Services
Laser Resurfacing
With
time facial skin begins to show signs of wear and tear. Lines
and creases appear while skin begins to loosen and sag.
Age spots may also appear.
The effects of sun, smoking, stress, poor nutrition,
pollution and alcohol all accelerate the aging process.
Laser
Resurfacing is one way to erase the ravages of time on
delicate skin. Lasers
are particularly effective to remove fine lines, treat scars
and reverse the effects of sun damage.
How
Does Laser Resurfacing Work?
L.A.S.E.R.
stands for Light Amplified by the Stimulated Emission of
Radiation. Medical lasers use an intense beam of light to
gently remove the outer layers of skin that have been damaged
by sun, wind, pollutants and time.
This beam of light is so concentrated and precise that
it does not affect the tissue surrounding the targeted area.
With lasers, physicians can achieve dramatic results by
uncovering new, undamaged skin.
There
are several types of lasers used to resurface the skin.
Two types of lasers are currently in use for Laser
Resurfacing: Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
and Erbium. Indications
and results are similar for both types.
With the Erbium laser, recovery time is much shorter
than the CO2.
Your physician will discuss the benefits of each with you to
determine the best laser treatment for your skin.
Local
anesthesia is usually sufficient.
For more extensive treatments, iv sedation may be used
to prevent discomfort.
Am
I a Good Candidate for Laser Resurfacing?
Lasers
are commonly used to successfully treat age spots, freckles,
moles, keloids, tattoos, certain types of skin cancers and
other skin growths. There
is some risk of pigmentation disturbance with darker skin
tones.
Various
factors contribute to whether or not you are a good candidate
for Laser Resurfacing. Your physician will consider all
medical history, age, skin type, skin pigmentation and desired
results before recommending Laser Resurfacing.
What
Can I Expect After Laser Resurfacing?
Recovery
after Laser Resurfacing typically takes one to three weeks.
The skin must be kept moist for seven to ten days with
ointments and/or bandages.
After the first week, the remaining redness can be
covered with cosmetics until it fades.
After a few weeks, the skin will fade to a normal tone
and will have a softer, fresher look.
|