Laser Skin Resurfacing

As one of the most exciting and innovative scientific achievements of the decade, Laser technology is being utilized throughout the health care community. Dr. Tye uses one of the newest lasers, the ultra pulse carbon dioxide laser, to treat sun-damaged skin, facial wrinkles and scars in a procedure called laser skin resurfacing.

What is a laser?

The word "laser" is an acronym, which stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A surgical laser, such as the CO2 laser, is a beam of light capable of removing unwanted tissue, such as scarred, lined, wrinkled, and otherwise imperfect skin. The laser vaporizes skin cells by emitting bursts of radiation that are absorbed by water in these cells. 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 skin resurfacing is bloodless, and is performed right here in our office, under light sedation. As a result of this treatment, you are left with more natural looking skin.

What areas can be treated through laser resurfacing?

The laser is used to reduce tiny wrinkles, acne scars and other minor skin imperfections, especially around the mouth and eyes. It can improve sun-damaged and acne scarred skin, problems that often cause concern to both men and women.

Benefits of Treatment

Laser resurfacing can be used as an alternative to chemical peel and dermabrasion. Facial Laser Resurfacing improves or eliminates fine wrinkles, crow's feet, age spots and blemishes. The CO2 Laser has three beneficial effects on the facial skin: 1) Removing the outer layer of sun damaged, aged skin, 2)Shrinking the underlying aged elastic fibers, and 3)Increasing the volume of new underlying elastic fibers long-term. The over all result is a "turning back the clock" effect with an improved complexion and tone.

Technical Information

Committed to offering the highest level of care to his patients, Dr. Tye now offers a state-of-the-art Superpulsed CO2 Laser, an Nd-Yag Laser and an Erbium-Yag Laser for patient care. The lasers are useful for lesion excision and ablation without incisions, LAUP for snoring, removal of spider veins, and aesthetic facial resurfacing. Advances include precise cutting and hemostasis(bleeding control) with minimal pain, while optimizing healing without scarring. Dramatic results are being achieved with correction of fine to moderate facial wrinkles and crow’s feet around the eyes using the laser. The CO2 is the "workhorse" for resurfacing, while the Erbium allows for quicker healing and less redness; however, it does not allow for as dramatic results with deep wrinkles. The Nd-Yag is used for vascular lesions, veins and capillaries, and to improve collagen deposition. Facial Resurfacing improves or eliminates fine lines and wrinkles.

Before Surgery

Prior to surgery, Dr. Tye and you will discuss the goals for facial improvement. After determining the appropriate procedure, we will fully describe the procedure, what results to expect and the costs. The skin is usually pretreated prior to surgery to improve the healing time.

The Procedure

An IV conscious Sedation or general anesthetic is given to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. Dr. Tye directs the laser beam toward your skin imperfections. The laser quickly and accurately vaporized layers of skin just four or five cells in thickness.

What can be expected?

In most cases, only one treatment is needed. The initial redness fades in a few weeks to a light pink, which can be concealed with makeup. The discoloration usually disappears in one or three months. The goal of laser resurfacing is to enhance facial appearance. Expectations by the patient must be realistic, and results should be anticipated as improvements rather than total corrections. Results of the surgery depend on many factors such as the size, shape and location of the imperfection and the patient's heredity, age and general skin condition.

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Surgical Arts / Aesthetique Skin Rejuvenation & Laser Center :: 6904 Colleyville Blvd., Suite 100, Colleyville, TX 76034 :: (817) 552-3223