Laser Resurfacing

Skin resurfacing is an exciting new procedure that diminishes or eliminates fine wrinkles and other skin abnormalities. The Ultrapulse™ laser, which delivers tiny, multiple pulses of light energy, represents the most advanced technology available in the treatment and refinement of the skin.

The Ultrapulse™ laser provides the physician precision and control that transcends the CO2 laser. By controlling the amount of laser energy and time of laser contact with the skin, very precise amounts of tissue can be removed and resurfaced. Damaged or wrinkled skin is virtually erased without disturbing the lower layers of skin. Sculpting and smoothing is accomplished with an extremely low risk of scarring or pigment alteration.

A myriad of skin conditions can be treated with this advanced technique. Traditionally, fine lines and acne scars could only be addressed with dermabrasion and chemical peel. Now, the Ultrapulse™ laser can diminish fine lines and smooth out acne scars, chicken pox scars and irregular or elevated surgical scars. The Ultrapulse™ laser can eliminate severe sun damage of the lips, which represents a pre-malignant change. "Age spots", blotchy pigmentation and vascular lesions can be similarly removed using other lasers designed specifically for these conditions with little "downtime".

Skin resurfacing is performed in the doctor's office with only local anesthesia. Extensive skin resurfacing does require that the patient refrain from using cosmetics for about one week.

A thorough skin evaluation and consultation is necessary to determine the nature of the skin condition and to discuss the realistic achievable goals. Skin resurfacing is a safe, effective and affordable procedure that can significantly enhance the appearance of your skin.

WHAT IS SKIN RESURFACING?

For years, dermatologic surgeons have searched for an ideal method of eliminating wrinkles, correcting acne scars and improving aging and sun damaged skin. Laser resurfacing of the face is a revolutionary scientific breakthrough in skin rejuvenation.

Using a wand-like laser hand piece, undesired skin cells and wrinkles literally disappear in a puff of mist and are replaced by fresh skin cells. Sometimes called "laser peeling," one of it'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, and allows a new degree of precision and safety in treating delicate areas, such as on or near the lips and around the eyes.

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN LASER RESURFACING TREAT?

Laser resurfacing is performed in the dermatologic surgeon's office 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, uneven skin color
• improve and flatten scars
• Repair smoker's lines

Erase fine lines and wrinkles on the upper lip: Before After

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LASER SURGERY FOR FACIAL RESURFACING?

Laser resurfacing may offer the following general benefits:

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

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.  In many cases, laser resurfacing offers an alternative to traditional methods for skin rejuvenation, such as dermabrasion and deep deep chemical peels.  It can also work well in conjunction with, or as an additional treatment to other aesthetic procedures such as:  chemical peels, blepharoplasty, liposuction of the face and neck and wrinkle correction.

Typical Results

Before	After