ReLume

<p>Many people generally consider scars and stretch marks unsightly and disfiguring. While scars are usually the result of trauma, acne or a surgical procedure, stretch marks are most frequently caused by weight loss, bodybuilding or pregnancy. Stretch marks occur most frequently in areas of mechanical stress such as the breasts, abdomen, thighs, groin or buttocks. While the exact cause of stretch marks is unknown, it is thought to be a result of decreased or damaged collagen and elastin fibers under the skin.</p><p><img  src="/upload/images/procedures/relume/relume1.jpg" border="0"> </p><h2>Your treatment options</h2><p>Dermabrasion, cryosurgery (freezing), excision, steroid injections and the use of topical creams and ointments have long been the standard of care for the treatment of scars and stretch marks. The results of these treatments range from fair to minimal with recurrences commonly seen after many of the treatments.</p><p>ReLume™ treatments are performed by our doctor&nbsp;for patients in our region to minimize the appearance of stretch marks and scars where pigment (skin color) has been lost. ReLume is the first device of its kind to receive FDA approval. ReLume offers a practical treatment that can regenerate lost pigment in white scars and stretch marks.</p><p><img  src="/upload/images/procedures/relume/relume2.jpg" border="0"> </p><h2>How does the ReLume system work?</h2><p>ReLume's patented light-based system masks the appearance of acne scars and stretch marks by repigmenting the skin affected by these conditions. This is accomplished in our office using advanced, computer-controlled, fiber-optic technology to deliver intense, therapeutic light to the affected skin. The system's unique light rays stimulate the production of melanin to restore the lost pigment in the affected area. </p><h2>Who are the best candidates for ReLume scar and stretch mark repigmentation?</h2><p>ReLume scar and stretch mark treatments are appropriate for almost all patients with: </p><ul><li>Hypo-pigmented scars.</li><li>Shallow scars or stretch marks.</li></ul><h2>How many ReLume treatments will I need?</h2><p>Usually 6 - 12 weekly treatments are required to provide a 75% - 99% repigmentation of the scar or stretch mark. </p><h2>Is the ReLume treatment painful?</h2><p>No. Most patients say they are painless. </p><h2>What is recovery like from ReLume?</h2><p>Since the treatment is non-invasive and gentle, there is absolutely no post-treatment care required.</p><h2>What else can be used to treat scars?</h2><p>There are silicone gels that, when applied to the scar, form a micro-thin layer of silicone on the scar. They can be worn under cosmetics and are easily tolerated by children. The silicone is thought to moisturize the skin, reduce capillary irritation and help the skin to return to its normal texture.</p><p><img  src="/upload/images/procedures/relume/relume3.jpg" border="0"> </p><h2>What are ReLume laser treatments like?</h2><p>ReLume treatments are fast, non-invasive and gentle. Most patients say they are painless. Our&nbsp;physician performs ReLume treatments in our office. Patients do not experience any discomfort during the procedure and can resume normal daily activities immediately. Side effects are temporary and are no more extensive than a mild erythema or redness.</p><h2>What should you expect after&nbsp;treatment with ReLume?</h2><p>Results vary from patient to patient, and may not be immediate. Results from ReLume scar and stretch mark treatments are generally progressive and appear over time. If you respond to the first treatment, your result will usually be as good on the second treatment and almost as good on successive treatments. Newer and shallower stretch marks and scars respond better than older, deeper scars and stretch marks. To enhance the results of your laser treatments, our surgeon may also recommend the use of Renova™ and glycolic acid creams prior to and after your ReLume treatments.<em><br></em></p>

Many people generally consider scars and stretch marks unsightly and disfiguring. While scars are usually the result of trauma, acne or a surgical procedure, stretch marks are most frequently caused by weight loss, bodybuilding or pregnancy. Stretch marks occur most frequently in areas of mechanical stress such as the breasts, abdomen, thighs, groin or buttocks. While the exact cause of stretch marks is unknown, it is thought to be a result of decreased or damaged collagen and elastin fibers under the skin.

Your treatment options

Dermabrasion, cryosurgery (freezing), excision, steroid injections and the use of topical creams and ointments have long been the standard of care for the treatment of scars and stretch marks. The results of these treatments range from fair to minimal with recurrences commonly seen after many of the treatments.

ReLume™ treatments are performed by our doctor for patients in our region to minimize the appearance of stretch marks and scars where pigment (skin color) has been lost. ReLume is the first device of its kind to receive FDA approval. ReLume offers a practical treatment that can regenerate lost pigment in white scars and stretch marks.

How does the ReLume system work?

ReLume's patented light-based system masks the appearance of acne scars and stretch marks by repigmenting the skin affected by these conditions. This is accomplished in our office using advanced, computer-controlled, fiber-optic technology to deliver intense, therapeutic light to the affected skin. The system's unique light rays stimulate the production of melanin to restore the lost pigment in the affected area.

Who are the best candidates for ReLume scar and stretch mark repigmentation?

ReLume scar and stretch mark treatments are appropriate for almost all patients with:

Hypo-pigmented scars.
Shallow scars or stretch marks.

How many ReLume treatments will I need?

Usually 6 - 12 weekly treatments are required to provide a 75% - 99% repigmentation of the scar or stretch mark.

Is the ReLume treatment painful?

No. Most patients say they are painless.

What is recovery like from ReLume?

Since the treatment is non-invasive and gentle, there is absolutely no post-treatment care required.

What else can be used to treat scars?

There are silicone gels that, when applied to the scar, form a micro-thin layer of silicone on the scar. They can be worn under cosmetics and are easily tolerated by children. The silicone is thought to moisturize the skin, reduce capillary irritation and help the skin to return to its normal texture.

What are ReLume laser treatments like?

ReLume treatments are fast, non-invasive and gentle. Most patients say they are painless. Our physician performs ReLume treatments in our office. Patients do not experience any discomfort during the procedure and can resume normal daily activities immediately. Side effects are temporary and are no more extensive than a mild erythema or redness.

What should you expect after treatment with ReLume?

Results vary from patient to patient, and may not be immediate. Results from ReLume scar and stretch mark treatments are generally progressive and appear over time. If you respond to the first treatment, your result will usually be as good on the second treatment and almost as good on successive treatments. Newer and shallower stretch marks and scars respond better than older, deeper scars and stretch marks. To enhance the results of your laser treatments, our surgeon may also recommend the use of Renova™ and glycolic acid creams prior to and after your ReLume treatments.