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3252 Holiday Court, SUITE 206, La Jolla, CA 92037 | Phone: 858.658.0595

San Diego Laser Skin Resurfacing

 

Skin resurfacing, unlike a surgical facelift, seeks to improve facial appearance by targeting the more superficial layers of the skin. Whereas a facelift removes droopy bulges and sagging skin, skin resurfacing procedures improve wrinkles, scars, and uneven pigmentation on the skin surface.

 

Laser skin resurfacing has gained popularity among patients and surgeons as newer lasers have evolved that allow greater skin rejuvenation with less downtime. Commonly used lasers, such as the carbon dioxide laser, or erbium: YAG lasers work by removing the outer layer of skin, which includes thickened and dead skin layers. Following this, the laser light causes restructuring of collagen in the dermis, or deeper layer of the skin. The overall effect is a tightening of the skin, with a smoothening out of fine wrinkles and other skin surface irregularities.

 

Dual Mode Erbium: YAG Laser Resurfacing
Before (eyes) Dual Mode Erbium: YAG Laser Resurfacing	After (eyes) Dual Mode Erbium: YAG Laser Resurfacing
Before (cheek) Dual Mode Erbium: YAG Laser Resurfacing	After (cheek) Dual Mode Erbium: YAG Laser Resurfacing

 

 

Laser skin resurfacing will not completely remove deep "motion wrinkles" that occur with facial expression. In some cases, these may be addressed with Botox or other methods that may be discussed at your consultation.

 

It is important to understand that each face is different with regard to skin color, texture, and degree of wrinkling, and choosing the best resurfacing option can make a difference. Laser resurfacing has not replaced other methods such as chemical peels and dermabrasion, which continue to play a significant role in skin resurfacing, but in some cases the laser has proven to be a superior tool.

 

Laser resurfacing is often performed with local anesthesia and sedation, but can also be done with general anesthesia. The procedure may last approximately one hour. Patients are generally discharged home the same day, and are advised to apply cool compresses to the skin, as well as a moisturizing ointment. Laser resurfacing is generally less uncomfortable than a deep chemical peel, and patients usually have minimal pain after the first twenty-four hours.

 

Over the first week, it is normal to experience crusting and redness as the outer skin layers become separated and are replaced by new skin. Following this, the skin appears somewhat pink and sensitive for several weeks, however most patients can resume applying makeup at one week if desired.

 

 

Chemical Peel

Chemical peels are a skin resurfacing option, and include light, medium, and deep peels. The peel works by removing the outer layer of skin, and causing changes in the deeper layer (including new collagen formation) that may actually tighten the skin. Medium and deep peels are performed by Dr. Amir in our San Diego office under local anesthesia or mild to deep sedation. Medium depth (TCA-Jessner) peels are excellent for fine wrinkles and splotchy skin changes, and deep peels (phenol) can produce dramatic improvement in deeper wrinkles. A new layer of skin develops in 5-7 days, and makeup can usually be applied in 10-14 days.

 

 

Dermabrasion

Along with lasers and chemical peels, dermabrasion represents another important tool for skin resurfacing. Similar to how wood is sanded to make it smoother, dermabrasion (which is done with much finer instruments!) works to even out the skin surface. Usually performed under local anesthesia with sedationin our La Jolla, San Diego office, dermabrasion can work very well for raised scars, acne scars, wrinkles, and other surface irregularities. Recovery time is similar to that for laser resurfacing.

 

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is an exciting "no-downtime" procedure that rejuvenates and refreshes skin of the face and neck. Tiny crystals of aluminum oxide are used to gently exfoliate the outer layers of skin. Following this the crystals, along with dead skin particles, are eliminated by the machine. Most patients experience little or no redness with the procedure, which disappears shortly thereafter. Busy patients can return immediately to work or home.

 

Microdermabrasion can erase fine lines and age spots, as well as improve acne scars. Skin texture generally becomes softer and more uniform or smooth. A typical treatment lasts under thirty minutes, and can be combined with a facial or light peel . Five to six treatments are performed at biweekly intervals.

 

What Microdermabrasion Can Do	What Microdermabrasion Cannot Do
Reduce fine lines or wrinkles.	Eliminate deep folds or deep wrinkles.
Improve sun spots (photodamage).	Resolve deep hyperpigmentation.
Improve superficial scars and acne.	Treat deep "ice pick" scars.
Improve overall skin texture.