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Facial Laser

Facial Laser

FACIAL LASER RESURFACING WITH CARBON DIOXIDE AND FRACTIONAL LASER

There are many different laser technologies which are used for facial rejuvenation. A laser is a high-energy beam of light that can selectively transfer its energy into tissue to treat the skin. Lasers contain a material that produces and amplifies light. Two mirrors cause the light to reflect back and forth through this material. The result is a light beam that is collimated and intense. This light is either one pure color or several different pure colors. These properties separate the laser from a light bulb and are important to the medical application of lasers. Many procedures cannot be done without the laser. Likewise, many procedures are better performed without the laser. Even with the sparkle, pure color, and high-energy beam, the laser is not always the best tool for surgery.

The choice of the laser depends upon many factors, including the surgeon’s experience, the size of the area to be treated, and the expectations of the patient.

WHAT CAN LASER SURGERY DO FOR YOU?

The use of lasers in medicine is complex. Dr. Verret is trained in the use of lasers and understands how and when to use a laser. Expert facial plastic surgeon Dr. D.J. Verret will decide if a laser is appropriate, and which laser is best for the situation. In medicine, physicians can use lasers to make incisions, vaporize tumors, close blood vessels, selectively reduce pigmentation, or even treat skin wrinkles. The laser makes it possible to change tissue without making an incision. A surgeon can treat birthmarks or damaged blood vessels, remove port-wine stains, and shrink facial “spider veins” without major surgery. Facial resurfacing lasers can also reduce wrinkles. By shrink wrapping the skin and promoting collagen, lasers such as the erbium and carbon dioxide can improve the signs of aging. For deep wrinkles, multiple treatments may be necessary to get optimal results.

LASER SKIN PEELING

Lasers can be used to reduce wrinkles around the lips or eyes, even the entire face, softening fine wrinkles and removing certain blemishes on the face. The two laser types used for laser skin peeling are erbium and carbon dioxide. Newer technologies, called fractional, allow the laser to leave islands of unharmed tissue which help to reduce down time and speed up the healing process. Some of the risks of skin lightening and scarring associated with older carbon dioxide laser technologies are also decreased.

LASER REMOVAL OF BIRTHMARKS AND SKIN LESIONS

Port-wine stain birthmarks respond remarkably well to laser treatment. The abnormal blood vessels that cause these marks are reduced in size by the laser. This results in a lightening of the treated area. Skin growths, facial “spider veins,” warts, and some tattoos respond to laser surgery. Most situations take more than one laser treatment, but some respond to a single treatment.

Recovery time associated with laser treatments will depend on the laser used. In general, laser treatments to treat skin color changes will have a quick recovery while treatments for deep wrinkles may require 1-2 weeks recovery time. During your initial consultation with Dr. Verret, he will provide you with your options to address your areas of concern. He will also go over your expected recovery times and provide you with more information about his treatments around the time of surgery.

D.J. Verret, MD, FACS

Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon