QuestionQUESTION: I don't suppose you're familar with those energy (maybe laser) devices that individuals can use on themselves to youthify their faces's skin? I saw something like that on Dr. Oz and it appears to be fairly effective.
ANSWER: Dear James~
They are indeed laser devices. The goal of laser therapy is to deliver light energy units, in the form of photons to damaged cells. Most of the lasers rely on heat to change the skin. The consensus of experts is that photons absorbed by the cells through laser therapy stimulate the mitochondria to accelerate production of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate---ATP is found in all cells and is the 'spark that lights the fire'. In other words, it triggers cellular metabolism and without its presence, cells have no energy to repair, reproduce, or function). This biochemical increase in cell energy is used to help transform live cells from a state of illness to a stable, healthy state. Laser therapy is commonly used to increase the speed, quality and tensile strength of tissue repair, resolve inflammation, and provide pain relief.
Laser therapy has been found to offer superior healing, it is non-invasive, drug-free, pain free and of short duration-usually 2-5 minutes per treatment.
Cosmetic doctors pay as much as $100,000 for lasers that help combat wrinkles, and now patients can buy a low-powered version such as the PaloVia or Terraquanthas laser for about $500 to use as an at-home wrinkle-smoother and skin rejuvenater, over an extended time. Results aren't nearly as fast as those experienced with lasers used in a dermatologist's office. For this reason, many feel that the main problem with home-use lasers is their lack of power. It is thought that the manufacturers cannot risk making devices with enough energy to actually be effective.
The home-use devices have only been on the market for a couple of years, so the jury is still out on how effective they are.
Best,
Linda Gearke
Strictly Personal - The Personal Care Marketing Experts
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: How much less effective are the $500 home version to the $100,000 doctor's version? And why so pricy? Lasers are like the most common thing these days. I can get a laser pointer at a dollar store, and for under $30 I can get any color in the spectrum. If these lasers are mostly about heat infrared lasers are especially easy to make since they are used to produce most other colors. What makes these lasers special?
AnswerJames, there are some lasers that sell for as little as $200. Cost, like anything is up to the individual manufacturer. A .99 cent flashlight also emits light and when held to the skin's surface would do nothing to stimilate cell healing. Cost depends largely on the power of the laser unit and it costs more to make a powerful unit than a less powerful one. Hence, the high cost of the units in a doctor's office vs. an at-home unit.
I would agree that at $200-500. they seem overpriced, however, it may be a marketing approach to charge such a price---with the idea that it's much cheaper to buy your own in-home unit than pay a dermatologist for a series of laser treatments, which can cost upwards of $100/treatment.
Best,
Linda Gearke
Strictly Personal - The Personal Care Marketing Experts
PS---thanks for the nice rating :)
