Laser skin resurfacing is one of the leading cosmetic procedures.
The process utilizes a laser to minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles,
as well as improve the overall texture of the skin.
How Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?
Lasers work by emitting a specialized light that is passed through the skin and
preferentially absorbed by the water in the damaged collagen of our skin. This
action allows the laser light to ablate very fine layers of skin, diminishing
the look of the wrinkle and other unwanted textures. The older, wrinkled collagen
in the skin is remodeled into newer skin. As new cells form in the healing process,
the skin is smoother and softer. Several lasers and light sources are available
today for skin resurfacing.
Why Choose Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing offers patients many benefits. The procedure is truly "incisionless",
provides consistent results, offers the surgeon precise control, and can delay
or eliminate the need for the more invasive face lift surgery, with a fast recovery
time.
What Are The Differences In The Lasers Available?
Dr Tan offers a wide variety of lasers for laser skin resurfacing. Each option
performs best for different types of patients and his or her needs. The main differences
in the lasers available depend on the treatment you require. For
example, the CO2 laser has traditionally been most effective on deep lines and
wrinkles, as well as for full-face laser procedures. The Erbium:YAG laser has
been ideal for those with moderate lines and wrinkles and for those wanting to
improve the overall texture of their skin. The Erbium:YAG laser is also effective
on treating isolated areas, and other areas of the body, including the hands,
chest and neck. Multi-mode laser resurfacing uses a combination of lasers further
customizing the procedure for your particular needs.
The latest in resurfacing is the concept of fractional resurfacing with the
Fraxel laser. This novel fractional approach to laser skin treatment, represents
a new science and category of cosmetic skin treatments that offers patients the
positive results of CO2 and Er:YAG laser with the lunchtime elegance of no-downtime
procedure. This innovative approach is specially designed to alter only fractional
volumes of the target tissue. Similar to digital alteration of photographs and
paintings, the clinical effect of this treatment technique is to alter the appearance
of aging and sun-damaged skin. The creation of tiny micro-wounds results in a
microscopic wound healing process and resultant formation of new collagen fibers.
The face, neck, chest and hands can all be treated with Fraxel fractional resurfacing.
Dr. Tan will assess the laser that is best for you.
How Long Will It Take To Heal?
Most patients enjoy a short recovery time after standard laser resurfacing that
will last any where from less than a week for lighter resurfacing procedures to
up to two weeks for deeper procedures. You will be asked to keep the healing area
moist, and protected from the sun. The initial redness after the procedure will
fade over a period of time, however camouflage makeup may be used to cover the
redness. In contrast, there is no down time after Fraxel resurfacing.
Is The Fraxel Procedure Painful?
During the Fraxel procedure you will be given either a topical or local anesthetic;
sedation is not necessary. After the procedure, most describe the discomfort as
a mild sunburn that subsides quickly over a matter of hours.
How Soon Will I See Results with Fraxel
Clinical studies suggest that 3-6 Fraxel laser treatments, spaced about 3-4 weeks
apart, produce a gradual remodeling of wrinkled sun damaged.
What Are The Side Effects?
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with laser skin resurfacing.
Dr. Tan will review with you in detail any risks involved in the procedure.
Dr. Tan and her staff will be happy to discuss Fraxel fractional laser resurfacing
with you. Please feel free to call for a private consultation.
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