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Laser Peel,
sometimes called "Laser Resurfacing," involves using a laser
to remove damaged or wrinkled skin, layer by layer. The
procedure is most commonly used to minimize the appearance
of fine lines of expression, especially around the mouth and
the eyes. It may also be used to treat facial scars or areas
of uneven pigmentation. Laser Resurfacing may be performed
on the whole face or in specific regions. Often, the
procedure is done to complement another cosmetic operation,
such as a facelift or eyelid surgery. |
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Laser
Resurfacing is performed using a beam of laser energy, which
vaporizes the upper layers of damaged skin at specific and
controlled levels of penetration.
Laser Resurfacing may offer advantages over other
Resurfacing methods in selected cases. However, Laser
Resurfacing isn't for everyone. In some cases, an
alternative Skin Resurfacing Treatment, such as Dermabrasion
or Chemical Peel, may still be a better choice.
All
Resurfacing treatments work essentially the same way. First,
the outer layers of damaged skin are removed. Then, as new
cells form during the healing process, a smoother, tighter,
younger-looking skin surface is produced. Laser Resurfacing
is a new method being used by Plastic Surgeons to remove
damaged skin.
For
Superficial or Medium Resurfacing, the laser can be limited
to the epidermis (the most superficial layer of the skin)
and papillary dermis (the intermediate layer of the skin).
For Deeper Resurfacing, the upper levels of the reticulas
dermis (the deepest layer of the skin) can also be removed.
Varied penetration allows treatment of specific spots or
wrinkles.
It's
also important to consider the length of recovery when
choosing among the Skin-Resurfacing alternatives. In
general, the more aggressive the Resurfacing Procedure is,
the more prolonged the recovery is likely to be.
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Who is best
for Laser Resurfacing? |
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In many
cases, facial wrinkles form in localized areas, such as near
the eyes or around the mouth. The laser can be precisely
controlled so that only these specific areas are treated.
Your
skin characteristics will be evaluated in order to make
recommendations about the most appropriate Skin Resurfacing
procedure for your case.
Remember, having Laser Resurfacing can help enhance your
appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't completely
remove all facial flaws or prevent you from aging. Lines
that occur as a result of natural movements of the face such
as smiling, squinting, blinking, talking and chewing will
inevitably recur. We can suggest ways to help you preserve
your results by protecting yourself from sun exposure or
using maintenance treatments. Before you decide to have
Laser Resurfacing, think carefully about your expectations
and discuss them with your surgeon.
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Anesthesia |
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Laser
Resurfacing is most commonly performed under local or
topical Anesthesia with sedation, especially when it is used
to treat localized areas of the face. You'll be awake but
relaxed. For more extensive resurfacing, general Anesthesia
may be used, in which case you will sleep through the
procedure.
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The
procedure |
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Laser
Resurfacing is a relatively quick procedure. It usually
takes anywhere from a few minutes to one and a half hours,
depending on how large of an area is involved. When the
imperfections are especially deep, the Resurfacing may be
performed in two or more stages.
During
the procedure, the activated laser is carefully passed back
and forth over the skin until the level that will make the
wrinkle or scar less visible is reached.
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Your
new Appearance |
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It may
take several months before the final result from Laser
Resurfacing is obtained. However, once the pinkness fades,
patients usually notice an improvement in the quality of
their skin and a fresher, smoother appearance.
It is
important to understand that your results are not permanent.
Remember, your new skin is not immune to the effects of
aging. In the months and years following your laser
treatment, your natural facial movements and the exposure to
the sun will eventually cause any "expression" lines to
recur.
As with
other methods of skin rejuvenation, laser treatments can
usually be repeated. However, by protecting yourself from
the sun and following a skin-care regimen, you can help
maintain your rejuvenated look.
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