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TAKE CARE OF SUN DAMAGE
WHAT IS ACTINIC KERATOSIS?
Actinic Keratosis (AK) (plural: Actinic Keratoses, AKs) are premalignant lesions of the skin that, when left untreated, can potentially develop into skin cancer. There are different stages of AK, ranging from mild to severe, with different amounts of scale and color. AKs often occur as multiple lesions on skin areas frequently exposed to the sun, e.g. the face, scalp, neck, ears, arms and hands.
WHO IS AFFECTED BY ACTINIC KERATOSIS?
Since the damage caused by frequent sun exposure is accumulated over many years, people in the second half of their life are most frequently affected with actinic keratoses (age 40 and older). The fact that tanning has been very popular for decades has led to an increase in AK with more and more people being affected as they grow older. Sun worshipers are at an increased risk, and even if you have not been sun bathing, outdoor activities such as gardening, walking in the sun, and working outside can cause enough damage that you may be at risk for developing actinic keratoses.
WHY TREAT ACTINIC KERATOSIS?
AK is the most frequent precancer. It can potentially develop into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most common skin cancer, which can become life threatening if untreated and may require surgery. A retrospective study has shown that in up to 10% of AK patients, individual AK lesions progressed to SCC within an average of two years. Therefore, treating AK during the early stages is a safe and effective way of reducing the risk of AK progression to skin cancer.
WHAT IS PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY (PDT)?
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a highly effective, non-invasive, irradiation-free light therapy to treat Actinic Keratosis (AK). In principle, it uses light and a photosensitizing (i.e. making something sensitive to light) gel or solution. One of these photosensitizing substances is Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA), a naturally occurring precursor of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), the photoactive (i.e. activated by light) substance. Once inside the cell, ALA is converted into PpIX by a series of enzymatic reactions. PpIX is activated by light in the presence of oxygen, resulting in the elimination of AK cells. Aminolevulinic acid is primarily absorbed by premalignant cells, leaving healthy skin cells mostly intact.
Now Offering
Tixel
Refresh Your Appearance with Tixel 2!
Eyes | Face | Neck | Body
All ages, all skin tones, all year round
Simple Elegance™
The simplicity and elegance of Tixel 2 is undeniable.
Simplicity
- No anesthesia
- Non-invasive, no bleeding
- Low pain
- Minimal downtime (0-2 days for most patients)
Elegance
- Treats skin conditions from head to toe
- Suitable for all skin types and all ages
- Can be used year-round, even in summer
- Radiation-free, safe, and easy for patients and clinicians
Tixel 2® Fractional Skin Rejuvenation
We are excited to offer patients a minimally invasive method to restore smoother, tighter, and younger-looking skin on the body, face, eyelids, neck, or hands. Tixel 2® is a fractional skin rejuvenation system designed to treat stubborn skin conditions.
The secret behind Tixel 2 is Thermo-Mechanical Action® (precisely controlled heat). Once gently applied to your skin, this sophisticated technology produces incredible aesthetic results. It’s suitable for all skin types and all ages and can be safely used year-round in any climate.
How Tixel 2 Works
The patented titanium tip is heated with thermal energy. Then the handpiece is moved across the treatment areas, briefly contacting the skin and providing uniform coverage. For optimal results, most patients will require 3-4 treatment sessions, spaced 1 month apart.
What to Expect After Treatment
- Slightly swollen and pink skin for 3 to 4 hours
- Mild erythema and heat sensation for 2 to 3 hours
- Downtime from 0 to 2 days, depending on treatment intensity
- Micro-crusting disappears in about 3 days
The effectiveness of Tixel has been scientifically validated by dozens of clinical publications.