Recently, I met with a skin care consultant at my dermatologist's office who recommended "PHOTO REJUVENATION" (broadband laser therapy) for my face. I made the screening appointment because I was concerned about red, blotchy areas on my face in addition to a large red dot on my chest (decollag) plus one red dot by my eyebrow. The consultant said that small, broken capellaries gave my face the appearance of red blotches and were a result of years of sun exposure as a teen just now showing up on my 53-year old skin. Additionally, the skin care consultant identified the red spots on my chest and face as "angiomas". The skin care consultant advised that the red blotches and angiomas could be diminished with PHOTO REJUVENATION. I plunked down $150 and prepared for my first photo rejuvenation session the following week.
Photo rejuvenation is a procedure where pin points of laser light are directed to small areas on the skin's surface to get rid of red dots, broken capellaries and other small imperfections.
Photo rejuvenation can be done on the face, chest, hands, arms and legs. Costs vary. My 1st session, as I mentioned, was $150 for treatment of my entire face and to zap a few red spots on my chest. Hands only cost $300 for the first session, likewise legs (lower portion only) and arms. Furthermore, aetheticians will tell you that "more than one treatment" may be necessary. As you can see, costs can quickly add up and prices vary depending on whom you visit.
The procedure goes like this: You recline in a dentist-style chair, eyes are covered to insure that your eyes do not suffer side effects of the laser style light. An Aesthetician cleanses your face then begins the photo rejuvenation procedure. Although you cannot see, the aesthetician positions the laser's point to areas of your face and then should warn you that a treatment is about to be administered. Each laser zap feels akin to being shocked with a small zing of electricity. It is superficial and hurts just for a second. In other words, it is bearable! After getting zapped on all of your red spots and veined areas, you are free to go.
An hour after my photo rejuvenation treatment (which lasted 30 minutes) I felt as if I had a moderate sunburn on my face which a dose of Ibuprofen took care of. I looked the same, but with more of a red-tone to my face. The next two days, I was (as warned) mildly puffy in the cheek area. The 3 larger sized red dots (angiomas) on my chest turned dark brown by day 3, as did a red dot by my eyebrow. Today, on day 7, those same 4 red dots are dark brown and shrinking in size.
Small, broken capellaries and veins on my cheeks remain the same - still red and spider-like and thoroughly unattractive. I return to the dermatologist in 2 weeks for a follow up exam and I hope that one more treatment will get ride of the small veins on my cheeks. Yes, I've fallen for the hype and won't back down now..I would love nothing more than to not have to use heavy concealers under my make up.
I will update in late June what happens after my second visit to the dermatologist's office.
SECOND OFFICE VISIT: June 14
I returned to the dermatologist's office 3 weeks after my first visit. Although I had not been thrilled with the results after one week of my first photo rejuvenation treatment, I did see results in approx. 8-10 days. The angioma by my eyebrow was 90% gone. The larger angioma on my chest was50% reduced. Broken capellaries on my cheeks fared about 40% improvement. Worst was the high cheekbone area which receives the hardest hit from the sun's rays. SUN + Unprotected skin=BAD! Yes, I plunked down ANOTHER $150.
I wore NO Makeup into my second session and she zapped my red spots and tiny veins. Six days from my second treatment, I have to say I see a 20% improvement. I'm holding out for better results in the coming week or two. Will I go back for a third photo rejuvenation treatment? Maybe. I'll keep you posted.
Don't get me wrong, I do indeed work out, and therefore have earned the right to wear exercise pants. Yet, I find more frequently that I look upon my stretchy exercise-style pants as a uniform of sorts. Stretchy pants, if you will, are my "go to" garb of choice for the lower body. However, the concept of wearing these stretchy slacks all day long is taking a toll on my psyche. Where is my pride? Why do I no longer wear fashionable clothing? Should I blame it on my rotund torso? 
Avoid Crop Pants. If you have a generous waist, you will look like a squished marshmallow; short and stubby with a soft middle if you pull on a pair of these pants designed for clam-digging. Trust me.
Ban The Belt. I don't care what anyone says, slap a belt around a burgeoning torso and that's right where someone's eyes will fall. Belts attract attention to your middle and that's all there is to it - try it sometime, you'll see that I'm correct.
Skirts. Sure, a skirt is not a pair of pants, but they can be very comfortable and flattering. If your legs have seen better days, wear tights under a skirt, or try wearing a pair of snug cotton leggings. You'll look trendy and feel sassy. Short gals need to avoid skirts that are too long and tall women can get away with any length of skirt, you lucky ladies!