LLLT

HISTORY OF TECHNOLOGY

In 1965, years after Einstein first published the principle of Amplification, Doctors Sinclair, Knoll, and Mester pioneered the way for therapeutic lasers-lasers that do not cut or destroy tissue, but that heal and have a therapeutic and curative effect on tissue. For years numerous clinical studies world-wide have attested to the beneficial effects of lasers. However, only the last 10 years are we seeing the therapeutic lasers with great increases in power, effectiveness, and decrease in size and cost.

Cold lasers used in LLLT have been in medical use for over 30 years and have a long record of successful clinical studies demonstrating medical efficacy and safety.

WHAT IS LIGHT?

Sun rays touching the Earth include in its spectrum parts with wavelengths roughly, between 300 and 4,000 nanometers (nm). The band of visible light reaches from around 380 to 760 nm. Shorter wavelengths mean ultra violet light, whilst infrared (IR) light is emitted in longer wavelengths. Humans have always been subjected to this solar radiation.

-Light is divided into 3 groups: Ultra violet, visible light, infrared
-Ultra violet: less than 380 nm
-Visible: 380-760 nm
-Infrared: 900-1000 nm

All electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than 320nm (UVB radiation, UVC radiation), X-rays and gamma radiation is very dangerous to humans even at very low intensity, possibly causing damage to the cell (cancerous) upon exposure. Special cells (melanocytes) in our outer skin produce melanin, absorbs UV radiation and prevents it from reaching the deeper layers of our sensitive tissues and caused damaged.

LED: The acronym L-E-D stands for Light Emitting Diode. LEDs produce non-coherent, monochromatic light, spontaneous emissions.

LASER: The acronym L-A-S-E-R stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Laser light is different from natural light in several ways and it is these special characteristics that produce several clinically proven photo-biological effects on skin cells.

1 Laser light is monochromatic. This means that all the energy is essentially one wavelength or color, whereas normal light produced by a light bulb or lamp or from the sun produces a broad spectrum of light and energy waves. In effect, the most beneficial wavelength with bio-stimulating impact is around the red or near infrared spectrum (630-940) nm.

2 Laser light is coherent- sync and in order (short burst in a timely, precise order). For example, when soldiers are marching, they move coherently. On the other hand, a crowd in riot moves incoherently or is very chaotic and not in sync with each other.

3 Laser light is collimated (compressed) which means it is a tight beam of light energy that spreads or diverges only a little at great distances (concentrated and high intensity). While a light bulb loses its brightness very quickly with distance (spread and diffused).

THERE ARE 2 TYPES OF MEDICAL LASERS

1 Hot (high power) laser energy is between 3000 to 10000 mw (milliwatts). It is usually used to solidify the bleeding and to cut the tissues, called “laser knife” or also known as “surgical” lasers. In order for a laser to be suitable to be used as a surgical laser, it must be powerful enough to heat up the tissues to a temperature of over 50 degree Celsius. Not all lasers are high powered.

2 Cold (Low Level Laser Therapy- LLLT or Cold Laser or Soft Laser). On the other hand, low power laser or low level laser, the output is lower between 1 and 500 mW. The power is low and will not damage the hydrogen bonds in the tissues, does not cause any change but the photochemical (Photo- source of energy coming from light, chemical- reaction to the light cause changes in the cells chemically) effects.

LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY (LLLT)

Low Level Laser is sometimes also known as Low Power Laser or Soft Laser, or Cold Laser, or Low Intensity Laser Therapy. For simplicity we shall refer to it as LLLT. LLLT is the therapeutic application of laser light at low intensity. It is commonly performed using lasers in the near infrared to infrared portions of the spectrum. LLLT is an absolutely safe form of treatment, painless with absolutely no down time.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF LLLT?

1 Growth factor response within cells and tissues due to increased ATP and protein synthesis (Bio-stimulation/ tissue regeneration). LLLT increases metabolism at the cellular level, causing accelerated ATP production; protein syntheses; DNA and RNA and many positive markers. At the tissue level, circulation increases during and after the administration of LLLT.

2 Pain relief (analgesic) of increased endorphin and serotonin release. Pain relief is achieved by elevated endorphins and acetylcholine; nerve blockade; decreased synthesis of bradykinin; decrease release of histamine

3 Increased lymphatic activity and strengthening of immune system response (anti-inflammatory) New blood and lymphatic vessels are formed; and collagen synthesis is enhanced. Microcirculation is increased to correct ischemia and acidosis.

4 Stimulation of acupuncture points. Just as depth of insertion and technique alter the effects of traditional healing, so will wavelength, power, and pulsing as energetic response by the body of LLLT. Light is an energetic bias like needles, electrical stimulation and herbs. The body's response is activated by the differences.

As we get older, components of our skin-collagen and elastin, degenerate, setting the stage for the appearance of wrinkles, creases, folds and furrows. The breakdowns of these components accelerated by sun exposure and gravity result in sagging skin. Skin is easily damaged, by external factors such as sunlight, pollution, harsh soaps and chemicals, and by internal causes such as cigarette smoke and diet.

With all aging skin, cells begin to produce excess amounts of free radicals- unstable oxygen molecules- that, under ideal circumstances, are removed by naturally occurring antioxidants within the skin's cells. In aging skin cells, antioxidants are in short supply. The free radicals generated are left unchecked and cause damage to cell membranes, proteins and DNA. These free radicals eventually break down a protein substance in connective tissue (COLLAGEN) and release chemicals that cause inflammation in the skin. It is a combination of these cellular and molecular events that lead to skin aging and the formation of wrinkles.

Considerable research has been done and shown that products containing or producing bioactive effects (those that interact with the living tissues or systems) can benefit sun-damaged, discolored, and aging skin.

All biological systems have a unique absorption spectrum, this uniqueness determines which wavelengths of light will be absorbed to produce a given therapeutic effect. The infrared portion of the spectrum has been shown to be highly absorbent and produce unique restorative effects in living tissues. It is thought that light photons are absorbed by the skin and underlying tissue and triggers biological changes within the body in a process known as photo-biomodulation.

Living cells require energy to perform their biological processes and functions. Light stimulates the mitochondrial production of ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate- the primary biological cell energy source and the energy-carrying molecule). The most common example of light converting into chemical energy is photosynthesis, where plants are fed via light converting into chemical energy. In a similar way, laser penetrates into soft tissue and increases the action of Adenosine Tri-phosphate (ATP), a molecule that is a major carrier of energy from one reaction site to another in all living cells. By doing so, laser light increases the energy available to cells so they take nutrients faster and get rid of waste products.

Light is a visible part of the electromagnetic radiation. Light energy is absorbed by the cells, where it helps to metabolize sugars from the foodstuffs and oxygen to produce vital energy that accelerates cell regeneration and healing processes and enables effective defense from invading pathogens.

Low Level Laser light-also called soft laser light or cold laser light- is a type of a concentrated light from the red to infrared of the visible or invisible portion of the electromagnetic radiation. Cells treated with low-level laser infrared light can produce more cellular fuel, called ATP, thus helping self-healing and regeneration. LLLT can help relieve pain, inflammation, swelling and redness. LLLT stimulates metabolism in connective tissues, energizes and strengthens the immune system and activates cellular defense. With regular use over a period of time, it can minimize scaring, exert an overall bio-stimulation effect on the skin and underlying connective tissues.

Light therapy can be used to treat many cosmetic conditions as improve skin tissue and muscle tone. Treatments are designed to penetrate deep into the tissues utilizing different wavelength of light. The system works by stimulating a natural cellular regeneration and repair process resulting in treatments that are quick, painless with immediate outstanding results.

The fact that LLLTs work by supplying energy to the body in the form of photons of light and allowing the body to effect its own repairs allows LLLTs the ability to treat an extensive list of ailments and imperfections. Ailments that involve skin, tendons, nerves, blood vessels or muscles can be treated with the LLLTs.

ROLE OF LLLT IN COSMETICS AND WHAT IT DOES

•  Face Lift and Tone
•  Lines and Wrinkles
•  Upper arms
•  Eye Contour
•  Swelling around the eyes
•  Mouth contour
•  Scar tissue
•  Skin disorders
•  Eczema
•  Overall facial rejuvenation

RESULTS

•  Delivers a healthy glow resulting from total skin rejuvenation
•  Skin surface becomes smooth
•  Muscles become toned
•  Promotes anti-stress and overall feeling of wellness
•  Accelerates skin repair
•  Healthier circulation
•  Increased oxygenation
•  Increased moisture

BENEFITS

•  Increased collagen production
•  Enhanced nerve regeneration
•  Increased vasodilation
•  Reduced inflammatory duration
•  Increased cell metabolism
•  Increased pain threshold
•  Increased cell membrane potential
•  Reduced edema
•  Increased microcirculation
•  Increased tissue and bone repair
•  Increased lymphatic response
•  Increased enzyme response
•  Promotes collagen production leading to a more youthful skin
•  Restoration of skin's natural cellular activity
•  Encourages a natural chemical reaction within the skin, uniting hydrogen and oxygen to create moisture
•  Greater use of nutritional elements existing within the skin

Acupuncture points are stimulated without using needles.

In contrast to the general surgical or cosmetic lasers that produce heat and thermodestructive laser energy, Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) produces no harm to human tissue in normal use, therefore it is very safe to use with no downtime..

HOW TO CHOOSE LLLT?

Parameters that are important to achieve the best possible effects for the aesthetician:

-Selection of the correct beneficial Wavelength in nanometers
-The use of correct Power Levels
-The consistent application of the necessary amount of Energy
-Choice of Pulsing Frequency

WAVELENGTH

The tissue effects of lasers can best be characterized by understanding the absorption of light in tissue. There are 3 main components of tissue that affect the absorption of light: water, hemoglobin (pigment that renders the blood red), and melanin (pigment that gives skin its natural color). The rule is that the red color (632-670 nm) is convenient for superficial applications, not penetrating deep in the tissue and thus all energy being absorbed in the skin.

Red Light (620 to 675 nm)

•  Readily absorbed by the mitochondria
•  Excellent source of stimulation of a range of growth factors
•  Does not penetrate effectively below the skin surface and into the tissue below
•  Best for superficial conditions but not effective for deep tissue

Infrared (invisible) (780 to 980 nm) Light

•  Absorbed through the cell walls (acting differently between cells), therefore cell response is more wavelength specific
•  More penetrative through the tissue, especially the 800-980 nm range
•  Best for treatment through the intact skin and pain relief

LASER POWER

The power of a laser determines how much energy is initially delivered to the tissue surface and along with the wavelength, the power at any given depth of penetration. In cosmetics, the power output should be in the range of 10 to 40 mw. Lower output leads to excessive prolongation of application times necessary to irradiate recommended dosages of energy.

PULSED WAVE VERSUS CONTINUOUS FOR ENERGY

Extensive research has shown that pulsed wave technology penetrates different tissues more effectively than continuous wave.

The biostimulative effectiveness of soft laser devices depends on the wavelengths employed for their specific effects on tissues as well as the depth of penetration required for the light to reach the target cells. Another factor is the power output. Longer wavelengths penetrate tissues deeper than shorter wavelengths. Soft lasers with low power output are less effective in tissue penetration and take much longer time to show beneficial effects. Soft laser devices with high power output transfer more energy to the treated cells and also penetrate more deeply into the tissues and are therefore much more effective in exerting significant bio-stimulation effects.

WHY PHOTONLIFE?

PHOTONLIFE TECHNOLOGY

•  LED TECHNOLOGY
•  LLLT TECHNOLOGY

PHOTONLIFE machines are LLLTs based on 905 nm wavelength, longest wavelength available for the aesthetician at a reasonable price. It means that tissues are naturally more penetrated deeply, more effectively, and therefore much more effective in exerting significant bio-stimulation effects.

THE PHOTONLIFE LASERS' THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS ON TISSUES

1 Circulation improvement
          a Capillaries and arteries vasodilatation
          b Hemostatic effect
2 Bio-stimulation: acceleration of tissue regeneration
          a Fibroblast Stimulation (responsible for collagen and elastin production)
          b Protein synthesis and ATP stimulation
3 Anti-inflammatory effect
4 Anti-edematous effect
5 Analgesic effect
          a Pain threshold increase
6 Cicatrisation effect
          a Stimulation of the lymphatic system
7 Anti-bacterial effect
          a Laser light kills bacteria
          b Immune system stimulation with increased leucocytes production

PHOTONLIFE machines have a power output of 30-50mW and is of Class 1 Laser Classification means that it is an absolutely safe device for any aesthetician to use.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

1. Organ transplantation: There is a possibility that the laser's positive effects on immune systems could compromise the immune suppression, which is critical to successful transplantation.
2. Pregnancy
3. Patients with cancer
4. Directly looking into the light
5. Patients with pacemakers

Long term experimental and clinical tests did not show any side effects. The use of PhotonLife machines is therefore absolutely painless and risk free

As a noninvasive contact device, the PHOTONLIFE machines are completely portable, very easy to operate and provide reliable and effective treatment options for the clinician and patient.

Slimming Cream: