Laser Resurfacing

Ablative

Fractional and ablative laser resufacing are done to remove deep scars from surgery, accidents or acne, or to reduce deep lines, especially in older individuals. The laser is performed with topical anesthesia, and is followed by some redness, bruizing and swelling for 3-5 days. The results are more dramatic than non-ablative laser or chemical peels, and because of the deeper penetration there is dramatic firming of the skin in addition to the impressive surface improvement.

Non-Ablative

These lasers are now the treatment of choice for a no-down-time, firming of fine wrinkles, skin laxity, stretch marks, pores, and treating acne scars. The laser emits an intense beam of light to heat the underlying levels of the skin (the dermal layer) without directly affecting the top layer of the skin (the epidermis). This will stimulate production of collagen, the matrix of the skin, and improve texture and fine lines and the rolling scars of acne. Using the appropriate lasers, we have been able to achieve dramatic results for laxity, stretch marks and loose skin of the abdomen.

Crow's feet after a series of treatments with 'collagen laser'. (courtesy candela corporation)

Perioral wrinkles after 4 treatments with 'collagen laser'. (Dany Touma, M.D.)

The treated area shows no sign after treatment, or it may be red for 1-2 hours and needs to be protected from sun during healing. A sun block of 30 SPF of higher should be applied daily to the treated area to prevent the chance of increased pigmentation. We recommend a series of 3-4 treatments of 2-4 week intervals in order to obtain the desired result.
Patients are asked to refrain from smoking, follow high protein diet, and apply vitamin C serum.
 
All skin types including patients with dark skin can be treated with this modality.

Acne scars before (left) and after 4 treatments with 'collagen laser' (courtesy candela corporation)