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Men and women of all ages can benefit from laser resurfacing. The ideal patient for laser resurfacing has fair, healthy, non-oily skin. |
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When healing is complete, the face has a more youthful appearance. |
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Fine, vertical creases or "lipstick lines" are commonly treated with laser resurfacing. |
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Within about five weeks after treatment, the upper lip is noticeably smoother. |
Laser Skin Resurfacing in the Pasadena and Los Angeles Area
Lasers are the most effective tools available today for eliminating wrinkles. Unlike other resurfacing methods, lasers not only exfoliate the surface of the skin, but they also tighten the skin’s collagen fibers, thereby restoring some of the skin’s elasticity. After laser skin resurfacing many patients look 10 to 20 years younger, and results last about 10 years.
Laser skin resurfacing may also be used to remove abnormalities in the skin such as pigmented lesions or acne scars.
Laser stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers work by producing an intense beam of bright light that travels in one direction. The laser beam can gently vaporize and/or ablate skin tissue to improve wrinkles, scars and blemishes, seal blood vessels or cut skin tissue. The laser has the unique ability to produce one specific color (wavelength) of light, which can be varied in its intensity and pulse duration. The newest laser systems have become remarkably precise and selective, allowing treatment results and safety levels not previously available.
Laser resurfacing to improve cosmetic flaws, such as wrinkles, acne scars, and aging and sun-damaged skin, is the latest scientific breakthrough in skin rejuvenation.
Using a wand-like laser handpiece, undesired skin cells and wrinkles literally disappear in a puff of mist and are replaced by fresh skin cells. One of the laser's most significant advantages over traditional techniques for skin resurfacing is that treatment is relatively bloodless. The procedure also offers more control in the depth of penetration of the skin's surface, allowing an increased degree of precision and safety in treating delicate areas.
Laser resurfacing is a relatively quick procedure. It usually takes anywhere from a few minutes to one and a half hours, depending on how large of an area is involved.
When the imperfections are especially deep, your surgeon may recommend that the resurfacing be performed in two or more stages.
During the procedure, the activated laser is carefully passed back and forth over the skin until the surgeon reaches the level that will make the wrinkle or scar less visible.
When the procedure is over, your surgeon may choose to treat the resurfaced skin with applications of protective creams or ointments until healing is complete. Some surgeons choose to apply a bandage over the treated areas which will cover and protect the healing skin for the first 5 to 10 days.