Using the NLite laser for scar revision - Some questions answered

There has been a lot of interest in the NLite recently; what is it and how does it work?
The NLite is a relatively new laser that uses very low power laser energy to ‘insult' the fine blood vessels beneath the skin. These vessels, although not actually damaged, are tricked into behaving as if they were. Chemical signals are released that cause the body's own repair and regeneration mechanism to begin a healing process, laying down new collagen in the treated area.

How does it work on scars?
The NLite will only work on sunken, or depressed scars. The scar tissue itself is not affected but as the depth of collagen beneath the scar is increased, the surface is slowly raised, gradually reducing the visibility of the scar. Unfortunately, raised or keloid scars will not be improved and are not suitable for treatment. There is much evidence that the skin regeneration process helps scars from forming in the first place.  

I have heard of skin resurfacing, is the NLite a resurfacing laser?
Most definitely not: resurfacing lasers, specifically CO 2 and Erbium lasers work by ablating (destroying) a specified depth of skin at the skin surface. The skin then regenerates itself from the basal layer. This can take weeks and the aftercare procedures are borrowed from burns recovery protocols. There is a risk of complications and side effects ranging from viral and bacterial infections to long-term pigmentation problems.

The NLite works on a completely different principle, using very low powers, working beneath the skin surface. In addition to the low powers, because the skin surface is not breached in any way there is an absolute minimum of unwanted side effects.

What side effects can be caused?
Usually none at all. Some people, especially those with very sensitive skin, may get a histamine response. If your skin does respond in this way, small bumps may appear; they may be slightly red and they may itch but will settle down on their own within a few hours. Some people find the skin surface flushes slightly after treatment. At the very worst, small red spots called purpura can appear but these will settle down within a few days.

Good operator technique will reduce the risk of even these side effects, so the NLite is almost completely complication free. In addition, there is no down time; the NLite is a genuine lunch-hour treatment and no recovery period is required afterwards.

How quickly will I see any results?
Because collagen is laid down slowly, there is no immediate effect. While this may seem like a disappointment, the gradual nature of the NLite response is actually a blessing.

Instead of having an obvious-to-everyone cosmetic change, your skin condition will slowly improve over time. NLite clients tell us that people start telling them how well they look, without being able to lay a finger on precisely why.

We have a number of clients who have NLite treatments precisely because there is no obvious change immediately after treatment. This is a huge bonus to actors and film and television presenters as there is no obvious change on a day-to-day basis.  

How many treatments are required to achieve a result?
We are recommending a treatment protocol on which research has been carried out in America involving three treatments spread over three months.

Treatment one is followed up by treatment two at two weeks. Research has showed that two treatments dramatically increase the quantity of collagen measured at six weeks, compared with only one treatment at six weeks. Treatment three takes place at three months and follow ups are normally booked at further 3 or six month intervals.

Having said all this, one treatment will usually produce a noticable effect, especially around the eyes, although the result will vary from person to person. In general, the younger the skin and the better the blood supply, the better the result.

Skin age is not the same as actual age; genetic inheritance and external factors, such as smoking and UV sun damage cause skin to age at different rates for different people and no two results will be exactly the same.

Whatever, the follow up regime recommended, the treatment pattern is tailored to the individual. We may also recommend other treatments, such as microdermabrasion, aimed at improving blood supply to the skin prior to NLite treatment.

Younger skin may need less frequent top-ups but some clients are choosing a treatment regime involving regular monthly top-ups.

How will I know which interval is best for me?
Before any treatment can be given, a full medical assessment will be carried out. The information gathered here, in combination with monitored treatment results, will be used to work out a treatment regime tailored to suit your individual needs.

Can the NLite be used for anything other than acne scarring?
Yes we are using the NLite successfully to treat active acne, acne scarring, acne rosacea, lines and wrinkles.

Because of the quite remarkable effect that the NLite has on the whole healing process, we believe that new treatments will evolve as more experience of the laser is gained.

It all sounds too good to be true; does it really work?
We have now been using the NLite since July 2000 and can say, from the results that we have achieved, that it does just what it claims to do. The NLite is not a miracle cure for wrinkles; there is no such thing and expectations have to be in line with what is achievable.

In clinical trials a reduction of up to 69% in the wrinkle depth was achieved, with an average reduction of 58%. The NLite is not a miracle cure for wrinkles; there is no such thing and expectations have to be in line with what is achievable.

Is the treatment safe?
Yes. Lasers have been used in medicine for over 30 years and there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that the Nlite is anything but safe.

The Nlite is a variation of a technology that has been used daily throughout the world for more than 20 years at much higher powers than we use. Low power and extensive clinical trials have resulted in a safe technique with almost zero side effects.

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