What is ReLume?

ReLume Phototherapy is a non-invasive, painless, light-based procedure that is used to restore pigment in areas of the skin that are white or light. This procedure is usually used in the treatment of hypopigmentation associated with burns, acne scars, stretch marks, cosmetic surgery scars, traumatic scars, surgery scars and loss of pigment from laser skin resurfacing or chemical peels.

How does ReLume work?

This procedure delivers intense UV light to the area to be treated, which is absorbed through the epidermis and activates pigment producing cells, called melanocytes. This increases the production of melanin in the area treated, evening out the skin color and reducing the visibility of the hypopigmented area.

What areas of the body does ReLume treat?

This procedure can be used to treat hypopigmented skin on any part of the body. Areas of the body that are more prone to having stretch marks, such as the lower back, abdomen, thighs, upper arms, buttocks and breasts, are typical treatment areas, as well as any area where hypopigmented scars are located.

Who is a candidate for ReLume?

Patients who have stretch marks, scars, burns or other areas of hypopigmentation are good candidates for ReLume, particularly those who have shallow, newer, light scars or stretch marks. Patients should be in general good health and should consult with a local provider to determine their candidacy for achieving satisfying results with ReLume.

How is ReLume performed?

ReLume treatment sessions generally run between 15 and 30 minutes and are performed as an outpatient procedure in a medspa or office setting. The procedure is non-invasive and painless, and involves intense light being delivered to the treatment area through the use of a handheld device.

What is the recovery like?

ReLume is not associated with downtime or a required recovery period. Patients can return to daily activities or work immediately after the procedure and many even schedule their sessions on their lunch breaks. Your provider will recommend that you refrain from sun exposure for one to two days after each treatment session and will recommend the use of sunscreen when outdoors, but there is no specific post-treatment care required.

What will the results be like?

The results achieved with ReLume treatments will vary from one patient to the next, with some noticing results right away and others needing multiple treatment sessions before seeing noticeable changes. Most patients experience gradual results that become more noticeable as they progress through a series of treatments. The best results are usually achieved when treating scars or stretch marks that are newer or shallow, as opposed to older or deeper stretch marks or scars. Patients generally require a series of weekly or biweekly treatments ranging from 6 to 20 sessions in order to see full results.

What are the risks?

As a non-invasive, painless aesthetic procedure, ReLume is not associated with any known risks and patients do not experience discomfort or pain during the procedure. There are some side effects that are experienced by some patients, which include blistering, redness, swelling and itchiness. When these side effects arise, they should subside within the first few days after treatments.

Is ReLume approved for use in the U.S.?

ReLume is FDA-approved for use in the United States as treatment for areas of hypopigmentation, such as scars and stretch marks.

Is ReLume covered by insurance companies?

Patients will need to consult with their medical insurance providers to determine whether or not ReLume will be covered; however, they should keep in mind that cosmetic procedures that are not deemed medically necessary are most often not covered. In the case that ReLume will not be covered by your insurance provider, you may want to explore payment and financing options that may be available through your ReLume provider or through lenders that provide affordable loan programs to patients in need of funding for cosmetic treatments.

Disclaimer: This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.

By OnlineSurgery.com Staff
Updated: Fenruary 4, 2010