Affirm™ Laser
Derma Laser Centers is proud to introduce the Cynosure Affirm to the State of New Jersey. Affirm is the first microthermal-rejuvenation system with the patented Combined Apex Pulse (CAP) 1440 nm laser technology. The Affirm laser is a major breakthrough in non-ablative cosmetic lasers for:
- Microthermal Skin Rejuvenation
- Wrinkle Reduction
- Acne Scars
Impressive results may also be seen with:
- Stretch marks
- Surgical scars
- Traumatic scars
- Keloids scars
The Affirm is able to deliver what Fraxel and other "fractional" lasers are not able to do:
- Comparatively painless treatments*
- Shorter treatment durations (10-30 minutes)
- Virtually no down time
The vast majority of patients do not require even topical anesthesia and resume normal activity the next day.
*Based on interviews of patients who have had both treatments.
Before and After Photos
(Courtesy of Cynosure and Dr. Robert Weiss )
Wrinkles Around the Eyes
Before treatment
After 3 treatments
Wrinkles Around the Mouth
Before treatment
After 6 treatments
Acne Scaring
Before treatment
After 6 treatments
The Affirm Laser's Micro Lens Technology
An innovative micro lens precisely breaks a powerful laser beam into a mosaic pattern of about 1000 focal points. The resulting precise pattern of microthermal (heat) injury rejuvenates the epidermis and outer dermis, and stimulates collagen.
Close-up of lens
close-up of treated skin
A close-up of treated skin shows the microscopic mosaic pattern of the laser. Depressions represent areas of high energy focal points. These focal points induce remodeling of collagen while the lower energy areas in between promote rapid healing and stimulating collagen production.
Improvements in the skin complexion, including texture, pore size, and pigmentation often noted after the first treatment. With additional treatments, a collagen stimulation response (remodeling and new collagen synthesis) evolves over time and is typically associated with improvements in overall skin tone as well as softening of preexisting scars. Remarkably, improvements may continue to evolve even months after the last treatment.
Why the Affirm's 1440 nm Wavelength is an Advantage Over Other Lasers
18 Year Old Skin under a Microscope
50 Year Old Skin under a Microscope
For 18 year old skin, notice the indentation pattern of the outer epithelium layer, its dark purple staining, and the rich collagen network immediately beneath in the outer dermis layer.
For 50 year old skin, notice the loss of indentations and lighter purple staining of the epithelium and paleness of the red in the dermis indicating atrophy and loss of collagen support in the outer dermis.
Immediate Microscopic Effect of the Affirm Laser
Notice the precise controlled pattern of injury which limits the depth to the area most affected by aging and deliberate sparing in between to allow rapid healing. Also note that unlike the deeper penetrating Fraxel laser, the Affirm's microscopic thermal injury pattern is localized only to the area that needs it.
Microthermal Injury by a 1540 nm Laser
Note that a 1540 nm laser like the Fraxel penetrates deeper producing greater and deeper injuries into the dermis where there is a higher concentration of nerve fibers. The larger and deeper tissue injury also requires longer healing, which translates into longer down time.
Clinical Results
(Photos courtesy of Cynosure and Dr. Robert Weiss)
Most patients require 3- 6 treatments 4-6 weeks apart.
Acne
Before treatment
After 3 treatments
Scars
Before treatment
After 3 treatments
References
Prospective clinical evaluation of 1440-nm laser delivered by microarray for treatment of photoaging and scars. Weiss RA, Gold M, Bene N, Biron JA, Munavalli G, Weiss M, Beasley K: J Drugs Dermatol. 5(8):740-4. September 2006.
A study of 40 patients at two major skin treatment center who were trested with the Affirm for superficial rhytides (wrinkles), other symptoms of photoaging, or scars. Patients received 3 treatments 4 weeks apart without any topical anesthetic. At follow-up, 94% of patients exhibited improvements. Side effects were minimal and included mild redness and some swelling that resolving within 24 hours. Pain during treatment was judged minimal to moderate.
