Laser Scars Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing or "laser peels" is generally used to minimize the appearance of fine lines, mainly in the areas around the mouth and the eyes. It is also an effective solution for treating facial scars or areas of uneven pigmentation. Laser resurfacing is performed both on the whole face as well as in specific regions. The procedure is frequent done in conjunction with another cosmetic operation, such as a face lift or eyelid surgery.

The benefits of laser resurfacing of skins are ahead of those offered by another skin rejuvenation option. It is the best treatment to ensure overall improvement of chronically photo damaged skin.

Skin damage caused by photo aging is presented in various forms like rhytides and actinic keratoses, scarring from severe acne, surgery, or trauma. These are all cosmetic disfigurements posing psychological problems to the patients. Most of these problems can be effectively cured by laser scar resurfacing.

The laser resurfacing procedure uses a light beam from a CO2 laser. The idea is to vaporize the upper layers of damaged skin at specific and controlled levels of penetration.

A significantly positive side of laser resurfacing is that it produces less bleeding, bruising and post-operative discomfort than is typically seen with other resurfacing methods.

Eligibility for laser resurfacing

Before you proceed for laser resurfacing, you need to consult a doctor to check your eligibility.

The consultation will include a careful assessment of the problematic area.

Your skin condition will also play a crucial role in this regard. For example, dark skin types are more likely to complications from skin pigmentation after laser treatment.

Skin conditions helpful for laser resurfacing

A full-face laser resurfacing is likely to produce dramatic result mainly in aged, sun-damaged skin where actinic and seborrheic keratosis, lentigines, and telangiectasias are common. Besides, CO2 laser surgery seemingly gives good results for all scar types.

However, laser scar resurfacing is a better option for saucer-shaped distensible areas, rather than pitted scars for which dermabrasion is a better option. Laser scar resurfacing is also a suitable option for problems like atrophic facial scars, hypertrophic scars and traumatic scars, which can also be ablated with considerable improvement of their appearance.

Laser scar resurfacing is of great help in blending the scar with the texture and color of the patient's skin.

Skin conditions not suitable for laser resurfacing

However, laser resurfacing has certain limitations as well. For example, the procedure is not that effective in treating the nasolabial folds.

Risks and uncertainties in laser resurfacing

Handling of laser resurfacing by a qualified and experienced surgeon reduces the chances and level of complications. However, the outcome of the surgery is not completely predictable.

The risks you should be prepared for in this surgery include -

o burns or other injuries caused by the heat of the laser energy

o scarring

o obvious lightening or darkening of the skin area that has been treated

Sometimes the healing seems abnormal or delayed. Besides, sometimes there is evidence of abnormal pigmentation or scarring. In such cases additional coercive measures and treatment may be required. The risks can be reduced to a great extent by choosing a plastic surgeon specially trained in laser surgery.

Tom Disouza is a laser resurfacing specialist. He writes many articles for several magazines on http://www.dermabrasion.info/laser-acne-scars.shtml

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Laser Facial Resurfacing

Laser Facial Resurfacing is the popular terminology for a procedure that is also known as laser facial hair removal, facial laser surgery, facial laser treatment, and laser facial rejuvenation.

Laser Facial Resurfacing utilizes a carbon dioxide laser to improve the surface and appearance of facial skin.

The laser is utilized to treat damaged skin and smooth away fine wrinkles around the eyes and mouth in addition to minimizing scars and irregularly pigmented skin.

Laser Facial Resurfacing procedure details

The length of the procedure varies, but typically takes anywhere from several minutes to 1 hour. Laser Facial Resurfacing may be more effective in more than 1 session.

Patients are typically given a general or local anesthesia with sedation.

Most Laser Facial Resurfacing procedures are typically outpatient.

Risks and/or complications related to Laser Facial Resurfacing

Possible side effects for Laser Facial Resurfacing include temporary swelling, general discomfort, lightening of treated skin, sensitivity to sun, and an increased sensitivity to makeup. Patients may experience a slight to moderate redness in skin that may be visible for up to 6 months.

In addition there are other associated risks with this procedure that include burns or injuries caused by laser heat, possible scarring, abnormal skin color changes, and in rare cases; cold sores.

Patients may return to work in approximately 2 weeks. Those involved in sports or other physical activities will be able to resume these activities in approximately 4-6 weeks. Patients should see the post-procedure redness fade in 6 months or less. Individuals are advised to limit their exposure to the sun for 6-12 months.

Long-term results of Laser Facial Resurfacing

In this procedure the results are long lasting. During the normal process of skin aging patients will see new wrinkles and associated lines forms.

How much does Laser Facial Resurfacing cost?

The national average cost for the procedure is $2,400

Will my insurance cover Laser Facial Resurfacing?

Because Laser Facial Resurfacing is considered an elective procedure, insurance usually will not cover the operation. However some costs may be covered if there is a medical necessary behind the procedure. As always consult with your physician and health insurance plan.

Read more about Laser Facial Resurfacing and how it may benefit you. Alan Hood is a contributing writer at http://www.houstonmedcenter.com

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Erbium Laser Resurfacing - Wrinkle Reduction Procedure

What is Erbium Laser Resurfacing?

The Erbium laser is a one of the latest tools employed in the treatment of wrinkles, acne scars, aged and sun-damaged skin. The Erbium laser provides a method of skin resurfacing this utilizes the cool light of the Erbium laser. The results of this method are less post-procedure redness, less swelling and a greater turn around in healing time than with other laser skin resurfacing methods. All of this culminates in the Erbium laser being a more accurate and less painful method of restoring one's skin to its more youthful appearance.

Length and details of the Erbium Laser resurfacing procedure

In the Erbium Laser Resurfacing procedure a small area of the skins surface is heated with the cool Erbium laser which in turn vaporizes superficial damaged skin cells and resulting in the thickening of the skins collagen. Laser Resurfacing is sought after for its ability to aid in reducing the surface damaged caused by acne, facial scars, fine or emerging wrinkles.

The length of the Erbium laser procedure varies from 15 minutes to slightly more than an hour depending on the individuals needs.

To minimize on discomfort a local anesthetic may be employed, for some erbium laser resurfacing procedures.

As this procedure is performed in an outpatient environment, almost all patients can return home the same day.

Healing is more rapid because the Erbium laser results in decreased redness, swelling, and bruising associated with laser resurfacing.

In most procedures, patients are able to fully recuperate within 7-10 days. Make-up can be worn after the first week. At this point patients may return to regular activities with consideration kept in mind of the skins ongoing healing. The use of sun block on treated areas is recommended when in the sun. Over the next several weeks, the pinkness of the exposed skin will lighten to reveal the normal tone, yet with a softer, smoother, and younger appearance.

Risks and/or complications related to Erbium Laser Resurfacing

The Erbium laser resurfacing procedure produces a smaller number of undesired effects and complications than other laser resurfacing procedures. With this in mind some adverse effects are to be anticipated and should be misconstrued as complications. Some minor adverse effects of laser resurfacing may consist of transient erythema, edema, and pruritus. Prior laser resurfacing treatment may also prolong the healing process.

What is the cost of Erbium Laser Resurfacing?

The price of an Erbium Laser Resurfacing will depend on your individual needs. It will also very on your geographic location. The national average cost of an Erbium Laser Resurfacing procedure runs from $1500 for a single area of focus to $3300 for a full facial treatment.

Will my insurance cover an Erbium Laser Resurfacing procedure?

Because an Erbium Laser Resurfacing procedure is considered an elective procedure, insurance usually will not cover the operation.

Read more about the Erbium Laser. Alan Hood is a contributing writer at Houston Medical Center

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Ablative Laser Skin Resurfacing

For patients who suffer from facial wrinkles and age spots, laser skin resurfacing can be a good option for facial rejuvenation. Unfortunately one laser does not necessarily address all concerns. There are many different lasers on the market today and the topic can be very confusing. In addition to the various technologies which are available, there are many brand names within each technology claiming superiority over another. In laser facial resurfacing, there are ablative lasers and non-ablative lasers. The two most common technologies for ablative lasers are carbon dioxide lasers and erbium lasers.

 

Carbon dioxide lasers resurface the skin by heating water molecules. The depth of penetration for the carbon dioxide laser is around 0.2mm per pass, though heating can occur to a greater depth. Multiple passes can be made with the laser to increase the depth of tissue injury.  The carbon dioxide laser addresses pigment and wrinkles in two ways. The CO2 laser will ablate the outer layer of skin, the epidermis. This is the layer in which pigment cells live. The heat from the laser will be transmitted to the dermis causing the collagen of the skin to denature and have to reform. By reforming the collagen and removing some water from the skin, the skin is tightened and wrinkles are reduced. Histologic studies have shown that CO2 laser treatments are one of only three treatments thus far scientifically proven to increase collagen in the skin. Care must be taken though not to ablate the skin to the level of the dermis as scarring can occur.

 

Erbium lasers are also ablative though not as deep as the carbon dioxide. Erbium lasers will penetrate about 0.05mm. This means that there is less tissue damage which results in faster recovery. Unfortunately because the laser does not penetrate significantly into the epidermis, wrinkle improvement is not as great.

 

Even within the lasers there are different delivery systems which can be used. Lasers can be delivered in classic mode where an entire area is treated or fractional mode, where a checkerboard type pattern is created. This leaves islands of undamaged tissue between the treated areas allowing for faster wound healing and decreased down time. The fractional technology has been used with erbium lasers for some time but has just recently been applied to carbon dioxide lasers with excellent results.

Dr. Verret is a facial plastic surgeon in the north Dallas suburb of Plano, Texas. For more information about laser skin resurfacing or laser resurfacing Dallas visit him on the web today or call for a consultation, 972.608.0100.

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Younger Looking Skin With Laser Skin Resurfacing

While the aging process cannot be stopped, there is now an effective way to slow and even reverse the visible effects.  Over the past few years, thousands of patients have successfully undergone ablative skin resurfacing or laser skin resurfacing and the popularity of this safe and effective cosmetic procedure is growing quickly as more physicians add it to their list of elective services.

What Are The Benefits?

Intense Pulsed Light - IPL skin rejuvenation has many benefits over traditional plastic surgery.  With a laser, patients generally experience much shorter healing time and far less discomfort.  Bleeding and bruising are almost non-existent and the risk of major complications lower. Additionally, laser assisted aesthetic skin renewal is much less expensive than traditional cosmetic surgery.  Ablative pulsed light procedures also offer superior and more lasting results when compared to chemical peels and microdermabrasion.  These cosmetic treatments only remove the upper surface layers of the skin where lasers are able to treat at a much deeper level with the added benefit of stimulating the production of new collagen fibers.

How Does It Work?

Ablative laser therapy vaporizes old, damaged, discolored, and wrinkled skin with short, concentrated beams of intense pulsed light.   This process not only gets rid of old damaged skin but stimulates the growth of fresh, new skin.  Collagen fibers, which are chiefly responsible for the youthful appearance of our skin are more plentiful as new skin forms.  This virgin skin also has increased blood flow and better tone giving patients a more youthful complexion.

Is it Safe?

There are risks involved with any medical procedure.  That being said, relatively speaking, major complications are very rare with pulsed light skin renewal.  Some possible risks worth noting are; burning, scarring, skin discoloration, and possible infection.  When laser skin resurfacing is performed by a qualified, experienced physician with proper after care, these possible complications are minimized and results are enhanced.

Is it Painful?

Laser skin resurfacing is generally performed with local and general anesthesia so the procedure itself is painless.  Any discomfort is usually felt during the healing process but can be effectively managed with medication your doctor may prescribe. If you are to remain awake during your procedure, in addition to local anesthesia, you may be offered a mild sedative to help you relax. The procedure itself can be done in a hospital, or medical office if properly equipped and usually takes about an hour depending upon the size of the area being treated.  It is important that you speak with your physician about pain management and sedation options so that you are most comfortable before, during and after your laser skin resurfacing procedure.

How Long Does It Take To Heal?

Healing time varies from individual to individual but is generally complete by 10 to 21 days following treatment.  This of course depends upon the depth of the laser ablation and the size of the area treated.  Your doctor will advise you on the best ways to manage discomfort, prevent infection, scarring, and speed healing. Generally speaking, patients that adhere to all after care instructions and attend scheduled follow up visits with their doctor experience the best results.

How Long Does It Last?

The lasting effects of laser skin resurfacing vary from individual to individual depending upon overall skin health, age, accumulated sun damage, skin imperfections, and skin color.  Other factors that can affect results include the skill of the laser operator, the depth of the treatment, and the quality & settings of the laser equipment.  While cosmetic skin renewal using intense pulsed light removes layers of old, damaged skin it does not stop the aging process. Wrinkles, discoloration, and other skin imperfections may reappear throughout your lifetime and there may be a need to repeat the procedure at some point in the future.

How Much Does It Cost?

Because laser skin rejuvenation is an elective procedure, it is generally not covered by insurance. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the national average for a single laser skin tightening or renewal treatment is approximately $2,400.  Treatments can cost more or less depending upon your goals & conditions. Once your physician of choice has evaluated your skin and your treatment goals, you will have a better idea of what your actual costs will be.  Make sure that the price you are quoted is in writing and includes the procedure, anesthesia, and all after care like dressings, ointments, and follow up appointments.  You may also want to inquire about the cost of prescription medications you may need to fight infection, speed healing & manage pain.  If the costs exceed your budget but you are determined to have your treatment anyways, ask about in office payment plans or 3rd party financing options.

Where Can I Research Practitioners?

As with any medical procedure, choosing the right professional with the right equipment is critical. Experience, skill, aftercare, and technology play an important part in the success of your laser skin resurfacing procedure. To educate yourself further & easily research cosmetic laser surgeons in your local area, visit TheLaserPages.com This medical, surgical, and cosmetic laser directory is easy to use and has thousands of laser practitioner listings complete with patient reviews, before and after photos, video, and even articles written by top laser treatment providers.

W. Narod is Founder and President of TheLaserPages.com The Web's Largest Laser Treatment Directory where medical, cosmetic, or surgical laser professional can advertise their business and consumers can search, research, and learn about LASIK, Laser Hair Removal, Laser Skin Resurfacing, Laser Tattoo Removal, Laser Vein Reduction, Laser Teeth Whitening, Laser Surgery, and many other cosmetic laser procedures. You can contact Mr. Narod at thelaserpages@gmail.com or 888-755-9626.

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A Comprehensive Guide to Laser Skin Resurfacing

Before you consider laser skin resurfacing, it is advisable that you educate yourself first as to how the actual procedure will be performed. Laser resurfacing will give you the basic understanding of this treatment strategy. This article is created to provide you with all the relevant information that you may need as far as the different types of lasers used for skin resurfacing are concerned. The kind of laser to be used on you depends upon the type of procedure you are considering.

There are two particular lasers that are used at laser skin resurfacing centers today. These are the carbon dioxide laser or the CO2 and the Erbium laser or the Er:Yag. The carbon dioxide laser is the method of choice for simple skin resurfacing procedures. The Erbium, on the other hand, belongs to the class of relatively new lasers used for skin resurfacing. If you want extensive resurfacing, the practitioner may decide to go for the Er:Yag laser.

Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing is normally used for removing the deep lines and wrinkles that have resulted from aging. It can also be used on certain layers of the skin to address acne problems, scars, fine lines, and other skin imperfections. The result of this laser procedure is very much like dermabrasion or skin peeling. The only difference is that carbon dioxide lasers work by vaporizing the skin layers. It does not use sanding products or chemicals to achieve the same effect. After using this type of laser, your skin will feel very tight. This is actually good for the eye region as it can decrease wrinkles and crow's feet on your face with little or no complications at all. However, the risk of scarring and infection is still there so extra care has to be observed.

The newer laser is the Erbium laser. While it works in the same way as the carbon dioxide laser, this one tends to vaporize lesser than the latter. If you are young and don't have too much problem on your skin, this is the type perfect for you. Patients with darker skin tone would also benefit from this laser. It works best for sun damage and acne scars. It is better than CO2 lasers in a way that it can be controlled easily by surgeons. As a result, better accuracy is achieved.

Laser skin resurfacing can provide you lasting and dramatic results all the time. While it cannot totally eliminate wrinkles, it can definitely improve the look of your face. Ask your surgeon as to how you can benefit from these procedures.

Sal provides expert information about laser skin resurfacing by writing articles about erbium laser resurfacing and other topics.

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Laser Skin Resurfacing

In much of this country we are blessed with sunshine for most of the year. Unfortunately this sun exposure, along with the normal aging process and acquired traits such as acne scars take their toll on our skin.

Laser skin resurfacing, unlike a surgical facelift, seeks to improve facial appearance by targeting the more superficial layers of the skin. Whereas a facelift removes droopy bulges and sagging skin, skin resurfacing procedures improve wrinkles, scars, and uneven pigmentation on the skin surface. Lasers work by removing the outer layer of skin, which includes thickened and dead skin layers. Following this, the laser light causes restructuring of collagen in the dermis, or deeper layer of the skin. The overall effect is a tightening of the skin, with a smoothening out of fine wrinkles and other skin surface irregularities. It is important to understand that each face is different with regard to skin color, texture, and degree of wrinkling, and choosing the best resurfacing option can make a difference. Laser resurfacing has not eliminated other methods such as chemical peels and dermabrasion, which continue to play a role in skin resurfacing, but in many cases the laser has proven to be a superior tool.

Laser resurfacing can be either deep, or superficial in nature:

Deep Skin Resurfacing Options

Patients with deep, static wrinkles, moderate to severe acne scars, or deep hyperpigmentation will generally require deep skin resurfacing. This procedure may involve intravenous sedation anesthesia for patient comfort, or infiltration of local anesthetic (numbing medicine) into the treatment areas. Recovery time for a deep laser peel is generally 7-10 days. Our San Diego cosmetic surgery practice utilizes two laser systems for deep resurfacing: the ERbium: YAG laser and the CO2 laser. The procedure may last approximately one hour. Patients are generally discharged home the same day, and are advised to apply cool compresses to the skin, as well as a moisturizing ointment. Laser resurfacing is generally less uncomfortable than a deep chemical peel, and patients usually have minimal pain after the first twenty-four hours.

Over the first week, it is normal to experience crusting and redness as the outer skin layers become separated and are replaced by new skin. Following this, the skin appears somewhat pink and sensitive for several weeks, however most patients can resume applying makeup at 7-10 days if desired.

Erbium: YAG Laser

The Erbium: YAG laser uses light of a 2940 nm wavelength which is readily absorbed by water in our cells. It treats light-skinned to moderately dark or olive-skinned patients with little to no risk of hypopigmentation (permanent skin lightening) and very little risk of hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin) or scarring in experienced hands. This laser can achieve dramatic results which compare with CO2 laser in many cases.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser

CO2 laser resurfacing has long been considered a "gold standard" in deep laser resurfacing, due to the impressive nature of results obtained. It uses a 10,600nm infrared beam which is also well-absorbed by water in our cells. Newer CO2 laser "scanning" technology has significantly lowered the risks of adverse effects such as hypopigmentation, or skin lightening. The CO2 laser generally suits patients with fair to average complexions, although new "fractionated" technology allows the laser to be used for most skin types.

Superficial Laser Resurfacing Options

Many of our San Diego patients have only light to moderate sun-damage, scarring, or wrinkling which they wish to address, or do not want the downtime associated with a deep laser peel. Active FX(TM) (utilizing CO2 technology) and Micro Laser Peel (TM) (utilizing Erbium: YAG technology) offer two options for effective superficial skin resurfacing. Superficial resurfacing is generally performed with only a topical numbing cream, and patients can drive themselves home. Recovery time is generally between one to seven days only, with no lingering "pinkness."

Active FX(TM)

Active FX is a fractional laser procedure performed in a single treatment with minimal patient downtime. The fractional technology teats a "fraction" of the skin surface, leaving healthy normal bridges of skin in between. This makes the healing process much faster, and gets you back to your normal activities sooner. The treatment is highly effective in producing skin tightening, reducing wrinkles and fine lines, eliminating hyperpigmentation, and stimulating collagen production. Unlike other fractionated lasers( such as Fraxel(TM)), Active FX requires a single treatment for dramatic results. Recovery varies from several days to one week, with minimal discomfort.

Roy David Amir, MD, FACS
La Jolla Center for Facial Plastic Surgery
(858) 658-0595
http://www.sandiegoface.com

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Combined Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing - New Cosmetic Laser Treatment For Wrinkle Removal

All of us over 30 begin to see distressing signs of facial aging and sun damaged skin. Sun worshippers and smokers see these skin aging changes sooner. Fractional laser skin resurfacing, a non-surgical anti-aging skin rejuvenation method was introduced several years ago as an improved method for wrinkle removal and facial skin rejuvenation. 

Fractional laser skin resurfacing was developed to eliminate many of the problems associated with traditional old time laser skin resurfacing. Traditional laser skin resurfacing was very effective at wrinkle removal, but recovery was long and difficult and the skin often turned white, called hypo pigmentation, 6 months after treatment. Fractional laser skin resurfacing was developed to remove wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin with minimal downtime, quick recovery and normal skin color and texture after the skin rejuvenation procedure. 

Recently, a new technique called combined fractional laser skin resurfacing has been developed to improve wrinkle removal and skin rejuvenation results. This new technique provides much better wrinkle removal and skin rejuvenation, but also plumps and improves the texture of aging skin much better than previous techniques.

How Does Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing Remove Wrinkles and Rejuvenate the Skin?

The basic cause of skin wrinkles and skin aging changes is loss of collagen in the skin. Collagen in the deep layer of our skin provides moisture, nutritional support, skin plumping and elasticity which is the firmness and skin tightening component of our skin.

As we age, exposure to years of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight, toxins in our diet and environment, and unhealthy lifestyles such as smoking and tanning all contribute to the destruction of collagen in our skin. When collagen is lost, our skin looses texture, elasticity and fullness, and wrinkles and sagging skin result. For an analogy, think of a plump juicy plum with smooth skin. Place the plum into the sun for a period of time, water (like collagen in the skin) is lost and the plum turns into a wrinkled prune.

In an effort to protect itself, our skin surface responds to these aging changes by producing pigment to block the UV sunlight, and our skin thickens with extra layers of dry old looking skin.

All cosmetic laser skin rejuvenation methods attempt to restore skin to a youthful state by stimulating the skin to grow new collagen to replace lost skin collagen to plump and tighten loose skin.  In addition, many cosmetic laser skin rejuvenation methods strip away the damaged surface skin cells to remove pigment and dead thickened skin and stimulate new healthy looking skin cells to grow.

Fractional laser skin resurfacing is a skin rejuvenation technique which removes dead surface skin cells and pigment and stimulates the deep layer of the skin, the dermis to produce new collagen to replace the collagen that has been lost by facial aging changes. In summary:

Skin aging is results in:

       Loss of collagen in the skin=wrinkles and loose skin
Skin surface changes=dry, pigmented, course skin

All cosmetic laser skin resurfacing methods rejuvenate skin by:

Removing aged skin surface cells and promoting new skin cell growth
Promoting new deep skin collagen to plump wrinkles and tighten skin

Why is Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing Better?

Older CO2 laser resurfacing, called flat beam laser resurfacing produced excellent wrinkle removal and skin tightening, but recovery was very difficult, requiring weeks for the skin to heal. In addition, traditional laser skin resurfacing damaged pigment cells in the skin which caused the skin to turn white. These problems were caused by the fact that the older lasers treated the entire surface of the facial skin, thus healing required new skin cells to be produced by hair follicles and sweat glands in the skin. This was a very slow process requiring up to two weeks for new skin cells to cover the surface of the face.

New fractional laser skin resurfacing is effective but much safer than traditional CO2 resurfacing. The fractional laser resurfacing beam is broken up into many small beams so that the laser affects only small focused areas of the skin. Fractional laser resurfacing leaves skip areas on the skin that are left normal and undamaged. These untreated skin cells are able to rapidly heal the treated skin with new skin cells. The treated areas, called micro treatment zones are healed in 6 hours with the fractional Lux2940 Erbium laser on the Starlux laser. CO2 fractional lasers like the Fraxel Repair and Lumenis ActiveFX and DeepFX take a little longer, up to 48-72 hours.

Fractional lasers are also able to penetrate the skin into the dermis much deeper than flat beam techniques. Deeper penetration causes more effective new collagen production. This characteristic results in improved skin plumping and better skin texture.

Fractional laser skin resurfacing is better than old time flat beam laser resurfacing because skin healing is much quicker, and the risk of white skin, hypo pigmentation is much less.

The benefits of fractional laser skin resurfacing are:

Quicker skin healing
Deeper penetration for better collagen production
Less risk of hypo pigmentation
Improved skin texture
More gentle, quicker recovery
Improved wrinkle removal, pigment removal and skin tightening

What Is Non-ablative Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing-Fraxel, Starlux Lux1540, Affirm

The first fractional lasers were introduced 3-4 years ago and are non-ablative 1450nm and 1540nm (nm=nanometers or one millionth of a meter, and are the units used to measure the wavelength of a particular laser) Erbium lasers. Non-ablative laser skin treatments go deep into the dermis of the skin to promote new collagen, but non-ablative lasers to not ablate or remove the surface skin cells.

Thus the non-ablative fractional skin resurfacing lasers remove wrinkles by building new collagen in the skin, but do not remove the surface aging changes of the skin.

The benefit on the non-ablative technique is that there is less recovery time for healing as the skin is not broken. You are pink after a treatment, but can wear makeup and no recovery time is required.

Because non-ablative treatments are weaker, you need 4 treatments scheduled 4-6 weeks apart for a good result.

I use the Starlux Lux1540 non-ablative laser; other models are the Fraxel and the Affirm. The best applications are acne scar removal, scar improvement, skin plumping, pigment removal and mild to moderate wrinkle removal

Because the skin surface is not ablated, wrinkle removal is less effective with the non-ablative lasers, thus new ablative fractional laser resurfacing technology has been developed in the past year and a half.

What Is Ablative Fractional Laser Resurfacing

For ablation, different laser wavelengths, the 2940nm Erbium laser and the CO2 laser are used. These laser wavelengths are more powerful and vaporize the skin cells on the surface as well as causing inflammation deep into the dermis.

Because surface skin cells are removed, the ablative fractional lasers are more effective at removing wrinkles, pigment, and old dead skin cells. The downside is that some recovery is required for skin healing, however the down time is much less, about a third of the time required recovering from old time flat beam laser skin treatments.

The other benefit is that ablative fractional laser skin resurfacing requires only one treatment, as opposed to the 4 treatments required for non-ablative techniques.

I use the Starlux lux2940 fractional ablative laser resurfacing method. The Starlux Lux2940 is an Erbium laser and heals faster than the fractional CO2 lasers, the Fraxel Repair, the ActiveFX and DeepFX ablative machines. 

What is Combined Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing and Why is It Better?

The newest and most effective cosmetic laser skin rejuvenation treatment I combined fractional laser skin resurfacing. After two years of research and over two hundred treatments, we have learned that combining the Starlux Lux1540 non ablative treatment with the Starlux lux2940 ablative treatment provides the most effective wrinkle removal and skin rejuvenation treatment.

The Starlux Lux1540 and Starlux Lux2940 are done in the same treatment session. The results in terms of wrinkle removal, skin plumping, improved skin texture, pigment removal and general skin rejuvenation are excellent and better than either treatment done alone.

This is a very new technique; I just presented our findings in Dallas, Texas at the Palomar Medical Advanced laser seminar on January 24, 2009. We have been working on this project for over two years.

How Is Combined Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing Done?

The combined fractional laser skin resurfacing treatment is done in my office with a topical local anesthetic cream. Your face will be cleansed and a topical numbing cream applied. I also give you a tranquilizer and an analgesic to help you relax and be more comfortable during treatment.

The Starlux Lux1540 treatment is done first by my medical aesthetician and takes about 30 minutes. Numbing medicine is re-applied, and I or my plastic surgeon associate do the actual Starlux Lux2940 ablative treatment.

After your treatment we apply cold wet compresses to the skin. Then a soothing ointment will be placed on your skin, and you will go home. During the first 24 hours you will place soothing soaks on your skin and apply ointment every few hours.

By day 2 or 3 you will finish the soaks and only apply ointment as you need it.

You will be given analgesic tablets in case you need them and Valtrex to protect you from a Herpes Skin outbreak. We also give you prophylactic antibiotics to protect against skin infection during healing.

What Will I look Like After Treatment and How Long Is Recovery?

Your skin will be pink to red after treatment. The first 24 hours your skin will be moist and old skin cells will peel off and be removed by the soaks.

Your new skin will cover your face in 2 to 3 days, very different from the 2-3 weeks required for skin healing after the old time float beam laser treatments.

Your face will remain pink for 5-7 days, but you can wear make up by day 4. This is about a third or fourth of the recovery time from a deep chemical peel or an old time flat beam laser treatment. 

When Do I See My Final Result?

You will see a remarkable improvement in wrinkles and skin texture with fresh new skin starting at 10 days and for the first 3 weeks. However, new collagen production, the main goal of this treatment does not begin for 6 weeks and continues for one year after treatment.

The initial benefits are due to swelling of the skin which subsides at about 3-4 weeks so expect to see your wrinkles return initially.

However at 3 months you will really start to see the improvement in your skin and at 6 months results are very dramatic.

In my experience, wrinkle removal, skin tightening and improvement in skin plumping and skin texture are most obvious at one year following treatment.

How Do I Find A Doctor Who Uses This Technique?

Board certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists are the experts at laser skin rejuvenation treatments. Ablative laser resurfacing is more commonly done by plastic surgeons because of the complexity of skin care after the procedure.

The new combined technique is so new that it will be some time before it is widely practiced.

Be certain that your physician is board certified and has experience in laser surgery-there are many new users of lasers who simply do not have the experience required for these advance laser treatments.

Check the websites of the organizations below for credible information and guidance:

American Board of Plastic Surgeons

American Society of Plastic Surgeons

American Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons

See before and after pictures [http://drseckel.com/fractional-laser-skin-resurfacing/before-and-after-pictures-of-fractional-laser-resurfacing-for-skin-rejuvenation/] of fractional laser resurfacing. Read my free newsletter to learn more about facial and body rejuvenation.

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