Laser Resurfacing Procedures
Non Ablative Laser Resurfacing
With age and sun exposure, the skin’s collagen layer begins to thin. Because our collagen layer acts as a foundation that supports the skin, this thinning contributes to the development of wrinkles.
Lasers are now available which rejuvenate the skin in a gentle manner without injuring the skin’s surface. These types of lasers are referred to as "non-ablative" and are appropriate for adult men and women of all ages and skin types.
Non-ablative laser rejuvenation uses skin cooling methods and longer wavelength lasers to treat the skin without wounding you. This technique stimulates the body’s own collagen production, which helps to rebuild the skin’s layers. The result – newly refreshed skin with fewer wrinkles and fine lines.
Advantages of the Non-Ablative Laser
Non-Ablative Laser Rejuvenation is a group of Laser procedures which reverse the signs of aging with little or no downtime The treatments can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, remove sunspots (or sundamaged areas), freckles, broken capillaries, and rosacea on virtually any body part. These treatments are typically designed for the “on the go” type of patient. Generally a series of 4 to 5 treatments are recommended, although often you can see improvement after just one treatment. There are several types of Non-Ablative Laser treatments. Your doctor will recommend the correct type of Laser treatment depending on your skin type, color and skin condition. Please keep in mind treatments need to be done consistently in order to achieve the maximum result.
Go to our complete photo gallery of non-ablative laser resurfacing patients.
At Changes Plastic Surgery, we offer a number of non-ablative Laser options:
FRAXEL®
Imagine going back to a time before you worshipped the sun, before teenage hormones made your skin break out, before your little one was even a glimmer on the horizon. Imagine waking up and not only feeling ten years younger, but also looking it. Fraxel® treatment is a safe, noninvasive way to reveal healthy, luminous skin, with minimal downtime. It is an easy way to restore your skin to its original beautiful glow.
This FDA approved non-ablative treatment requires multiple treatments over a period of one or two months, possibly longer. Fraxel® treatment is able to precisely treat thousands of microscopic areas of skin, using pinpoint laser beams that penetrate beneath the skin’s surface to eliminate old, damaged skin cells. Fraxel® treatment stimulates the body’s own natural healing process which replaces damaged skin with fresh, glowing, healthy skin.
Topical anesthesia is applied before the procedure and cold air is used on the treatment area during the procedure to minimize discomfort. Your doctor may also suggest prescribed medication to help you relax. After the treatment, most patients report a feeling similar to having gotten too much sun. It usually disappears after 1 to 3 hours. Side-effects may include minor itching, dry skin, peeling or flaking, and a bronzed skin appearance for a few days. You will want to use sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and avoiding direct sun exposure for at least 3 months after your last treatment.
BEFORE
AFTER 3RD TREATMENT FOR SKIN PIGMENTATION (MELASMA)
SOLAR GENESIS/INTENSE PULSE LIGHT (IPL)
Solar Genesis is an innovative way to quickly, safely and comfortably remove sun spots and age spots from your face, chest,arms, and hands, without gel or topical anesthetics. The signs of sun damage will flake off after one or two treatments, leaving clear, younger looking skin.
The Solar Genesis/IPL treatment will only take a few minutes. Usually 3 to 5 treatments are recommended, depending on your skin type and color. After your treatment, you may notice the sun/age spots darken, and you may also notice a slight reddening of the surrounding skin. This typically subsides within a couple of hours, and then over the course of one to three weeks, the darkened spots will fade and flake off.
New spots may develop over time, but remember these too can be removed. Using sunscreen of SPF 30 or more will minimize sun damage and the appearance of new spots.
BEFORE
4 WEEKS AFTER 2ND TREATMENT
LASER GENESIS SKIN THERAPY
Laser Genesis skin therapy is a modern way to promote vibrant and healthy looking skin in men and women. Now you can have a more youthful appearance by treating those conditions that are typically associated with premature signs of aging and sun damage, such as excessive redness, rosacea, large pores, uneven texture and fine line wrinkles. The Laser Genesis procedure has been scientifically proven to produce new collagen.
The Laser Genesis Skin therapy treatment takes about 45 minutes for each treatment. Most patients describe the treatment as relaxing and therapeutic. You will experience a gentle warming of your skin‘s surface during the procedure as the laser hand piece is moved back and forth about ½ inch above your skin. You may immediately return to normal activates, utilizing sunscreen if going outdoors. No side effects are associated with this procedure
Over the course of four to five treatments (about 2 to 3 weeks apart) the Laser Genesis can help restore the skin’s youthful glow. The individual treatment results are subtle, but the overall effect of multiple treatments can be quite dramatic.
BEFORE
AFTER
KTP
Potassium Titanyl Phosphate Laser or KTP is a non-ablative Laser that is used to remove dilated superficial veins and cherry hemangiomas. The KTP Laser coagulates the vessels anywhere on the body leaving your skin smooth, pure and vessel free.
The KTP treatment usually takes just minutes to perform, and can last indefinitely. Topical anesthetic may be beneficial for patients, although it’s not necessary. Most patients describe the treatment as a slight stinging sensation. Results can be seen within 2 to 6 weeks.
BEFORE
AFTER KTP TREATMENT OF "BROKEN CAPILLARIES"
Anesthesia & Facility
When properly administered, this treatment is not painful, so there is no need for anesthesia. A registered nurse under the supervision of a plastic surgeon can effectively perform non-ablative laser treatments. All of the procedures are performed following a stringent safety protocol.
Many patients choose this treatment method because there is little, if any, recuperation period. Immediately after a non-ablative laser treatment, you can resume normal activities with no downtime or the visible effects of having undergone a cosmetic treatment.
Procedure Description
The laser’s light targets the tissue under the skin surface stimulating new collagen growth. The new collagen growth then fills in the depression under the wrinkle, reducing the skin’s crease. Treatments can take from 5 minutes to 1 hour depending upon the area and number of wrinkles or sun spots to be treated.
Post-Treatment
There is no damage to the skin's surface with this treatment, although some patients may feel a slight warming sensation during the treatment. Makeup or moisturizers may be applied immediately after treatment and there are no restrictions regarding post-treatment activities. Sun avoidance and sun block are always recommended following all non-ablative laser treatments. The best results are seen from 60 to 90 days after the initial treatment. Once the results have appeared, they will not diminish and normal aging will occur. Your physician will also recommend a skin care regimen to enhance the laser treatment.
Potential Risks
Although this treatment has minimal, if any side effects, there are some medications and conditions that may interfere with the results of non-ablative laser treatments. They are: daily use of aspirin, anti-inflammatory or photosensitizing medications, pregnancy, and a family or personal history of skin cancer, lupus, or kaposi's sarcoma. A full medical history along with medications should be discussed with your physician, the nurse or office staff prior to treatment.
Your Results
Most patients are very satisfied with the gentle approach of the non-ablative laser, and its gradual and natural results.
Go to our complete photo gallery of non-ablative laser resurfacing patients.