Portrait Plasma Skin Regeneration on NBC Channel 7 News - San Diego, November, 2006

Dr. Groff performs Portrait Plasma Skin Regeneration on a patient for a NBC Channel 7 News segment.

SAN DIEGO -- Rather than peels, knives, injections or lasers, a new procedure known as a Portrait facial uses pressurized gas to erase wrinkles and sun damage.

The tool used during the surgery resembles a laser and acts similarly to zap away sunspots and premature wrinkles. Unlike lasers, which use light, however, the Portrait machine shoots condensed gas into deep layers of the skin to stimulate collagen growth.

While a touch-up to the eyes lasts no longer than 10 minutes, a full facial takes about 30 minutes.

The procedure is said to be painless and fairly simple. A topical gel and injections numb the face, and eye drops keep the patient from feeling the protective plastic eye covers. Because the machine works mere millimeters above the skin's surface, there's no charring.

Lakeside resident Sara Celeste, 25, underwent the new face fix to erase skin damage from too much tanning when she was a teenager. She said she felt no pain -- until she got home.

"The first two days I took Vicodin to make myself more comfortable, but pretty much after that I was fine," Celeste said. She said she experienced redness and swelling for 10 or 11 days, but by then her skin had finished peeling. She said by day 12 she was wearing makeup again.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. William Groff said Portrait facials work best on light to medium skin tones. Other skin types can be treated, but they require extra caution because they're more prone to developing side effects.

A full facial costs approximately $4,000, which, because it is a cosmetic procedure, is not covered by insurance. The results are said to last for years, however.

Copyright 2006 by NBCSandiego.com.

Learn more about our surgery centre:

• San Diego, La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre in the Media
• Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr. William Groff