Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser Skin Resurfacing

 

Laser skin resurfacing is a gold standard to rejuvenate aging and damaged skin.  It is a superior treatment option for photoaging, sun spots, pore size, melasma, pre-cancers (actinic keratosis), acne and acne scars, and fine lines and wrinkles. Laser resurfacing allows small fragments of the skin to be completely removed, triggering a subsequent healing process resulting in renewed, healthier, smoother and more uniform youthful appearance.

 

Laser Resurfacing: Which do I choose?

 

Ablative (CO2, Erb:YAG) vs. Non-Ablative Lasers (Clear & Brilliant®, Fraxel) 

Non- ablative lasers leave the surface of the skin intact and work by heating up the targeted tissue, without actually destroying it. This process stimulates your body’s collagen production to fill in unwanted skin imperfections such as fine lines or wrinkles.

Because they do not resurface the skin as deeply as ablative lasers, multiple treatment sessions will be necessary to achieve clinical results. However, patients benefit from almost no downtime and the risk of undesirable side effects is greatly reduced.

 

In contrast, ablative lasers (CO2, Erb:YAG) create microinjuries to the surface of the skin, targeting both the surface and deeper layers. This results in more dramatic effects and require more down-time, however, the effects may be achieved in as little as one treatment, when compared to non-ablative lasers. Ablative laser treatments may be a good option for individuals who have more down-time during the holidays and want to target deeper wrinkles, skin discoloration, and deep acne scars.

 

Clear + Brilliant

Clear + Brilliant is a unique skincare treatment that uses safe, fractional laser technology that may address early signs of aging skin such as texture and tone, pore size, fine lines, skin discolorations, and loss of radiance. It is also a great treatment for inflammatory conditions of the skin such as acne and rosacea. There is no downtime required with this laser, with only mild-to-moderate redness that generally lasts less than 24 hours. A few days after the treatment, your skin will start to feel softer, look brighter, and show a more even tone. With each successive treatment, the results will become more noticeable. Results can last for months depending on your skin’s condition and skin protection regimen.

 

Fraxel

With Fraxel fractional resurfacing instead of the entire skin being remodeled and resurfaced with each treatment, a percentage, or a fraction, of the skin is resurfaced. Fraxel allows for the treatment of overall skin texture irregularities, pore size, pigmentary irregularities, acne scarring, surgical and traumatic scars, photodamage, melasma, skin rejuvenation and moderate wrinkles.

 

CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Laser

The use of the CO2 laser is one of the most comprehensive ways to reduce signs of aging and/or sun damage as it can achieve multiple goals with a single modality.  CO2 laser helps to remove brown spots, deep wrinkles, and irregular texture. It also tones and tightens the skin.  Please note that this laser does require some down time and you should plan for about one week for visible healing.

The fall and winter seasons are perfect times of the year to consider laser treatments. During this time of the year, the sun is less intense and we tend to spend more time indoors.  It is important to determine which laser is right for you based on your personal goals and relative downtime. In choosing the treatment option, it is always best to schedule an in office consultation to help to guide you in determining which options may be best to achieve your desired outcome.

 

 

BENEFITS

Fractional resurfacing means that with an individual treatment, a percentage, or a fraction, of the skin is resurfaced and remodeled, and not its entirety. Fractional treatment results in a quick healing process with relatively few possible complications. 

Laser Resurfacing: There are so many options, how do I choose?

Non- ablative lasers leave the surface of the skin intact and work by heating up the targeted tissue, without actually destroying it. This process stimulates your body’s collagen production to fill in unwanted skin imperfections such as fine lines or wrinkles.

Because they do not resurface the skin as deeply as ablative lasers, multiple treatment sessions will be necessary to achieve clinical results. However, patients benefit from almost no downtime and the risk of undesirable side effects is greatly reduced. 

 

In contrast, ablative lasers (CO2, Erb:YAG) create microinjuries to the surface of the skin, targeting both the surface and deeper layers. This results in more dramatic effects and require more down-time, however, the effects may be achieved in as little as one treatment, when compared to non-ablative lasers. Ablative laser treatments may be a good option for individuals who have more down-time during the holidays and want to target deeper wrinkles, skin discoloration, and deep acne scars. 

Laser Resurfacing: There are so many options, how do I choose?

Non- ablative lasers leave the surface of the skin intact and work by heating up the targeted tissue, without actually destroying it. This process stimulates your body’s collagen production to fill in unwanted skin imperfections such as fine lines or wrinkles.

Because they do not resurface the skin as deeply as ablative lasers, multiple treatment sessions will be necessary to achieve clinical results. However, patients benefit from almost no downtime and the risk of undesirable side effects is greatly reduced. 

 

In contrast, ablative lasers (CO2, Erb:YAG) create microinjuries to the surface of the skin, targeting both the surface and deeper layers. This results in more dramatic effects and require more down-time, however, the effects may be achieved in as little as one treatment, when compared to non-ablative lasers. Ablative laser treatments may be a good option for individuals who have more down-time during the holidays and want to target deeper wrinkles, skin discoloration, and deep acne scars. 

 

Clear + Brilliant ™ -P

Clear + Brilliant® is a unique skincare treatment that uses safe, fractional laser technology that may address early signs of aging skin such as texture and tone, pore size, fine lines, skin discolorations, and loss of radiance. It is also a great treatment for inflammatory conditions of the skin such as acne and rosacea. There is no downtime required with this laser, with only mild-to-moderate redness that generally lasts less than 24 hours. A few days after the treatment, your skin will start to feel softer, look brighter, and show a more even tone. With each successive treatment, the results will become more noticeable. Results can last for months depending on your skin’s condition and skin protection regimen.

Fraxel -P

With Fraxel fractional resurfacing instead of the entire skin being remodeled and resurfaced with each treatment, a percentage, or a fraction, of the skin is resurfaced. Fraxel allows for the treatment of overall skin texture irregularities, pore size, pigmentary irregularities, acne scarring, surgical and traumatic scars, photodamage, melasma, skin rejuvenation and moderate wrinkles. 

CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Laser -P

The use of the CO2 laser is one of the most comprehensive ways to reduce signs of aging and/or sun damage as it can achieve multiple goals with a single modality.  CO2 laser helps to remove brown spots, deep wrinkles, and irregular texture. It also tones and tightens the skin.  Please note that this laser does require some down time and you should plan for about one week for visible healing.

The fall and winter seasons are perfect times of the year to consider laser treatments. During this time of the year, the sun is less intense and we tend to spend more time indoors.  It is important to determine which laser is right for you based on your personal goals and relative downtime. In choosing the treatment option, it is always best to schedule an in office consultation to help to guide you in determining which options may be best to achieve your desired outcome.