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Choosing a cosmetic surgeon for laser treatment is a major decision.
By Dr. Moose
The idea of refreshing the tired skin and face, recapturing the fresh look prior to child bearing years, is more than appealing and easier than it has ever been. There are non-invasive or minimuminvasive procedures that can be performed in office with little or no down time. Laser is a common tool to do just that and it has been helping doctors to safely and effectively treat patients for more than 30 years.
 Laser resurfacing is a very effective treatment used for the correction of wrinkles, sun damage, and acne scars. Traditionally, the term laser resurfacing has been used to describe a technique in which the top layers of skin (epidermis) are removed and the layer under the epidermis (the papillary dermis) is heated. As the wound caused by the laser heals, smoother and more even skin is seen. Like many thingsin cosmetic surgery, laser resurfacing goes by several names: laser peel, laser surgery, and laser vaporization are but a few.
CO2 lasers were among the first to be used for laser skin resurfacing and are, in fact still widely used today. While effective in reducing wrinkles and acne scarring, CO2 lasers are typically associated with a down time of two weeks and can be associated with certain complications such as hyperpigmentation or permanent darkening of the skin.
Another new and exciting breakthrough in the field of laser skin resurfacing is that of fractionated laser technology. Fractionated lasers have gained immense popularity in recent years because they require very little healing time. They work by bypassing the surface of the skin (epidermis) and treating the layer underneath, know as the papillary dermis. With this technique, the epidermis is generally not removed or is removed only partially while the papillary dermis responds as if it were repairing a wound thereby generating new collagen. The overall effect is healthier, rejuvenated skin.
Choosing your cosmetic surgeon for laser treatment is a major decision. Any reputable surgeon will welcome your questions and want you to be completely comfortable with his or her qualifications. Verify the doctor’s experience in laser surgery and their training and qualifications in facial cosmetic surgery. Looking at before and after treatment photos is never a bad idea; however, they do not guarantee the result you will achieve. Do not be afraid to consult with more than one physician to discuss your treatment. Finally, seek out a laser center that offers state of the art technology such as Erbium and fractionated laser treatments. The homepage for the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery is an excellent resource for potential patients.
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