Skin Laser Resurfacing

Using The Most Advanced Technology and the First FDA Approved Laser for Skin Rejuvenation

  Silk Touch Laser Surgery

Low resolution unretouched photographs of SilkTouch laser surgery of the upper lip. Notice the redness of the upper lip in the after picture on the right; this can persist for several months.

Low resolution unretouched photographs of SilkTouch laser surgery of the nose for treatment of rhinophyma. Two sessions were required.

Low resolution unretouched photographs of SilkTouch laser surgery of the mouth area.

Low resolution unretouched photographs of SilkTouch laser surgery of the face from the eyes down to the jaw line.

The SilkTouch aesthetic CO2 laser is a revolutionary technology for skin resurfacing. The SilkTouch laser is the first laser to be approved by the FDA for wrinkle removal. The physician uses the SilkTouch laser like an artist’s brush to smooth fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth. Deep laugh and frown lines can be softened. The silk touch laser will also improve scars from acne, trauma, surgery or disease. In addition this laser has the ability to make stretch marks less noticeable. SilkTouch is also used after facelifts or eyelid surgery to smooth any fine lines that remain and to make the skin like younger skin. The skin is revitalized, transformed.

The SilkTouch laser has several advantages over a chemical peel and dermabrasion. There is no blood loss and the risk of scarring is minimal. The doctor has the ability to precisely control the depth of skin removal which cannot be said of other forms of exfoliation.

The treatment is performed in the doctor’s office. The most uncomfortable part of the treatment is the local anesthesia used to numb the skin. There may be brief periods of discomfort during the procedure. Healing of the skin after the treatment takes 7-10 days. After that the skin can look light pink to red for up to 16 weeks, but this is easily covered with make-up. Strict sun avoidance and sunscreen use is required during this 12 week period. One to three sessions are required depending on the look you are trying to achieve. If multiple sessions are desired, you must wait eight weeks between each one.

Fees depend on the extent and complexity of the procedure. This treatment is not usually covered by insurance. We accept VISA and MasterCard. We request a 50% deposit for all laser surgery patients before scheduling the surgery. This deposit is non-refundable if you cancel your surgery with less than seven days notice. The remainder of the fee is due on the day of the surgery.


Side Effects:

• The first 7-10 days after the laser surgery the skin will be red and swollen. The skin will also burn and weep.

• A pink color of the skin can persist for up to 12 weeks, this can be camouflaged with make-up.

• The most common side effect after SilkTouch laser surgery is brown discoloration of the skin. This is usually reversible but can rarely be permanent. This side effect usually occurs only in those who have had sun exposure after treatment and who are not compulsively using sunscreen SPF 25 or higher.

• If you get cold sores, laser surgery can cause them to flare. Since most people have been exposed to cold sores, all patients must take a prescription medication to prevent a flair.

Precautions:

• If you have any of the following problems, you need to let the doctor know so precautions can be taken:
  
  * Facial Warts
  * Prior bad reaction to a peel or dermabrasion
  * Past herpes simplex (cold sores)
  * If you have a history of sun allergies
  * Recent radiation treatment for cancer
  * If you form keloid or hypertrophic scars (thick scars)
  * If you are now pregnant or breast feeding
  * Accutane use within the past 2 years
  * Sunburn or significant sun exposure in the last two days
  * Surgery or cryosurgery within the last six weeks to the area that you plan to have treated
  
  

What to Do Before Your SilkTouch Laser Surgery:

• Each night before you go to bed, starting at least two weeks before your surgery, you need to apply Retin-A cream or Cellex-C to the entire face and to any other areas that will be treated. Each morning apply alpha hydroxyacid lotion to the same areas. Starting one week before the surgery, take Vitamin C, 500 mg three times a day with meals and take a multivitamin each day.

• At least three to four weeks before your treatment, stop using exfoliating sponges.

• All forms of hair removal should be stopped at least three to four weeks before your surgery.

• Two days before the treatment you must start taking acyclovir 400 mg, 2 times per day or famciclovir 500 mg, 2 times per day.

• Come to the office with a fully cleansed face. No cologne, after shave, or cosmetics should be applied. Also try to avoid shaving the day of your surgery.

• Have only clear liquids to drink after midnight on the day of your surgery. If your surgery is in the afternoon you may have a light breakfast.
  
  

How the SilkTouch Laser Surgery is Performed:

• First, the doctor or his assistant will review the possible side effects of laser surgery with you, answer questions, and give you a consent form to sign.

• Nerve blocks may be performed by inserting a needle into the areas of the skin where the nerves enter the face. The skin will be anesthetized using the same needle. This is the most uncomfortable part of the procedure.

• Next the skin will be resurfaced using the SilkTouch laser. This is uncomfortable at times and more anesthesia may have to be administrated during the procedure.

• Cool compresses will then be applied followed by Polysporin. During this time the skin will begin to feel better.

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