals really nicely, without discoloration and with a very low risk for scaring.”
A Typical Procedure
Following the advise of clinical study results, Forney suggests her patients complete a series of 4 or 5 treatments with 5 to 7 days between appointments. Each visit is the same, beginning with a light scrub and cleansing to prepare the surface of the skin. Next a special, FDA approved, blue tint is applied to highlight the damaged areas of skin and a topical anesthetic is added. Once the anesthetic’s numbing has taken full effect, approximately 45 minutes, the procedure can begin. Using the blue tint as it’s guide, the fraxel laser glides across the skin performing cell by cell rejuvenation. This part of the process takes approximately 20-30 minutes and can produce a mild tingling sensation.
Afterwards, the blue tint and anesthetic are removed and a hydrating lotion is usually applied. Coined the “lunchtime laser” by Prevention magazine, patients can use make-up to easily conceal any redness and immediately return to their normal activities. In between visits some peeling or flaking can occur and a light tan may develop. Having undergone FLT herself, Forney explains, “the skin may feel tight, like a sunburn. The key is simply keeping the skin really moist.”
Maintenance
As a cutting edge technology, little is known about the long term effectiveness of Fraxel Laser Therapy. While we do know the treatment can be used to help turn back the hands of time, we certainly cannot stop it completely. Dr. Forney suggests performing normal preventive maintenance procedures, such as using sunscreen and hand cream daily, along with one annual fraxel treatment to help hold aging at bay. “This will certainly do the trick until more is known or something even better comes along. It’s exciting, there is always something new.”
Facing the Future with Fraxel
The FDA recently approved Fraxel Laser Therapy for use on patients with melasma, the mask of pregnancy, and testing is currently being done to determine it’s success in removing acne scars and stretch marks. Certainly an exciting time for cosmetic dermatology, we need to be reminded that this is relatively new technology. In metro-Atlanta there are only 3 practices registered to perform FLT but, as more is discovered about this ground-breaking technology, that number is sure to grow. For updates on new FDA approvals or to search for a doctor in your area visit Reliant Technologies’ website at www.fraxel.com and get ready to wave good-bye to aging skin.