January 07, 2014 | Laser Resurfacing
3 minute read
Undo Sun Damaged Skin with Laser Resurfacing Technology
Fortunately, through medical technology and surgeon’s skill, at Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, Houston facial plastic surgeon, Russell Kridel MD can undo damage the sun inflicts on the skin. While there are numerous treatments and procedures advertised in the marketplace, the best and most effect approach is Laser Resurfacing. It is important to understand that there are 3 different levels of laser resurfacing. The rule of thumb is the greater the intensity of the laser, the longer the downtime, but the greater the results. The gold standard for laser resurfacing in Houston is the fully ablative CO2 laser. Ablative means that the laser vaporizes the entire layer of skin. This stimulates collagen regrowth. This is a one-time procedure that takes approximately two hours. The results are fantastic and the effects last more than ten years, assuming of course that you don’t go back out and lay in the sun without sunscreen and a hat. However, there is also more downtime, about two weeks before you can use make-up and will want to go and about. Remaining redness continues to dissipate over several weeks. For patients with moderate to significant skin damage, this is the most effective approach. Since this is the most powerful laser, it also takes a great deal of skill and experience to obtain the best results. Another approach is the Fractionated CO2. Fractionated means the laser signal breaks through the skin in tiny spots rather than vaporizing the entire layer. The downtime is about ten to twelve days. The third approach is known as Fraxel. This is the mildest form of laser. It covers less surface area and as a result there is virtually no downtime. Because it only covers a certain percentage of the skin per session, a patient needs to complete a series of 3 to 4 treatments about 4 to 6 weeks apart to be able to reach the surface of the entire face. This is more effective for patients with mild to moderate skin damage At Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, we have our own leading edge laser equipment. Dr. Russell Kridel and Dr. Angela Sturm are noted experts on laser technology. You will feel confident in knowing that we have performed thousands of laser resurfacing procedures to help patients successfully undo sun damaged skin.
To make an appointment with Dr. Kridel or Dr. Sturm contact Facial Plastic Surgery Associates at 713/526-5665.
—- Kirin, Facial Plastic Surgery Associates
