NLite Non-ablative Laser FAQ: Does it work? Is it worth the money?

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1. Is there one strength for all, meaning the power of the laser?
2. Why can't they just turn it up so I don't have to go back??
3. I have heard conflicting reports on the recovery time to see results. Anywhere from 30-90 days, which is consistent?
4. What about price? I keep getting different price quotes from all over.
5. Well what do they mean full face is it like a pass of a laser over your entire face?
6. Well isn't NLite only approved for "peri-ocular" wrinkles?
7. Why can't my upper lids near my lash line be treated?
8. How can I find out when NLite will be available in my area?
9. Is NLite effective for the vertical lines around the mouth without changing the "fullness or shape of your lips"?
10. Can the neck area be treated with NLite? What is the soonest you can go in for your second treatment?
11. Can NLite improve my acne scarring?
12. Is this procedure recommended for bags and puffiness under the eyes? I want something to take the tired look out of my eye area.
13. Is there an age limit on this procedure? Does it work on older skin?
14. How many treatments do you suggest? How far apart in time should I wait? Is it important that a plastic surgeon does it or can a M.D. do it?
15. What is the difference between PhotoDerm and NLite?
16. Should Renova be discontinued before treatment?
17. What is the difference between CoolTouch and NLite?

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1. Is there one strength for all, meaning the power of the laser?

The NLite laser can be turned up but the point of the NLite is its non-ablative nature. Which means not to cause harm to the epidermis such as ablative lasers such as CO2 and the like. This means without blisters, peeling and weeping sores. The NLite can cause blistering, purpura [: any of several hemorrhagic states characterized by patches of purplish discoloration resulting from extravasation of blood into the skin and mucous membranes] and at least minor bruising when turned up higher than recommended.

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2. Why can't they just turn it up so I don't have to go back??

The point of the NLite Laser is to stimulate a thermal response in fibroblast stimulation/collagen formation in the dermis/epidermis barrier. If you were to turn NLite up, you would do this but damage the upper layer as well. The NLite is known for its non-ablativeness at its lower levels, its intended levels.

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3. I have heard conflicting reports on the recovery time to see results. Anywhere from 30-90 days, which is consistent?

I have heard the conflicting reports as well and it is annoying let me tell you. The NLite Laser is very new though and I believe as we have time on our sides we will be able to better determine this factor more easily. I will definitely let you all know after Marc and I get it. Just as you know every body is different, but it could also be the amount level that it is turned up to. We will better understand it ourselves once we receive the treatment.

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4. What about price? I keep getting different price quotes from all over.

A lot of surgeons were unsure at first what level works for whom and how much so at first many were offering full face for approximately $400. US Fortunately, they are seeing that it does work, but the unfortunately thing is the price is going up and with due reason. The machines cannot be bought as of yet and they must be rented for only a few days at a time for a very high price.

The prices (on the low range average) are $400.US for eyes, $800.US for full face (wrinkles only) and $1,200.US for complete face (verbatim). Although there are some definite surgeons and derms taking advantage of the patient and charging $2000.US for complete and even just full face.

Let me put it to you this way. The company charges the physician $0.25US per pulse PLUS the cost of the machine rental which is EXPENSIVE. The physician charges YOU $2.50US per pulse. But you only get about 15 to 30 min. of treatment. Multiply your price times 20-25 patients per day. Who's making out like a bandit?

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5. Well what do they mean full face is it like a pass of a laser over your entire face?

Usually full face means wherever facial wrinkles are seen and in areas where wrinkles typically form. A full face session would include your entire eye area of course. Although for the upper eye area, only up to the upper eyelid crease, NOT over your eyeball. The lower eye lid can be pulled down slightly for treatment up to the lower eyelash line. Also the forehead and any other complaints -- around lips, on the chin, etc.

Complete face, however is just that -- completely over your entire face in a grid-like fashion. The reason for the grid is because you don't want to cross over the same area twice during one treatment. Complete face includes even skin that does NOT have visible wrinkles.

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6. Well isn't NLite only approved for "peri-ocular" wrinkles?

That is correct, it is only approved for wrinkles around the eye area. Peri means around and ocular means "having to do with the eye area." But, BOTOXŽ is only approved for strabismus and blepharospasm - not wrinkle reduction or prevention. Collagen is only approved for the vermillion border -- not lip augmentation -- as well as a host of others that are used other than what they are approved for. If you don't want anything else treated except the approved treatment area -- tell them so and they will not treat anything other than your per-ocular area. But they are gathering data for the FDA for approval for other facial area applications.

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7. Why can't my upper lids near my lash line be treated?

The heat from the laser would severely damage your eyes as will the bright light of it. You must wear protective eyewear just as the NLite technician must. The heat from the laser can even coagulate the delicate tissues and liquid of the eye. The lower lid can be slightly pulled down as treated as long as the eye itself or the skin directly on top of it is not affected. The upper lid can generally be treated by pulling it up only slightly and never past the natural crease of the eye lid. Perhaps one day there will be metal contacts such as in some laser surgeries that can cover the globe of the eye. As long as the metal is not heated up so severely that it burns the surface of the eyeball.

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8. How can I find out when NLite will be available in my area?

NLite can be available in any area of the United States. It is all a matter of surgeons in your area putting forth the money to rent the machines. So it is up to the individual surgeons to do so and provide the service to their patients. The machines cannot be bought as of yet so they can only be rented for a few days at a time. The company usually delivers the machines during the morning and picks them up at the end of the day.

I suggest contacting your area surgeons and inquiring whether or not if they intend on renting the machines for their patient's use. Then and only then can they be listed on the NLite website for surgeons providing this procedure.

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9. Is NLite effective for the vertical lines around the mouth without changing the "fullness or shape of your lips"?

Yes, NLite can be used to correct the wrinkles around the lips although there are no reports of having experienced lip distortion post-treatment. Do realize that NLite is only approved for peri-ocular wrinkles but is used on other areas of the face, regardless.

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10. Can the neck area be treated with NLite? What is the soonest you can go in for your second treatment?

Although, approved for the peri-ocular wrinkles, NLite can be used on neck. It was previously recommended to wait 2 to 3 months before doing 2nd treatment or you would essentially be wasting your money. There were even reports of frequent treatments actually causing the collagenation to halt until the thermal wound response has completed its cycle.

Now, the company itself recommends a second treatment 2 weeks post first treatment per testing in the U.K.. Go figure.

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11. Can NLite improve my acne scarring?

Recently, patients have reported improvement in their acne scarring after 2 treatments. However, the scarring was mild prior to the treatment. A few microdermabrasion treatments or Retin A use prior to the NLite treatment can significantly increase cell turn over and new collagen formation. Plus, a good skincare regimen, (i.e., Obagi, Renova, Retin A, etc.) can continue to increase the improvement. Unfortunately, something a little more invasive may be necessary for extreme acne scarring.

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12. Is this procedure recommended for bags and puffiness under the eyes? I want something to take the tired look out of my eye area.

NLite is for wrinkles not puffiness. But I must warn you about removing these "bags." Do you have any thyroid problems at all? Removing tissue which may be cause by edema and not excess or herniated fat can be very detrimental. Ascertain that the bags are actually fat and maybe, depending upon the amount of the bag, a Brow Lift can help. This can help so much. Even a brow lift in conjunction with a Temporal lift (not skin only) or Temporal Lift only, can do wonders with a tired, bagging look of the upper eye.

Please use caution if you decide to have skin removed as in an upper blepharoplasty. I have seen too many negative results so choose your surgeon wisely.

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13. Is there an age limit on this procedure. Does it work on older skin?

For mature patients, this age factor can be decided by the physician on the general health of the patient. Regarding the earliest it can be performed -- 18 years of age is a good bet. Although the average age group is actually anywhere from 26 on up.

The results depend much upon your body's own ability to produce collagen. This collagen production decreases as we age but can be very individual.

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14. How many treatments do you suggest? How far apart in time should I wait? Is it important that a plastic surgeon does it or can a M.D. do it?

The treatment/session amount depends upon the individual but it averages at 2 to 3. Wait at least 2 weeks between each one or you will be wasting your money AND counteracting the progress. Actually, the company trains skin care specialists/nurses, as well, who work for doctors. It does not matter if it is a plastic surgeon. Both PS's, Derms, nurse and general physicians have access to the machines. Just be sure that if it IS by a nurse or an NLite tech that they have received proper training because although this treatment is supposed to be non-ablative, in the wrong hands, it can be.

I have heard reports from patients who went to offices where the NLite machine was new to their staff and the patient ended up with very dark bruises and blisters in a grid-like fashion. Just know that bruising is possible. And that if the techs turn it up too high, it can cause excessive bruising, purpura and bleeding!

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15. What is the difference between PhotoDerm and NLite?

NLite is a medical yellow-light class IV medical, non-ablative HeNe flashlamp pumped, pulsed-dye LASER which passes through the epidermis to produce a thermal wound response in the dermis and dermis/epidermis barrier.
NLite is considered Non-ablative as the surface of the skin is not removed or harmed unless the technician has the settings turned up very incorrectly for your specific needs.
PhotoDerm or any intense light therapy machine produces a flash of light that affects all layers of the skin and actually tightens the surface skin as well as removes hyperpigmented lesions and even vascular lesions while producing a thermal wound response as well.

You would think that one is better than the other and even some surgeons have their different opinions but for different needs, one would suit a patient more than the other would. That is why it is important to consult with a proper surgeon/dermatologist regarding either of these procedures. This way you can hear either side out -- have several consultations if you must. Just be sure to mention any pre-existing conditions, or ethnicity traits as hyper- and hypo- pigmentations are possible.
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16. Should Renova be discontinued before treatment?

No, most NLite techs even encourage the use of Retin A beforehand to trigger angiogenesis (blood vessel formation), as well as dermis thickening. Some skin specialists have reported increased benefits for patients who were on a treatment plan of Obagi NuDerm system, Retin A and such for 6 weeks beforehand. Although please check with your own NLite technician well beforehand as he or she may prefer that you cease any and all forms of topical irritants or angiogenesis-inducing products.

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17. What is the difference between CoolTouch and NLite?

NLite is a medical yellow-light class IV medical, non-ablative HeNe flashlamp pumped, pulsed-dye LASER which passes through the epidermis to produce a thermal wound response in the dermis and dermis/epidermis barrier. NLite is considered truly Non-ablative as the surface of the skin is not removed or harmed unless the technician has the settings turned up very incorrectly for your specific needs.

The Cool Touch 1320 Laser is a thermescent Nd: YAG 1320 LASER. They are two totally different lasers. This is also a selective dermal heating type of procedure such as NLite. This laser supposedly can be used on any skin color, any skin type, and on any part of the body without the risks of hypo- or hyperpigmentation or the healing times associated with conventional lasers. It is considered a non-ablative lasing device ONLY if the surface of the skin is cooled enough! But in fact, quite technically it is not truly non-ablative. Outer skin and sensitive nerve endings with a unique cooling spray, then use precise laser pulses to stimulate cells called fibroblasts which produce the natural collagen that is the foundation of your skin. As the collagen layer thickens, skin tone and elasticity improve.

The reason it isn't technically a non-ablative laser like NLite is because your epidermis MUST be cooled with cryospray before the pulse. The NLite DOESN'T heat up your epidermis like the CoolTouch does because NLite light passes through the epidermis.

According to a lecture I listened to by Dr. Robert A. Weiss, the assistant professor of dermatology at the University of John Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland by on non-ablative treatments:

Thermescent CoolTouch 1320 treatments are usually performed 3-4 times at one month a part although you will not see results until the 2nd or 3rd treatment. Also the improvement may appear immediate although this is due to edema (swelling), etc. The patients sometimes use moist gauze or goggles. It was reported that 50% of the patients opt for an EMLA cream (topical anesthetic).

With NLite, EMLA isn't necessary because it literally is NON-ablative and also you usually need no more than THREE treatments at 3 months apart, unlike the CoolTouch. There is also no need for gauze post-op because of the NLite's true non-ablativeness, unlike the CoolTouch which moist gauze and topicals are usually necessary.

As with NLite, this type of laser delivers the amount of infrared energy to trigger a thermal wound response but without the harmful effects to the epidermis. In other words, the laser heats up where your dermis/epidermis meet, thereby stimulating your collagen production and correcting the rhytids (wrinkles) from within. The difference with CoolTouch 1320 is that the cryogen spray cools the epidermis allowing the penetration of the Nd: YAG to depths of 200-400 microns in the dermis layer with a surface temperature of no more than 111.2ş to 118.4ş Fahrenheit (44ş to 48ş Celsius). Improvements were seen on rhytids (wrinkles), acne scars, pore size reduction and "crepiness". Also it was mentioned that the subcision (undermining of scar bands under an acne pock) was beneficial to the patient when treated with the CoolTouch 1320 as well.

CoolTouch affects all layers of the skin and actually tightens the surface skin while producing a thermal wound response as well like the NLite.

You would think that one is better than the other and even some surgeons have their different opinions but for different needs, one would suit a patient more than the other would. That is why it is important to consult with a proper surgeon/dermatologist regarding either of these procedures. This way you can hear either side out -- have several consultations if you must. Just be sure to mention any pre-existing conditions, or ethnicity traits as hyper- and hypo- pigmentations are possible.

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