| TREAT COSMETIC FLAWS WITH LASER RESURFACING |
| TREAT COSMETIC FLAWS WITH LASER RESURFACING By: Cherish Hamutoff Published: 3 April 2010 Laser resurfacing is used to treat cosmetic flaws due to aging, sun damage and scarring. Lasers are recommended for people who may want stronger results than a chemical peel can deliver but aren’t necessarily ready to go under the knife. The procedure can tighten loose skin, but cannot remove excessive skin, turkey neck or jowls. It offers an alternative choice to dermabrasion, which removes the top laver of skin by scrubbing it off. Additionally, lasers can be used in addition to other cosmetic procedures like liposuction, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and chemical peels. Laser Resurfacing Can Correct or Improve: • Fine lines and wrinkles, including crow’s feet and frown lines • Scarring from blemishes • Sagging eyelid skin • Blotchy, uneven color and brown spots (hyperpigmentation) • Skin texture and tone • Laugh lines How the Laser Works “Laser” is short for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers affect the skin by sending a focused wavelength of light which is controlled by the dermasurgeon. The precise light beam can vary in pulse duration and intensity. This allows control over the depth of skin penetration. The two most common types of lasers are the CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser and the erbium (Er) laser. Both types remove the top layers of damaged skin cells by vaporization, and also offer low risk to the patient by limiting how much heat is absorbed into the skin. These lasers appear to stimulate the growth of collagen and tighten dermal layers, which improves skin texture and tone. Lasers are a relatively painless and bloodless cosmetic procedure. The CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Laser The CO2 Laser is also known as laser peel, lasabrasion and laser vaporization. By delivering very short pulses of extremely high laser light energy, the damaged skin tissue is actually vaporized very precisely, a layer at a time. The fresh skin is gently revealed with low risk of complications and scarring. This laser is commonly used to treat birthmarks, scars, wrinkles, warts, enlarged oil glands and skin cancer. The recovery time is around two weeks. The Erbium (Er:YAG) Laser Dermasurgeons are able to gently and precisely remove very thin layers of skin with the wavelength the erbium laser produces. The particular wavelength is absorbed easily by the water in skin cells and also diffuses the laser’s heat, so as to minimize damage. The advantage of the erbium laser over other lasers is decreased side effects, less redness and faster healing. This laser treats minor to moderately deep wrinkles and lines on the face, chest, hands or neck; blotchy discolorations and mild scars. Side effects are minimal, but may include bruising, swelling and redness. Recovery is generally only a week. Erbium lasers work well with darker skin tones. Post Procedure Depending on the procedure, the skin may feel swollen and tender (like a sunburn) for one to two weeks. Sun block and protection from the sun should be worn. After several weeks, fresh skin with less lines, wrinkles and visible pores will emerge. |