I have been advocating the use of ice pre-cooling and post-cooling for a few years, with great success. Not only does the ice reduce pain, blistering and pigmentary changes, it also allows for higher fluences to be applied, safely.
Higher fluences will always result in better success rates. It’s a ‘win-win’ situation!
This talk discusses my computer model which investigates the effects of ice cooling on the skin, and the subsequent temperatures. It clearly demonstrates that a 2 minute application of ice to the skin surface before treatments, can reduce the skin surface, and thermal pain nerves, to around 2.5 degrees Celsius.
Such a low temperature greatly reduces the chances of the pain nerves reaching 45 degrees, when pain is felt. It also results in the significantly less damage to the epidermis and papillary dermis, which means shorter healing times.
My results indicate that pre- and post-cooling with ice is far superior to air, cryogen or water cooling, and has significant benefits to the patient.
Hope this helps,
MIke.
PS Our next MasterClass will be held in Liverpool on June 2nd and 3rd. If you would like to attend please email us at DermaLaseMasterClass@gmail.com.
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