If you’re considering
laser resurfacing....
In laser resurfacing, sometimes called "laser peel,"
a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is used to remove areas of damaged
or wrinkled skin, layer by layer. The procedure is most commonly
used to minimize the appearance of fine lines, especially around
the mouth and the eyes. However, it is also effective in treating
facial scars or areas of uneven pigmentation. Laser resurfacing
may be performed on the whole face, or in specific regions.
Often, the procedure is done in conjunction with another cosmetic
operation, such as a facelift or eyelid surgery.
Laser resurfacing is still a very new procedure. However, it
has been shown that in some cases, this surgical method produces
less bleeding, bruising and postoperative discomfort than is
typically seen with other resurfacing methods.
Laser resurfacing is performed using a beam of laser energy
which vaporizes the upper layers of damaged skin at specific
and controlled levels of penetration.
It’s clear that laser resurfacing may offer a number of
advantages over other resurfacing methods: precision, little
(if any) bleeding and less postoperative discomfort. However,
laser resurfacing isn’t for everyone. In some cases, an
alternative skin resurfacing treatment, such as dermabrasion
or chemical peel, may still be a better choice.
The MicroLaserPeel is an intra-epidermal laser peel that precisely
ablates the outermost layers of the skin. The peel modifies
the epidermal and superficial dermal layers of the skin. This
is a multiple stage treatment that produces less redness and
scaring. The procedure is individually tailored to the nature
of the condition to be corrected. For smoother, more vibrant
skin with very "little downtime". This procedure can
be combined with laser remodeling and ultrasound.
Unlike "traditional" resurfacing procedures, in which
the epidermis is sacrificed, Non-Ablative Laser Resurfacing
utilizes light energy to stimulate collagen remodeling and/or
irregular pigmentation which occurs at the deeper dermal layers.
Because this technique does not injure the outer layers of the
skin, there is no prolonged healing phase. Conditions that can
be treated are facial rhytids (wrinkles), sun damage, hyperpigmentation,
age spots, and minor surface irregularities. This procedure
can be combined with MicroLaser treatment and ultrasound.
All resurfacing treatments work essentially the same way. First
the outer layers of damaged skin are stripped away. Then, as
new cells form during the healing process, a smoother, tighter,
younger-looking skin surface appears. Laser resurfacing is a
new method being used by plastic surgeons to remove damaged
skin. However, a number of studies using microscopic examination
have shown that the physical changes that occur to laser-treated
skin are essentially identical to those that occur with either
dermabrasion or chemical peel. Ask Fresno laser resurfacing doctor, Dr. Terry Gillian about the latest
facts concerning long-term follow-up.
It’s also important to consider the length of recovery
when choosing among the skin-resurfacing alternatives. In general,
the more aggressive the resurfacing procedure is, the more prolonged
the recovery is likely to be. "Light" resurfacing
procedures, such as superficial chemical peels or superficial
laser resurfacing, offer shorter recovery times. However, these
lighter procedures may need to be repeated multiple times to
achive results comparable to those achieved with more aggressive
techniques. |
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