Pearl (YSGG)

Pearl is the “one laser to choose” to renew your skin’s surface with quick, visible results. Pearl treats fine lines on the face and neck, uneven skin texture and light & dark spots caused by sun damage.

The Pearl Procedure

During a Pearl treatment, the top layer of the skin is treated with pulses of light. A portion of the epidermis (skin surface) is gently removed and a natural protective dressing is formed on the skin’s surface. Most patients feel a series of brief pinches during the treatments. After 3-4 days, the protective dressing peels off revealing new, healthy, vibrant skin underneath.

The Pearl laser replaces the entire top sun-damaged layer of skin with new healthy skin. Simultaneously, it sends heat to deeper layers of the skin stimulating new collagen growth, filling out and decreasing fine lines and wrinkles. New collagen growth continues for 4 to 6 weeks post-treatment. The combination of new skin and decreased wrinkles results in a healthier, more youthful appearance.

Unlike “fractional” treatments, Pearl treats the entire face, minimizing the number of required treatments. Typically, only 1-2 treatments are necessary to renew your skin.

Pearl™ YSGG Information and Background

How does it work?
During treatment, Pearl™ removes (or vaporises) a portion of the epidermis with a controlled thermal (heating) effect. The thermal effect, which produces a coagulation reaction in the tissues, is said to create a natural, protective dressing on the surface of the skin which remains intact and helps to minimise downtime during the healing and new skin cell regeneration process. An additional benefit of the heat is said to be in the increase in new collagen growth that it creates in the skin. The depth of skin removed (between 10 – 30 microns) is controlled by the clinician using the device to achieve the optimum results for the area being treated.

With water as the target within the skin (known as the chromophore), Cutera engineers sought a wavelength with the ideal water absorption characteristics that would provide a balance between vaporisation of the upper epidermis and residual heat generated in the lower and upper dermis. This balance would allow them to achieve the appropriate levels of ablation, coagulation and collagen remodelling. A crystal that provides the correct wavelength existed, but until now had not been developed into a laser for dermatology.
What is it used to treat?
The Pearl™ procedure is used to treat:

* Fine lines and wrinkles
* Uneven skin texture
* Photodamage, such as brown age spots
* Acne Scars

How long does it last?
It depends on many factors such as the structure of the skin, lifestyle, age and skincare. Brown pigmentation comes back if the skin is exposed to the sun again, also wrinkles and scars can return after a while. Further treatments may be necessary.
Side effects & risks
After treatment, the skin tends to look and feel mildly sunburnt for the next couple of days.

A fast-healing ointment such as Aquaphor™ from Eucerin should be used right after the treatment to soothe the skin, which you should continue to apply for 2 - 3 days. On the third or fourth day, you will start to notice some peeling. Once the superficial tissue has peeled off, fresh, bright healthy skin will be revealed underneath. Make-up may be applied at this time.

You will need to protect your face with appropriate clothing, such as a hat, and limit your exposure to the sun for a few days after treatment, since you cannot wear sunscreen during this time.

There have been no reported side effects or increases in wound care associated with these treatments.

Not to be used in
As long as you are generally healthy and don’t have any skin diseases or infections in the area treated, there are few medical reasons why patients should not undergo this treatment.

Pearl™ treatments can be safe and effective for skin types I - IV (fair to olive skin). However, it is clearly best to select a physician adequately trained to screen candidates based on their skin type.
Treatment regime
The time taken for a treatment session will depend upon the size of the area being treated, for example a full face and neck treatment will take approximately half an hour.

In most cases, results can be seen after one treatment. A combination of wrinkle reduction, pigmentary improvements and smoother texture are obvious. Some patients may require two treatments spaced approximately one month apart to achieve the desired results.

Last Updated (Thursday, 04 March 2010 21:59)