Scientists theorize that LED photomodulation uses low intensity light emitting diodes, LEDs, in a process similar to plant photosynthesis whereby plants use chlorophyl to convert sunlight into cellular building blocks.
How the Gentlewaves LED Photomodulation System Works
This is the first device to break the code of LED photomodulation technology.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently cleared, (January 6, 2005), Gentlewaves light emitting diode system for non-invasive treatment of periorbital eye wrinkles and rhytids. Gentlewaves is the first and only LED device to receive marketing approval for a medical claim associated with cosmetic improvement of aging and sun damaged skin. The key to the science behind Gentlewaves lies in using gentle LEDs a specifically selected proprietary code for optimum effectiveness. The modulated light is then delivered to target treatment areas by sophisticated pulse technology.
Gentlewaves Features and Benefits
- No pain, side-effects or down time
- Remarkably safe and effective for all skin types
- Non-thermal, non-invasive, and non-ablative so there is no injury to the skin surface
- Fast and convenient
- Treat large areas such as the entire face or chest at once
- Safe for use on reversing photo aging of the hands, chest and neck also
- No after care is needed
- Affordable and cost effective
- Compatible with other skin rejuvenation techniques
How the Gentelwaves is Unique
Current high tech skin rejuvenation therapies operate via photothermolysis to thermally injured tissue and induce a wound healing response or use chemicals to peel damaged skin.
However, wound healing responses are unpredictable and are an imperfect mechanism to achieving new collagen production. Gentlewaves is a natural non-thermal process that uses LEDs emitting less energy than a 25 watt light bulb. It improves the appearance of aging and sun- damaged skin without skin tissue injury or patient discomfort. For the first time, we are now able to both slow down collagen breakdown while simultaneously building up new collagen in the skin. Clinical studies have demonstrated increased collagen deposition with reduced MMP-1 (collagenase activity in the papillary dermis). This means not only is collagen produced but it will now stay around longer allowing for more youthful appearing skin.
Clinical Efficacy
A multi-center clinical study of 54 patients, which the FDA reviewed prior to allowing FDA clearance, demonstrated measurable improvement in periorbital wrinkle reduction after only eight Gentlewaves treatments.
In those with severe wrinkles, 94% exhibited significant measurable improvement. In addition, other clinical studies have demonstrated not only improvement in facial wrinkles and photo aging but also improvement in redness, hyperpigmentation/brown spots and freckles. Patients in these studies have also noted relief in acne. A few patients also noted improvement in their atopic eczema condition. Most patients felt that there was an overall improvement in the appearance of their sun weathered skin with positive changes in texture, pore size, roughness and wrinkles.
Treatment Scenario
Patients spend under a minute sitting in front of a cascading array of over 2,000 pulsating lights (LEDs).
The entire process is completed within minutes, and the patient can immediately return to their normal routine without redness or peeling. The Gentlewaves System is available only through physicians in the United States. It is common for the Gentlewaves treatment to be performed on the same day as a light chemical peel or Botox treatment, although this is not required. Thorough removal of make-up prior to the treatment with toner application is necessary.
How Many Gentlewaves Treatments Are Needed?
Depending on the desired results and the area being treated, an average of eight treatments are recommended.
This can be done either in a twice a week regimen for four weeks or once a week for eight weeks which is the usual scenario. The treatments are long lasting, however maintenance treatments at three to six month intervals are recommended for optimum results. Improvement has been noted to occur even three to four months after finishing the last treatment, indicating that the collagen deposition is an ongoing process which continues months afterwards.
Will the Gentlewaves Treatment Hurt?
No, unlike lasers, Gentlewaves is non-thermal and patients are reporting no discomfort associated with the treatments.
When Do Patients Start Seeing Results?
Gentlewaves treatments are progressive.
Most patients will notice correction with each treatment with the average patient reporting noticeable changes usually within three weeks of the onset of the program.
Interested in learning more? Please contact the staff at riverside facial plastic surgery and sinus center about scheduling an appointment.