Lasers
Non-Ablative Laser Rejuvenation
. Laser rejuvenation with “non-ablative” lasers can work on the deep layers of the skin to stimulate collagen growth and tighten underlying skin to remove fine lines and wrinkles. There is also minimal downtime.
Laser Resurfacing
. Laser resurfacing with “ablative” lasers accurately removes the topmost layer of skin for the treatment of wrinkles, and deeper scars. Ablative lasers can also induce skin tightening and improve texture and tone. The CO2 laser and erbium:YAG laser are the ‘traditional’ lasers used for laser resurfacing.
Fractional Lasers
. Fractional lasers offer a new development in laser technology. They split (“fractionate”) the laser beam into millions of tiny dots. When the fractional laser is applied to the skin, each dot treats just a microscopic section of skin and is surrounded by untreated skin. The skin in the treated area develops new collagen for up to one year, leading to a fuller, more youthful appearance. The skin heals quickly with few complications because the surrounding untreated tissue supports the treated skin.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) (Photofacial)
Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a non-invasive treatment that uses high intensity pulses of visible light to treat a variety of skin conditions, including brown spots or freckling (hyperpigmentation) and facial redness (vascularity) associated with sun damage and rosacea. IPL may be referred to as a “photofacial” or “photorejuvenation”. Typically a minimum of three treatments are recommended at three week intervals to achieve optimal result
Tissue Tightening
Laser light waves can be targeted to the deepest layers of the skin, resulting in skin contraction and tightening. This non-invasive approach can lead to gentle lifting of the face, brow, and cheeks without downtime.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Photodynamic therapy involves the application of a medicine to the skin that is left in place for a specified time. This helps to sensitize the skin to light. The area is then treated with blue light, IPL, or a laser. The procedure can provide a rejuvenated appearance and effectively treat early changes in the skin that may lead to skin cancer.
Surgical Excision
Some skin lesions, such as moles, scars, and benign skin growths, may be surgically removed (excised)
Choosing the Best Treatment
Your doctor will recommend a treatment best suited to your personal needs, desires, medical history and skin type.
In most cases, multiple procedures will be combined for the best possible outcome and long-lasting results.
In general, more mild treatments are recommended for those with minimal signs of aging or sun damage, and more aggressive treatments may be recommended for those with more advanced signs of aging or sun-damaged skin.
For instance, those with minimal signs of aging may achieve wonderful results with the use of only topical retinoids, microdermabrasion, superficial chemical peels, and/or Botox.
Those with moderate signs of aging may benefit from the addition of dermal fillers, medium-depth peels and/or IPL (photofacial).
Those with more significant signs of aging may benefit from the addition of ablative laser resurfacing and/or deep chemical peels.
BY: Valorie D. Hammock
