Laser Skin Rejuvenation
Most of us know that time and sun exposure can and will add up to visible signs of aging and a host of skin-related issues like freckles, rosacea, wrinkles, broken capillaries, dark spots, redness of the face and neck, enlarged pores and uneven pigmentation. Skin rejuvenation can be achieved in a number of ways, ranging from laser treatments to chemical peels and other non-ablative methods. The result is a smoother, clearer and more youthful appearance to your skin.
Skin Rejuvenation Overview
Skin rejuvenation is a treatment to resurface your skin, or to improve the texture, clarity and overall appearance of your skin.
Conditions that can be treated include:
- Static wrinkles: These wrinkles are visible at all times and do not change in appearance with facial movements.
- Dynamic wrinkles: These are expression lines that may appear as folds when the skin is not moving, and deepen with facial movements or expressions.
- Pigmentation: Freckles, sun spots, melasma, or other darkened patches of skin result mainly from sun exposure.
- Scars: As the result of acne or injury to the skin, scars may be rolling (a wavy appearance to the skin), pitted, discolored, or have raised borders.
- Vascular conditions: Blood vessels visible on the surface of the skin, vascular lesions that appear as tiny blood filled blisters or even a constant flush of facial redness.
- Loss of skin tone: Weakening of the supportive skin structure (collagen and elastin fibers) that results in a loss of skin firmness, or the development of cellulite.
Laser Skin Rejuvenation
A popular therapy called “Laser Skin Rejuvenation” that uses a special kind of laser (non-ablative), is often applied to treat vascular redness, pigmented brown spots, skin texture, and improve the collagen structure all at once.
Laser Skin Rejuvenation treatment is a revolutionary way to combat the signs of aging. This non-invasive procedure stimulates smoother, healthier looking skin without the extensive investment of time and money required by other skin resurfacing treatments.
Protective cooling is applied to the skin, allowing the laser light to pass harmlessly through the upper layers of your skin, stimulating the cells deep below the surface that produce natural collagen. The collagen and elastin fibers continue to multiply after your treatment, and you will continue to see improved results over the months ahead. Laser Skin Rejuvenation treatment is unlike any other skin resurfacing treatment. Your skin is not subjected to excessively harsh chemicals or the intense after-care of some other facial rejuvenation procedures. Patented technology protects the sensitive surface layers of your skin, allowing the laser light to penetrate to a deeper level and stimulate new collagen growth. Laser Skin Rejuvenation treatment can be performed on any facial area - around the eyes, mouth, cheeks, chin - with minimal discomfort.
Laser Skin Rejuvenation is an ideal complement to Microdermabrasion, BOTOX®, and dermal filler agents for an overall facial rejuvenation. One of the most outstanding features of Laser Skin Rejuvenation treatment is that there is virtually no down-time associated with the procedure. Laser Skin Rejuvenation treatment is so quick and easy, that many patients come in for treatment during their lunch hour. The procedure takes between 15 and 30 minutes, and there are rarely any side effects. You can reapply your make-up right away and carry on with your day. No one will ever know-- which is why it has become one of our most popular procedures.
Preparing for Your Treatment
About two to three weeks before getting a chemical peel, a patient must prepare the skin by cleansing it twice a day, applying a special moisturizer and sunscreen, and use tretinoin (Retin-A A) every day. First, the skin is thoroughly cleansed with an agent that will remove excess oils, whilst protecting the hair and skin.
Your Consultation
While not as involved as surgical cosmetic procedures, skin rejuvenation is a medical procedure.
Be prepared to discuss:
- Why you want the procedure, your expectations and desired outcome
- Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
- Use of current medications (especially Accutane use), vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
- Past cosmetic treatments
Your physician and aesthetician may also:
- Evaluate your specific skin type and how it may react to the procedure
- Take photographs for your medical record
- Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
- Discuss likely outcomes of a skin rejuvenation and any risks or potential complications.
The risks include:
- Infection
- Pigmentation irregularities
- Textural changes
- Skin surface irregularities
- Burns and scarring
Careful consideration of your natural skin color and type will determine the treatment best suited for you to minimize the risk of developing additional pigmentation or a loss of pigmentation (whitening of the skin).
Your Recovery
A series of treatments are required to achieve improvement in skin texture and clarity and repeated treatments are essential to maintain your results.
Temporary sun sensitivity, redness, burning, itching, pain, and discomfort (degree may vary with each peel). Moderate discomfort and mild swelling should subside within the first week. Patients should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen everyday and avoid sun exposure unless adequately protected. Return to work: 1 week to 10 days (the skin will be healed enough to wear makeup).
From subtle to dramatic results, Laser Skin Rejuvenation offers temporary to long-lasting results; although not immune to sun damage and the effects of aging.
A special note about sun exposure: Absolute sun protection is essential for the first year after any of these resurfacing treatments to prevent irregular pigmentation. Diligent sun protection for life will help to maintain your new, younger, smoother skin.
