Fort Myers Portrait doctors
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Stephen Prendiville, MD
Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon
9407 Cypress Lake Drive Suite A, Fort Myers |
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3 answers |
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Adam Rubinstein, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon
19495 Biscayne Blvd Suite 200 - 201, Miami |
Recent Answers
I am thinking of having Portrait because I have a lot of sunspots on my face and wrinkles around my eyes. I have been reading about Portrait online, but am confused by the options of the settings of PSR1, 2, 3, and also have seen references to "joules". What is the difference between these settings, and how is the right setting determined? Do doctors use different settings for different areas?
First, I must advise that there is a shortage of Portrait nozzles in the country at this time as they are no longer being manufactured. However, this is expected to change in 2010. PSR is a wonderful resurfacing technology that blends a great result with acceptable downtime and which is very safe.
PSR 1, 2, and 3 are related to the amount of energy used. PSR 1 uses about 1J (Joule) of energy and is a single pass technique on the face or other parts of the body (chest, neck, hands). It is designed for skin tightening and there is very little or no downtime. However, the results are less impressive than higher energies settings. Frequently, it is a multiple treatment approach.
PSR 2, and 3 are high energy settings (3-4 J) and are reserved for use on the face only. PSR 2 is a single pass technique, PSR 3 a double pas technique. PSR 2 and 3 will cause a patient to look like they have a very bad sunburn which is on the verge of peeling. There is surprisingly little pain. Based on the description of your skin, I would advise a PSR2 or 3 treatment, assuming you could set aside a week for recovery. In SW Florida, the majority of my patients receive PSR3 at 3.8-4 J due to the prevalence of sun damage.
Portrait Plasma Skin regeneration (high energy, PSR3) is an exceptionally safe skin resurfacing modality when used by an experienced practitioner (it is somewhat technique dependent). The company, Rhytec, filed for bankruptcy last year, but access to supplies of nozzles is improving. My charge for a PSR3 is $3500 and up, depending on the skin type. Some patients elect to have intravenous sedation during the procedure, which drives the cost up to some degree. 80% of my patients elect to have topical anesthesia boosted by nerve blocks (injections) and oral valium. PSR1 treatments (low energy, multiple treatments) typically run $1500 for full face treatment.
PSR treatments, like other resurfacing modalities are most effective and safest in Fitzpatrick skin types 1-3 (pale to moderate tanning ability). Patients with greater pigmentation are at greater risk for transient hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.
i'm in my mid 30s and have sun damage (e.g., rough texture, dryness, thinning of the skin) on my facial skin. i can see my face has sagged quite a bit after years of exposure to the sun. i'm wondering if portrait plasma can improve those conditions and produce a relatively longer lasting results?
Portrait plasma skin regeneration (PSR) is a technology made by a company known as Rhytec and is designed for lower downtime, lower risk skin resurfacing. It can be done at low energy (PSR 1: virtually no downtime) or high energy (PSR 3: 1 week of downtime). The effect is dependent on using ionized Nitrogen gas (plasma) on the skin.
There is good news and bad news about this technology. The good news is that it is really very good at minimizing brown spots, treating lines and wrinkles, and producing firmer, healthier, tighter skin. It does so, in my experience with far less downtime and risk than laser treatments. The bad news: the company filed chapter 7 bankruptcy last November. Since the machine relies on disposable handpieces, this has been problematic for those who operate this dvice. However, by this Fall, avaialbility to a new supply of handpieces is expected.
PSR works very well at a low energy setting on the hands, neck, and chest.
Good luck!