With this procedure, patients will typically benefit from 3-8 treatments. Clearing of sun damage such as lentigines will be evident after the first few treatments. Wrinkle improvement will be gradual over the first three months of treatment as new collagen forms, creating a smoother, younger looking skin.

Also see Sculptura Treatments

What is skin resurfacing?

For years, dermatologists have searched for an ideal method to eliminate wrinkles, correct acne scars and improve ageing and sun-damaged skin. Laser resurfacing of the face is the latest scientific breakthrough in skin rejuvenation.

Using a wand-like laser hand piece, undesired skin cells and wrinkles are softened or removed, leaving fresh skin cells. Sometimes called "laser peeling," laser resurfacing has significant advantages over traditional techniques for skin resurfacing it is a bloodless procedure which offers more control in the depth of penetration of the skin's surface and a new degree of precision and safety in treating delicate areas, such as around the lips and eyes.

What is a laser?

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 vaporise and remove wrinkles, scars, and blemishes, seal blood vessels or go deeper into skin tissue.

The laser has the unique ability to produce one specific colour (wavelength) of light which can be varied in its intensity and pulse duration. There are many lasers, each producing a specific colour (wavelength) of light for a specific purpose. The newest laser systems have become remarkably precise and selective, allowing better treatment results and safety levels not previously available.

There are two categories of lasers used for skin resurfacing (ablative and non-ablative). Your dermatologist will select the most appropriate mode of treatment, considering the patient's desires and time commitment.

Non-Ablative Lasers

Non-ablative lasers have gained immense popularity in the past two years because they require little to no healing time. They work by by-passing the surface of the skin and treating the layers underneath, known as the papillary dermis. This allows the skin to respond as if it was repairing a wound and regenerates the skin. With this technique, the epidermis is generally not removed. Because they are less intense than ablative lasers, non-ablative procedures pose minimal downtime and recovery. However, non-ablative treatments require multiple sessions, and may take several weeks for the optimal results of treatment to be seen after the last session.

Who is qualified to perform laser resurfacing?

Traditionally, dermatologists have extensive experience with laser surgery and were among the first specialists to pioneer the use of lasers for treating a variety of skin disorders. In fact, the latest advances in laser resurfacing technology were also pioneered and refined by dermatologists. Since results are technique-sensitive and entail an artistic component, it's important to select a dermatologist with demonstrated laser expertise.

What conditions can laser resurfacing treat?

Laser resurfacing is performed to help:

• 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 skin color
• Improve and flatten scars
• Repair smoker's lines

What are the benefits of laser surgery for facial resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing may offer the following general benefits:

• Improved treatment results
• "bloodless" procedure
• Precisely controlled surgery
• An addition or alternative to other skin rejuvenating procedures
• Safe, reliable, and effective out-patient, same-day procedure

What can be expected during and after laser resurfacing?

Depending on the specific condition being treated and type of laser used, patients may receive a topical anesthetic cream or local anesthesia. Discomfort is usually minor both during the procedure and throughout the recovery phase. The time required to complete a full-face procedure is generally between one and two hoursten to fifteen minutes, although this may vary depending on the sites treated.

The treated sites must be protected from sunlight after the procedure. Once healing is completed, sun block lotion should be applied.

Mild redness may persist for a few hours and make-up may be applied immediately. Four to six treatments are usually necessary.

What are the limitations of laser resurfacing?

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. It can also work well in conjunction with, or as an additional treatment to other aesthetic procedures such as: chemical peels, microdermabrasion and muscle relaxant®.

For more information, book a free consultation with the doctor.

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