Laser Resurfacing

The latest method to treat wrinkles is with highly sophisticated lasers. Lasers used for resurfacing target water, which constitutes ~75% of the skin, thus vaporizing skin with each pass of the laser beam. The laser gives your physician unprecedented control over the process, gently and precisely removing the unwanted surface layers of the skin cells. Our center has the latest technology that allows the best possible results with a minimal recovery period.

Which lines and wrinkles can be treated with the laser?
Your physician uses the laser like an artist's brush, tailoring the skin rejuvenation procedure to your individual needs. Fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth can be smoothed. Acne scars and some surgical scars can be minimized. The surface of the skin is usually totally rejuvenated and new collagen buildup adds to a younger look and feel to your skin. The process of skin tightening continues for up to 18 months.

How long is the healing ?
More than with other surgeries, healing time is a major consideration in laser resurfacing. For up to 2 weeks, the treated skin may be red moist and oozing and patients should plan to stay at home. After that period, make-up can be applied, which helps to cover the redness which lasts for serveral months.

What about the delicate areas of the skin?
The resurfacing laser can rejuvenate areas around the lips and around the eyes. Depending on the type and depth of the wrinkles, or scars, one or more sessions may be necessary. Your skin will look and feel revitalized and transformed, the outward signs of age will be diminished.

Is resurfacing for you?
Your physician will take your medical history, age, skin type (including pigmentation), healing ability and desired results into consideration to determine whether you are a good candidate. Laser resurfacing is usually reserved for patients with moderate to severe damage not amenable to treatment with less invasive procedures, such as chemical peels.

Should certain precautions be taken after a resurfacing treatment with laser?
After the procedure, it is essential to carefully follow your physician's instructions to get optimal results. Skin preparation, antibiotics and antivirals are prescribed prior to the procedure as well. After the laser procedure, your physician will recommend an ointment to keep the healing areas moist and a dressing may be applied. The initial redness and swelling that follows the resurfacing treatment intensifies over the 4-5 days following the procedure. It fades in a few weeks to a light pink, which can easily be camouflaged with cosmetics and disappears completely within one to three months. It is important to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 protection against UVA and UVB rays, and to avoid sun exposure for several months, as this can cause changes in pigmentation. Some patients may experience transient spots or increased pigmentation, which usually resolve spontaneously. In most patients, a regimen of glycolic acid peels and retinoids is also recommended to help maintain results.

Botox® as an Adjunct to Laser Resurfacing
In some patients, dynamic lines such as the forehead and crow's feet improve in a superior way and results last longer when Botox® is injected into the underlying muscles immediately prior to and after the laser procedure.

Before & After Images

Before & After Laser Resurfacing

Before & After laser resurfacing. Note marked improvement and face lift-like tightening of cheeks.

Before & After laser resurfacing of acne scars

Before & After laser resurfacing

Before & After laser resurfacing