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Laser stands for "light amplification by stimulated emission
of radiation". What this means is that lasers function by creating
an intense beam of bright light that travels in one direction. The
laser has the ability to produce one specific color of light, and
the newest lasers can be tuned to precise and selective wavelengths
allowing specific treatments and safety levels not previously available.
Laser resurfacing is a highly effective method for eliminating wrinkles,
flattening protruding acne scars, and improving aging and sun damaged
skin. The laser beam can selectively vaporize wrinkles and scars.
There is more control in the depth of penetration, and this allows
more precision and safety in the treatment.
Unlike the older continuous carbon dioxide lasers, the new generation
of CO2 laser delivers short bursts of extremely high laser energy.
This revolutionary technology can remove skin one layer at a time,
revealing fresh skin underneath. Often referred to as an ultra pulse
CO2 laser, the new CO2 laser functions with a lower risk of scarring
and complications.
The high-powered Erbium Yag laser produces a wavelength that gently
penetrates the skin and is highly absorbed by water. These properties
allow Dr. Rapaport to remove layers of skin with exquisite precision.
The Erbium Yag laser is selected for patients who have superficial
to moderate facial wrinkles, mild surface scars or discolorations.
The gentleness of the Erbium Yag laser is selected in areas where
the skin may be more delicate. These areas include those around
the eyes, mouth, neck and hands. Furthermore, the Erbium Yag laser
is selected for patients with darker skin types and for those who
cannot tolerate prolonged redness after the procedure.
The CO2 laser, on the other hand, is more effective for deeper
facial wrinkles or severe sun damage. Although there is more tissue
tightening with this laser, this comes with longer healing time
and more prolonged redness.
Traditionally, the experts in skin care and skin disease have been
dermatologists. Dr. Rapaport has extensive experience with laser
surgery and treatment of conditions during the postoperative phases.
Since results are technique-sensitive, it is important to select
a doctor with demonstrated laser experience. Dr. Rapaport is often
consulted by other aesthetic surgeons and asked to treat patients
who have had complications from other surgeries.
Laser resurfacing is performed in the dermatologic surgeon's office
to help the following:
- Erase fine lines and wrinkles of the face, especially on the
upper lip, cheeks and forehead.
- Smooth and tighten eyelid skin.
- Improve crow's feet around the eyes.
- Soften pucker marks and frown lines.
- Remove brown spots and splotchy, uneven skin color.
- Improve and flatten scars.
- Repair smoker's lines.
Laser resurfacing may offer you and your dermatologic surgeon the
following general benefits:
- Improved treatment results.
- Relatively "bloodless" surgery.
- Precisely controlled surgery.
- An addition or alternative to other skin rejuvenating procedures.
- Safe, reliable and effective out-patient, same day surgery.
Depending on the specific condition being treated, patients may
receive a topic anesthetic cream with mild sedation, or local anesthesia,
or monitored intravenous sedation. Discomfort is usually minor both
during the procedure and throughout the recovery phase. The time
required to complete the procedure is generally between one and
two hours, although this may vary depending on the sites treated.
Following skin resurfacing, the treated areas usually are kept
moist with ointment or occlusive dressings (surgical bandages) for
the first few days. The skin is typically red or oink and may be
covered with a fine crust. The treated sites must be protected from
sunlight after the procedure. Once healing in completed, sun block
lotion should be applied. Depending on the type of laser used and
the individual's ability to heal, a pink surface color may remain
for several days to several months. Makeup can be worn after about
7 to 14 days.
All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk. With the new
Er:Yag and CO2 laser surgery, the risk of scarring is low. Common
side effects may include crusting, mild swelling, redness or brown
discoloration at the treatment sites. Some patients may require
bleaching creams to help regulate skin color following laser resurfacing.
Significant pain, bleeding swelling and infection seldom occur and
can be minimized by surgical techniques and vigorous postoperative
care. These surgical techniques and pre-and post-operative regimes
have been pioneered by dermatologic surgeons and continue to be
enhanced and improved for patient safety and comfort.
Laser resurfacing is not a substitute for a facelift, nor can the
procedure eliminate excessive skin or jowls. However, beneficial
tightening of loose skin can occur from laser resurfacing, resulting
in an improvement of certain folds and creases. In many cases, laser
resurfacing offers an alternative to traditional methods for skin
rejuvenation, such as dermabrasion and deep chemical peels. It can
also work well in conjunction with or as an additional treatment
to other aesthetic procedures, such as chemical peels, blepharoplasty
(eyelid surgery) and liposuction of the face and neck.
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