Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment
It is possible to treat wrinkles associated with age and exposure to the sun, reverse sun damage and correct pigment problems with resurfacing techniques. These include laser surgery, Dermabrasion and Chemical peel. Each of these methods removes some of the outer surface of skin forcing new skin to grow. This brings with it new collagen and elastic fibers. The skin becomes smoother and tighter with generally improved complexion.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Dr. LoVerme began his experience with laser surgery during his residency in 1985. He was a founder and Co-Director of the Laser Institute of New England at the former Hahneman Hospital beginning in 1989. He has continued his interest and vast experience in laser resurfacing in his practice at Accurate Aesthetics Plastic Surgery.
Laser Resurfacing in the past was a procedure that had excellent results but had long healing times. With the advent of fractional laser resurfacing in 2008 laser therapy had a dramatic resurgence. Fraxel, Total FX, DOT therapy and MiXto laser are examples of these products. Laser has once again proved itself to be an ideal method for eliminating moderate to deep lines and creases due to aging and photodamage. Dr. LoVerme utilizes the ActiveFX and Deep FX CO2 laser technologies for an ideal minimal downtime peel.
Dr. LoVerme has found that laser skin resurfacing is a tried and true approach to skin rejuvenation removing layers of skin to correct fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars and smooth skin, soften pucker marks, and repair skin discoloration with a precise method. He has indicated the results of laser resurfacing to be quite dramatic and long-lasting.
With the use of the Lumenis UltraPulse Encore Dr. LoVerme has been able to broaden the applications for CO2 laser technology. This laser not only delivers superior tissue effects when treating moderate to deep wrinkles, but when performing with the ActiveFX it also addresses fine lines and uneven pigment. By producing a controlled superficial laser peel confined to the epidermis, the ActiveFX with CO2 Lite improves skin tone and surface imperfections with only minimal downtime. Unlike older lasers, this technique can also be used on the hands and neck and décolleté.
The new fractional CO2 laser by Lumenis is a non-sequential fixed-array scanning device which gives better results than fractional skin resurfacing devices according to many researchers. This is important because the laser lays down a series energy spots which do not build up excessive heat because they are not next to each other in the pattern. The DeepFX hand-piece is powered by Lumenis’ UltraPulse CO2 laser, the most powerful fractional laser on the market, delivering six times more energy (240 watts of power to tissue) than any other CO2 laser device. Lumenis’ unique pulsed delivery equates to speed and the least time spent on tissue. DeepFX with UltraPulse CO2 laser continues to lead the industry by limiting the damage delivered to the dermis, resulting in minimal downtime and a lower risk of complications. It has been featured on NBC’s The Today Show, ABC’s 20/20 as well as CBS and the FOX Network.
Dermabrasion removes the outer layer of skin by a rotary sanding tool. It is often best used for scars and fine lines of the upper lip. It is usually used in segments of the face rather than doing the entire face as we often do with the laser. The healing process is usually faster than with laser and the crusting of the face is usually gone within less than one week. Again, makeup may need to be used for an extended period of time. Microdermabrasion is a milder form of Dermabrasion where crystals are blown against the skin and then suctioned away. It can be compared to a mild “sand-blasting” effect. Multiple treatments are usually needed but there is no downtime for the healing process.
There are many types of chemical peels that can be utilized to improve the face. These are excellent for resolving pigment changes in the skin with a 3 to 5 day healing process. This is a TCA or trichloracetic acid treatment which can be combined with other chemicals as needed depending on the needs of the patient. Even this peel may be used in different strengths to accurately respond to the individual patient’s needs. We generally perform a 20% or 35% peel. Stronger peels may be performed with a “Baker’s” formula of phenol and Croton oil but this is used much less frequently now because of the risks associated with it. Milder glycolic acid peels may be performed with minimal healing but do not go as deeply or give as dramatic an effect as the deeper peels or other resurfacing techniques.
These techniques are all individualized to the patient and should be used in conjunction with a good home skin care program such as “Synergistic Skin Care Program” utilized at
Accurate Aesthetics Plastic Surgery.
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