Laser Resurfacing- Ask the Right Questions Get Outstanding Results
Posted on September 1st, 2011

Laser resurfacing has proven itself to be a highly effective cosmetic treatment. It’s versatility makes it a go-to procedure for a number of dermatological conditions, from wrinkles and blemishes to acne scars and age spots. If a patient wishes to get rid of wrinkles around the eyes, mouth or forehead, reduce or eliminate the appearance of acne scars, it is one of the most effective and lasting treatments available.

By definition, laser resurfacing means using advanced medical lasers to rejuvenate the skin, effectively resulting in a more youthful appearance and a significant reduction of dermatological imperfections. Patients should seek practitioners with a variety of lasers, as different conditions and skin types require unique treatment approaches.

Most commonly used to get rid of wrinkles, laser resurfacing for the face could require up to two hours per treatment session. The treatment works by removing the top-most layer of the skin which is comprised of dead tissue as well as damaged skin cells. Today's state of the art lasers cause minimal side effects, categorized by bruising and redness, due to its exceptional targeting capabilities (damage to surrounding skin tissue is avoided).

Educated patients who undergo laser resurfacing treatments are generally very satisfied with results. However, when discussing the procedure with your doctor, patients should address 3 important questions:

- What degree of results am I looking for?
- How much downtime can I tolerate?
- How much can I afford to pay for the treatment?

For example, light therapies are more affordable and require less downtime. On the other hand, they need to be performed multiple times and require experienced practitioners. Fractional treatments offer more significant results, however result in longer periods of downtime. The cost of laser resurfacing with fractional technologies is also significantly higher. Full ablation produces the absolute best results, but requires downtimes measuring in multiple weeks and produce redness that persists long after treatment is completed. They are also painful and require IV sedation, as well as extensive post-procedure care.

If laser resurfacing is something you are considering, be sure to consult with an experienced doctor to find out your options. Ask a lot of questions and think about your goals before rushing to select a treatment. After treatment, we are confident you will love the way you look!

Acne is a stubborn condition that affects millions of people, causing whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red-colored growths on the surface of the skin. Acne is a common condition among teenagers due to hormonal triggers, however, it can occur at practically any age, sometimes affecting individuals well into their 40s. Acne causes physical and emotional discomfort and the condition persists for months, if not years. If left untreated, it can leave behind traces in the form of acne scars, which will remain for a lifetime.

There are many methods available to treat acne, from pills and ointments to creams and masks, however, nothing is as effective at restoring the skin to health as medical lasers. The reason for this is because lasers not only treat the underlying cause of acne, but also serve to help prevent future outbreaks.

Why should you turn to lasers to treat acne? In laser acne treatments, the light energy is first used to destroy the bacteria that produces the lesions on the skin. This leads to significant improvement of the condition, allows the skin to heal itself and consequently prevents scarring from occurring. As a second phase of laser acne treatment, the oil producing glands (sebaceous glands as they are called) are shrunk with the use of laser energy, resulting in reduced oil production and thereby preventing future outbreaks and reducing the size of the pores.

Because of this dual benefit, lasers are far more effective than the alternative methods, resulting in a greater degree of satisfaction among patients. So if you have tried a variety of methods to treat acne but failed to achieve desired results, it may be time to look to laser therapy. Experienced practitioners utilize a variety of state-of-the art lasers with unique properties capable of providing custom treatments depending on skin type and severity of your condition. Moreover, the Food and Drug Administration has granted its seal of approval on the use of laser technology for treating acne and acne scars.

Categories: Laser Dermatology, Wrinkles, Age Spots/Sun Spots, Acne & Acne Scars,
Tags: get rid of wrinkles, laser resurfacing, skincare, fine lines and wrinkles

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