LEDs offer a totally natural, non-ablative method for skin rejuvenation.
Submitted by Dr. de la Fuente, COSMED Dermatologist
While LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are now widely recognized as emerging light sources for general illumination, it turns out that LED lighting can also enable a broad range of life-science-centric applications. The American Academy of Dermatology has identified a number of uses for LED lighting in skin-related therapies. LEDs are significant biologically because they can modify the function of mitochondria within cells. In the same way that plants use chlorophyll to convert sunlight into plant tissue, LEDs can trigger natural cellular photobiochemical reactions in the skin.
How do LEDs work?
LEDs offer a totally natural, non-ablative method for skin rejuvenation. The light from medical grade LEDs interacts with cells and stimulates them to produce new collagen and elastin. Studies confirm that the same LED energy can be used to affect collagen formation, which can be helpful in the treatment of scars. By manipulating the wavelengths, cells metabolism can be turned on and off, improving the blood flow, modulating inflammatory factors and proteins necessary to prolong the life of skin cells.
Which skin problems benefit from LED Therapy?
- Scar prevention: Red/Near-Infrared Light
- Wound Healing: Red/Near-Infrared/Visible Light
- Acne: Blue light
- Rosacea and redness: Red Light
- Anti-aging/Rejuvenation: Red/Near Infrared Light
- Photodynamic Therapy for skin precancer and cancer: Blue/Red Light
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments and the treatment times will vary depending on the problem being treated, the amount of surface area treated and the area treated. Treatments may last from 2 to 15 minutes. Since the results are progressive, you will notice more correction with each treatment. As full correction approaches, treatment intervals can be expanded to 3 – 6 month intervals. For scar prevention and healing, treatments are recommended at least 1 day before surgery, and 3 or more consecutive days after.
Will the treatments hurt?
No. The treatment is very relaxing, sometimes with a warm sensation. The delivery of the LED energy to the skin is completely pain free. The energy generated by the LEDs is gentle enough to treat all ethnic skin types.
What will I feel like after my treatment?
Most patients return to normal activities immediately. What patients like is that treatments are fast and they don’t have to miss any activities.
Can I have LED Skin Rejuvenation with other treatments?
Yes. It is highly complementary with other skin treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers, as well as non-ablative, ablative lasers and IPL treatments to improve and accelerate the healing process. Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons worldwide are beginning to choose LEDs as one of their preferred treatments for very fine lines, light brown spots, acceleration of healing due to aesthetic treatments, but ultimately for scar prevention due to surgeries and many other conditions. Recent studies have shown that skin treated with LEDs before and after a cosmetic surgery tends to heal faster, showing amazing results for a better scarring, but also can prevent bad scarring, including hypertrophic scars and keloids. If using topical retinoids, it is necessary to stop them before and during the LED sessions. Before the treatments, you should tell the doctor of all the medications and creams that you are using.
Is LED therapy an option for my next visit to COSMED?
Absolutely, especially if you are having surgery or laser. LEDs will quicken the healing process, and at the same time will prevent/improve the scarring process. It is important to emphasize that for acne, it is not a substitute of conventional treatments, it is a complement and preferably combined with the medical treatments offered by dermatologists. LEDs are FDA cleared for all of the mentioned skin conditions.
Planning your next surgery and want to improve the healing and scarring process? Consider adding LEDs, starting at $150 USD for 4 sessions, especially if you plan to stay for some days or live near Tijuana. For other skin conditions, please contact us at 1-877-235-1968 or visit www.cosmedclinic.com
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Dr. de la Fuente
COSMED dermatologist Dr. de la Fuente is experienced in both clinical and cosmetic Dermatology and is Board Certified by the Mexican Council of Dermatology. He has presented and published scientific articles available at PubMed, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatolgy, Skin and Aging, Clinical and Experimental Dermatology and many more. He also serves as a Dermatology Professor at School of Medicine in Tijuana.
To learn more or schedule your appointment, visit CosMedClinic.com
