Laser Resurfacing Surgery
The word LASER is an acronym that stands for Light Amplification of Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Simply put, this means that a large number of atoms is charged to produce energy. This energy produces a wave of light that is bounced back and forth by mirrors within the laser machine. These mirrors eventually allow a small portion of this energy to leak. This results in a beam of laser light.
Aging and sun-damaged skin has been treated form any years with methods such as dermabrasion (which is a sanding away of the skin) and chemical peels. Recently, glycolic acids have become popular. Each of these is an effort to make the skin appear more youthful and, in some cases, help prevent the occurrence of pre-malignant or cancerous lesions.
Lasers have been used safely in major plastic surgery and dermatology for many years. New technology has allowed the laser to predictably and precisely remove fine layers of tissue and tighten fine skin lines, thereby creating a more youthful appearance. This new technology utilizes a CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser.
What Does the Laser Look Like?
The laser machine is approximately the size of a washing machine. It is portable and can be rolled from place to place. The light from the CO2 laser is actually invisible to the human eye, therefore a red aiming bean emits from the laser so that the surgeon will know where the CO2 light is being aimed. There are several hand pieces that attach to the arm of the laser. Each looks like a large pencil with a hole in the end. The light emanates from the end of the pencil-like hand piece in a straight line. With these different hand pieces the surgeon can perform different types of treatments according to your individual needs. Depth, speed, and precision can be controlled with the change of a hand piece.
How Does the Laser Work on Skin?
Different types of cells in the body absorb different laser lights. CO2 laser light is absorbed mainly by water. Because skin cells are mostly water, the CO2 laser is an excellent tool for treating skin problems. The CO2 laser precisely evaporates extremely thin layers of tissue while minimizing the hear effects. Thus, the outer, epithelial layer of skin can literally be brusher away. Then the foundation layer (dermis) of the skin can be tightened to provide a firm, youthful complexion. The surgeon can actually see the skin shrink as he administers the treatment. Once the outer, damaged layers of skin have been removed and tightened, a new fresh layer of skin will be able to grow back.
Who is a Candidate for Laser Rejuvenation?
Virtually anyone is a candidate. Meeting with your surgeon and discussing your needs and expectations will give you a good understanding of how this procedure can benefit you. The laser is ideal for anyone who desires to improve skin quality as well as remove and soften a lot of the wrinkles that increase with sun exposure and aging. It is also an excellent treatment for lessening acne scars.
Best results are obtained by treating fine lines or crepe skin. Most fine lines will disappear and crepe or sagging skin can be somewhat tightened. Deep folds, such as around the nose or between the eyebrows, may be softened by the laser, but because these are results of the skin being attached to the underlying muscle, they cannot be totally removed with the laser. Some of the areas most commonly treated are around the eyelids and crow's feet, the are around the mouth (especially lipstick bleed lines), and individual areas of acne scarring. It can also be used for a full-face rejuvenation. Frequently, the laser treatment may be combined with other procedures, such as a facelift or browlift, to give the greatest benefit.
What is the Recovery Time?
Recovery time is dependent on the depth of the treatment. Remember, though, the deeper the treatment, the more dramatic the results. The initial healing time for an average person is 10 days. During this time, you will have some type of dressing and may be required to cleanse the treated area and apply ointments to keep it will lubricated. Ice packs and pain medication are prescribed to alleviate any discomfort; most discomfort subsides after 48 hours. Generally at 10 days your skin is healed enough that you may begin to wear makeup. Your skin will be very pink or red and will take 6 to 10 weeks or longer before this pinkness is completely gone. Makeup can be worn to cover the redness until it subsides. You will find that your new skin will be very tight and dry for a few weeks and will need to be treated like a baby's skin with moisturizers and sunscreen.
Patient Photos coming soon!!!!!!
