The skin changes that occur with age are a direct result of our history of sun exposure as well as hormonal and genetic factors. The UV radiation which the skin is exposed to damages the collagen and elastic fibers that give the skin its youthful appearance and leaves residual skin pigmentation typically called age spots or “sunspots”. Recent technology has provided a safe and effective antidote to the combination of factors that produce wrinkled, dry, and tired looking skin as part of the aging process.
FRAXEL®
Dr. Forley uses the Fraxel® re:store laser in his
practice for skin rejuvenation. This innovative new approach
to laser technology treats wrinkles and textural changes by
thickening and improving collagen within the dermis of the
skin. It also can lighten sun damage, discoloration, and
melasma, and can diminish pores, and improve skin tone and
firmness. The energy is delivered in “fractional” zones of
heating with every microscopic treatment zone surrounded by
unaffected skin. This results in rapid initial healing with
short-term redness and swelling over the first several days.
There is no visible wound healing but some dryness and
flaking will occur during the first week. The treatment
regimen consists of three to five sessions spaced at one
month intervals or longer, with beneficial changes
continuing to occur for several months after each treatment.
The Fraxel® re:store laser can be safely used to treat the
face, neck, chest, and hands. Acne scars, scars from
previous surgery, as well as burns can also be effectively
treated with this technology.
The Fraxel® re:pair laser is a fractional carbon dioxide
(CO2) laser that provides a deeper dermal remodeling of the
skin in one or two treatment sessions. Treatment of more
severe wrinkles is possible with less risk and recovery time
than traditional CO2 lasers. The downtime needed for healing
is approximately five days with redness lasting for several
weeks depending on the treatment level.
Both procedures are performed using topical anesthetic cream
or injections to numb the skin. Additional sedation may be
desired for treatment with the Fraxel® re:pair laser.
ERBIUM
Erbium:Yag laser resurfacing is a procedure usually performed for the purpose of improving both fine lines and deeper wrinkles frequently with one treatment. An intense beam of light vaporizes skin across the entire surface area of the site that is being treated in a very precise manner. Although this is a very effective procedure, especially for deeper wrinkles, it entails a more prolonged healing phase than with the Fraxel technology. The skin heals within one week and requires daily wound care. Redness may persist for about 4-6 weeks depending on the intensity of the treatment. Specific areas of the face such as the crow's feet around the eyes, the forehead, the wrinkles around the mouth, or the entire face can be targeted with the Erbium laser.
