The CoolTouch® laser offers a revolutionary, minimally invasive approach to facial rejuvenation. During this treatment, collagen growth in the skin is stimulated, diminishing the appearance of many age-related skin concerns including wrinkles, fine lines and acne scarring. The procedure can also correct such problems as uneven skin tone or texture issues.
The CoolTouch laser is unique since it delivers a cooling spray before, during and after the treatment, increasing patient comfort. In addition, the CoolTouch laser can be effective for many patients whose skin pigmentation or severe scarring cannot be helped with other laser procedures.
The CoolTouch Laser Procedure
The CoolTouch laser is a minimally invasive treatment method that can rejuvenate the skin by promoting the growth of collagen. It combines the use of an infrared laser for targeted, precise treatment with a cooling spray that helps to restore the patient's skin from the inside out. The procedure is considered safe for patients of all skin types, and is even beneficial for difficult-to-treat patients who have severe acne scarring or skin pigmentation issues.
Prior to treatment, a topical anesthetic is applied to the skin to ensure the patient's comfort. The laser will then deliver the cooling spray to the skin, enabling light from the laser to safely and easily pass through the upper layers of skin. The light helps stimulate the cells below the skin's surface to produce collagen, a structural protein that adds firmness and elasticity to the skin.
Natural production of collagen slows as a person ages, often resulting in the appearance of wrinkles, lines or loose, sagging skin. The formation of new collagen beneath the skin's surface will help plump the skin in the area, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, diminishing visible acne scars and improving the patient's overall skin tone. This virtually painless procedure usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete, and can be performed safely and effectively on any area of the face, including the delicate tissue around the eyes and mouth.
Recovery from a CoolTouch Laser Procedure
There is usually no recovery time necessary after a CoolTouch laser procedure. Immediately following treatment, patients can re-apply their makeup, and should be able to return to all of their normal daily activities.
Risks of a CoolTouch Laser Procedure
Complications arising from a CoolTouch laser treatment are generally rare, especially when the procedure is performed by a qualified practitioner. However, some patients may experience the following complications:
- Excessive redness
- Pain
- Temporary swelling
- Bruising
- Scarring
- Discomfort
The skin around the treatment area may become extremely fragile or thin, and susceptible to tearing.
Results of a CoolTouch Laser Procedure
The results of CoolTouch laser treatments typically vary by patient, and usually depend on the severity of the skin condition being treated. Generally, patients will need to undergo more than one laser treatment to achieve optimal results, with many patients seeing results as early as their second or third treatment. Because CoolTouch delivers gradual results, patients often continue to see improvements in the appearance of their skin over time. Treatment sessions may be spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart at first, then eventually the intervals will be extended to 8 to 12 weeks.
While the results achieved by CoolTouch laser treatments are considered permanent and highly effective, regular follow-up treatment sessions every few months are recommended to sustain the continued growth of new collagen. In addition, depending on the specific skin concerns being addressed, this laser treatment can be safely performed in conjunction with other types of skin treatments such as glycolic peels, microdermabrasion or BOTOX® Cosmetic injections in order to maximize a patient's overall results. Patients are also encouraged to maintain a healthy skin care regimen following CoolTouch laser treatment.