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The Beauty of Laser Resurfacing |
| by Dr. Diane Gibby • M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S |
As more and more
baby boomers turn 50, demand has never been
greater for new and better ways to improve the
appearance of skin laxity, wrinkles and age
spots, commonly seen in the aging process. In
response to this need, more information on how
to stay healthier and live longer has become
available, along with new medical procedures and
products that allow people to maintain that
"youthful glow."
We were all born with smooth, baby-soft skin.
But as we go through life, our skin is subject
to stress, sun-damage, and pollutants which
accelerate the natural aging process. These
factors often leave skin looking older than it
actually is. Although abrasion and chemical
peels have offered some hope for patients in the
past, there is a newer procedure that is being
performed with excellent results.
This procedure called Laser Skin Resurfacing or
laserbrasion, is a non-invasive procedure
performed to resurface and tighten the skin.
This process gently removes skin imperfections
and dramatically reduces lines and wrinkles
while using the most advanced technology
available. Now, sun-damaged and aging skin can
be removed layer-by-layer, helping protect and
stimulate the regeneration of deeper, more
healthy skin.
Many facial conditions such as fine wrinkling
around the eyelids, forehead and mouth can be
made smoother with this simple process. Deep
laugh and frown lines can be minimized and even
the lingering effects of chicken pox or acne
scars can be successfully treated with the
pulsed CO2 laser Unlike chemical peels, the CO2
laser uses a high energy beam of light to
vaporize, or "paint away" scars, lines,
wrinkles, and other skin defects. The laser
light penetrates to a very precise, controlled
depth, making the procedure safe and predictable
while reducing the risk of scarring or
pigmentation problems.
Laser resurfacing is usually done on an
outpatient basis at a surgery center or a
surgeon's office-based facility. The procedure
is most commonly performed under local
anesthesia with sedation, especially when it's
used to treat localized areas of the face. A
patient will be awake but relaxed, and will feel
minimal discomfort. For more extensive
resurfacing, your surgeon may prefer to use
general anesthesia, in which case you'll sleep
through the procedure.
In the first few days after the procedure,
treated skin will appear red and may produce
some oozing as new collagen is formed. While
healing, the resurfaced skin will be treated
with applications of protective creams or
ointments. The skin will take about two weeks to
heal and may have a pink coloration for 6 - 8
weeks. Makeup can usually be applied within ten
to fourteen days, depending on your skins
response to the treatment.
As with all medical procedures there are risks
associated with Laser Skin Resurfacing that can
include: burns, scarring, and obvious lightening
or darkening of the treated skin. You can reduce
your risks by choosing a qualified plastic
surgeon who has received special training in
laser surgery. |
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Diane Gibby, M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S Licensed in Texas, Dr. Diane Gibby is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the founder of The Women's Center for Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery. She is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), American Medical Association (AMA), Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons (TSPS), Dallas County Medical Society (DCMS) and the Board Certified Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons of Dallas. She is also a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons (F.A.C.S.). Dr. Gibby's office is located at Medical City Dallas, Building C, Suite 820, (972) 566-6323. Individuals interested in brochures or names of qualified plastic surgeons in their area may call the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons at 1-800-635-0635.
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