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Director of Cosmetic Surgery,
University of Illinois Chicago
Department of Dermatology
Oakbrook Center Mall Oak Brook, Illinois (630) 928-0240 Jeffrey Melton, M.D., S.C.,
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Laser Skin Resurfacing Over the years, the sun, wind, and your natural facial expresssion cause your skin to begin to show signs of aging. At first, fine lines appear near the eyes, lips, forehead and cheeks. The creases deepen near the mouth and between the eyes. Facial skin begins to loosen and sag. For years, cosmetic dermatologic surgeons have searched for an ideal method for eliminating wrinkles, correcting acne scars and improving aging and sun-damaged skin. Laser skin resurfacing of the face is the latest scientific breakthrough in skin rejuvenation. What is Laser Skin Resurfacing? Laser skin resurfacing is an exciting medical procedure which corrects the effects of the sun, wind and time. What Is LASER? Laser stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers work by producing an intense beam of light energy that travels in one direction. The laser beam can gently vaporize and remove wrinkles, scars and blemishes, seal blood vessels or cut skin tissue. The laser has the unique ability to produce one specific color (wavelength) of light which can be varied in its intensity and pulse duration. The newest laser systems have become remarkably precise and selective, allowing treatment results and safety levels not previously available. Physicians around the world use the pinpoint accuracy of advanced CO2 lasers (carbon dioxide) and erbium lasers to repair damaged skin. Laser skin resurfacing reduces wrinkles without scalpels or stitches. The laser emits an intense beam of energy that heats and vaporizes tissue instantaneously. It is so precise that the normal surrounding tissue is not effected. What lasers are used for laser skin resurfacing? The primary lasers used for laser skin resurfacing are the new generation ultra pulsed type CO2 lasers and the erbium lasers. How Does The New Carbon Dioxide (C02) LASER Work? In contrast to the old carbon dioxide lasers, the newest generation of the CO2 lasers deliver short bursts of extremely high-energy laser light. This vaporizes the undesired skin tissue, one layer at a time. The laser's highly focused beam enables the dermatologic surgeon to gently remove the skin's surface with a very low risk of scarring and complications in properly selected patients. How Does The New Erbium LASER Work? The Erbium lasers are a comparatively newer systems which also vaporize tissue, often to a lesser depth. Erbium lasers are often used for younger patients with less wrinkling and less skin damage. Using a wand like laser hand piece, undesired skin cells and wrinkles literally disappear in a puff of mist and are replaced by fresh skin cells. Sometimes called laser peeling. Advantages over traditional techniques for skin resurfacing is that treatment is relatively bloodless. The procedure also offers more control in the depth of penetration of the skins surface, and allows a new degree of precision and safety in treating delicate areas, such as on or near the lips and around the eyes. Who Is Qualified To Perform Laser Resurfacing? Traditionally the experts in skin care and skin diseases, dermatologic surgeons have extensive experience with laser surgery and were among the first specialists to pioneer the use of lasers for treating a variety of skin disorders. In fact, the latest advances in laser resurfacing technology were pioneered and refined by dermatologic surgeons. What Conditions Can Laser Resurfacing Treat?
What Are The Benefits Of Laser Surgery For Facial Resurfacing? Laser resurfacing may offer you the following general benefits:
What are the benefits of laser resurfacing?
Are you a candidate for Laser Skin Resurfacing? Your doctor will review your medical history, age, skin type and pigmentation, consider your desired results, and determine if you are a candidate for laser skin resurfacing. Results will vary from patient to patient depending on age, skin type and condition. What Can Be Expected During And After Laser Resurfacing? Depending on the specific condition being treated, patients may receive a topical anesthetic cream with mild sedation, or local anesthesia, or monitored intravenous sedation. Discomfort is usually minor both during the procedure and throughout the recovery phase. The time required to complete the procedure is generally between one and two hours, although this may vary depending on the sites treated. Following skin resurfacing, the treated areas usually are kept moist with ointment or occlusive dressings (surgical bandages) for the first few days. Most of the healing occurs in the first one to two weeks. During this time the treated areas must be kept moist The initial redness fades in a few weeks to a light pink, which can be camouflaged with cosmetics and usually disappears completely in about three months. The skin is initially red or pink and may be covered with a fine crust. The treated sites must be protected from sunlight after the procedure. Once healing is completed, sunblock lotion should be applied. Depending on the individual's ability to heal, a pink surface color may remain for several weeks to several months. Make-up can be worn after about 7 to 14 days. What Are The Possible Complications Of The Procedure? MI surgical procedures carry some degree of risk. With the new CO2 and erbium laser surgery, the risk of scarring is quite low. Common side-effects may include crusting, mild swelling, redness or brown discoloration at the treatment sites. Some patients may require bleaching creams to help regulate skin color following laser resurfacing. Significant pain, bleeding, swelling and infection seldom occur and can be minimized by surgical techniques and vigorous postoperative care. These surgical techniques and pre-and postoperative regimes have been pioneered by dermatologic surgeons and continue to be enhanced and improved for patient safety and comfort. What Are The Limitations Of Laser Resurfacing? Laser resurfacing is not a substitute for a facelift, nor can the resurfacing procedure eliminate excessive skin or jowls. However beneficial tightening of loose skin can occur from laser, and this effect may be augmented by combining laser and liposuction. What other types of skin resurfacing treatments are available for wrinkles and aging skin?
What other cosmetic conditions can lasers treat? A variety of lasers may be used to treat a wide variety of other skin conditions including the removal of age spots, small blood vessels called telangiectasias or spider veins on the face and legs, freckles, tattoos, Port Wine stains, and stretch marks. |