If you are looking for laser resurfacing in Indianapolis (or the Indianapolis metropolitan area, including Carmel), look no further than Beeson Cosmetic Surgery. Below you will find information on laser resurfacing in Indianapolis.
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Table of Contents
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Summary
Laser resurfacing is a relatively new technique, in which light energy is used to remove the most superficial layer of skin [epidermis], and actually stimulates increased collagen in the deeper layers of the skin [dermis]. The high-energy carbon dioxide and erbium lasers have been developed, which are the primary lasers used for skin resurfacing. The wound healing mechanism and recovery time is very similar whether laser resurfacing or traditional phenol-based chemical peeling is performed. In one case, light energy is used; in the other case, various chemicals are utilized to achieve rejuvenation of the skin.
Laser resurfacing is usually done on individuals who are concerned with deep wrinkling around the mouth or eyelid area as well as general photoaging and degenerative skin changes over the entire face. While not all wrinkles can be removed, significant and dramatic improvement can be obtained in selected individuals. The advantage of the laser over the phenol-based chemical peel is that there is less chance of pigmentation changes to the skin, and the degree of redness following surgery may be significantly less.
Laser resurfacing is also frequently used to treat scars. Laser resurfacing performed at 4-8 weeks after a facial laceration can stimulate wound healing and , in many cases, dramatically improve the aesthetic appearance of the area. Laser resurfacing may provide significant improvements in older, depressed scars in selected patients.
With the erbium laser, a topical anesthetic cream is applied to the skin two hours prior to the procedure. Laser resurfacing is then performed over selected areas. The patient applies Vaseline over the area and washes the area 4-6 times a day for the next 3-5 days. Most patients find that, by the third to fifth day, they are able to apply makeup over the reddened skin. The redness usually fades away within the next week. The advantage to this technique is that the patient recovers more quickly and can resume normal social and work activities in approximately one-third the time of traditional chemical peels or laser resurfacing techniques. The disadvantage is that 1-3 treatments are usually required spaced at 1-3 month intervals in order to obtain the maximum improvement for the deepest wrinkles. There is virtually no pain associated with this technique, and minimal if any pigmentation changes to the skin are noted, in contrast to other rejuvenation techniques. This makes this laser resurfacing procedure very desirable for men and those with busy schedules and limited recovery time.
The carbon dioxide laser scanner is used for facial rejuvenation. With this technique, a topical anesthetic cream is also applied to the skin approximately two hours before treatment. Because the treatment is more intense, local anesthetic is frequently needed to anesthetize the areas to be treated. This procedure can be done with a minimal amount of discomfort. Some individuals prefer to have “twilight” anesthesia. If the full-face area is treated, twilight anesthesia is usually utilized. Following the procedure, the patient applies Vaseline to the treated areas and washes their face 4-6 times a day. There is slightly more swelling and crusting than with the erbium laser. Most individuals find that they can begin to cover the reddened areas with makeup at seven days following treatment. Redness may persist for several weeks following surgery, but can usually be concealed with makeup. While there is no longer recovery time and slightly more erythema [redness] associated with this procedure, the carbon dioxide laser usually requires only one, possibly two, treatments to obtain the desired result, in contrast to multiple treatments with the erbium laser.
In contrast to phenol-based chemical peels, there is minimal, if any, coloration change to the skin following carbon dioxide laser treatment.
As with any skin rejuvenation technique, it is important for patients to avoid increased sun exposure for the first several months following their procedure. We recommend that individuals apply a sunscreen for the first 3-4 months following any skin rejuvenation procedure, whether it is a chemical peel or laser resurfacing technique.
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Schedule a Consultation
If you are looking for laser resurfacing in Indianapolis (or Indianapolis metropolitan area), you can schedule a consultation by calling 317-846-0846, or by filling out the form below.
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