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L A S E R R E S U R F A C I N G O F
S M A L L P O X S C A R S |
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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, cutting and
lifting the skin - the traditional face-lift, achieved facial rejuvenation.
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.
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How
does the laser resurfacing work? |
The
Ultra Pulse 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Who
Is a Candidate for Laser Treatment? |
Anyone
who has an irregular area of skin, whether due to contour, wrinkles,
color, blood vessels or scars, may be a good candidate.
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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.
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