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AntiAging Laser Skin Care & Resurfacing Treatments

Advances in Anti-Aging Laser Skin Care Procedures

As laser and computer technologies have evolved, doctors have begun to use them to smooth out facial wrinkles, or to “resurface” the face. Laser skin care works on the same principle

as the chemical peel: damage the skin to force your body to shed old skin cells and to begin a greater production of collagen and elastin, which in turn fill in wrinkles and, depending on the type of laser used, remove or reduce scars and areas of pigmentation.

The advantage of laser skin care over more traditional methods, is the more precise control the doctor has, as well as the ability to treat the subsurface dermis, while leaving your skin surface or epidermis untouched.

There are several different types of lasers that use different light wave lengths to accomplish different laser skin care tasks. The most common lasers used for antiaging cosmetic purposes are: CO2 , Erbium, YAG ( CoolTouch) , 1450 Diode (SmoothBeam) and IPL (PhotoDerm).

They all act in different ways with varying degrees of effectiveness. However, physicians have gotten so good with them that many people opt to postpone or even cancel more invasive surgery, such as face lifts.

Cosmetic Laser Procedures: The CO-2 Laser

The CO-2 laser has been around the longest. It was initially used to remove tattoos, discolored areas of skin, skin cancer and other conditions. The laser emits invisible light that is absorbed by the water in the skin. By learning how to precisely control the light beam, it is now used to remove areas of damaged or wrinkled skin, layer by layer.

The most common uses in laser skin care are to minimize the fine lines around the mouth and eyes, to remove facial scars and areas of uneven pigmentation. This is often performed in conjunction with other procedures such as facelift or eyelid surgery.

CO-2 laser skin treatment isn’t recommended for those with active acne or with dark skin tones.

Depending on how much work the physician plans to do, you will be given either local or general anesthesia. Depending on how many layers of skin were removed, you should expect to experience mild to moderate swelling and discomfort. Redness may persist for weeks or even months. The skin will crust and may become sensitive to makeup.

Because this form of laser skin care is usually more invasive, it will take longer to recover and the results might take longer to appear. However, the results should be relatively long lasting and satisfying, with a large majority of wrinkles and scars removed.

Wrinkles caused by facial expressions will generally reemerge, but can be easily treated with Botox injections.

Cosmetic Laser Procedures: The Erbium Laser

The Erbium laser is used in laser skin care to remove superficial to moderately deep lines and wrinkles. One of its main benefits is minimal burning of surrounding tissues, so side effects like swelling, bruising and redness are reduced. Recovery time is short, usually just a week. Your result will probably not be as extensive as with the CO-2 laser, but will still be excellent, although repeat treatments might be required sooner.

Erbium lasers can be used on people with darker skin tones, although African-Americans and Asians usually are treated with YAG or diode lasers to prevent unevenness in their skin coloration after treatment.

All in all, this laser skin care procedure is less effective than the CO-2 laser treatment on removing lines and wrinkles and has to be repeated more frequently.

Cosmetic Laser Procedures: The YAG – CoolTouch Laser

This is a subsurface laser skin care treatment which treats the dermis, while leaving the skin surface intact. Because of that, freckles, age spots, and skin cancers will not be removed, although some skin discolorations might be lightened.

CoolTouch calls its laser skin care and collagen rejuvenation technique, Non Invasive Collagen Enhancement: It softens the signs of aging and promotes smoother and younger looking skin.

The YAG laser is applied in a series of gentle pulses over the treatment area. The CoolTouch utilizes a cryogen mist to protect and cool the skin while the laser energy penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the deeper skin tissue. This triggers a response and your body begins to rebuild and replenish your own natural collagen.

CoolTouch laser skin care treatments are quick and easy and can be performed on any area of the skin. Patients typically tolerate treatment well and may see a blush in the treated area for a short period of time following the treatment. There is no downtime so you can apply make-up and resume regular activities immediately after the treatment.

However, the downside of the gentleness of this treatment is that it must be done over and over again.

Cosmetic Laser Procedures: The 1450 Diode – The SmoothBeam Laser

This laser has been approved by FDA for the treatment of acne. But it is also used to remove wrinkles. Again the result is moderate, but there are no side effects, since the skin surface is not treated. This treatment is best for minor lines, wrinkles and acne scars and needs to be repeated.

Cosmetic Laser Procedures: Intense Pulsed Light – PhotoDerm Laser

Again the skin surface is not affected, so that you can go about your business in an hour or so. But although this treatment has caused modest improvements in wrinkles and new collagen generation, it is mainly designed for removal of excess hair, spider veins and port wine stains. It too will have to be repeated periodically.

Conclusion

No matter what laser skin care procedure you choose, you will be required to wear a strong broad spectrum sun block whenever you are exposed to the sun, since all of these treatments heighten your skin’s susceptibility to sun damage.

So, if you want to put off a full blown face lift, laser skin care resurfacings are a viable option. There are many trade offs, price, recovery time and the need for repeated treatments being the most important. Make sure you discuss all your options thoroughly with your physician before making any binding decisions.

Are you afraid of needles, scalpels and other invasive cosmetic procedures? Look into advanced peptide based skin care from Apotek.

No Botox, No Surgery, Just Smart Skin

This article is for informational purposes only. It does not purport to offer medical advice.

 

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