Ask Dr. Man- Portrait

Dear Dr. Man, Two weeks from today, I’m getting the Portrait skin treatment done. Can you please tell me what to expect, as far as what it feels like, what kind of results to expect, downtime, etc.?

Portrait® Plasma Skin Regeneration System (from Rhytec) has shown to reducesand softens the deep lines in the face. Results are immediate and long-lasting, with clinical studies showing improvements for as long as a year after treatment. Portrait is FDA-cleared, and is an effective treatment for wrinkles (deep and fine), brown spots, and pigmentations. It also helps improve skin tone and elasticity, in addition to tightening lax and sagging skin. It is approved to treat the face, neck, décolleté, arms, and hands.

When most people think of “plasma,” they think of televisions; however, this treatment is very different. Portrait is the first system to employ a highly energized gaseous state known as “plasma” to produce unique controlled thermal energy at and below the skin’s surface. While some treatments lead to improved skin only at the surface, Portrait alters structures below the surface, creating unique conditions for continuing regeneration and improvements in wrinkles, tone, texture and discoloration. It creates a natural response to new skin cell regeneration and collagen growth, similar to a newborn baby’s skin.

Your physician will tailor your regime depending on your needs and lifestyle. Treatments can vary from one treatment at a higher setting to three treatments at lower settings. Patients are given topical anesthetic cream one hour prior to the treatment; and the treatment itself is usually completed within about 30 minutes. Patients can expect to feel a localized sensation of heat during the treatment.

Following treatment at lower settings, patients can expect to look and feel sunburned for 24 to 48 hours. Within 24 hours after the procedure, they can resume normal activity and wear mineral makeup. Some shedding can occur within the following 3 to 5 days. Following treatment at higher settings, patients can expect to feel a more intense sunburn sensation, with a browning/bronzing to the outer layer of skin. Patients can resume normal activity and wear mineral makeup within 48 to 72 hours. Shedding may occur within the week following treatment. Once shedding has occurred, the redness of the regenerated skin may last up to 2 weeks. This is a much shorter duration compared to CO2 or Erbium Laser treatment.

The benefits of using Portrait can be seen soon after treatment, and patients tend to see progressive improvements over time. Portrait is a safe, non-surgical way to rejuvenate the skin. Combined with Botox and Dermal Fillers, it can provide patients with synergistic benefits that can do wonders for the skin. I believe that Portrait uniquely addresses the growing demand for cosmetic improvement with minimal downtime, and little or no risk of side effects or complications associated with other more aggressive anti-aging treatments.

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Dr. Daniel Man is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has dedicated his life’s work to helping people look younger and improve their appearance through cosmetic surgery. He is a noted author, artist, inventor and educator. Dr. Man has been featured on major television networks, as well as national and local magazines and newspapers for his work as both a plastic surgeon and an artist. He has a successful private practice in Boca Raton, FL. For more information about Dr. Man, visit www.drman.com.