SKIN & SCARS

As your body attempts to close an open wound and protect itself from infection, it replaces normal skin tissue with rapidly generated scar tissue. The resulting scars, regardless of cause, leave a permanent reminder of the injury.There are many variables affecting the severity of scarring, including the size and depth of the wound, blood supply to the area and the thickness of your skin. After a thermal injury, such as a burn, normal pressure from the outer skin layers and underlying tissue is absent. The absence of normal pressure results in an irregular formation of scar tissue.

There are three major types of wound related scars: Keloid, Hypertrophic and Contractures. The effects of Low Level Laser Therapy on the three overlapping phases of wound healing (inflammation, proliferation and remodeling), are such that acute injuries heal more rapidly and that healing can be induced in chronic lesions. The duration of inflammation is reduced, proliferation begins sooner and the rate of wound contraction and angiogenesis is increased.

*  Improved immune response

*  Earlier formation of new blood and lymph cells

*  Enhances micro-circulation

*  Stimulates proliferation of connective tissue and epithelial tissue

*  Supports skin flaps and grafts by enhancing micro-circulation

*  Reduces cellulitis

*  Assists in the control of scar tissue formation

*  Hypertrophic Scar reduction

*  Keloid Scar inhibition and remodeling

Back

As your body attempts to close an open wound and protect itself from infection, it replaces normal skin tissue with rapidly generated scar tissue. The resulting scars, regardless of cause, leave a permanent reminder of the injury.

Keloid Scars are thick, itchy clusters of scar tissue that generally grow beyond the edges of a wound. They occur when the body continues to produce collagen, a tough fibrous protein, after the wound has healed. Keloid Scars are sometimes very nodular in nature and they are often darker in colour than the surrounding skin. Dark skinned people are more likely to develop Keloid Scars than those with fair skin. Hypertrophic Scars are thick, raised, often described as leather or rope-like and darker in colour than the surrounding skin. They differ from Keloid Scars in that they are usually confined to the original area of the wound.

Hypertrophic Scar formation can develop over time and are more common in people with lighter complexions. Low Level Laser Therapy accelerates the remodeling of both old and new scars. In new scars proliferation of the wound begins sooner and the rate of wound contraction and angiogenesis is increased.

*  Assists in the control of scar tissue formation

*  Hypertrophic Scar reduction

*  Keloid Scar inhibition and remodeling

*  Significantly reduces contracture in burn scars

Back 

A Contracture Scar is a permanent tightening of skin that may affect the underlying muscles, tendons and ligaments and so limit mobility and possibly damage or degenerate the underlying nerves. Contractures develop when normal elastic connective tissues are replaced with inelastic fibrous tissue. This makes the tissue resistant to stretching and prevents normal movement of the affected area. Low Level Laser Therapy reduces the pain and inflammation associated with burns and contracture. It aids in the healing process and encourages collagen production where this inelastic fibrous tissue would normally develop.

*  Assist burn repair and reduces associated scar contracture

*  Improved immune response

*  Earlier formation of new blood and lymph cells

*  Enhances micro-circulation

*  Stimulates proliferation of connective tissue and epithelial tissue

*  Supports skin flaps and grafts by enhancing micro-circulation

*  Reduces cellulitis

*  Assists in the control of scar tissue formation

*  Hypertrophic Scar reduction

*  Keloid Scar inhibition and remodeling

*  Assists in preventing long term nerve and soft tissue damage

*  Accelerates the repair of tendons, ligaments and muscle

*  Mediates inflammatory pathways via photo-therapy induced chemical responses

* Regenerates skin and muscle

*  Accelerates re-epithelialisation

*  Encourages collagen production

Back 

Ageing is accelerated in those areas exposed to sunlight (Ultra Violet Radiation), a process known as photo-ageing. The signs of photo-ageing and skin damage are typically most visible on a person’s face, neck and hands. Photo-ageing or sun damage results in fine lines and wrinkles, discolouration and textural changes. The epidermis becomes thinner so the skin easily blisters, tears and grazes and the skin feels dry because it is less able to hold onto water. Low Level Laser Therapy enhances the effects of other skin and body treatments and supports the appearance of a clearer, healthier skin. Increased production of your own natural collagen combined with the deep acting effects on underlying muscles increases firmness and significantly improves sagging tissues of the face, chest and body.

*  Increases metabolism and circulation

*  Stimulates proliferation of connective tissue and epithelial tissue

*  Assists in the control of scar tissue formation

*  Improves skin hypersensitivity

*  Regenerates skin and muscle

*  Regenerates hair and nails

*  Accelerates re-epithelialisation

*  Strengthens the underlying dermis with increased collagen synthesis by fibroblast cells

Back

Acne is a skin problem that usually begins in the young teenage years and can last until the mid 20’s or even later. Acne consists of mild to severe outbreaks of blackheads, pimples, papules, pustules and cysts – mainly on the face, but also on the back, arms and chest. Acne conditions can improve dramatically following the very first treatment with Low Level Laser Therapy. Acne infection rapidly reduces and collagen production is increased to begin repairing the scarred tissue simultaneously.

*  Inhibits infection

*  Clears Acne

*  Increases metabolism and circulation

*  Reduces Hypertrophic and Keloid scars and acne pitting

*  Improves skin hypersensitivity

*  Accelerates re-epithelialisation

*  Stimulates proliferation of connective tissue and epithelial tissue

*  Strengthens the underlying dermis with increased collagen synthesis by fibroblast cells

Back

Dermatitis, often referred to as Eczema, is a non-contagious skin condition. Dermatitis can be both acute and chronic. Acute Dermatitis is a rapidly developing rash that blisters and swells while Chronic Dermatitis is a long lasting irritable area that flares up when aggravated. The three most common types of dermatitis are Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema), Irritant Contact Dermatitis and Allergic Contact Dermatitis.

ATOPIC DERMATITIS or ECZEMA is a non-contagious skin condition that usually appears in early childhood and disappears around six years of age. The skin becomes dry, cracked, itchy and may weep. Eczema can vary in severity and alter on a daily basis, flaring up and subsiding from day to day. In some cases, eczema may continue into adulthood.

IRRITANT CONTACT DERMATITIS occurs when the over handling of certain substances damages the surface of the skin faster than the skin is able to repair the damage. These irritants may be everyday common things such as water, detergents, solvents, acids, adhesives and friction. Often several of these act together to injure the skin. These irritants damage the skin by removing oils and moisture from its outer layer, allowing the irritants to penetrate more deeply and cause further damage by triggering inflammation.

ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS occurs when there is an allergic reaction to a material that comes in contact with the skin. It usually arises some hours after contact and subsides in a couple of days, provided there is no longer any contact with the material.Inflamed sensitive skin and allergic reactions can improve dramatically after just one Low Level Laser Therapy treatment. Adults and children who suffer from dermatitis will also experience a decrease in skin reactions and sensitivity.

*  Improves skin hypersensitivity

*  Alleviates chronic skin conditions

*  Regenerates skin and muscle

*  Inhibits infection

*  Increases metabolism and circulation

*  Stimulates proliferation of connective tissue and epithelial tissue

*   Accelerates re-epithelialisation

Back 

Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin condition. It causes red, scaly patches to develop on the skin. These areas are most common on the scalp, elbows and knees, but can occur on any areas of the body. Skin affected by psoriasis grows much quicker than normal skin, it is over producing skin cells in one location which is why it often swells up, becomes dry and flakes. Inflamed sensitive skin and allergic reactions can improve dramatically after just one Low Level Laser Therapy treatment. Adults and children who suffer from psoriasis will also experience a decrease in skin reactions and sensitivity.

*  Improves skin hypersensitivity

*  Alleviates chronic skin conditions

*  Regenerates skin and muscle

*  Inhibits infection

*  Increases metabolism and circulation

*  Stimulates proliferation of connective tissue and epithelial tissue

*  Accelerates re-epithelialisation

Back

Rosacea is a common, chronic inflammatory disorder, usually affecting the central portion of the face. It is characterised by facial redness, telangiectasia (dilated capillaries) and sometimes lesions that look like acne papules and pustules. It is often difficult to diagnose Rosacea because the lesions can so closely resemble acne. These facial blood vessels are abnormally sensitive to certain stimuli (triggers). Some common triggers are:

*  Alcohol – Beer, Wine & Spirits

*  Sun Exposure

*  Temperature Extremes – Saunas, Heaters & Cool Rooms

*  Spicy Foods – Pepper, Chili or Curry

*  Drinking Hot Beverages – Tea & Coffee

*  Eating Certain Foods – Tomatoes, Oranges, Mushrooms & Shellfish

*  Hormonal Changes – Pregnancy or Menopause

*  Emotional Factors – Stress, Anger, Laughing, Crying or Embarrassment

*  Exercise

To date there is no known cure for Rosacea, but the symptoms can be controlled effectively using Low Level Laser Therapy. Low Level Laser Therapy reduces the redness and inflammation associated with Rosacea.

*  Improves skin hypersensitivity

*  Alleviates chronic skin conditions

*  Rapidly reduces associated oedema, skin erythema and sensitivity

*  Inhibits infection

*  Accelerates re-epithelialisation

*  Strengthens the underlying dermis with increased collagen synthesis by fibroblast cells

Back

Laser Skin Resurfacing is a treatment for reducing facial wrinkles and skin irregularities, such as blemishes or acne scars. Laser skin resurfacing removes the sun-damaged skin, layer-by-layer. The old, damaged skin is replaced by new, smoother, more evenly toned skin. Low Level Laser Therapy, when used post laser skin resurfacing, aids with associated inflammation and encourages collagen production. It also assists in reducing the recovery period.

*  Rapidly reduces associated oedema, skin erythema and sensitivity

*  Inhibits infection

*  Accelerates re-epithelialisation

*  Strengthens the underlying dermis with increased collagen synthesis by fibroblast cells

Back

When skin is removed by surgery or due to an injury a wound can result. If the surrounding skin is loose, the wound can be closed by bringing the edges together in a direct closure. When this is not possible, skin must to be used from another part of the body, either as a flap or a graft. The area from where the skin is borrowed is called the donor site.

A SKIN FLAP is when one end of the skin is still attached to the donor site and the other end is moved to cover the wound.

A SKIN GRAFT is when the skin is completely removed from the donor site and applied to the site where skin is missing.This may follow surgical removal of a skin cancer or a burn. A skin graft is thus a skin transplant. Low Level Laser Therapy, when used after skin flap or graft surgery, aids with associated inflammation and encourages collagen production. It also assists in reducing the recovery period.

*  Rapidly relieves post operative pain and oedema

*  Controls scar tissue formation and inhibits tissue adhesion and necrosis

*  Improves the survival rate of transplanted tissue in skin flaps and grafts

*  Earlier formation of blood and lymph vessel regeneration

Back

As your body attempts to close an open wound and protect itself from infection, it replaces normal skin tissue with rapidly generated scar tissue. The resulting scars, regardless of cause, leave a permanent reminder of the injury. Low Level Laser Therapy accelerates the remodeling of both old and new scars. In new scars proliferation of the wound begins sooner and the rate of wound contraction and angiogenesis is increased.

*  Assists in the control of scar tissue formation

*  Hypertrophic Scar reduction

*  Keloid Scar inhibition and remodeling

*  Significantly reduces contracture in burn scars

Back

Striae, commonly known as Stretchmarks, are fine lines on the body that occur from tissue under your skin tearing from rapid growth or over-stretching. It is a common condition that does not cause any significant medical problems but can be of cosmetic concern for some people. Depending on the skin type, new striae can be pink, purple, brown or red. Over time, the striae lose their bright colouring and become silvery, shimmering lines. Low Level Laser Therapy reduces new striae and accelerates remodeling of both old and new scar tissue.

*  Assists in the control of scar tissue formation

*  Hypertrophic Scar reduction

*  Keloid Scar inhibition and remodeling

Back

There are many forms of Alopecia and only some can benefit from Low Level Laser Therapy. Alopecia Areata is a disorder characterised by inflammation of the hair bulb, which shrivels and ultimately stops producing hair. Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease, which means the immune system mistakenly attacks cells of the body and in this case, the hair bulb. Stimulation of the scalp with Low Level Laser Therapy appears to trigger a spontaneous recovery in many cases. Low Level Laser Therapy is of benefit in post operative healing of surgical treatments such as punch and strip grafts, scalp reduction and flap procedures. These are the four main methods of surgical management of Androgenic Alopecia (Male Pattern Baldness).

*  Regenerates hair and nails

*  Rapidly relieves post operative pain and oedema

*  Controls scar tissue formation and inhibits tissue adhesion and necrosis

*  Improves survival rate of transplanted tissue and skin grafts

*  Earlier formation of blood and lymph vessel regeneration

Back