Laser Skin Treatment
Laser skin treatment (also known as laser skin rejuvenation or laser skin resurfacing) involves using a laser to dissolve and remove skin conditions and problems such as fine wrinkles, reticular veins, unwanted facial hair and scarring. These procedures are considered cosmetic laser surgery and should only be performed by a licensed physician who is both board certified and experienced at cosmetic surgery.
Conditions Most Often Associated with Laser Skin Treatment
Wrinkles - both fine and pronounced wrinkles can be diminished and in some cases, removed.
Pigmentation Problems - hyperpigmentation, age spots, sun damage and birthmarks
Scarring - acne laser treatments can reduce appearance of scars. Laser scar treatment can also assist in reducing scars associated with rosacea or cystic acne.
Vein Conditions - the appearance of facial veins, leg veins, varicose veins and reticular veins can be dramatically reduced
Uneven Skin Tone - Laser skin treatment can be effectively used to fix loose skin and problems with cellulite
Fractional Resurfacing
Fraxel laser treatments involve the use of the Fraxel laser. This device is able to send tiny individual bursts of laser light into both the upper and lower level of the skin and dissolve skin cells that are causing hyperpigmentation and skin discoloration. One of the main benefits cited in using the Fraxel laser is that skin cells surrounding the targeted area are not affected.
This results in a faster healing time and less injury to the skin. Some swelling may result from the use of this laser but generally, patients return to normal and can apply cosmetics almost immediately.
Laser Peel
Laser peels (often performed as laser skin rejuvenation) involve using a laser to essentially burn the upper layers of the skin which then blister and eventually peel away. Along with this skin imperfections and discolorations are removed allowing the skin to rejuvenate by creating new, more pristine layers of skin. This form of laser skin treatment is often used a replacement for a chemical skin peel which perform the same function through the use of acids.
Laser Scar Removal
During this procedure to remove keloid, hypertrophic or atrophic scars, a laser is applied directly to the scar where the tissue is burned away revealing the underlying skin layers which are more natural in appearance. Laser scar treatment is often performed using a local anesthetic and usually lasts for less than 60 minutes. Multiple procedures may be necessary over time to reach satisfactory results.
Laser Skin Treatment for Veins
To correct conditions such as varicose veins and spider veins, a laser is applied directly to the vein which causes it to coagulate and shrink. This treatment is usually best suited for smaller to medium sized veins as larger vascular problems may require additional measures. Immediately after the treatment the patient may notice a darkening of the veins that have been affected but this will fade over time.
