About Affirm™

Innovative Aesthetics is pleased to offer the Affirm™ laser treatment which provides a complete skin rejuvenation solution, including wrinkle reduction, treatment of scars (acne, surgical, traumatic and keloid) pigmentation, treatment of stretch marks, as well as coagulation resulting in some tissue tightening.  Affirm™ is the first microthermal rejuvenation system with the patented Combined Apex Pulse (CAP) 1440 nm laser technology.  This CAP technology allows stimulation of new collagen as well as collagen remodeling.

The Affirm™ is one of the newest fractional resurfacing technologies.  However, the Affirm™ has numerous characteristics that differentiate it from other fractional systems.  No blue tracking gel is needed with the Affirm™.  There is less pain associated with the Affirm™ procedure, due to shallower penetration.  4 out of 5 patients treated with the Affirm™ do not require anesthesia.  Those who do require it are given topical anesthesia only.  Nerve blocks are not required.  Treatments are faster with the Affirm™.

Patients generally start to see improvement after several treatments with the Affirm™.  Maximum improvement will occur months after the final treatment – 4 to 6 months after the last treatment.

What to Expect During an Affirm™ Treatment

The area will be thoroughly cleansed.  In some instances, a microdermabrasion will be performed on the area prior to the treatment.  A SmartCool™ air cooling system is attached to the Affirm™ laser hand piece.  The air cooling increases patient comfort during the Affirm™ treatment and will usually avoid the necessity of using topical anesthetic.  For a full facial treatment, 2 passes are performed to ensure overlap and to enhance outcome.  For particularly troublesome areas, sometimes a 3rd pass will be performed.

The treatment will take approximately 30 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated.

After treatment with the Affirm™, cold compresses will be applied to the treated areas and the air cooling system will be continued to be used to help reduce redness and swelling and to increase treatment safety.  Moisturizer and sunscreen will then be applied.

Side Effects with the Affirm™

There is transient redness and a tan or dusky appearance of the skin.  Sometimes there is mild swelling.  This can last for up to a day.  There is nothing with the Affirm™ treatment that would keep a patient from going to work.

How Many Affirm™ Treatments Are Required

4 – 6 treatments are usually recommended, spaced 3 – 6 weeks apart.

Pre Treatment Care

We ask that our patients stop using retinoids 2 days prior to treatment with the Affirm™.

Post Treatment Care

For approximately 5 days after an Affirm™ treatment, avoid retinoids, glycolics, exfoliators, or any other topical product that may irritate the skin.  Be gentle with the skin and apply moisturizers and sunscreen.  Makeup can be applied.

Once treatment is completed with the Affirm™, it is important to have a good general skincare routine so that the benefits achieved with the Affirm™ are maintained.  Use of sunscreen is critical.  We also recommend that retin A and vitamin C be applied topically on a daily basis.