Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQ
How long will the laser skin resurfacing last?
Laser skin resurfacing will not last forever, but long-lasting and excellent results can be obtained in good candidates. Laser skin resurfacing does not stop the aging process, and does not prevent the possible need for re-treatment at a later date. The result of laser skin resurfacing can be very long lasting, but some patients may wish to have their skin retreated with laser skin resurfacing as the aging process continues. The final result may be longer lasting after laser skin resurfacing if adjuncts (additional treatments) are used after the laser resurfacing, such as home chemical peels. The results may also be longer lasting after laser-skin resurfacing by avoiding large amounts of sun exposure and tobacco products.
Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2004 Sep-Oct: 28(5): 328-33.
Plast Reconstr Surg. 1999 Dec;104(7):2239-44; discussion 2245-6.
What is the best laser for laser skin resurfacing?
Many consider the carbon dioxide laser the “gold standard” for laser skin resurfacing. It is considered the gold standard because of its predictability, safety, and efficacy. Important factors for a good outcome include careful patient selection, well planned preoperative regimens, attention to technique, and close post-operative care.
Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2004 Aug;12(3):289-95.
Is the erbium laser better than the carbon dioxide laser for laser skin resurfacing?
Studies have shown that carbon dioxide and erbium lasers have similar results when they are used in a similar manner.
Dermatol Surg. 2001 Aug; 27(8): 709-15.
Dermatol Surg. 2003 Jan; 29(1): 80-4.
Which is better ablative or non-ablative therapy?
Ablative therapy removes the outer surface of the skin and non-ablative therapy does not remove the outer layer of skin. The advantage of non-ablative treatment is the “limited downtime.” Some surgeons feel that limited results are obtained with non-ablative laser treatment when compared to ablative laser treatment. The disadvantage of ablative laser is a longer downtime and longer side effects after treatment. Some surgeons have described non-ablative procedures as “minimally invasive and minimally effective”. Both treatments have advantages and disadvantages, and the patient can make a more informed decision regarding a specific treatment after a consultation with a well-trained consultant.
Dermatol Clin. 2005 Jul; 23(3): 549-59.
Opthalmol Clin North Am. 2005 Jun;18(2): 259-70.
Some feel that in trained hands, the benefits of ablative laser skin resurfacing remains unequaled. For some patients, adjunctive skin care can be used to maintain the final result of the laser skin resurfacing. Ablative laser skin resurfacing is a powerful, safe, and effective method to treat many of the problems of photo damaged skin that surgery alone and non-ablative methods cannot address.
Dermatol Ther. 2005 May-Jun; 18(3): 227-41.
Dermatol Clin. 2005 Jul;23(3): 549-59.
Lasers Surg Med. 2006 Feb;38 (2) 129-36. Compare the results of Fraxel(trademark) versus conventional carbon dioxide laser See the Fraxel Laser here See the Pulsed Carbon Dioxide laser here
Is there a difference between different ablative pulsed carbon dioxide lasers?
No. In a prospective study of four(4) different carbon dioxide lasers for laser skin resurfacing, they were all found to have equivalent clinical improvements in rhytides (wrinkles) and scars.
Dermatol Surg. 1999 Mar; 25(3):153-8.
Can ablative laser skin resurfacing tighten skin?
Yes. The skin is thought to shrink after laser skin resurfacing by heat induced skin shrinkage and shrinkage from the healing of the wound.
Dermatol Clin. 2001 Jul; 19(3):443-51.
Arch Dermatol. 2004 Nov;140(11): 1326-32.
I have read a lot about laser skin resurfacing, and I have talked with several physicians, and I am very confused with all this conflicting information?
Medical opinions will vary from doctor to doctor. When opinions vary, it generally does not mean that one is right, and one is wrong, but rather that based on study and personal experience, surgeons have different opinions and recommendations. Reasonable physicians can have differing opinions, and those differing opinions should not be cause for undue concern. It is very important for patients to be well informed before making any decision about any surgical procedure, and in that process it is commonplace to get differing opinions from physicians. It is very important to know that your surgeon is properly trained, which increases the likelihood of getting a mainstream opinion. While it is impractical to review the entire medical literature on this web site, the previously mentioned scientific articles are in generally respected journals in this area of Plastic surgery. Important considerations when learning about emerging (new) technology or products in Plastic surgery: When studying emerging technology, it is important to consider peer reviewed scientific studies to answer questions of efficiency and safety. In some circumstances, new technology is touted as the “magic wand” for a particular procedure, and scientific studies sometimes suggest otherwise. Scientific studies should be done in a manner where the persons acting as researchers have no conflict of interest and no other motive for a particular finding other than seeking the honest truth. Any person with a conflict, such as ownership in company that profits from the sale of an emerging technology, could bias the final findings of a study. Many scientific publications, such as the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, have very strict rules regarding conflict of interest which gives studies published in that journal high credibility in this regard (conflict of interest). While peer reviewed journals can have studies that draw different conclusions, information in these peer-reviewed journals is generally considered to be a primary source for accurate unbiased information.
Plast. Reconstr. Surg 2006 Dec 118(7): 1649-52. For all of your Laser Skin Resurfacing needs, contact Cape Fear Plastic Surgery in Fayetteville, NC.
|
