Joel B. Singer, M.D. - Laser Resurfacing

Laser Resurfacing

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laser resufacing laser resurfacing

BEFORE

AFTER

One year after full face laser resurfacing and a facelift, this woman looks much more youthful and vital.

Patient Assessment
	Fine lines crow's feet around the eyes.
	Deep nasolabial wrinkles, called smile lines.
	Acne scarring, hyper-pigmentation, and skin irregularities.

Anesthesia
	Patients are offered two choices. In either case, a certified anesthetist monitors them. 1) IV sedation involves the use of intravenous drugs that create twilight sleep. This is combined with local anesthesia. 2) General anesthesia, which puts them to sleep completely. This depends upon the patient health history and how extensive the procedure.

Procedure
	Using the advanced Derma-K laser, combining the best of CO2 laser and Erbium laser technologies gives patients the effect of the CO2 laser without the excessive redness.
	Like existing lasers, the Derma-K laser resurfaces the skin by removing the epidermis and portions of the dermis.
	Derma-K laser is passed over the desired areas one to four times depending upon the desired result and specified treatment.
	Skin is covered with protective covering which is removed within a few days.
	Laser resurfacing is often combined with the minimal incision facelift and fat grafting giving the best overall results.

Recovery
	Crusting and scabbing are to be expected for several days.
	There will be minimal post-operative pain which is easily controlled by prescription medication.
	Redness, the most common visual evidence following laser resurfacing, is virtually gone within three weeks. In the past, laser resurfacing with traditional lasers resulted in post-operative redness lasting up to three months.

Intended Result
	Lessen fine lines around eyes and mouth.
	Smoother looking, refreshed appearance.
	Some skin tightening in the jowl and neck region.

		F A Q's

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to recover from laser resurfacing?

The Derma-K laser that I use combines the best of CO2 laser and Erbium laser technologies. The Derma-K laser resurfaces the skin by removing the epidermis and portions of the dermis. Unlike conventional lasers, the Derma-K laser produces much less thermal injury to the skin, yet is fairly invasive. The result is deep resurfacing and smoothing of wrinkles with far less post-treatment crusting or scabbing and greatly reduced pain, redness, and swelling. You can expect to look great within three weeks.

Who is the ideal candidate for laser? How does it compare with dermabrasion?

The ideal laser candidate has significant wrinkles, but no sagging or jowls. Laser resurfacing treats the surface wrinkles and a facelift would treat loose muscles and sagging skin. Dermabrasion uses small crystals to remove the top layer of skin and is often used for pitted or damaged skin.

I've got noticeable lines around my mouth and eyes and some spider veins on my nose. Should I use a chemical peel or would laser surgery be a better choice? I've read some on both techniques, but which is better?

Both skin peels and laser resurfacing may be necessary to produce optimal benefits. A medically-supervised skin care program can successfully treat first stage aging, especially very fine lines. The new medium-depth Obagi Blue Peel removes more noticeable wrinkles with a faster recovery than chemical peels or laser. And finally, laser surgery is an even better technique because it actually restructures the skin for long lasting results. Recent breakthroughs in laser technology have almost eliminated postoperative pain; swelling and scabbing are gone within three weeks. The Obagi skin care program can greatly enhance laser results by preparing the skin and treating it post-op. We have seen a further reduction in redness and improved recovery with this approach.

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