Laser Skin Resurfacing
As one of the most exciting and innovative scientific achievements to date, laser technology is being utilized throughout the health care community. Our doctors use one of the newest lasers, the ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser, to treat sun-damaged skin, facial wrinkles and scars in a procedure called laser skin resurfacing.
What is a laser?
The word "laser" is an acronym, which stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A surgical laser, such as the CO2 laser, is a beam of light capable of removing unwanted tissue, such as scarred, lined, wrinkled and otherwise imperfect skin. The laser vaporizes skin cells by emitting bursts of radiation that are absorbed by water in these cells. Laser light penetrates to a very precise, controlled depth, making the procedure safe and predictable, while reducing the risk of scarring or pigmentation problems. Laser skin resurfacing is bloodless, and is performed right here in our office under light sedation. As a result of this treatment, you are left with more youthful looking skin.
What areas can be treated through laser resurfacing?
The laser is used to reduce tiny wrinkles, acne scars and other minor skin imperfections, especially around the mouth and eyes. It can improve sun-damaged and acne scarred skin problems that often cause concern to both men and women.
Benefits of Treatment
Laser resurfacing can be used as an alternative to chemical peel and dermabrasion. The benefits of using this technique are less pain and a faster recovery time. In most cases, it is less costly.
Before Surgery
Prior to surgery, the surgeon will discuss with you the goals for facial improvement. After determining the most appropriate procedure to use, we will fully describe the procedure, what results to expect and the costs. The skin is usually pretreated prior to surgery to improve the healing time.
The Procedure
A local anesthetic is given to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. The area is cleansed and draped. The surgeon directs the laser beam toward your skin imperfections. The laser quickly and accurately vaporizes the outermost layers of skin just four or five cells in thickness.
What can be expected?
In most cases, only one treatment is needed. The initial redness fades in a few weeks to a light pink, which can be camouflaged with cosmetics. The discoloration usually disappears in one or three months. The goal of laser resurfacing is to enhance facial appearance. Expectations by the patient must be realistic and results should be anticipated as improvements rather than total corrections. Results of the surgery depend on many factors such as the size, shape and location of the imperfection and the patient's heredity, age and general skin condition.
Skin Rejuvenation
A skin rejuvenation program is often used in conjunction with either chemical peels or laser wrinkle removal to reduce the fine wrinkles of the face, lighten areas of hyperpigmentation and produce a softer texture to the skin. The program can be accomplished separately or in conjunction with the other procedures listed here. It is followed at home by the patient after a consultation and a treatment plan is established for the patient's cosmetic needs.
We invite you to inquire about laser skin resurfacing and hope it can help you achieve smoother, fresher, younger-looking skin.
Brow Lifts
Endoscopic Brow Lifts
The surgeons will perform brow and forehead lifts to raise eyebrows and reduce ridges and furrows on the forehead, creating a smoother, more youthful appearance. This procedure can be performed in conjunction with other surgeries.
An incision is generally made across the top of the head from the front of one ear to the front of the other ear. The forehead and brows are elevated and excess skin is removed. The flap is then sutured. Newer techniques now allow us to perform forehead lifting through small incisions in the scalp by using an endoscope and specialized instruments. This accelerates the healing process.
Post-Operative Information
Antibiotics may be prescribed for several days following surgery. Sutures are generally removed within one week. Swelling and some bruising may occur which should subside within a few weeks. Our doctors will prescribe ice compresses and eye exercises to reduce swelling and regain mobility. Women will be allowed to use eye cosmetics up to two weeks after surgery. You can proceed with your normal daily activities within 1 to 2 weeks. A final evaluation may occur within several months from the initial surgical procedure.
Insurance
Your insurance company may pay for part or all of the cost of surgery if the procedure is performed as a result of visual impairment. Because every insurance carrier is different, it is recommended that you check with your own insurance company to determine the level of coverage.
Eyelid Surgery
As we all know, the eyes are a prominent facial feature. Although the eyes are expressionless structures, the surrounding skin conveys emotion. The tissue, muscle, fat, hair and lashes all contribute to the wide array of expressions. Unfortunately, wrinkles and deep lines as well as puffiness under the lids develop as you age. In addition, exposure to the sun as well as hereditary factors contribute to the aging process, all resulting in changes of expression. In many cases, people may look fatigued, worn out and older than their true age. Beyond possible visual impairment, these changes in your appearance can cause stress and anxiety.
The surgeons are trained in several surgical procedures, such as blepharoplasty, forehead lift and brow lift in order to eliminate the majority of these problems.
Before Surgery
To better understand your overall health, we will evaluate your medical history prior to surgery. In addition, a complete examination of your eyes and face are made in order to take the most effective surgical approach. The amount, distribution and type of excess skin to be removed are carefully reviewed.
Our surgeons will provide you with pre-operative instructions that may include the elimination of specific drugs containing aspirin several weeks before surgery to minimize excess bleeding. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent infection.
Blepharoplasty
We can perform blepharoplasty to correct sagging eyelids, bags or pouches beneath the eyes, as well as excess folds around the eyes. This surgical procedure involves the removal of excess skin and fat on upper and lower eyelids and is often performed in conjunction with other surgical procedures including facelifts, eyebrow and forehead lifts. Blepharoplasty can be done under general anesthesia (with you asleep) or under IV Sedation. Both are very comfortable options. Pre-medication is utilized prior to surgery to decrease swelling after the operation.
The surgeon will trace the natural lines and creases of your face and make incredibly fine incisions from the inner to the outer edge of the eyelid. Surgery on the upper eyelid is performed first with the incision made in the fold of the lid. The incision is made below the eyelash on the lower eyelid. Any excess fat and skin are removed from the underlying compartments. The amount of fat excised is determined by the degree of protrusion of fat when pressure is applied to the area. Small sutures are used to close the incision and special ointments and dressings may be applied. The surgery can take up to 2 hours. In certain cases, lower eyelid incisions are made inside the lid. Laser may be used at the same time to reduce wrinkles.
Post-Operative Information
Initially, drying of the eyes can occur after blepharoplasty. This condition can be alleviated with medication. In addition, you may be sensitive to bright light and wind for a period of time. Numbness and itching may also occur during the healing process. A final evaluation may occur within several months from the initial surgical procedure.
Insurance
Your insurance company may pay for part of the cost of surgery if the procedure is performed as a result of visual impairment. Because every insurance carrier is different, it is recommended that you check with your own insurance company to determine the level of coverage.
Botox
Botox treatment is a revolutionary approach to reversing the affects facial wrinkles. Crows feet, worry lines and laugh lines can all be a thing of the past. These are referred to as dynamic wrinkle lines and all are treatable with this procedure. Cosmetic denervation is the process of injecting botox into the tiny facial muscles that create the wrinkles.
Before Surgery
To better understand your overall health, we will evaluate your medical history prior to surgery. In addition, a complete examination of your eyes is made in order to decide the most effective injection sites. All issues and concerns will be discussed.
The areas that will be treated are marked and digital photographs are taken in order to determine the amount of improvement after surgery.
The Botox Procedure
Botox injections are performed without anesthesia because they are virtually painless. Only a very small sting is felt when the injections are made. The effects are not permanent and may need to be repeated two to three times per year to retain the effects. Research has suggested, however, that long term use of the injections leads to a longer duration of each treatment's effect. Patients over the age of 65 may not experience such dramatic results. Botox is only useful in treating expression lines and cannot be used to repair sagging skin caused by aging.
Post-Operative Information
After the operation patients may experience slight bruising around the area that quickly fades. Normal activities can be performed immediately. Possible side effects are temporary weakness of nearby muscles or in rare cases an eyelid may droop. Botox is completely reversible so any side effect is only a temporary condition. The doctor will explain all risks associated at the time of your consultation.
Restylane
Today, many people are showing increasing interest in correcting wrinkles and folds, shaping facial contours and augmenting the lips. With RESTYLANE, you can offer your patients a complete solution for tissue-tailored facial augmentation - a natural beauty lift using the body's own material.
RESTYLANE is a crystal-clear, biodegradable NASHA (Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid) gel, which is injected into the dermis in tiny amounts with a very fine needle. The result is instantaneous, producing a long-lasting, natural enhancement, gentle and safe to the skin.
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