We were all born with smooth, baby-soft skin. Over the years, the constant bombardment of ultraviolet light from the sun gradually breaks down the orderly arrangement of the skin’s collagen and elastin fibers, which play important roles in the skin’s structural support and elasticity. This so-called photoaging process is primarily responsible for the lines, wrinkles, and pigmentary changes we associate with facial aging. Prior to the introduction of lasers in cosmetic surgery, facial rejuvenation was achieved by cutting and lifting the skin - the traditional face lift. Obviously, this approach can temporarily stretch the skin tight, but it does nothing to address the loss of collagen and elastin fibers, therefore, the improvement in wrinkling is often short lived. Laser skin resurfacing has revolutionized the treatment of wrinkles caused by sun damage and other environmental factors by removing the sun damaged fibers and causing a renewal of collagen and elastin within the skin. This exciting technique can cause a long lasting correction of wrinkles without requiring any cutting, lifting, stitching, or scars.
How does the laser resurfacing work?
What problems can be corrected with laser resurfacing?
What are the treatments like?
What is the recovery process like?
What are the alternatives?
How does the laser resurfacing work?
The UltraPulse 5000 C Aesthetic Laser is the most advanced system available for treating lip lines, smile lines, crow’s feet, and generalized sun damage as well as acne and chicken pox scars. This laser uses a very high energy beam of light to gently vaporize sun-damaged, aging skin, layer by layer, to reveal the healthy skin underneath. The laser tightens the skin and, most importantly, stimulates the formation of new collagen and elastin for a smoother, fresher, and more uniform complexion.
What problems can be corrected with laser resurfacing?
Treatment can markedly reduce the fine lines, wrinkles, and pigment changes associated with facial aging. Laser resurfacing is particularly useful in smoothing wrinkling around the eyelids, laugh lines, crow’s feet, and creases around the mouth. Deep laugh and frown lines can be minimized. Even lingering effects of chicken pox and acne scars can be successfully treated.
What are the treatments like?
Laser resurfacing is performed in our outpatient surgery center. Small areas may be comfortably treated following a local anesthetic injection. More extensive procedures are performed with IV sedation under the supervision of our board certified anesthesia personnel. Treatment time ranges from a few minutes for a small area up to 45 minutes for full face resurfacing.
What is the recovery process like?
After the procedure, an ointment is applied to the skin frequently to prevent scabbing and insure comfort. For several days, there will be some weeping and crusting as the old, outer layers are replaced by fresh, new, healthier skin. About one week after treatment, the ointment is discontinued and the pink, baby-like skin is protected with moisturizers and sun blocks. Make up can usually be resumed after 7-10 days to mask any residual redness, which gradually fades over a period of several months. Remarkably, there is only minor discomfort following the procedure with few patients needing anything stronger than Tylenol.
What are the alternatives?
The traditional face lift attempts to tighten wrinkled skin, but the results are often disappointing and always temporary. The unnatural appearance of face lifts that have been pulled a bit too tight should be a thing of the past because laser skin resurfacing actually addresses the underlying cause of wrinkling. Superficial and medium-depth chemical peels (alpha hydroxy acid or TCA) may help reduce fine to moderate facial wrinkles, but aren’t very effective in smoothing deeper lines. Deep wrinkles can be treated with phenolic acid, however, improper use is associated with permanent pigment loss, scarring, and systemic side effects. Dermabrasion is another alternative. This is a time-consuming, clinically difficult procedure which requires careful technique in order to avoid complications. Even when properly performed, scarring, textural changes, and pigmentary abnormalities may be observed following treatment.
