Laser Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is laser resurfacing of the skin?
A: Laser resurfacing, also known as laser dermabrasion, is a technique for smoothing fine wrinkles of the skin and other surface quality problems. Various types of lasers using energized beams of focused light can be applied to the skin in short pulses to remove irregular contours, discolored areas, tattoos or blood vessels.
Q: How do lasers work?
A: They work by bouncing a beam of light back and forth between optical mirrors and lenses, amplifying the strength with each cycle. When the beam is powerful enough it is released, almost as if opening a gate, in a short pulse of energy. The color and energy of the light depends upon what type of material is being stimulated. Each laser can be tuned, much like a musical instrument. Many materials can be used, such as carbon dioxide, ruby crystals, and argon, which is a gas similar to what is used in fluorescent lights.
Q: I've heard of all different kinds of lasers with fancy names. What are the various types and what do they do?
A: The "C02 Laser" is used for sun-damaged, aging, wrinkled or scarred skin. It may also be used as a cutting instrument or on very high power, to remove moles and skin cancers. This is the one that has received so much attention on television and in magazines for reversing the effects of aging. We have used this type of laser for facial skin damage since 1995. The "YAG Laser" is used for tattoos and pigmented lesions, such as moles or freckles. The "Flashlamp Pulsed Dye Laser" is used for vascular lesions, such as spider veins. "Alexandrite", "Diode" and other lasers are used for permanent hair reduction.
Q: What are the alternatives to laser treatment?
A: Chemical peels with glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid and phenol have been successfully used for many years to selectively smooth the outer layers of skin. Mechanically sanding down the skin, known as dermabrasion, has been used just as long. Most situations lend themselves to one treatment or the other or sometimes a combination of these procedures.
Q: I have heard that laser treatment is far superior and doesn't ever leave any redness of the skin or scarring. Is this true?
A: The depth of the laser burn is probably more predictable than that of chemical peels or dermabrasion. The laser strength and exposure time to the skin can be precisely controlled. However, the body's tissue reaction to the laser cannot always be predicted for a particular patient. Erythema, redness or scarring can last from several weeks to a couple of months regardless of the method used. On very rare occasions scarring can be permanent.
Q: Who is a candidate for laser treatment?
A: Anyone who has an irregular area of skin, whether due to contour, wrinkles, color, blood vessels, or scars may be a good candidate. A visit to see Dr. Wallace is the only way to be sure.
Q: Is laser a substitute for a facelift or surgery for baggy eyelids?
A: No. Lasers do firm up the skin and increase skin tone, but they are not capable of eliminating skin that has lost its elasticity. Once the skin truly sags instead of simply wrinkles, surgery is required to correct the undesirable cosmetic appearance. Many patients end up with a combination of these techniques.
Q: Does laser resurfacing correct wrinkling in the neck?
A: Unfortunately, laser techniques do not show a good result in the neck.
Q: Are lasers safe?
A: For the most part lasers are very safe. However, as with any medical procedure there are risks and benefits. Scarring, pain, lack of permanent results, delayed healing up to several months, and other risks are uncommon, but possible. Sometimes additional treatment in the form of surgery may be necessary after laser treatment. The key to safety is really in choosing a physician experienced with the particular procedure. Dr. Wallace has performed thousands of laser procedures with at least 12 different types of lasers.
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