from the Summer 2004 issue
We are proud to announce the addition of the VISIA™ complexion analysis system to our offerings at The Center for Cosmetic Dermatology. VISIA utilizes high-resolution digital photography to take close-up color photographs of the skin, which can literally see every pore. The system can also take special ultraviolet photographs that show the subsurface sun damage. Then a sophisticated computer program analyzes the image and rates it on a variety of features, such as wrinkles, sunspots, pore size, and evenness of color. Each individual is compared to a database of similar age and skin-type people who have been previously photographed and analyzed. The database (currently just available for women) was developed by Proctor and Gamble during testing of some of their Oil of Olay™ skin-care products. By this comparison, a percentile ranking can be generated. For example, if a woman has an 86th percentile score on wrinkles, it means she has fewer wrinkles than 86 out of 100 women of her same age and skin color.
There are two main reasons we are so excited about this technology. First, it gives our female clients a chance to see how they compare to their peers and see what areas need treatment. For our male patients, absolute counts are produced offering them an indication of what problems to attack first. Second, VISIA gives us an objective way to judge the improvement that our clients get from the skin rejuvenation regimens and procedures that we offer. In almost all of the anti-aging regimens and many of the procedures that we offer, the results are seen gradually over time rather than instantaneously. The two main exceptions to this rule as far as procedures go are fillers, such as collagen or Restylane®, in which results are seen immediately, and Botox, where results show up in about a week. In procedures such as FotoFacial™, Cool Touch®, and Thermage®, the improvement occurs gradually over weeks and months. Sometimes, it can be hard to remember exactly what the wrinkles and brown spots looked like three months before. VISIA and our new digital photography system help tremendously with documenting the changes.
For skin rejuvenation regimens, VISIA can help as a motivational tool. Some people find it difficult to stick with a program of applying an anti-aging product every morning and night for months on end.
It helps to have visual feedback, seeing the improvement in before-and-after pictures. With VISIA, we take a baseline set of photos, then repeat them at three and six months to see the progress that has been achieved, not only in the visual images, but in the wrinkle and evenness scores. The regimens that we recommend are generally combinations of prescription drugs, such as Avage or Renova, along with products from our skin rejuvenation lines, M.D. Forté®, Obagi Nu-Derm™, N.V. Perricone, and SkinMedica™.
One of our favorite anti-wrinkle products is the High Potency Face Firming Activator by Dr. Perricone. The reason it’s so much fun to use is that it’s one of the few topical products in which you can actually see a difference in the appearance of fine wrinkles in 20 or 30 minutes. We use the VISIA to demonstrate this to clients. We’ll take a photograph and get a wrinkle score, then apply the Face Firming Activator and wait 20 minutes before taking another photograph. Almost always the appearance of the skin improves and the wrinkle score declines in the second photo. You can really see a difference in fine wrinkles. After seeing the before-and-after photos, patients say they never miss a morning application.
If you would like to get a VISIA complexion analysis, you can call to schedule a VISIA appointment with our patient-care coordinator, Megan York. The cost of the VISIA complexion analysis is $50, but we have several ways to receive a complimentary session. If you purchase a skin rejuvenation regimen from The Center for Cosmetic Dermatology, the baseline VISIA and a follow-up in three-to-six months are both free. Another way to get a free VISIA is to schedule a skin rejuvenation consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists at The Center for Cosmetic Dermatology. There is a charge for the consultation itself. The third way to get a free VISIA is to purchase a package of skin rejuvenation treatments, such as microdermabrasion or FotoFacial™.
Call today to schedule your VISIA complexion analysis. The photos must be taken makeup-free, so come to the office without makeup or be prepared to wash off all makeup (except eye makeup). You can apply makeup after your session.
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