Laser Skin Resurfacing in Glasgow & Edinburgh

The Legato Skin Barrier Breakthrough System for Trans-Epidermal Delivery

Legato is the world's first system to combine iPixelRF technology with Impact ultrasound. Legato is the first minimally invasive solution for stretch marks, acne scars, scars, skin whitening and skin rejuvenation. iPixelRF generates plasma sparks which create microchannels in the skin through which cosmeceuticals, PRP and Growth Factors can reach the damaged tissue.

Impact ultrasound acoustic vibrations gently push the cosmeceuticals past the stratum corneum to the damaged tissue.

First minimally-invasive technique for the treatment of striae and scars
Profound Pixel cosmeceuticals specially formulated for the Legato
No downtime as compared to other fractional laser resurfacing procedures
Fast treatment
Stretch Marks, acne scars, skin whitening and skin rejuvenation
Clinically proven in multi-centre study
Treats all skin types, all year round

The Legato was developed to overcome the challenge of introducing cosmeceuticals beneath the skin without interference from the stratum corneum (outer layer of skin) barrier.

The Legato is a dual stage system that uses RF and ultrasound technologies to overcome the skin barrier.

The protocol first calls for fractional skin ablation and creating microchannels in the skin. Initially the skin is perforated using Pixel RF, and then thermal damage is induced to increase healing and collagen production. We then introduce cosmeceuticals, growth hormones or PRP beneath the skin’s surface. The Legato then harnesses the power of acoustic ultrasonic waves pushing these products into these microchannels directly to the area that will most benefit from the active ingredients.

The Legato is especially designed for the treatment of scars (including acne scars) and stretch marks two indications for which there is no effective solution which is not -highly invasive. Other intended indications include the treatment of wrinkles and pigmentation, and also skin rejuvenation.

PixelRF

The first step of the Legato solution is to create microchannels in the skin. The Legato uses the iPixel TM RF, a radio wave generator that causes precise and controllable thermal damage and fractional ablation. As the iPixel RF makes contact with the skin, small plasma sparks are released that pierce the epidermis and cause fractional skin ablation - forming the microchannels. Each microchannel is 80-120 microns in diameter and has a depth of 100-150 microns, depending on the RF-power settings.

Interaction With The Skin

Cosmeceuticals

The advantage of Trans-Epidermal Delivery compared to topical, oral and hypodermic injections - is the ability to deliver the appropriate dose of cosmeceuticals, growth factors or PRP directly to the location that will most benefit. When cosmeceuticals are introduced directly to biological tissue, they are more deeply absorbed and provide a stronger therapeutic effect. Until now, the main problem with effective delivery was the fact that the stratum corneum is an effective barrier to outside elements, whereas now Cosmeceuticals, growth factors or PRP are applied to the skin following the creation of the microchannels due to the fractional skin ablation. The cosmeceuticals are forced through the microchannels by the Impact Ultrasound unit

Impact

Impact is the name of the ultrasound unit that acts as a vibrator, releasing acoustic waves that push the cosmeceuticals, growth hormone or PRP into the skin via the microchannels. It is a novel technology that involves the combination of the creation of high acoustic pressure and sonophoresis. The acoustic vibrations of the ultrasound lead to radiation pressure that gives greater mobility and reactivity. And increases the amount of cosmeceuticals, growth hormone or PRP that enter the body, thereby increasing the affectivity. Typically absorption of these products can increase from 3-4% as with normal methods of delivery to up to 40% with this technique.

Mechanism of Action

1. Pixel RF treatment and creation of Microchannels

Laser _1

Laser _2

2. Delivery of the drug

3. IMPACT treatment

Laser _4

What Are The Practicalities Of Treatment?

During the treatment process a very strong numbing cream is applied to the surface of the skin in the target area. This eases any minor discomfort, as a result of this it is very well tolerated by our clients. When the lasering begins a warm pins-and-needles sensation is felt and very cold air is also gently blown across the skin to keep it at a safe and steady temperature. The treatment will usually take approximately 30 minutes to perform.

When the treatment is completed and the skin has been cooled a nourishing balm and sun protection will be applied. Immediately after treatment the skin will appear pinkish red, a little swollen and feel like sun-burn. Cool packs may be applied at home if you wish to ease this sensation. This normally lasts approximately 2 days after which your skin will look tanned and may then begin to peel and flake. A good moisturiser and sun protection is essential at this stage (we will advise you on this in-clinic). You may wear make-up if you wish to conceal this, although we would advise investing in some mineral based products so the skin can 'breathe'. It is normal to see visible improvements from your very first treatment.

When Will I See Results?

Speed of results depends a great deal on the severity of the condition. Usually a number of these treatments are reqired anything from 3-4 weeks apart, and results are usually visible after the first treatment. Although you will see some immediate improvements,you won't see the full results for 3-6 months. After your skin heals, which may take 2-3-days; there will be a period of a few days weeks after that when your skin might feel slightly tight. .

During this period, your skin will feel smoother with improved texture and more uniform colour. As the colour returns to normal, you will see fewer lines, less blotchiness and more glow.

There is also the possibility of having quite an intense single treatment, but this does involve a lot more downtime, potentailly upto & days and results are usually apparent from about 1 week after the treatment and will continue to improve over the next 3-6 months.