New Digital Technology Changes the Face of Skin Care

The Skin Center Medical Spa Offers the Revolutionary VISIA Digital Skin Analysis in Columbus, OH and Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh, PA - November 11, 2005 - If there's any truth to the old adage "beauty is only skin deep", then the VISIA™ Digital Skin Analysis can reveal precisely how deep. The Skin Center Medical Spa, with locations in Pennsylvania and Ohio, offers clients a unique look at the health of their skin through The VISIA™ Digital Skin Analysis, a state-of-the-art diagnostic tool that provides clinical measurement of surface and subsurface skin conditions and damage including wrinkles, pores, sun damage and dark spots.

"This technology is revolutionizing the skin care industry," said Dr. Dominic Brandy, founding medical director of The Skin Center Medical Spa. "With the VISIA system, we can view a detailed topographic photo of our client's complexion, giving us the ability to customize facial rejuvenation programs as well as periodically check the effectiveness of the treatment."

The VISIA Digital Skin Analysis uses photographic technology to create a clear, multi-dimensional picture of a person's complexion, measuring key facial and complexion conditions such as: fine lines, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, sun damage and porphyrins (evidence of bacterial growth). The skin complexion picture produced by VISIA provides the framework for creating a personalized facial rejuvenation program.

When the VISIA™ Digital Skin Analysis is complete, a detailed complexion comparison is done based on the skin features of people of similar age and skin type. Given to every client at the end of an Analysis is a detailed complexion report, skin comparison report and recommendations for the optimal facial rejuvenation program.

"Once we have a baseline report from the VISIA system, we are able to recommend facial rejuvenation treatments that target our client's specific condition," said Dr. Brandy. "After the treatment program is complete we can then repeat the VISIA analysis to see how the skin has responded to treatment."

The Skin Center Medical Spa offers a number of facial rejuvenation treatments to help correct the skin conditions reported by the VISIA™ Digital Skin Analysis.

Wrinkle Fillers

Injectable fillers now make it possible to restore a smoother, more youthful appearance to aging skin. These substances, made from bovine, collagen, liquid silicone and hyaluronic acid, are injected just beneath the skin where they fill depressed areas such as wrinkles, frown lines and naso-labial folds. The VISIA system will help your skin care professional determine the depth and severity of the depressed area, pinpointing which area is in need of the most attention and which injectable filler would yield the best results.

Power Peel™ Rx/Medical Microdermabrasion

The Power Peel, more commonly known as microdermabrasion, deeply exfoliates the facial skin to remove dull skin cells and reveal a softer, more radiant complexion. After just one Power Peel Rx, individuals notice improvement in the texture and appearance of their skin. With multiple treatments, fine lines and scars become less noticeable. A follow-up VISIA™ Digital Skin Analysis can provide clients with a clear picture on the effectiveness of their power peel treatment program.

Chemical Peels

Chemical Peels are used to revitalize and resurface the skin. A chemical solution is applied to the face to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin and reveal a younger, clearer, more radiant complexion. There are four types of chemical peels available and each penetrates to a different degree, producing different aesthetic results. The VISIA™ Digital Skin Analysis report will help to determine which type of chemical peel would be appropriate based on skin type and condition.

Photoderm™ /PhotoFacial™ Skin Rejuvenation

Photoderm™ /PhotoFacial™ Skin Rejuvenation utilizes Intense Pulse Light (IPL) technology as a non-invasive way to rejuvenate and improve skin color and texture. During a FotoFacial Treatment, laser light and pulsed light are directed at the skin. The light passes the top layer of the skin and penetrates into the inner layer of skin, revealing healthier more radiant skin. A follow-up VISIA™ Digital Skin Analysis will help measure the effectiveness of the Photoderm™ /PhotoFacial™ Skin Rejuvenation treatment.

CoolTouch® III Gentle Laser

CoolTouch Gentle Laser Resurfacing softens fine lines and wrinkles on the face, neck and hands and improves the appearance of acne scars, stretch marks and active acne. During a CoolTouch III treatment, laser energy is applied in a series of gentle pulses. Without damaging the surface, the laser energy is absorbed by the inner layer of skin where it begins to rebuild and replenish its own natural collagen. Once the series of treatment is complete, a follow-up VISIA™ Digital Skin Analysis will measure the effectiveness of the CoolTouch Gentle Laser Resurfacing program.

Microlaserpeel™

During a Microlaserpeel treatment, a laser-resurfacing device removes the outermost layers of the skin at a pre-determined depth. The procedure is customized to the needs of each individual and to the specific skin conditions being corrected, which includes fine lines, wrinkles, acne scarring, irregular pigmentation and excessive sun damage. Having a VISIA™ Digital Skin Analysis done prior to the mircolaserpeel will identify skin conditions in need of improvement and determine the intensity of the treatment.

Thermage™ Non-Surgical Facelift

The Thermage non-surgical facelift uses radiofrequency energy that is applied with a cooling wand. Without damaging the skin's surface, the readiofrequency energy is absorbed by the dermal, or inner layer of skin, where it tightens existing collagen and triggers new collagen production. Results are seen gradually and occur from the inside out. The VISIA™ Digital Skin Analysis will provide a baseline report on the condition of the skin, helping to determine the number of treatments needed to achieve the desired results.

In addition to non-invasive medical treatments, The Skin Center Medical Spa specializes in a number of surgical procedures including upper and lower eyelids, nose contouring, chin augmentation, hair restoration, breast augmentation, liposuction, abdominal tucks and their flagship procedure - the QuickLift™.

Dr. Dominic Brandy, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon with 25 years experience performing various aesthetic procedures. Dr. Brandy is a clinical instructor of dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and serves as medical director for The Skin Center Medical Spa with locations in Pittsburgh and Columbus, Ohio.

The Skin Center Medical Spa is the region's premier, full-service medical spa offering the latest advancements in surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation. Our medical staff provides prescription-grade skin care, physician-directed laser treatments and cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. The Skin Center Medical Spa was founded in 1981 in Pittsburgh, PA, by Dominic Brandy, MD, a board certified cosmetic surgeon. For more information about The Skin Center Medical Spa, contact 1 (800) 429-1151 or visit www.theskincentermd.com.