Portrait® - The Breakthrough Plasma Technology behind Skin Regeneration

From the hand piece, the plasma transfers its energy onto the skin without any direct contact, causing a very controlled heating of tissue.  Unlike other skin-rejuvenation treatments, Portrait® leaves the skin surface intact.  It works via an entirely different mode of action that is effective both at and below the skin’s surface.  It stimulates the body to regenerate the damaged structural elements of the skin in a way that other technologies and treatments cannot.  The results seen following treatment get better over time, with clinical studies showing continuing improvement a year later — a unique and significant advantage that distinguishes Portrait®.
 

Why is Portrait different?

Unlike traditional treatments like chemical peels, dermabrasion, and lasers that work by taking away layers of skin, the Rhytec Portrait PSR treatment is activates and stimulates the collagen beneath the surface of the skin, causing new, healthy skin to emerge more naturally. The top layer of the skin acts as a dressing while the skin is regenerating underneath. This is truly unique. Portrait improves both the surface of the skin and the supporting layers below as well. The results are apparent and long lasting.
 

Who are the candidates for Portrait®?

There are many candidates for Portrait®, including:

 
What are the advantages of Portrait compared to full depth laser resurfacing with the Erbium or Carbon Dioxide Laser?

Due to the requirement for extended downtime and significant risks of full depth laser resurfacing procedures, these procedures are rarely performed any longer.  Portrait is able to achieve the types of results seen with these older technologies, but with much more safety and considerably less downtime. Portrait creates the right conditions and natural growth factors for generating new skin in a unique and dramatic way.
 

What areas of the skin can be treated? How long does it take?

Portrait® skin regeneration can be used to treat an entire face or a specific area. Treatment for an entire face takes approximately 20-30 minutes; a regional treatment can be as short as 10 – 15 minutes.  The most common regional areas to treat are the area around the eyes (including the lids) and the region surrounding the mouth. It is more common to treat the entire face. The neck can be treated at the same time as the face.
 

Can Portrait be used to treat areas other than the face?

Portrait can be used to treat the neck, chest, hands as well as other areas of the body.
 

When will I see results?

Improvement in sunspots, discoloration, surface texture and fine lines appear rapidly. Then over the next few months after you will see progressive improvement in wrinkles, skin tone, pore size and laxity, giving you a new and more vibrant and youthful appearance. Clinical studies have shown that improvement in the skin continue for over one year.


How much downtime is required after a Portrait treatment?

Depending on the types of conditions being treated and the degree of improvement desired, the treatment can be tailored to suit one's lifestyle.
Full energy treatments of the face require approximately 5-6 days of downtime. The period of recuperation resembles recovering from bad sunburn. As an alternative to this full energy treatment, we can provide a series of three low energy treatments, 3-4 weeks apart. This process, named Portrait express requires no downtime.


What happens on treatment day?

We begin with a series of photographs that will serve as the baseline record for your skin’s appearance. In addition to regular digital photography, we obtain Visia imaging, a computerized analysis of the skin.
A topical anesthetic is then applied and left on for 45-60 minutes. The treatment takes approximately 20-30 minutes and has been described as feeling like pulsating puffs of heat on the skin. We apply a gentle stream of cold air post treatment and apply either Aquaphor (a petrolatum like material) or a moisturizer, depending on the intensity of the treatment. Individuals with a history of cold sores are treated with antiviral medicines.  Patients leave the office with the appearance of sunburn. There is no bleeding or oozing and no bandages are required. Patients are cautioned to stay out of the sun.


What should a patient expect over the week after treatment?

One will have the feeling of bad sunburn right after treatment and this subsides in approximately one hour. The skin appears red and mildly swollen. Over the next few days one will notice a bronzing effect in the skin, followed by peeling. When the skin peels, it is completely healed underneath and the results are quite noticeable already.
Our patients transition from a heavier petrolatum like substance (Aquaphor) to a moisturizer during the week and stay out of the sun. There is no discomfort during this recuperative week.


What is Portrait Express and is there no downtime with this?

By using a low energy level, we can provide a Portrait treatment without need for downtime. This process, named Portrait Express is provided as a series of 3-4 treatments, spaced 3-4 weeks apart.   It’s possible to leave the office and go right back to your daily routine following this lower intensity treatment. With Portrait Express one may notice some mild redness of the skin and flaking over the next week. This is treated with moisturizer and sun block.
 
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