Laser
Resurfacing or Wrinkle Treatment with Laser
Among the newest techniques to address aging changes
within the skin is the use of the CO2 laser. The laser
has advantages over traditional resurfacing methods
like chemical peels and dermabrasion including a quicker
recovery period and reduced patient discomfort. "Laserbrasion"
can be programmed to use specified energy amounts
and for that reason brings much more control and safety
to resurfacing procedures designed to deal with changes
within the skin such as complexion abnormalities and
fine lines and wrinkles.
As
we age, we acquire wrinkles around the eyes and lips
and across the cheeks. These develop due to deterioration
in the collagen and elastin fibers which connect the
cells of our skin. These changes are accelerated by
cigarette smoking, stress, and cumulative lifetime
sun exposure. The laser is used to create a controlled
burn of the superficial-most layer of the skin in
order to stimulate the formation of new fibers, which
are more organized and plentiful in number. The result,
after healing, is better skin tone and a refreshed
and more youthful configuration. Patients report a
softer, silkier, and smoother appearance to their
skin following laser treatment.
The
technique can be used for regional treatment, for
example around the eyes or around the mouth, or can
be used to treat the entire facial region. The optimal
number of sessions of treatment required depend on
the severity of the problem. Laser treatment is not
a substitute for a formal surgical facelift which
is done to redrape and reposition tissues that have
become loose and sagging over time. There are, however,
many patients who are candidates for laser resurfacing
at an earlier age who have not yet become candidates
for a formal surgical facelift. Occasionally, surgery
and a laser treatment are used in combination during
the same sitting to simultaneously treat both loose
skin and fine wrinkles.
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Laser
resurfacing may be done under local anesthesia with
intravenous sedation as an outpatient procedure or
under general anesthesia when combined with other
cosmetic procedures or if the whole face is to be
treated. Compared to alternate resurfacing methods,
patients generally enjoy a shorter recovery. There
is redness and swelling, but minimal discomfort throughout
the treated region.
Postoperative
treatment includes cleansing and coverage with a moisturizer,
bandage or some other wound care regimen; particularly
during the first week. Within 2 weeks, the swelling
has largely resolved and the redness has begun to
fade to a color which can be easily controlled with
cosmetics. Complete resolution of the redness may
take several months. Patients are encouraged to aggressively
apply sunscreen products since ultra-violet light
exposure is counter-productive to achieving and maintaining
a revitalized configuration for the skin. Occasionally,
patients will develop irregular hyperpigmentation
(brown spots) during their healing interval but this
is typically self-limited and if it does not resolve
spontaneously may be treated with a bleaching medication.
In
order to determine whether the patient is a candidate
for laser resurfacing, in combination with or as an
alternative to traditional surgical rejuvenation methods,
a consultation with the physician is necessary. It
is important to identify any previous viral infections
that involve the facial skin or lips, sun sensitivity,
the use of a medication called Accutaneª within
the past year, and any medical history that would
suggest problems with healing.
Before
& After Laser Rejuvenation Patient
For
more information on facial rejuvenation procedures,
please click on a procedure below.
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