VISIA Complexion Analysis at New Hall Hospital
Taken from an editorial in the Salisbury Journal 8th January
2009
They are not the most flattering photographs taken of me.
Not the most photogenic person in the world ordinarily, I have to
say that the eight images that emerged from the VISIA Complexion
analysis System made me look spotier than I would like to think is
normal. But, according to Stephanie Fear, lead cosmetic
aesthetic practitioner at New Hall Hospital, I could have looked a
lot worse.
What this new technology does is use multi-spectral imaging and
analysis toscore key aspects of your complexion, enabling skin care
professionals to offer advice on future care improvements that
could be made through treatments. It is the first skin care
photographic imaging tool that provides clinical measurement of
surfaces and subsurface facial skin conditions. It captures
multi-spectral photos of the face, examining the complexion for
wrinkles, spots, pores, texture, prophyrins (evidence of bacteria
in pores), UV spots (characteristic of photodamage, typically from
overexposure to sun) and pigmented spots and acne. What it
also does is grade a perons's skin features in comparison to others
of the same age and skin type.
In a nutshell, it shows up what is happening to your skin both
on the surface and below the surface. It is a straightforward
operation - you simply push your hair away from your face, place
your chin on the chin rest and close your eyes while a series of
photographs are taken. Two flashes later and eight images are
printed off with rather frightening percentages accompanying
them.
What the images do is help medical and skin care proessionals
develop more targeted treatment grogrammes by giving an accurate
picture of what is happening on and under your skin.
"Your skin is the body's single biggest organ," says Stephanie,
"and it's very much neglected. We are trying to promote skin
health and encourage people to protect what they've got. What
this machine does is detect far more than a normal camera. It
shows the underlying damage - sometimes it's not what you see, it's
what's underneath the surface. The VISIA system measures skin
features that previously could only be evaluated subjectively,
providing the capability to provide facial rejuvenation and skin
care matched to each person's unique complexion profile."
She says that the macnine is not intended as a diagnostic tool
and that if she notices any suspicious blemish that might best be
checked out by a medical professional she will advise the client to
seek advice from their GP. "My aim isn't to frighten people
but help them with whatever is worrying them," she says.
Anyone who goes to New Hall for VISIA imaging and analysis is
given a printed skin analysis report and treatment recommendations
to take home. "I would explain what the computer has shown up
and advixe on future skincare," says Stephanie.
The cost of the analysis is £45 to make an appointment contact
Vive Life Care at New Hall Hospital on 01722 435149.
Visit the VISIA website at: www.canfieldsci.com/Imaging_Products_Visia.asp