Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing

Erbium Laser skin resurfacing is a procedure designed to remove superficial and moderately deep lines and wrinkles on the face.

What Conditions can Laser Resurfacing Treat?
Laser resurfacing is performed in our office to help:
· Erase fine lines and wrinkles of the face
· Smooth and tighten eyelid skin
· Improve the appearance of crow's feet around the eyes
· Soften pucker marks and frown lines
· Remove brown spots and splotchy, uneven skin color
· Repair smoker's lines
· Improve skin tone and texture

The Erbium laser produces less heating or burning of surrounding tissues than other lasers used for resurfacing. This allows Dr. Carter and her staff to gently and comfortably vaporize the damaged skin cells layer by layer. Most cases require only a local or topical anesthetic. Recent studies have shown that the Erbium laser stimulates the production of collagen, creating a tightening and smoothing of the skin. The Erbium laser is the latest advance fro the treatment of aging and sun-damaged skin. The Erbium laser provides a safer, more accurate and less painful method of restoring a softer, smoother, more youthful-appearing skin. Patients can have their procedure performed in the doctor's office and be home that same day.
Skin resurfacing with the cool light of the Erbium laser results in less post-operative redness, less swelling and provides a more rapid healing than with other laser skin resurfacing methods. In most cases, patients are fully recovered and back to normal activities within 7-10 days.

Following the procedure, the treated areas are kept moist with an ointment and/or occlusive dressings for the first few days. Post-operatively, there is a period of healing which is generally completed within 5-7 days. Sunscreen should be applied when in the sun. Over the next few weeks, your fresh, new, pink skin will fade to a normal tone revealing a softer, smoother, younger look.

Laser/VPL Hair Reduction

Is it painful?
In general, hair removal feels like a rubber band popping the skin. Some areas are more sensitive than others. We can always apply a topical anesthetic if needed.

How long will the treatment take?
The amount of time needed to complete a treatment depends on how large an area we are working with. An upper lip may be only 5 minutes, while an entire back may take several hours.

How many treatments will I need?
Lasers can only kill a follicle that is in the active growth phase. This means that we have to catch each follicle at the proper time, which in turn means that more than one treatment is involved. You should plan on anywhere from six to nine treatments at least 5-6 weeks apart.

Should I shave before my treatment?
Yes, either the night before or the morning of your procedure. Can I continue to tan after a laser treatment? It is best to avoid tanning while undergoing laser treatments. Tanning increases the chance of the development of hyperpigmentation (brown spots).

Can I pluck or wax the area while receiving treatments?
No. Any damage to the hair follicle disrupts the natural growth cycle of the hair. This would increase the number of treatments needed.

Can I apply makeup after a treatment?
Yes.

What is the possibility of burning or scarring?
Minimal. We treat at the lowest effective settings. When will I see a difference in my hair growth? Six to eight weeks after the 3rd treatment.

Are there any hair colors that laser hair reduction cannot treat?
Yes. In general, blonde, strawberry blond, and gray hair is not responsive to laser hair reduction.

Are there any medicines that I should avoid while undergoing treatments?
Yes. Any medication that lists light sensitivity as a potential side effect.

What is the difference between electrolysis and laser hair reduction?
Electrolysis involves placing a small needle into each individual hair follicle and applying an electric current to kill the follicle. Laser requires no needles and can treat a large area at one time.

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