Laser Skin Resurfacing
Pearl for Aging & Skin Damage
There is a growing demand among patients and practitioners for a more aggressive treatment to address wrinkles and uneven texture while minimizing recovery time. The Pearl laser provides the technology to meet these market demands; maximizing the ratio of cosmetic benefit to patient downtime.
Laser skin resurfacing by The Pearl procedure treats fine lines on the face and neck, uneven skin texture and light & dark spots caused by sun damage. It requires fewer treatments and less overall downtime than other technologies.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
What distinguishes The Pearl from other procedures? It’s mildly ablative technology. While it does remove a fine layer of the skin, the skin is left intact to serve as a protective dressing while the skin below the surface heals. Once the deeper layers of the skin heal, the outmost layer is shed revealing the radiant, smooth and glowing new skin surface. Down time is 3 to 4 days as opposed to years ago, when resurfacing came with weeks or months of down time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Laser Skin Resurfacing
How does the Pearl treatment work?
During the procedure, The Pearl laser uses pulses of light delivered in a pre-selected pattern to treat the top layer of skin for resurfacing, while simultaneously sending heat to the deeper layers of skin to provide longer-term benefits. A natural protective dressing forms on the skin to minimize downtime during the restorative process. On day 3 or 4, this natural dressing will peel or slough off, leaving new, healthy, vibrant skin underneath.
In a short time, patients will notice overall skin clarity, smoothness and softness – all from a 15 minute treatment with only 3 – 4 days of “social” downtime.
What is “social” downtime for laser skin resurfacing?
Downtime is the time spent recovering from a procedure. With “social” downtime, you can continue your normal daily activities. However, you may not wish to attend important social events because your face will appear pink/red for 3 – 4 days.
How does a Pearl treatment feel?
We take pride in providing the most comfortable experience possible, however, every patient experience is unique. On a scale of 1-10, with 10 representing pain, most patients report the treatment feeling like a 2 or 3 on the discomfort scale. Our physicians, Dr. Wilcox and Dr. Demetri Karanzalis, will discuss in-depth what can be expected and what steps can be taken to make this procedure as pleasurable as possible during your consultation.
When will I see results? How soon can I wear make-up after a Pearl treatment?
Results are noticeable by day 3 or 4 when the superficial tissue has peeled off, leaving fresh, new, healthy skin underneath. Make-up may be applied at this time.
Are there any restrictions on my activity after a Pearl treatment?
After treatment, the skin will look and feel mildly sunburned. You will apply ointment on the skin for 3 – 4 days. Since you cannot wear sunscreen during this time, you will need to wear protective clothing and limit sun exposure for a few days after the treatment.
How many treatments are recommended?
Every patient’s needs are unique. Some patients may require two treatments spaced approximately one month apart to achieve the desired results. Other patients may need only one treatment.
Can The Pearl be an integral part of a combination therapy treatment?
Yes, Dr. Wilcox and Dr. Karanzalis will be happy to discuss combination therapies with you
How does Pearl compare to other laser treatments?
The Pearl offers the most effective treatment to address fine lines, uneven texture and discoloration without wound care and the lengthy downtime required with certain Erbium and CO2 laser procedures. Compared to today’s fractionated technologies, Pearl offers noticeable results in just one treatment versus 4 – 6 fractionated treatments.
Who is a candidate for a Pearl treatment?
Patients with light to medium skin tones and mild to moderate sun damage are the ideal candidates.
Does Cutera have FDA clearance for the Pearl laser?
Yes, Cutera received FDA clearance in March 2007 for the treatment of wrinkles.
The following link will provide more information, as well as mechanism of action, on The Pearl™.
CUTERA | Your future looks beautiful
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