OVERVIEW

Harmony Advanced Fluorescence Technology (AFT) treatment is one of the most effective methods of treating sun damaged skin (brown and red spots.) The Harmony works by specifically heating targeted structures in the skin to achieve cosmetic improvement and younger looking skin. The purpose of the treatment is to remove diffuse redness and accumulated pigment using intense pulsed light to target hemoglobin in the fine vessels that appear and to target stored melanin that appears as pigmented spots. The Harmony AFT filters unwanted and unnecessary wavelengths which reduces the risk of side effects to the surrounding skin.

A series of 3-5 sessions is recommended, at approximately 4-6 week intervals. Depending on the size and color of the lesions being treated, complete clearing may not be possible and may require multiple treatments for optimal correction. Treatments using the Harmony AFT system will not cure any medical conditions responsible for pigmented or vascular lesions. Results may not be permanent and they do not prevent you from developing new sun spots in the future.

Description of the procedure:

It is asked that you please arrive about an hour prior to the procedure for pictures, removal of makeup or creams, and for topical numbing cream application. The treatment itself takes approximately 30 minutes depending on the size of the area. In total you will be here for an average of 1.5-2 hours.

To protect your eyes from the intense light, you will have your eyes covered with protective goggles. A thin layer of gel will be applied to the treatment area to ensure even distribution of the light. A cool smooth flat crystal is placed gently against the skin.

You will feel a warm, brief, snapping sensation on the treatment area. There is also a bright flash of light that may startle you. If you experience any significant discomfort, please let us know.

Immediately following the laser treatment, the area usually appears, pink or red and should improve over the next couple of hours. Brown lesions should appear ashen and will begin to peel after 5-7 days on the face up to 2-4 weeks later on the chest or arms. If the appearance is bothersome, you may use makeup to cover the area. It is possible to have temporary lighter or darker tones of skin in those areas but these typically resolve within a few weeks and rarely after months.

Improper care such as picking at peeling skin, or irritating the treatment area can cause an infection and increase the chance of scarring or skin textural changes to the treated area. It is very important to follow the skin care instructions carefully and contact us with any concerns.

Peter Rullan, M.D.

Jennifer Rullan, M.D.

Jennifer Piper Trimai, P.A.

Possible Risks & Complications:

  • Temporary redness, swelling crusting, itching, or blistering of the treated skin.
  • In rare cases blisters or light burns to the epidermis (top layer of skin) may occur
  • Increased or decreased pigmentation of the skin (hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation or uneven skin color) that could last up to 6 months. This usually resolved within weeks.
  • Scarring is rare but can occur
  • Multiple treatment sessions are usually needed to achieve the desired results.
  • Occasionally there is no improvement and another form of treatment may be required