Busting Myths on Laser Skin Resurfacing

After Being in the Medical Spa industry for 10 years the technology for non-invasive cosmetic treatments has consistently involved and improved.  One of the top treatments to burst on to the seen in the past year is laser skin resurfacing using non-ablative and ablative lasers to treat scars, wrinkles, stretchmarks and more.  At our medical spa Winter Park Laser in Orlando we utilize several fractional lasers to treat a variety of aesthetic concerns. However, while laser resurfacing is such a viable option for treating skin concerns there are many myths and incorrect information out there.  My goal is to bust the myths on laser skin resurfacing.
Myth #1: Laser skin Resurfacing is Painful

Fact: This isn't true anymore.  Most lasers now have built in cooling systems, and topical numbing cream can be applied 30-60 minutes prior to treatments for an extremely comfortable treatment.
Myth #2: Laser Resurfacing involves extreme downtime of being raw, bloody & red for weeks.

Fact: This is not true, certain older ablative lasers such as CO2, Fraxel, and Urbium used to cause severe downtime for 10-21 days as the holes took 96 hours to close.  However, Palomar's Ablative Fractional Laser Resurfacing hand-piece only requires a "rug burn" effect for 4-7 days as the holes close in 6 hours also significantly reducing any risk of infection.  There is also non-ablative laser skin resurfacing which involves multiple treatments but has no downtime with the exception of slight pinkness for a few hours and is great for minor wrinkles, acne scars and stretchmarks.
Myth #3 All Lasers for Skin Resurfacing Treatments Are the Same
False: While this may have been true a decade ago, it definitely isn’t today.  There are a growing number of different lasers and various brands which can be classified as either ablative or non-ablative.  Ablative laser skin resurfacing removes the top layer of your skin whereas non-ablative relies on wavelengths to penetrate the epidermis and stimulate deeper tissues.  Newer lasers (less than 3 years old) are safer, require less down time and have better built in cooling systems for great results.
Myth #4 If you have a surgical face-lift you won't need any other treatments such as Laser Resurfacing or Fillers
Fact: This is a common myth among surgical procedures but the fact is that surgical does not improve the texture of your skin.  Laser skin resurfacing will stimulate your own collagen & elastin to tighten skin, reduce wrinkles, and tighten pores.
Myth #5: Dark skin Types are not safe for Laser skin resurfacing.
Fact: This isn't true for non-ablative laser resurfacing but it is true for ablative laser skin resurfacing.  Most non-ablative lasers such as Palomar 1540 are color blind so they are safe for all skin types.

For more information on busting myths about laser skin resurfacing for Fractional ablative or non-ablative lasers at Winter Park Laser & Anti-Aging Center in Orlando go to http://www.winterparklaser.com

The New Non-Surgical Facelift-Laser Skin Resurfacing

Over the past decades while cosmetic procedures have only increased, the number of non-invasive procedures is far outweighing the the surgical procedures. As more people are working, they do not have the time for "down time", risks of infections or the other risks involved with actual surgery. This is why many people are not turning to lasers to tighten, lift&rejuvenate skin on the face.

The closest non-surgical treatment to an actual face-lift is Ablative laser skin resurfacing. At it's birth a decade ago the pain was intense and the down-time was 3-4 weeks with risk of infection and local anesthesia. However, thanks to the modern technology and intelligence of laser companies like Palomar Medical laser resurfacing is not re-born with less pain, faster treatments and minimal downtime & bleeding with maximum results for fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage and loose skin.

Palomar Medical has patented the only bloodless laser resurfacing treatment available-it combines the ablative 2940 hand piece with the non-ablative 1540 hand piece on the Artisan platform for an amazing 1 treatment non-surgical facelift! This treatment is perfect for those with fine lines, wrinkles, large pores or skin that is in need more tightening but don’t want the downtime of surgery or older dot lasers that took 2-5 weeks of downtime. The Palomar fractional laser resurfacing only requires 4-7 days of healing and the holes close in 6 hours (most lasers the holes close in 96 hours) which offers less risk of infection. Fractional ablative wrinkle treatment from Palomar uses pulses of laser light that deliver excellent long-term results in just one simple treatment. The laser light penetrates skin to just the right depth and with just the right level of heat to evoke a dramatic healing response that promotes collagen production, diminishing the appearance of fine lines around the face, especially the eyes and mouth which are most prevalent in clients. It’s a wrinkle treatment that’s easy for the patient.
Benefits of ablative & non ablative laser resurfacing for Clients is One treatment with as little as four days of recovery time, excellent improvement in appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, & minimal treatment discomfort compared to full surface CO2 resurfacing treatments.

Non-Surgical Facelift Option with Laser Skin Resurfacing

Over the past few decades, lasers are increasing with new technology and capabilities in the cosmetic industry giving plastic surgery a "face-lift" of it's own with more non-surgical options for skin tightening and wrinkles. While ablative fractional laser resurfacing has been around for a few years, Palomar medical recently received the first FDA approval for a combination bloodless ablative & non-ablative fractional laser resurfacing treatment.

This treatment is perfect for those with fine lines, wrinkles, large pores or skin that is in need more tightening but don't want the downtime of surgery or older dot lasers that took 2-5 weeks of downtime. The Palomar fractional laser resurfacing only requires 4-7 days of healing and ht holes close in 6 hours (most close in 96 hours) which offers less risk of infection. Fractional ablative wrinkle treatment from Palomar uses pulses of laser light that deliver excellent long-term results in just one simple treatment. The laser light penetrates skin to just the right depth and with just the right level of heat to evoke a dramatic healing response that promotes collagen production, diminishing the appearance of fine lines around the face, especially the eyes and mouth which are most prevalent in clients. It's wrinkle treatment that's easy for the patient.
Benefits of ablative & non ablative laser resurfacing for Clients is One treatment with as little as two days of recovery time, excellent improvement in appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, & minimal treatment discomfort compared to full surface CO2 resurfacing treatments. For more information on treatments go to www.winterparklaser.com.

Treatments for Wrinkles

Great article: http://nathancharette.evonybuddy.com/2010/12/14/wrinkles-causes-symptoms-and-treatment/
Wrinkle is a ridge or crease of a surface. It usually refers to folds on fabric or clothes , or on the skin of an organism; the folds are generally random and do not exhibit any repeating pattern. Wrinkles are the thin, creased, and sagging skin that is especially noticeable on the face, neck, and hands. Wind, heat and chemicals and the natural effects of aging cause a certain amount of wrinkling in everyone, but it is much worse in people who spend a lot of time in the sun. Years of exposure to the sun cause “photoaging,” which includes freckles, yellowing, roughness, visible blood vessels, and dark spots, as well as wrinkling.

Typically, as a person ages, the sweat and oil glands of the skin become less numerous and smaller in size. This causes the skin to lose moisture and to dry out, and it soon begins to sag in places where the collagen, the elastic fibers that support the skin, has weakened the most. The skin around the eyelids, jaw, and neck is especially thin, and therefore more naturally prone to aging. In addition to sun exposure, smoking may contribute to the formation of wrinkles. Finally, it is believed that some wrinkling is predetermined genetically from one’s parents.

Causes of Wrinkles

Aging is also one of the main causes of skin aging. Years of sun exposure cause the supporting structures of the skin, primarily the collagen and elastin, to weaken and break down. In addition, as a person ages, the sweat and oil glands of the skin become less numerous and smaller in size. This causes the skin to lose moisture and to dry out. Dry skin with weak collagen and elastin will sag, shrivel, and wrinkle. The skin around the eyelids, jaw, and neck is especially thin, and therefore more naturally prone to aging.

Other environmental factors, including cigarette smoke and pollution, particularly ozone, may hasten ageing by producing oxygen-free radicals. These are particles produced by many of the body’s normal chemical processes in excessive amounts they can damage cell membranes and interact with genetic material, possibly contributing to the development of a number of skin disorders, including wrinkles and, more importantly, cancer. Rapid weight loss can also cause wrinkles by reducing the volume of fat cells that cushion the face. This not only makes a person look gaunt, but can cause the skin to sag.

Symptoms of Wrinkles

1. Deeplyformed lines.

2. Skin that is wrinkled may also have a tough, leathery appearance if the person has had a lot of exposure to the sun.

3. Fine, crinkling crosshatch marks.

Treatment of Wrinkles

There are numerous over-the-counter treatment options for wrinkles, including various creams and lotions. Prescription treatments, including the retinoid cream renova, are also an option.Removing skin layers to reduce wrinkles or irregular depressions is an effective way to regain smoother, more youthful looking skin. Dermabrasion (scraping layers away) and chemical peels (dissolving skin away) are two of the traditional methods used in skin resurfacing.

Laser skin resurfacing with an ablative laser (such as an erbium or carbon dioxide laser) is another technique that, like dermabrasion and deeper chemical peels, may require some downtime during the healing process. Other treatment options include Dermabrasion, a procedure that sands away the top layers of skin. Injection of substances such as fat or collagen, which is a gelatin-like substance, under the skin. It is one of the traditional methods used in skin resurfacing. Other lasers, known as non-ablative lasers, may also be beneficial in treating wrinkles. These lasers work by heating the dermis and stimulating collagen growth. This process, which leaves the outer layers of skin intact, has no downtime associated with it. Botulinum toxin- this is used for wrinkles between the eyebrows and around the eyes. The toxin is injected into the muscle that caused the wrinkle. It paralyzes the muscle, so that the wrinkles gradually disappear when the muscle isn’t used.

Winter Park Laser offers non-ablative lasers for wrinkles, chemical peels, and injectables such as botox. www.winterparklaser.com