When people think of skin revitalization and laser treatment, it's common for thoughts to go first to older demographics as the primary target. It's true that laser skin treatment can provide a host of benefits for older adults, but new and emerging laser technology can also be useful for younger folks as well. New uses for laser treatments are being approved by the FDA at a rapid rate. More and more it's looking like no matter your age, there's a good chance there's a skin revitalization option that can help you achieve your desired look and complexion.
Fine lines and wrinkles
You may think that the most prolific demographic when it comes to cosmetic procedures and skin rejuvenation are those who want to improve the appearance of their skin and strive for a brighter, younger look – and you'd be right. According to data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, facelifts and eyelid surgery saw the greatest increase in 2012 over the previous year – growing 6 percent and 4 percent, respectively. Nonsurgical procedures also tended toward skincare – Botox injections and microdermabrasion topped the list of fastest growing noninvasive procedures over the same time period.
Fortunately for the millions of adults who seek these procedures every year, there are new treatment options available that don't involve surgery or caustic chemicals. The relatively newly minted picosecond laser uses an extremely short wavelength pulse to achieve a variety of skin revitalization results, and as MarketWatch reported, the process has just been FDA-approved for the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles. The source reported that while the vast majority of adults in the U.S. reported being dissatisfied with facial wrinkles – 71 percent reported high dissatisfaction just with eye-area wrinkles alone – up until now, Botox injections have been the go-to treatment. But this trend is starting to change, as the source pointed out that 45 percent of adults seeking cosmetic procedures are considering laser treatment above other surgical or nonsurgical procedures.
Acne scars
Not surprisingly, the demographic that saw the largest growth in terms of cosmetic procedures sought out in 2012 was the over-40 crowd. But you may be surprised to know that other, much younger groups are also pursuing skin revitalization at a growing rate. According to the ASPS, 20- to 29-year-olds saw a 1 percent growth in overall cosmetic procedures, while 13- to 19-year-olds were actually growing at twice that rate. These demographics on the opposite end of the age scale may still make up a small portion of the consumer base for cosmetic procedures, but the numbers are growing.
This may be due in large part to a variety of new uses of the picosecond laser approved by the FDA. One condition that plagues nearly 20 million Americans is acne scars, according to CBS News. Even after the unsightly blemishes clear up following adolescent years, many individuals may be left with scars that they can't get rid of. Fortunately for these folks, CBS News reported that the picosecond laser is now being marketed as a viable treatment for acne scars. Unlike other surgical or chemical procedures, laser treatment can result in very little irritation to the skin, making it an ideal choice for those who want to rid themselves of acne scars regardless of age. Additionally, the source reported that many clients were able to see results in as few as three treatments.
PicoSure® is the latest technology for laser tattoo removal and skin revitalization treatments, offering impressive results without the typical downtime or discomfort. It is the first and only aesthetic picosecond laser that is FDA-cleared for the removal of tattoos & pigment, skin revitalization and acne scarring. Visit www.picosurear.wpengine.com to learn more and find a PicoSure Practitioner near you.
