Laser resurfacing is a relatively new treatment for reducing facial wrinkles and skin irregularities, such as blemishes or
acne scars.
The technique directs short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at irregular skin. Laser skin resurfacing
removes skin very precisely, layer by layer, resulting in fewer problems with hypopigmentation (lightening of skin). This
popular procedure is known by several other names, including lasabrasion, laser peel or laser vaporization.
If you have fine lines or wrinkles around or under the eyes, the forehead, the mouth, or scars from acne,
non-responsive skin after a facelift, then you may be an ideal candidate for laser skin resurfacing.
If you have active acne or if you have very dark skin, you are not a candidate. This technique is also not recommended
for stretch marks.
The two types of lasers most commonly used in
laser resurfacing are carbon dioxide (CO2) and erbium. Each laser vaporizes superficial, damaged skin cells
and both reduce the risk for the patient because they limit the amount of heat absorbed by the skin.
This method has been used for years to treat different skin conditions
including wrinkles, scars, warts, birthmarks, enlarged oil glands on the nose (rhinophyma), skin cancer and other conditions.
The newest version of the CO2 laser resurfacing uses very short pulsed light energy (ultrapulsed) or continuous
light beams that are delivered in a scanning pattern to very precisely remove thin layers of skin with minimal heat
damage to the surrounding structures. Recovery time from the procedure is up to two weeks.
Patients should seek out
surgeons with documented training and experience in laser skin resurfacing.
Acne is a localized skin inflammation as a result of overactivity of oil glands at the
base of hair follicles. This inflammation, depending on its location, can take the form
of a superficial pustule (contains pus), a pimple, a deeper cyst, congested pores, whiteheads, or blackheads. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the acne.
Common warts are skin growths causes by the human papillomavirus. There are many types of warts, including plantar warts, common hand warts, warts under the nails, mosaic wars, and flat warts. Over-the-counter treatments typically involve the use of salicylic acid products.
A keloid is a scar that doesn't know when to stop. When the cells keep on reproducing, the result is an overgrown (hypertrophic) scar or a keloid. A keloid looks shiny and is often dome-shaped, ranging in color from slightly pink to red. It feels hard and thick and is always raised above the surrounding skin.
Birthmarks and other abnormal skin pigmentation is caused by the body's inability to produce enough melanin. Abnormal skin pigmentation can cause conditions such as vitiligo, pigmentation loss, melasma, albinism, port wine stains, macular stains and hemangioma.
Scar formation is a natural part of the healing process after injury. The depth and size of the wound incision and the location of the injury impact the scar's characteristics, but your age, heredity and even sex or ethnicity will affect how your skin reacts.
Wrinkles, whether they be fine line or deep furrows, typically appear on areas of the body that receive a high amount of exposure to the sun. Smoking, light skin type, hairstyle, the way you dress, your occupational and recreational habits, and heredity are all factors that promote wrinkling. Medical treatments for wrinkles include antioxidants, moisturizers, alpha-hydroxy acids, and vitamin A acid. Cosmetic procedures that treat wrinkles include dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, glycolic acid peels, laser resurfacing, Botox, and fillers.
Scar formation is a natural part of the healing process after injury.
Various factors influence how your skin scars. Of course, the depth and size
of the wound or incision and the location of the injury are going to impact the
scar's characteristics. But your age, heredity, even your sex or ethnicity,
will all affect how your skin reacts.
What Are the Types of Scars?
These are several different types of scars including:
Keloid scars.
These scars are the result of an overly aggressive
healing process. These scars extend beyond the original injury. Over time, a
keloid scar may affect mobility. Possible treatments include surgical removal,
or injections with steroids. Smaller keloids can be treated using cryotherapy
(freezing therapy using liquid nitrogen). You can also prevent keloid formation
by using pressure treatment or gel pads with silicone when you sustain...
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