Glacial Rx
Age spots can be a source of discomfort and anxiety because they are, well, a sign of age. The cosmetic concern, also referred to as sunspots, liver spots and solar lentigines, can appear as tan, brown and black spots that define certain parts of the body. They form because the skin’s melanin clumps or is produced in high concentrations, which usually occurs when the skin is exposed to the sun’s UV rays. While it may feel as though you need to let age spots remain, letting them continue to define certain facets of your body, this is no longer the case. Treatments exist that can significantly improve the presence of age spots—namely, the technologically advanced Glacial Rx.
Glacial Rx is a cooling technology that banishes age spots to reveal younger, healthier-looking skin. If you are a resident of St. Louis, MO, or surrounding communities and are interested in improving your appearance by ridding your skin of age spots, contact Ridenour Plastic Surgery. We can be reached at (314) 501-7946, or you can visit our contact page to schedule a Glacial Rx consultation.
What Is Glacial Rx? How Does It Work?
Glacial Rx is a recent development by the creators of CoolSculpting, a body contouring treatment that targets fat cells to eliminate stubborn pockets of fat. Glacial Rx is the first FDA-cleared cooling technology for age spot removal. The treatment essentially freezes melanin and soothes your skin, effectively ridding the body of unwanted age spots.
Glacial Rx utilizes a technology known as Cryomodulation. This unique technology suppresses the production of melanin by freezing it within the dermal layer of skin tissue. Melanin is naturally produced by the skin and ultimately influences the color of one’s hair and skin. However, sometimes too much melanin deposits can build-up due to the aging process and sun exposure, causing age spots to form. Glacial Rx works by suppressing the production of the biological cells that create melanin, known as melanocytes. As new skin forms after treatment, it will appear without unwanted pigments. After treatment, the skin will appear brighter, refreshed and more radiant.
Glacial Rx will also simultaneously reduce redness in the skin. This is because the treatment suppresses the inflammatory response of the skin. The treatment will essentially accelerate skin exfoliation.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Glacial Rx?
If you are bothered by age spots or sun-damaged skin, you will make an excellent Glacial Rx candidate. The treatment can be performed on nearly any part of the body where age spots are of concern. Although age spots are generally benign and do not pose a serious health threat, they can potentially damage an individual’s image. The treatment can also be a suitable option for patients uncomfortable with the appearance of their freckles or for those who struggle with melasma. While Glacial Rx can not completely remove freckles, it can significantly reduce the number that are present.
Glacial Rx can be performed on nearly all skin types. The treatment can be performed on skin types I-IV. In the past, treatments that utilized the power of laser energy were used to remove age spots, but these treatments were not suitable for darker skin types because they could potentially have a damaging effect.
During an initial consultation with your provider, your concerns and skin will be reviewed to ensure candidacy. A review of your medical history may also be discussed to ensure they will not be any complications.
Your Glacial Rx Treatment
Your Glacial Rx treatment will begin with you laying down in a comfortable position. The Glacial Rx cooling technology keeps the skin comfortable, so there will be no need to apply a topical anesthetic. When you are comfortable, your provider will place the Glacial Rx handpiece to the desired treatment area. The handheld device will place a cool plate to each age spot for approximately 15 to 20 seconds, which will freeze the melanin within the dermal layer of your skin tissue. As the device moves across your skin, it will reduce redness and puffiness.
The entire Glacial Rx treatment typically lasts for 45 minutes, depending on the number of age spots being treated. However, patients having a single lesion treatment can have the treatment completed in several minutes.
Immediately after your treatment, a proprietary blend of skin care products may be applied to promote healing and improve tissue response. This proprietary blend may include a mix of antioxidants and brightening agents. Topical products to apply at home may also be recommended.
Your Glacial Rx Results
Glacial Rx requires no downtime. However, you may experience temporary redness and darkening of the skin in your treatment site, but these minor side effects resolve quickly on their own. You can return to work and other daily activities immediately after treatment.
As your cell turnover rate accelerates after treatment, age spots and other forms of excessive pigmentation will start to fade. Generally, after a few days, results are noticeable. However, it can take up to one month for the final results to be realized. While it is possible for some patients for final results to be achieved in a single session, some patients may need additional treatments. Patients with darker skin discoloration will typically require two to three Glacial Rx treatment sessions to achieve their desired results.
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Age Spots No Longer Have to Be an Issue With the Glacial Rx at Ridenour Plastic Surgery
Age spots can disrupt an individual’s sense of self. The small black, brown and tan spots can make a person appear older than they are. Thankfully, it is possible to regain your complexion and attain a more youthful image by undergoing a Glacial Rx treatment. The unique treatment is the first of its kind to use the power of freezing technology to eliminate the presence of age spots. Glacial Rx is a safe and effective age spot treatment.
Learn more about Glacial Rx by contacting Ridenour Plastic Surgery of St. Louis, MO, at (314) 501-7946, or you can visit our contact page.
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