Laser For Wrinkles

LASER FOR WRINKLES

WHAT CAN LASERS DO TO IMPROVE THE LOOK OF MY SKIN?

Lasers can improve wrinkles, pigmentation and tone. Certain lasers can improve redness.

WHAT LASERS ARE AVAILABLE?

There are two main groups of lasers available for skin rejuvenation. These are ABLATIVE LASERS (CARBON DIOXIDE-CO2 LASER, ERBIUM LASER), and NON-ABLATIVE LASERS (COLD LASERS - "FOTOFACIAL, COOL TOUCH", 1064nm, 532nm, and others.)

As the rule goes, at this point, the more pain, the more gain. Ablative lasers remove the top layer of your skin, and require a minimum downtime of 1-2 weeks. They require wound care, and have more side effects and complications, but give the most results in terms of improving wrinkling, tone, and pigmentation.

Cold lasers, or non-ablative lasers, do not remove the top layer of your skin. There is little downtime. They will not remove deep wrinkles, and effects on fine wrinkles are modest or minimal. They sometimes improve tone, pigmentation, and redness, but require 4-5 treatments, sometimes amounting to the same total cost of ablative laser resurfacing.

DOES IT HURT?

All lasers hurt, but topical anesthesia can be given to ease pain and increase comfort.

HOW LONG DO RESULTS LAST?

Results vary per individual. The natural tendency is for the skin to continue to age. Results on full-face carbon-dioxide laser resurfacing have been known to last more than 5 years.

WHAT SIDE-EFFECTS ARE POSSIBLE?

The ablative lasers wound the top layer of the skin completely. It takes about 5-7 days for skin to heal over for the Erbium, and 7-12 days for the carbon dioxide laser. Recovery from ablative lasers requires discipline and patience. Redness can persist for weeks to months.

WHAT RISKS ARE POSSIBLE?

Risks of ablative lasers include, but are not limited to:
   - Hyper- and hypopigmentation, redness
   - Infection
   - Scarring
   - Acne or milia (tiny white bumps) - usually resolves

Risks of non-ablative lasers include, but are not limited to:
   - Hyper- and hypopigmentation
   - Scarring

WHAT ELSE IS AVAILABLE TO IMPROVE SKIN?

With the advances in topical agents, there are many creams and peels available to improve skin. After an examination of your skin and discussing your personal needs and lifestyle, your best options will be presented to you.