Definition and objectives

This is a new, painless and harmless technique that has cosmetic and medical applications.

LED stimulates the synthesis of collagen (the most abundant protein in the body) without any scar formation or side effects. LED has a wide number of applications in both the cosmetic and medical fields. It can therefore be divided into 2 treatment lines:

- cosmetic, with photomodulation to stimulate the production of new collagen.

- medical, with dynamic phototherapy (PDT) to treat certain precancerous and cancerous skin conditions.

Some of the indications for this treatment are:

Cosmetically:

- facial rejuvenation without associated peeling,

- prevention of hair loss,

- preparation of skin for exposure to the sun,

- skin repair after exposure to the sun (refer to sunburn),

- stretch marks,

- acne,

- varicose veins,

- brown patches.

Medically:

- for precancerous or skin cancer conditions by PDT,

- skin inflammation disorders (e.g. acne rosacea, etc.),

- surgical pre- and post-operations,

All skin types, including tanned skin, can be treated with phototherapy.

Prior to the procedure

Facial rejuvenation treatment specific to each person will be offered based on:

Skin analysis in terms of:

- skin type and quality,

- degree of skin alteration caused by the sun,

- cutaneous elasticity,

- pigment and vascular lesions,

- toxic status (refer to exposure to smoking/UV/pollution and lifestyle),

- dermatological check-up to screen for precancerous or skin cancer conditions.

Other parts of the body (hands, decolletage…) are also examined.

A combination of techniques:

- IPL, mesotherapy, radiofrequency, peeling and LED.

Repair principles:

- re-establishment of the dermis’ physiological function,

- reduction in free radicals (which cause cell damage and lesions),

- absence of side effects.

Desired result

This overall treatment plan leads to a harmonious and long-lasting result.

The procedure

Photomodulation

Light energy from LED photons is transformed into cellular energy. Cells are recharged with energy, and collagen and other essential skin constituents are synthesized (turned into more complex compounds), leading to complete regeneration of the skin.

Dynamic phototherapy (PDT)

This technology uses the same light energy as photomodulation while optimizing its effects through photoreactive molecules. A photosensitizing substance is therefore applied to the skin for several hours. After this, the skin to be treated is exposed to LED for several minutes.

This procedure is used principally in cases of skin cancer to treat precancerous conditions which take the form of red, scab-like lesions. These lesions occur mainly in people who have been exposed to the sun a great deal (malignant melanoma cannot be treated by this procedure).

PDT is selective as it only affects cells undergoing transformation and does not change healthy cells.

After-effects

Photomodulation has no side effects (no scabs or skin redness) and it is possible to expose oneself to the sun.

Dynamic phototherapy leads to an unsightly appearance due to scabs but healing is rapid and takes one week.

After the session, it is preferable to remain in the shade and away from light for 2 days.

Result

For photomodulation: the result becomes apparent after 6 sessions spread over a period of one month. After this, and to achieve lasting results, it is advisable to have one treatment session a month.

The follow effects are noted:

- inflammation of the skin caused by certain disorders (rosacea, acne, etc) is treated,

- sunburn is cured in a single session,

- scars are improved or prevented and burn healing is accelerated,

- stretch marks are considerably improved,

- skin looks younger: the cutaneous surface looks more toned, the complexion looks brighter, pores are tightened, the area around the eyes (especially wrinkles) looks more defined,

- skin with broken veins is improved.

For dynamic phototherapy: the entire face can be treated in one session, two sessions at the most.

It should be noted that some lesions may be more resistant than others and may require more treatment sessions.