Light-Heat Therapy (LHE-technology): mechanism of action, methodology, indications and contraindications

Light-heat therapy (LHE technology) - Light and Heat Energy, or light-heat therapy, involves the use of both light and heat energy from the flash pump.

The flash lamp has a power of up to 10 J, is filled with a patented mixture of inert gases and has a specific shape of the light pulse to activate various chromophores. Heating of tissues and destruction of chromophores when irradiated with a light flux of low power when using LHE therapy occurs as a result of the application of two effects of light flux propagation:

1. absorption of light flux radiation by melanin and other chromophores;
2. scattering of light on optically heterogeneous structures of the epidermis and dermis.

Mechanism of action of light-heat therapy (LHE technology)

All currently existing technologies, except LHE, are based on photothermolysis, i.e. heating chromophores to a certain critical temperature as a result of light absorption. In this case, only the so-called "light" energy of radiation is used. However, the target can be heated to the coagulation temperature not only due to the "light" component of the radiation energy, but also due to its "thermal" part, i.e. due to the effect of scattered light on the tissue, which increases the temperature in the affected area by 4-5 times more than the absorbed light. The scattering effect is used to treat tissues with a heterogeneous organization (degraded collagen and elastin, fibrous tissue, dermal papilla, etc.) in order to heat and destroy chromophores. The use of limited energy makes the procedure safe for surrounding tissues.

The effect on skin texture in LHE rejuvenation is achieved by stimulating neo-collagenesis through mild thermal stimulation of dermal collagen. Visible wavelengths act on chromophores in the dermis or at the dermal-epidermal junction, while infrared and near-infrared rays are directly absorbed by intra- and intercellular fluid. The resulting mild thermal injury to the papillary and upper third of the reticular dermis leads to fibroblast activation and the synthesis of new collagen and intercellular substance, which continues for several months. This lesion-healing effect results in an improvement in skin texture that can last for several years if the patient uses adequate sun protection. Although the reduction in wrinkles is modest compared to more aggressive ablative or surgical methods, it is generally highly appreciated by patients who do not wish to spend time on a lengthy recovery period.

Individual indications and methods

Light-heat-energy (LHE) rejuvenation has specific goals according to the main indications. In the case of pigmented solar damage, the treatment begins at the power recommended for the patient’s skin type, then gradually increases the power, if necessary, until redness appears on the pigmented area, but not on the surrounding skin. The lesions are then treated with two passes in each session, the sessions are repeated once a week. The course of treatments is from 3 to 10. For vascular lesions, the power is set so that redness appears, scattered over the entire treatment area. Some vessels usually darken, indicating coagulation. For this case, sessions are usually carried out twice a week in a course of 7-10 treatments. In the case of lines and wrinkles, the entire aesthetic area is treated with parameters that cause only a slight, uniform redness, without the appearance of purpura. In each session, two passes are performed at an interval of approximately three minutes, the sessions are repeated approximately every ten stumps, the therapy continues for 10-15 sessions.

Acne Treatment Method

1. Preparing the skin for acne treatment with the Radiancy Spa Touch device using the Clear Touch lamp:

• treat your facial skin with milk according to your skin type;
• tone the skin (the toner should not contain alcohol);
• Dry your face with a napkin.

2. Conducting test flashes - to select the energy intensity of the flash at which the procedure is carried out.

Test flashes are performed on the face in the area where the procedure is being performed, the flash energy is selected in accordance with the client's skin phototype. The intensity is assessed based on the appearance of transient hyperemia at the site of the test flash.

3. The main stage of the procedure.

The entire surface of the face is treated, starting with the forehead area. The handle is lightly pressed against the skin, the control pedal is pressed, and after the readiness indicator is activated, a flash is performed. The device is ready for operation again in just 12 seconds.

All areas are treated quickly, as one flash covers an area of 12 cm2 ^. The procedure lasts 15-30 minutes.

The pulse duration in the Clear Touch lamp is 35 mls. This pulse duration was established experimentally by the developers of the Israeli company Radiancy in order to:

• effectively influence the waste products of P. Acne - porphyrins (they are the chromophore for the LHE method);
• limit the spread of heat to prevent injury to surrounding tissues.

4. Re-treatment of facial skin.

It is mandatory for more thorough treatment of problem areas. After the procedure, the client may experience slight hyperemia in the treated area, which disappears within 20-30 minutes after the procedure.

5. Post-procedure care.

The skin toning stage is performed, a mask may be applied. At the end of the procedure, a moisturizing cream with SPF protection is applied.

LHE technology procedures produce good results, with up to 90% of acne being cured after a cycle of 8 procedures.

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