Local Doctor Introduces New Laser Treatment for Acne Scarring, Stretch Marks, Aging and Sun-Damaged Skin

PITTSBURGH, PA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- December 27, 2006 -- Dr. Terrance R. Krysinski of Cosmetic Laser Centers in Warrendale and Robinson is one of the first physicians in the Pittsburgh area to offer a new aesthetic solution to turn back the clock on aging and sun-damaged skin that provides the benefits of traditional skin resurfacing techniques without significant downtime and risks. This newest generation of non-invasive laser technology called Fraxel® Laser Treatment (FLT) resurfaces acne scarring, photodamaged skin, periorbital (around the eyes) wrinkles and improves pigmented lesions such as melasma, age spots and sun spots on the face, neck, chest and hands.

Krysinski reports that the Fraxel laser is specially designed to create thousands of microscopic thermal spots that form vertical columns of treated skin tissue that are separated and surrounded by unaffected, healthy skin. This innovative approach allows the doctor to treat only a small fraction of skin at a time so it heals much faster than if the entire area were treated at once. Moreover, and in contrast to non-ablative laser/light therapies, Fraxel Laser Treatment creates new epidermal skin in the treatment zones within 24 hours.

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"Fraxel Laser Treatment represents new-generation laser resurfacing with predictable results. It rebuilds damaged skin like digital modification -- pixel by pixel, spot by spot," says Dr. Krysinski. "Think of your skin as a family portrait or a digital photograph in need of high-quality restoration or touch-up. A painting is delicately restored one small area at a time, or a photo is digitally altered, pixel by pixel. That's the scientific principle behind Fraxel Laser Treatment."

Safe and effective, the Fraxel laser is cleared by the FDA and has undergone extensive testing in the lab and out in the field. Dr. Krysinski says that based on his clinical experience, an effective treatment regime generally requires 3 to 5 treatment sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart.

"In our practice, we have observed nice improvements in uneven skin color and wrinkles around the eye area. The treated skin is smooth, soft and fresh. In fact, our patients are so thrilled with how young and attractive they look that their friends and family members are requesting Fraxel treatment, especially when compared to other abrasive treatments that are associated with far more significant side effects," notes Dr. Krysinski. Other areas where Fraxel treatments have excelled are in acne scarring and stretch marks. Krysinski reports such high levels of patient satisfaction in these two areas that "Fraxel treatments have virtually replaced older, less effective therapies for acne scarring and stretch marks and have become our first choice in this practice."

Other key advantages of Fraxel Laser Treatment (FLT) are:

-- No scalpel, no stitches, no needles
-- No general anesthesia -- FLT is well tolerated with a topical
anesthetic
-- Convenience -- the procedure takes about 30 minutes in the doctor's
office
-- High safety and proven effectiveness on neck, chest and hands
-- Minimal risk of complications or adverse events
-- Natural, youthful-looking results


Fraxel Laser Treatment has been featured on "The View," "The Today Show," many local newscasts, as well as Prevention Magazine, Vogue and various other print media.

A clean face: The first blow in the acne battle

It’s a teenage rite of passage along with the first day of high school, getting a driver’s license and going on a first date — although it hardly stirs the same enthusiasm.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne affects 85 percent of all teens — that means more than 20 million kids get up every morning praying they’ll look in the bathroom mirror and see clear skin.

It’s best to tackle acne problems before they become serious, says Dr. Bonnie Furner, a dermatologist in San Antonio and a clinical professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center.

“So much of acne is prevention to begin with, so when you begin to see those very early changes that’s when you encourage your child to begin to wash twice a day,” Furner says. “A lot of time, that’s all you need to do for minor acne.”

Acne is a disease of the sebaceous glands in the skin. The glands secrete an oily substance called sebum that results in plugged pores, pimples and — in the most severe cases — cysts and nodules. It most frequently occurs where the sebaceous glands are more numerous, including the face, chest, neck, back and shoulders.

Hormones play a primary role in causing acne, but the condition can be aggravated by stress, poor hygiene, a bad diet and some medications.

Acne typically strikes during puberty, but as any 40-year-old bemoaning the double whammy of pimples and wrinkles will tell you, it’s not restricted to a single age group.

Treatment depends upon the severity of the outbreak and can be topical, oral or both.

Furner says that for mild cases, a name-brand, over-the-counter product with salicylic acid is a good place to start. These include Oxy Clean, Propa pH and Stri-Dex.

If twice-a-day washing doesn’t do the trick, Furner might advise adding a benzoyl peroxide wash or gel at night. Products in this category include Benoxyl, Clearasil and Noxzema.

If over-the-counter treatments don’t work, Furner recommends consulting a dermatologist. Oral and topical antibiotics, topical retinoids and low-dose contraceptives (for young women) are among possible treatments.

Toners and astringents, particularly those with high concentrations of isopropyl alcohol, should be used cautiously since they can irritate the skin and cause breakouts.

Even with an arsenal of products and consistent use, it will take about six weeks to see improvement in skin. Experts urge parents to help by supplying products that are easy for teens to use, and offering low-key reminders.

“The last thing you want to do is have a power play about washing your face,” Furner says. “That is a recipe for disaster.”

Not to mention more pimples.

I am in my 20s, and I still have to deal with acne. Why? I thought I would be through with it by this time. What can I do for it?

The teen years are the peak years for having acne, but some adults have to struggle with it too. During adolescence, 85 percent of youngsters have it to some degree. Most are rid of it by age 25. However, 12 percent of women and 3 percent of men have to contend with it until their 40s, and a few, even later. In fact, some adults get acne for the first time later in life.

Acne is caused by the plugging of skin follicles -- ''pores,'' as many call them. Oil sludge and shed skin cells form the plug. Every skin follicle comes equipped with an oil gland. Even when the follicle opening is plugged, the gland keeps secreting oil downstream of the plug. The follicle swells and eventually bursts, spewing oil into the adjacent skin. A pimple forms.

One reason why adolescence is the peak age for acne has to do with male hormones. They make their appearance then, and their production is in high gear. Male hormones (females make them too) stimulate oil production. In addition to distending follicles, oil is a favorite meal for some skin bacteria that live in the follicle. Those bacteria multiply and add to the inflammation of the oil spill. Hormone production continues in adult years, and that's one reason why adults are still subject to acne.

Treatment of all acne involves unplugging the follicle and getting rid of the skin bacteria that contribute to it. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are ingredients found in many over-the-counter acne preparations, and they can unplug clogged follicles. If they produce no results, creams, lotions and gels with ingredients related to vitamin A promote follicle drainage. Retin-A, Renova, Differin and Tazorac are examples. The next step, if needed, is antibiotic creams and gels that come to the rescue. The last step on the ladder is vitamin A-related oral medicines.