The Pearl Laser represents the first application of the 2790 nm wavelength for cosmetic dermatology. The trifecta of skin improvement of fine lines, normalizing skin texture, and improving skin tone occurs as a result of this procedure. Within one week, the skin is renewed and significant improvement is seen. Most patients require only one treatment, although a few patients may benefit from two treatments. The skin appears radiant and healthy with only 3 to 5 days of downtime. Adult skin of all ages can be treated. With a midrange water coefficient, the procedure takes advantage of the amazing results from deeper CO2 technology, with downtime more in the range of the a light erbium peel.

How does the Pearl Laser treatment work?

The Pearl procedure maximizes results and minimizes downtime, including the time spent at the doctor's office. The actual Pearl treatment time is approximately 30 minutes for a full face and neck. When a patient arrives, consent forms are signed, photos taken and the skin is cleansed thoroughly. Following this a topical anesthetic of benzocaine, lidocaine and tetracaine (20%/6%/4%) cream is applied generously to the skin, including under the lash line and under the eyebrow, but not onto the lid. It is typical for patients to also want their neck treated, and anesthetic can also be applied topically in this area. The patient relaxes for thirty minutes to one hour, allowing the topical anesthetic to activate. The patient's skin is then re-cleansed and medical grade acetone is applied to degrease the skin. The Pearl treatment can then begin. Generally, no further anesthetic, oral pain medication or anti-anxiety agents are used.

When will Pearl Treatment resuls be seen ?

Results are noticeable by day 3 or 4 when the superficial tissue has peeled off, leaving fresh, new, healthy skin underneath. Make-up may be applied at this time. Mineral-based make up is recommended.

How many treatments are recommended?

Most patients need only one procedure. Other patients may benefit from two treatments. The depth of wrinkles and the amount of discoloration will direct how many treatments are needed.

Can Pearl be part of a combination therapy treatment?

Yes, patients may choose to have a Pearl treatment combined with IPL / Photo Facial, skin tightening procedures, and injectables.

How does Pearl compare to other laser treatments?

Pearl offers the most effective treatment to address fine lines, uneven texture, discoloration and sundamage without wound care and the lengthy downtime required with certain Erbium and CO2 laser procedures.

Compared to today's fractionated technologies, Pearl offers noticeable results in just one treatment versus 4 - 6 fractionated treatments. The cost is less, the results similar, and the discomfort significantly less.

Who is a candidate for a Pearl treatment?

Patients with light to medium skin tones and mild to moderate sun damage are the ideal candidates.

Pearl treatment from a patient's perspective:

A first hand account of the procedure from one of my patients follows. She wanted improvement in skin texture and tone, and had fine lines around the eyes that improve

Before
The treatment feels like warm liquid being splatted on the skin. The skin feels very warm as the laser pulses on the skin but the heat dissipates as soon as the laser stops pulsing. Hydrophilic petrolatum is applied to the skin immediately after the treatment.

24 hours after treatment.
Skin appears red and feels tight similar to a sunburn although there is not a burning feeling to the skin. Hydrophilic petrolatum is applied over the skin to protect and soothe the skin. A headband is recommended to keep hair from falling into the hydrophilic petrolatum. A fan or cool compresses may aid with any discomfort.

48 hours after treatment.
Skin turns from a red tone to a more brown/tanned appearance. The skin feels very tight at this point and appears more paper like in texture. The day following this photo most of the skin had peeled. At this point, the hydrophilic petrolatum application ceases, and a mild pineapple enzyme scrub, along with extra hydration, speeds the exfoliation process.

7 days after treatment.
Skin completely peeled on day 3 and 4. By day 7, peeling and redness are gone. The skin is renewed, uneven color, texture and fine lines are reduced. Textural changes and improvement in fine lines will continue for up to six months after the treatment.

The Pearl procedure has become an incredibly popular treatment choice in my office due to many factors: the downtime is minimal, the results are outstanding, and the cost is in the $1200 to $2000 range per treatment. Men also find this to be acceptable in terms of downtime, they are thrilled with results, and they find it is incredibly easy to shave after healing because their skin is baby smooth!

This article was submitted by Dr. Carol Clinton of Timeless Skin Solutions serving Columbus, Dublin and surrounding Ohio communities.

Dr. Carol Clinton is the founder of Timeless Skin Solutions, a ground breaking physician directed skin care practice. She graduated cum laude from Ohio State College of Medicine & is a Fellow of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery as well as a member of the Society of Dermatology SkinCare Specialists. Dr. Clinton is a leading provider in Ohio for cosmetic dermatology procedures and laser treatments, and is frequently lecturing both domestically and internationally, alongside making frequent media appearances.

To find out more information, please visit her profile page and contact her directly