Aging affects the skin in a number of ways, including loss of elasticity, discoloration, and wrinkle formation. Traditional methods of treatment involving more invasive surgery could address some age-related skin problems but has limitations. Laser skin rejuvenation is an innovative, non-invasive method that goes beyond the limitations of other anti-aging skin treatments, both in the quality of the results and in reduced stress for the patient.
Types of Skin Rejuvenation
There are three main types of laser skin rejuvenation treatments available:
- PicoSure,
- Smartskin+, and
- IPL (intense pulsed light).
PicoSure was first used for tattoo removal, but has been since used to reduce wrinkles, remove age spots, and treat acne scars. Smartskin+ is useful for reducing wrinkles around the mouth and eyes. Finally, IPL can be used to improve skin color, correct sun damage, and make skin pigmentation more even.
PicoSure Laser Treatment
PicoSure laser treatment is based on very brief bursts of laser light, each a pico (one-trillionth) of a second long, and makes it possible to reap a number of very significant benefits. This technique avoids thermal damage to skin while focusing laser light onto a small area. Treatment produces actual skin rejuvenation, including stimulating the body to make new collagen. Skin will actually look younger and feel smoother. There is also less pain and redness involved, however results do not last as long as those from other laser techniques.
With tattoo removal, Picosure heats the tattoo ink, breaking it down and stimulating the body to absorb the ink. Not all ink colors are ideal candidates for Picosure. It best treats blue, green, or black inks, and is less effective on yellow, orange, and red inks. Using longer wavelengths of laser light, black ink tattoos can be removed from darker skinned patients. For specific patient needs, laser light can be focused on larger or smaller spot sizes.
Smartskin+ (CO2) Laser Treatment
The Smartskin+ (CO2) laser treatment has the advantage of being customizable for each patient. Smartskin+ is a good treatment option for anti-aging issues like wrinkles, including offering the maximum wrinkle reduction possible with minimum discomfort. Other uses for Smartskin+ include treating crow’s feet, lipstick and smoker’s lines, and chest and hand wrinkles.
Improvement after treatment can be noted for up to several months, due in part to new collagen growth. Results are natural looking, without drastic changes in appearance. Where necessary, treatments can be repeated for additional improvement. There is minimal bleeding, pain, and need for wound care. Treatments can be completed in just one visit and take as little as 20 minutes.
IPL Treatment
The IPL treatment is minimally invasive and generally takes less than 30 minutes. Typical conditions treated with IPL are rosacea, stretch marks, wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, and unsightly facial vessels. Generally, three to six treatments, one month apart, are needed. Post-procedure discomfort is minimal and includes up to several days of redness and possible pinpoint bruising. The treated area must be protected from the sun for about one week, and moisturizers and cleanser for sensitive skin need to be used for the same amount of time.
If you’re interested in skin rejuvenation treatments, O’Neill Plastic Surgery can help you feel confident, healthy, and younger with minimally invasive treatments. Contact our team today and discover the difference personalized care can make.
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