From:  gnas_@_.edu 
Date:  Sat Mar 13, 1999  2:47 am 
Subject:  [rosacea] Photoderm better than Laser

Hi group,

I believe that there are Photoderm centers in every state. You should call
different doctors including dermatologists, vascular surgeons, phlebologists
(vein specialists) and plastic surgeons. Sometimes, they may also be located in
the yellow pages.

I do highly recommend that you find a photoderm center. Hands down, it is the
best treatment for us. The lasers, including pulsed dye, argon and YAG, are not
as versatile and usually result in much more nonselective damage to the skin.
Furthermore, those newer gentle lasers don't even come close to the photoderm
-- I know I have personally had different treatments and have spoken to the
different surgeons, seen many before and after pictures and have spoken to
patients who underwent different laser treatments.

Photoderm is a computer-based machine which uses bright light similar to a
camera's flashbulb. The light works much like a laser, but instead of having
just one wavelength of light, Photoderm produces a spectrum of light. Other
advantages when used in an expert's hands:

1. Extremely selective for just the blood vessels so very little damage to
dermis. Should be normal within 48 hrs. Sometimes increased sensitivity of
certain parts of face for a couple of weeks -- this is normal and tolerable.

2. Extreme degree of flexibility when trying to get after the larger feed
vessels deep in the skin -- can use 1 pulse for superficial vessels, 2 pulses
for stubborn vessels and even use 3 pulses -- all depending on the size,
location and damage to the vessel.

3. Large treatment area per flash. The largest crystal treats an area in one
zap that might take the pulsed dye laser 17-20 zaps (painful). This is why you
can get a complete facial with this treatment method. Furthermore, the
physician doesn't have to worry about overlapping treatment spots (which is bad
because it causes more thermal damage to the dermis).

I am not trying to put lasers out of business, but I just want everyone to use
the best technology that is available.

Geoffrey
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