Laser / IPL Skin Resurfacing

Why Laser Skin Resurfacing?

For highly sun damaged skin, minimally invasive procedures may not be enough. Skin resurfacing is an excellent way of reducing deeper facial wrinkles and reversing the effects of aging on the skin. This is accomplished by stripping away the dead outer layer (epidermis) of skin and stimulating re-growth within the deeper layer of the skin. Newer, more youthful skin then re-grows, like the baby skin you get under a scrape or superficial burn. For many years, deep chemical peels and dermabrasion have performed classic facial skin resurfacing. Recently this field of cosmetic surgery has been revolutionized by the use of lasers.

A laser is high intensity light of a specific wavelength, which has very precise and predictable effects on the skin or any substance being treated. The mainstay for skin resurfacing is the Carbon Dioxide laser, referred to as the CO2 laser.

The CO2 laser accurately vaporizes the skin layer by layer. There is some effect on the collagen fibers as well during deeper laser treatments, adding strength and causing re-organizing of collagen bundles to efface deep wrinkles.

In the hands of properly trained professionals who understand the effects of the laser and have knowledge of the patients skin type, laser resurfacing can lead to routinely good results. This treatment is not for everyone. Patients with darker skin may not be candidates for CO2 laser resurfacing, although the Erbium laser may be used for more highly pigmented skin.

Changes That Can Be Made Using The CO2 Laser

Reduce wrinkles and fine lines
Soften deep laugh lines and frown lines
Restore sun damaged skin
Even out sun induced irregular pigmentation

Remove brown age spots
Smooth acne and other facial scars
Remove benign lesions of the skin

Immediately following laser treatment the skin appears deep red. Various dressings are used which occlude and protect the skin in some fashion. The length of recovery depends on the depth of laser treatment and the patient's skin type. Camouflage make-up can usually be applied commencing 5 to 8 days following the procedure. Side effects can be reduced by routinely using antibiotic and antiviral medications. The skin may become transiently darker, called hyperpigmentation, which is treatable.

The Erbium laser was once thought to replace the CO2 laser because of faster healing. However, the faster healing also has less long-term collagen effects.

What is the Ideal Age for Laser Skin Resurfacing?

There are no limitations. Younger patients with a history of sun exposure and smoking may need gentler laser treatments as soon as their early 30s. They are more likely candidates for IPL treatments.

There are many other lasers that can be used for both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Abnormal blood vessels, from tiny spider capillary veins to large inborn vascular lesions, are treatable by lasers. The small spider veins of the face can be treated in the office with little discomfort in as little as 1 to 3 sessions. Abnormal pigmentation of the skin, such as brown age spots and even tattoos, can be removed relatively painlessly without scarring. Lastly, we have a laser that can even produce permanent hair reduction in 3 to 5 treatments. (See IPL treatments).

Procedures

IPL Resrufacing

The most advanced skin rejuvenation technology is now available in our office for treating aging skin. Photo damaged skin is more than just wrinkles; it is hyperpigmentation (excess and uneven color changes), enlarged pores, telangiectasias and brown "age spots".

Classical treatment for most of these conditions has been dermabrasion, deep chemical peels and laser resurfacing with either C02 or Erbium Lasers. However, these treatments require significant healing time for patients. Alternative solutions have been provided through IPL Resurfacing with no visible healing time in most patients.

Why IPL Resurfacing?

The Vasculite SR uses Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), beyond even the latest lasers, to slow down the signs of aging, reduce birthmarks, unwanted hair, unsightly small veins and other blemishes and even smoothes wrinkles.
Redness associated with Rosacea, red spots, brown spots and other benign pigmented lesions can be significantly reduced.
Reduction in these imperfections along with decreasing skin pore size and reduced wrinkles can lead to smoother, revitalized skin.
The same treatments can be effectively used on the neck, chest and hands. Our patients often get the compliments that their skin "glows" from the smoother texture and tone.
These treatments are accompanied by minimal discomfort and no "down time."
The Vasculite SR attacks the collagen beneath the skin to create a smoother layer of collagen that reflects in a smoother surface above without the associated healing time.

No Down Time, Minimally Invasive: What Does This Mean to You?

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is gentler than most lasers and works in a series of treatments. To reach significant improvement typically requires 5 sessions. However after each treatment, there is little visible healing other than some darkening of the skin or mild redness for a few days to a week. These can usually be covered by makeup from the day of treatment. Patients may experience mild discomfort with IPL treatments. Some say it is similar to the snapping of a rubber band. Discomfort during the procedure can be reduced by topical anesthetic cream applied before treatment.

IPL for Photorejuvenation

Skin ages by thickening and irregularity of the surface layers. Deeper collagen becomes looser and in disarray. IPL Laser penetrates down to the collagen level of the skin for smoother textured skin. This can be achieved as well with the ELOS device. Exfoliation, Microdermabrasion, good skin care and topicals such as Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Vitamin C, and Copper Peptides can improve the surface.

IPL for Vascular and Pigmented Lesions

The face has an extensive network of veins and tiny blood vessels called capillaries. These vessels can break creating red streaks and penetrate to the surface of the skin. We often call these "spider veins." For vascular lesions, the laser heats the hemoglobin in the blood cells that cauterizes these vessels.

Rosacea is a skin condition that leaves people with red/flushed faces. This comes from dilated superficial vessels. Rosacea can also cause pimples and/or blisters on the nose and cheeks. Initial treatment is with medications aimed at the cause and should be monitored by your dermatologist. IPL Laser can treat the dilated vessels and redness without injuring the surrounding healthy skin.

Pigment changes come from increase in melanin in the skin. The skin color can become irregular. Brown "age spots" can form. Even freckles may be un-wanted. For pigmented lesions, the melanin (pigment) absorbs the laser energy, which shatters these pigment cells, which are then eaten up by the body's scavenger cells.

IPL for Hair Removal

The Vasculite SR allows customized treatment for hair removal according to your skin type and the color and texture of your hair. What is NEW is that this Laser can treat people with ALL skin types, including those of African American, Hispanic and Asian descent. The hair follicles absorb the intense light pulses creating very localized intense heat. This heat destroys the follicle and re-growth potential. This creates a permanent reduction in hair. The number of treatments required depends on a number of factors. The hair must be in a growth phase to be affected. Hair from different areas of the body grows at different rates. For significant hair reduction, most patients require from 3 to 5 treatments. Darker skin patients may require as many as 6 to 10 treatments since the laser has to be "turned down" as not to damage the more highly pigmented skin.

Questions? Contact Dr. Pearlman or our Aesthetician about IPL Resurfacing.

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