Title

Non-Surgical Laser Wrinkle Treatment-- SmoothLase™

Non-Ablative & Pain Free Laser Wrinkle Reduction & Wrinkle Prevention around the mouth

By Dr. David L. Rodrick, DDS – Centennial, Colorado

Wrinkles are for many—undesirable, annoying, unattractive and it gives us the perception of feeling old and sometimes insecure. Many different products and treatments are available for wrinkle reduction; unfortunately, unpleasant disadvantages such as downtime, shots, cutting, swelling, peeling, or invasive techniques are usually required and do not make them ideal to use.  As a result, the demand for non-invasive and no down time, stimulated European researchers to come up with a non-surgical , intra-oral laser treatment that has been successfully used in Europe for the last few years, known as SmoothLase™.

There are some common sense reasons why people seek to reduce or prevent wrinkles:

• To look younger
• To feel more attractive
• To avoid future wrinkles

 HOW WRINKLES FORM?

Collagen fibers are responsible for maintain healthy and texture skin, but as skin ages, less of it is produced causing wrinkles, scarring, uneven tone, poor texture and dry skin.  Facial expressions, ultraviolet radiation, tanning, dietary toxins, unhealthy habits such as smoking and consuming excessive alcohol are —among others, contributing factors to skin damage, causing wrinkle formation and skin sagging.

WHAT IS SMOOTHLASE™?

SmoothLase™ is a conservative, non-surgical laser procedure, done intra-orally (inside the mouth) to REDUCE and PREVENT wrinkles around the mouth and cheeks, below the jawline and under the eyes.  The procedure is easy, painless, and non-invasive.  No anesthesia and no down time are required.  The skin surface does not get red or damaged in any way.  Unlike most wrinkle treatments, this technique is done by a natural process of the body (collagen regrowth).  The process reduces wrinkles dramatically by tightening the wrinkled and sagging skin.  Also, it improves its tone and elasticity, moisturizes it, and it gives the face a younger look; with a “healthy” color tone.

HOW THE LASER WORKS?

The laser energy and heat penetrates below the skin layer and cause the collagen fibers (responsible for keeping the tissue tight and healthy) to change and re-grow.  Once new collagen is created, wrinkles are slowly reduced (within days after treatment).  The skin gets tighter, saggy skin gets firmer, and the face obtains a natural, moist and “healthy” look.  Moreover, the regrowth of collagen also contributes to the prevention of future wrinkles

 WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SMOOTHLASE™?

• Non-Ablative:  The procedure is virtually painless so there is no need for anesthesia.
• Non-Surgical:  Only the laser light is used during the procedure, there is no cutting at all.
• Smooths Wrinkles and Saggy Skin Naturally:  The new collagen created reduces wrinkles and tightens the tissue.
• Prevents Future Wrinkles:  Unlike most treatments available, SmoothLase™ prevents future wrinkles from forming
• No Peeling or Swelling, and Redness is Minimal:  Since the procedure is done from inside the mouth, redness on the face  is very minimal.
• Long-Lasting Results:  The results can even last from 2 to 3 years, and even more.
• No Downtime Necessary: There is no recovery time necessary after the 40-minute procedure.
• No Need for Artificial Products: Only the laser light is used during the procedure.
• Very Natural Change:  No radical changes
• Good for Everybody:  Everybody is qualified for this treatment, except pregnant women. Researchers are looking to see if  there are any negative effects  for  pregnant women.   
• No Medication Needed:  There is basically no pain during or after treatment.
• No Side Effects: There may be very light redness, but it goes away in a day or two.

  
  

Along with SmoothLase™ there is a technique (LipLase™)  used to add volume and to plump up the lips with the laser light, in a natural way.  The results are immediate and continue to improve for 30 days as new collagen is created.  The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes.  Three treatments are usually required and the results last for 2+ years.  There is no need for surgery, anesthesia, shots, or fillers. The procedure is painless and there is no discomfort. 

WHAT IS A SMOOTHLASE SESSION LIKE?  

The patient stays seated in the chair during the treatment.  The doctor carefully and painlessly applies the laser light on the tissue (inside the entire mouth and cheeks). There is a feel of heat on the skin when the laser light touches the skin.  The procedure is repeated 4 times for better results, and it is basically painless.  If some discomfort occurs, the doctor would set up the laser to the ideal settings until the patient is comfortable.  The outside-fine lines around the mouth and cheeks are painlessly touched up with the laser at the end of the procedure.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?

Treatments depend on the age of the patient. One treatment for every 10 years of age is recommended. For instance:  for a 30 year old person—3 treatments, for a 40 year old—4 treatments, for a 50 year old—5 treatments, and so on.  Each treatment takes about 40 minutes, and they are done 3 weeks apart to give the skin time to create new collagen.  After the last treatment, new collagen will continue to form for about a month.  It is recommended to get a touch up every 2 or 3 years to avoid having wrinkles return and for preventing future ones. Preventing wrinkles can save money in the future.

WHAT IS THE COST OF SMOOTHLASE™?

The cost is $700 to $800 per session approximately.

FACELIFT

 Procedure that surgically pulls back the skin on the jaws and neck skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

HOW IS A FACELIFT PROCEDURE PERFORMED?

An incision is performed in the hairline or above and in the front ear, then it is extended downwards in front of the ear, then down and then behind it.  The fatty tissues and skin are lifted off the underline and connective tissue as far forward as necessary to correct the loose skin problem.  They are tighten with sutures if necessary.   The wound is then closed with sutures and skin staples.  A drain in the wounds to remove excess blood is applied by some surgeons and then bandages are applied. Some surgical techniques go into deeper tissues rather than under the skin and fat

Recovery time: 2-3 weeks and sometimes longer.

WHAT ARE THE PROS OF FACELIFT?

• Reduces the saggy skin.
  
• Better volume in the face.
  
• Appearance of less wrinkles.

WHAT ARE THE CONS OR COMPLICATIONS OF FACELIFT?

• Requires surgery.
• Sutures and wounds.
• Bruising, hematoma, bleeding.
• Infection.
• Medication needed.
• Loss of muscle sensation or function.
• Loss of hair around the incision site.
• Down time.
• Scars.
• Wind-tunnel appearance.
• Prolonged numbness.
• Problems with wound healing.

WHAT IS THE PRICE OF A FACELIFT?

The surgeon’s fee varies with his experience and the office location.  The average price is $7,000 but it does not include the facility or hospital expense, anesthesia, medical prescriptions, post-surgery garments, medical tests, and more…

Face lift is not covered by insurance if it is for esthetic purposes.

INJECTABLE FILLERS/DERMA FILLERS

Technique that fills up wrinkles by injecting multiple shots of soft-tissue fillers in the lines and under the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the face.

Many different substances can be used for this procedure, including:  human body fat, collagen, synthetic materials, and hyaluronic acid (natural substance presented in the human body found in rooster combs or made by bacteria in laboratories).

 The derma filler effects last from 3 to 12 months.  Safer fillers are temporary and last less time. The longer lasting ones can last up to a year; however, the side effects are riskier.  Particles from the substances used remain in the body, making the procedure controversial.  Repeated treatments are needed for longer results. Derma fillers are not covered by health insurance.

WHAT ARE THE PROS OF DERMA FILLERS?

• Improves wrinkles appearance
• Treatment is fast
• Quick results

WHAT ARE DISADVANTAGES OF DERMA FILLERS?

• Requires multiple injections in the skin.
• Pain.
• Redness, swelling, and bruising.
• Rash, itching.
• Results can vary and be disappointing.

Other less common side effects include:  open wounds, , blindness, severe allergic reaction,  tissue death (necrosis), infection, movement of the filler substance, breakage of the filler material through the skin, stroke, and more…

WHAT IS THE COST OF DERMA FILLERS?

The price of derma fillers vary according to what the plastic surgeon determines each patient needs.  Also, it differs on the surgeon’s expertise and on the substance used.  The average cost of some popular types of fillers range from approximately $500 to $900.  The patient usually requires touch ups.

Form of botulism neurotoxin (neurotoxic protein ) that is injected in the skin to decrease the appearance of wrinkles by blocking the nerve signals and to paralyze muscles.  The results usually last from 3 to 6 months. If the patient is happy with the results, the treatment has to be repeated every 3 to 6.  Some say it prevents wrinkles form forming; however there is no proof of that happening.

• It reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
• Procedure is short.
• Short recovery time.
• Results are relatively quick.

• Requires injections in the skin.
• Limited facial expressions.
• It paralyzes the treated muscles.
• Results are short.

A new study says that muscles can lose mass over time and that botox substances can travel along nerve fibers to other parts of the body and even enter the brain.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF BOTOX?

• Pain
• Infection
• Bleeding and bruising
• Allergic reaction
• Inflammation
• Swelling
• Redness
• Nauseas

Among several other, these side effects have also been reported: trouble breathing, migration of the substance, inability to swallow or to speak clearly , headaches, neck pain, droopy eyelids, numbness (inability to move a muscle), muscle spasms, nausea,  etc.

WHAT IS THE COST OF BOTOX?

The price varies according to the amount used or on the area treated. Some providers charge by unit--$12 to $15 commonly.  Others charge by area; for instance: one area is --$400, two areas--$780, and three areas--$1,100. The average price of one single area injection is $470.  In some states it can cost up to $2000. Botox is not covered by health insurance.

CHEMICAL PEELS

A chemical peel is a treatment in which an acid solution is used to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin in order to improve the appearance of the skin on the face.  The skin peels off after applying the chemical solution, causing new skin to regenerate. The new skin usually has fewer wrinkles and is smoother than the old skin.   There are different types of chemical peel treatments.  Medium peel is the one used to improve wrinkles and fine lines by applying glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid (natural occurring chemical derived from sugar cane). Repeated treatments may be needed to maintain results.  The treatment requires 1 to 2 weeks to heal. Severe swelling and redness occur during the first 48 hours.  The treatment is not covered by insurance.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A CHEMICAL PEELS?

• Skin and skin tone  improvement
• Wrinkle and fine line reduction
• Smoother and softer skin

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF A CHEMICAL PEEL?

• Redness  and skin peeling
• Stinging

• Long recovery time.

• Irritation

• Uneven skin tone

• Sun sensitivity

• Skin lightning

• Dryness

• Swelling

• It works better on people with light skin and light hair only.

Medical considerations: Results are better achieved on patients that do not have a large formation of scars, who do not suffer active skin infections, or who do not take Accutane ® medication (acne treatment).   Smokers must not smoke for a few weeks prior and after a chemical peel.

WHAT IS THE COST OF A CHEMICAL PEEL?

Price varies according to the state, the practitioner, the condition of the skin and other factors. The approximate price is $600 to $900, plus other expenses that may include the cost the surgical facility, a possible hospital stay, and anesthesia.

Most products and wrinkle reduction treatments require ablative, painful, surgical, or time consuming methods.  They may give people an unnatural, and sometimes, an expressionless look; and the results are short (months to a year).   Techniques such as Botox have caused controversy because it can produce side effects such as facial paralysis, serious allergic reactions, and blurred vision.  Anti-aging products are expensive and do not usually do what they promise to do, the results are poor and they have to be applied every day.

SmoothLase™ is an easy, painless, non-surgical, and non-ablative procedure, without any side effects that gives patients a natural, “healthy” look with successful  results that last up to 2 and 3 years, and even more.

HOW DO I CHOOSE A QUALIFIED DENTIST DOCTOR TO PERFORM SMOOTHLASE™?

If you choose to get a SmoothLase™ treatment, make sure you are receiving the treatment from a qualified dentist who’s certified and properly trained in the SmoothLase™ procedure.  Currently, there are only about 100 dentists in the United States qualified to perform this procedure. The “Fotona” laser company certifies the dentist to provide the procedure. Only after the dentist is certified is the dentist able to purchase the specific handpiece to provide SmoothLase™ to their patients.  The course can only be taken after several days of training is completed on the Fotona LightWalker™ dental laser and then a weekend course is taken on SmoothLase™ and then the dentist is certified.  You should ask to make sure your dentist has these qualifications first.

About Dr. Rodrick

Dr. Rodrick was born and raised in northern Illinois. In 1977, he moved to Denver and attended the University of Colorado at Denver — graduating in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He then attended the University of Colorado School of Dentistry and graduated as a general dentist in 1984. In 1985, he opened a solo practice in Centennial, Colorado.

Dr. Rodrick is an expert in general, cosmetic and laser dentistry, and he is one of the leading laser dentists along Colorado’s Front Range.  He is one of the first dentists to offer laser dentistry in Colorado. He was the first certified dentist in the state of Colorado to perform non-surgical laser snoring treatment (NightLase™), non-surgical wrinkle reduction (SmoothLase™), and non-surgical laser lip augmentation (LipLase™).  He earned an Associate Fellowship in Laser Dentistry by the World Laser Clinical Institute, and he also has completed extensive continuing education using “Fotona” dental and cosmetic lasers.

In addition to his 30 years of experience in dentistry, Dr. Rodrick has completed close to 300 hours of continuing education in laser dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, laser endodontics (root canal therapy) and dental implants.

He has a passion for making patients relax, and helping solve their problems using effective, comfortable laser dentistry equipment and techniques. He offers:

• Non-surgical Laser wrinkle-reduction
• Non-surgical Laser treatment
• Non-surgical Laser lip augmentation
• General dentistry services
• Laser dentistry services
• Root canals
• Non-surgical Laser Gum Treatments
• Cosmetic dentistry & implants
• Teeth whitening…and more.

For more information about Dr. Rodrick , visit his website:  http://www.drrodrickdds.com/

Dr. Rodrick has a passion for laser and cosmetic dentistry for many reasons: “I am passionate about laser dentistry for so many reasons.  First, laser dentistry truly offers the best quality of dental treatment available, with the least possible amount of discomfort for my patients.  Second, by offering laser dentistry that’s more comfortable and effective, it keeps my patients coming back regularly to care for and maintain their teeth,” he said.