If you follow this blog, you know that I have been investigating new technologies that can literally, turn back the hands of time, or at least, improve the skin you’re in. introducing Pellevé™, a skin tightening system for wrinkle treatment that doesn’t require any surgery. This treatment is now available through (qualified) dermatologists, plastic surgeons and other cosmetic surgery clinics across the country. A note: be sure to check credentials and length of experience of the “technician” doing this (or any) treatment. The skill of the operator of Pelleve is of utmost importance in getting the results you want.
What is Pellevé™ and How Does It Work? The Pellevé™ Wrinkle Reduction System softens wrinkles on the face by slowly heating the deep layers of the skin with a warming device powered by advanced radiowave technology that protects the epidermis, or top layer. The heat causes collagen and the fibers that help support your skin, to contract and tighten. This action also helps to create new collagen. Although the treatment is indicated (and FDA cleared) only for face on your skin, there is the possibility of using it on your hands, decollete, or other areas. That is something you’d have to discuss with your doctor, as each person’s skin, skin condition, and situation, is unique.
The treatment is done in the doctor’s office in less than an hour. You should see immediate results. It’s pretty simple. Basically, your doctor will apply a treatment gel to your face, a then move the Pellevé™ handpiece over it, heating the skin to a prescribed temperature. You will feel warmth but when the warming gets to be too much, you tell your doctor and she moves to another area. When the treatment is finished (in about 30 minutes depending upon what area is being treated), just like Fraxel, your doctor will place a cooling gel pack or ask to your face.
You might have some redness and/or mild swelling for about 24 hours. This is not surgery, but you are still heating up the layers of skin on your face. According to the press literature, people report that Pellevé™ feels like a warm, facial massage and that it is generally quite painless. *note: as I mentioned, I haven’t tried the treatment yet, but when I do, I will report back exactly what happened and how it felt, and how I felt, afterwards.
Lasting results? Yes, and no. Pellevé™ patients can also expect to see their results improve over the following weeks and continue up to six months. While one Pelleve treatment won’t last forever, considering the cost (from $500 for one area to $1500 for full-face treatment), it is still a good way to get the type of results that you can’t really get from a cream, facial or other potion.
Considering the cost of surgery and other skin-tightening treatments, this one is a bargain. There is literally no down time, this is a good way to perk up your skin. Dr. Sarnoff also mentioned that if you continue to do the treatments, you may actually get longer lasting results, and improvements layer upon one another.
At the event, Dr. Deborah Sarnoff, one of New York Magazine’s 2010 “Best Doctors” (and a Pellevé™ advocate, of course) said that since the Pellevé™ treatment doesn’t require any type of anesthesia, the patient can tell the doctor how she is feeling, and the doctor can adjust the way s/he is administering the treatment, almost “like an artist.” This customization allows the Doctor to make decisions about how to do the treatment that can really help both patient and doctor work together. That is the elegant Dr. Sarnoff in the photo. *My camera died at the event (sayonara Canon Power Shot, hello new Nikon Coolpix!) so this is taken in a dark room with my Blackberry.
I like the idea that a Pellevé™ treatment is a (relatively inexpensive) pick me up for busy people who can’t afford downtime, or who don’t want to undergo surgery or other types of invasive treatments. If you’re terrified of needles, don’t want a face lift, and still feel that your skin could use a little tightening, this treatment could be your proverbial fountain of youth. And, although the results won’t last a lifetime, it could last long enough to change your life for the better, forever!
To learn more about Pellevé or to find a doctor who is trained in using the Pellevé™ Wrinkle Treatment System, visit the Pellevé™ Web Site http://www.pelleve.com/
As the most experienced Pelleve provider in the world, I can tell you that it is so much more than a temporary fix. With patients out over three years now, i can't tell you the results after 2-3 treatments done a month apart persist for years and neck wrinkles, treated off label, do not return, at least for three years. I can also say that forehead lines and crow's feet treated with my special Pelleve method after full Botox effect can be eliminated or greatly diminished even after the Botox wears off. Michael Stampar D.O.