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LASER RESURFACING
Laser
Resurfacing is an exciting technology that has brought dramatic changes
in our ability to treat sun-damaged skin, wrinkles, acne scars, as well
as increasing the tone and elasticity of the skin.
WHAT
IS SKIN RESURFACING?
For years doctors and patients have searched for
an ideal method for removing wrinkles, improving scars and rejuvenating
aging skin. Until recently, chemical peels and dermabrasion have been
widely used in an attempt to help aged, sun damaged or scarred facial
skin. Unfortunately, these procedures have many disadvantages, such as
scarring, pigment loss, bleeding, and failure to achieve consistent acceptable
outcomes.
Ultrapulse
laser resurfacing is the latest scientific breakthrough and can safely
correct facial scars, remove and rejuvenate skin.
The following list shows some conditions treatable with laser resurfacing:
- Facial
Wrinkles
- Lip
Lines
- Crows
Feet
- Lower
Eyelid Wrinkles
- Acne
Scarring
- Post
Surgery Scarring
- Facial
Aging Changes
- Facial
Pigment Abnormalities
- Keloid
or Hypertrophic Scarring
WHAT
IS LASER?
The term LASER is an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission
of radiation. Lasers are instruments that convert electrical energy into
light and electromagnetic energy for a variety of purposes. Dermatologists
have used lasers since the 1960's. In the treatment of skin problems,
different lasers are used for different purposes.
WHAT
IS THE ULTRAPULSE CO2 LASER?
The Ultrapulse 5000 CO2 laser unit embodies the latest advances in scientific
engineering, resulting in the most advanced carbon dioxide laser in the
world. In contrast to old CO2 lasers, the Ultrapulse CO2 Laser emits short
or continuous bursts of extremely high energy, resulting in char-free
laser vaporization of tissue. These short energy pulses enable one to
rapidly ablate tissue before the laser energy can be spread to non-target
tissue. This results in a greatly reduced risk of scarring.
HOW
IS THIS PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
The procedure is performed in the office with local anesthesia similar
to that in a dentist's office. General or intravenous sedation is not
necessary. Most patients can walk in and out in about 1 hour!
WHAT
DOES THE SKIN LOOK LIKE FOLLOWING TREATMENT?
A clear dressing is applied before you leave. It usually takes 3-5 days
for the skin to resurface (epidermal regeneration). Until that time dressings
are worn with an ointment to speed the process and keep the area clean.
You will be given specific instructions on how to care for the treated
site. Most patients do not complain of pain but do feel "self-conscious"
with the dressings and may want to limit activities for about 7-10 days.
The skin heals with a smooth pink surface. Depending upon one's ability
to heal, this pink surface will remain from weeks to, occasionally, months.
Makeup can be applied as soon as the crust resolves and the surface is
dry, camouflaging some of these temporary vascular changes. During this
healing time, vigorous sun protection is strongly recommended.
WHO
DOES THIS TYPE OF LASER SURGERY?
Laser surgery should be performed by physicians who have received training
in laser techniques and safety. Our doctors have all trained and studied
with pioneers and recognized experts in the field. We have all taken certified
courses and have also accumulated a wealth of experience with other lasers
for several years.
HOW
MUCH DOES LASER RESURFACING COST?
An initial consult fee of $65.00 that is deducted from the total cost
of the procedure.
The procedure costs vary with the amount of areas that are to be treated,
but generally range from: $750.00 (for upper lip area) to $4,000.00 (for
full face with anesthesia)
HOW
LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE?
While it does vary with the size of the areas treated, as well as the
degree of damage, the procedure takes between one to two hours.
WE AT NORTHEAST DERMATOLOGY look forward to meeting with you to discuss this wonderful new tool for skin rejuvenation.
