27995 Greenfield Drive, Suite C, Laguna Niguel, CA - (949) 360-4400
3055 W. Orange Ave., Suite 207, Anahiem, CA - (714) 229-8246
Facial Laser Resurfacing
Facial laser resurfacing is a technology specifically designed to eliminate superficial and moderately deep wrinkles of the face. Then lines primarily treated include the "crow’s feet" around the eyes, the wrinkling between the brows and on the forehead, lines above the upper lip and those caused by smiling. This procedure also provides effective treatment for moderate acne scarring and sun-damaged skin.Laser resurfacing works in two different ways:
1. Providing the precise removal of the top layer of skin. This removes the extra fold which is causing the wrinkle, leaving a normal skin surface.
2. By directly affecting the collagen within the dermis. Heat generated by the laser procedure promotes collagen formation, resulting in a "tightening" of the skin that therefore provides a more uniform and smooth appearance.
Laser resurfacing offers significant advantages over conventional techniques such as dermabrasion and deep chemical peeling. These include:
1. Laser resurfacing is a bloodless procedure
2. Lasers are more precise than dermabrasion or chemical peeling
3. Resurfacing provides less chance of scarring and textural change
4. Laser resurfacing recovery is less painful.
With laser resurfacing, patients should experience significant flattening or smoothing out of wrinkles, with long term improved appearance or "facial rejuvination."
The benefits of laser resurfacing are generally long-lasting. Long-lasting benefits are particularly seen with more excessive wrinkles. During the initial consultation, a complete medical history is taken and a careful examination is conducted in order to evaluate the patient’s skin condition. During the consultation, Dr. Kramer and staff will describe the types of anesthesia to be used, the procedure itself, and expected results. Alternative treatment options will also be reviewed, as well as possible risks and complications that may occur. Photographs are taken before and after the surgery to help evaluate the amount of improvement. The procedure is performed here in the office, which is an accredited outpatient surgery center. When individual areas are treated (for example, around the eyes and/or mouth) local anesthesia is usually administered. When treating extensive areas (such as full face), we recommend either IV sedation or general anesthesia which is administered by an anesthesiologist. The laser resurfacing procedure lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours depending on the extent of the treatment.
Post procedure recovery is generally not painful, although there is a mild discomfort afterwards, which is commonly relieved by a mild analgesic such as extra-strength Tylenol. Laser resurfacing creates a superficial wound which requires post-operative care. If all wound care instructions are adhered to correctly, healing will normally occur within approximately ten days. At the end of the healing phase, patients will be left with redness in the treated areas which will subside with time. Makeup can be used to cover the redness after the seven to ten day initial healing period. Some individuals, depending on their skin texture and color, may experience prolonged redness as well as pigmentary changes. Bleaching creams and exfoliating agents may be prescribed for use pre and post operatively to lessen the chance of such an outcome. It is imperative that sun exposure is avoided following the procedure to avoid the risk of pigmentary discoloration. Laser resurfacing of wrinkles sun damaged skin, and acne scarring has dramatically revolutionized the field of facial rejuvenation and has lessened the complications associated with previous surgical modalities.
If you have any questions about this procedure, please call our office for a consultation regarding this new and exciting technique.
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