LASER

Laser skin resurfacing and rejuvenation is an effective way of reversing the damaging effects of sun exposure, aging and lifestyle habits (such as smoking) on the quality, color and texture of your skin. It can also aid in increasing collagen. Laser procedures are not just a “buff and puff” – they provide dramatic, transformative results that will change the way you see your skin. Depending on your needs, laser resurfacing techniques can be performed to varying depths.

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Fine lines, coarse wrinkling or deep acne scarring may each require a different treatment approach. Therefore, depending on your skin type, the severity of sun damage, the extent of uneven pigmentation, and the depth of skin imperfections, your surgeon may recommend a combination therapy in which different resurfacing devices are used during the same treatment to improve your results. If you are having cosmetic surgery, such as a facelift or eyelid surgery, you may be able to have a skin resurfacing procedure performed at the same time.

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How it works

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Before the treatment begins, you will be provided with eye shields that will protect your eyes from the laser. During laser skin resurfacing, a wand is passed over your skin and the resurfacing laser emits a very brief pulse of high-intensity light that penetrates the upper layers of your skin. As your skin heals, healthier, younger-looking tissue emerges. Since different needs require different or a combination of laser treatments at varying intensities (ablative, non-ablative, fractional) for best results; Dr. Romita offers:

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Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser

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The Carbon Dioxide (CO2) fractional laser has been the premier skin resurfacing tool for the past decade. Its primary advantage over peeling and other laser techniques is that it tightens the skin naturally while stimulating collagen production.

 

The results of the Active FX Encore laser approximate that of a mini-facelift, without incisions.

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In the skilled hands of Dr. Romita, the technique is very safe. The procedure is done under a local anesthetic, with sedation by an anesthesiologist. The rejuvenating effects of the CO2 Laser are drastic compared to other, less invasive procedures and will last for many years especially when signs of aging are more advanced. Renewal of the skin surface is dramatic and new collagen is abundant. You will be comforted to know that new methods of post-laser care have significantly shortened the period of redness following a CO2 Laser treatment.

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Profect Laser

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Fast and painless, the Profect Laser is the first selective non-ablative laser approved by the FDA for wrinkle reduction and acne treatment. Profect triggers a healing response in the skin without damaging the superficial layer.

 

In addition to wrinkles and acne, the Profect Laser targets fine lines, rosacea, facial capillaries, and acne scarring. When combined with Microdermabrasion and Levulonic acid, the Profect laser is highly effective at correcting even the most bothersome skin conditions. The best results are achieved with a series of three treatments with three at a minimum.

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Photomodulation

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The latest non-invasive technologies using pulsed light to reduce the hallmarks of photoaging, including fine lines and blotchy complexion, and promote collagen growth. Because GentleWaves LED doesn’t use heat but rather non-laser light-emitting Diode which is painless with no side effects. Each treatment takes less than a minute. For maximum effect, eight treatments, done once or twice a week, are required. 

 

LED

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Miracle Waves LED is a perfect complement to any facial surgery and works for all skin types.

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How long will it take?

Laser Resurfacing procedures take just several minutes to less than an hour to complete.

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Pre-Procedure

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Before the laser treatment, you may be placed on a pretreatment program during which you will apply special creams, lotions or gels to your skin for a few weeks or longer, such as an Alpha Hydroxy (AHA) Solution. You may also be given certain oral medications that you should begin taking prior to your treatment. If you have a history of herpes infections around your mouth, your doctor will prescribe an antiviral medication before and after treatment to prevent viral infection. Some of these products may be the TNS Recovery Complex, Skinceuticals Physical Defense, or Neocutis. Dr. Romita will provide you with pretreatment instructions and answer any questions that you may have.

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In advance of your procedure, Dr. Romita will ask you to:

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• Stop smoking six weeks before your surgery to promote wound healing and to reduce scarring. Smoking also increases your risk of serious complications.

• Avoid taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs: Advil, Motrin, Aleve) and vitamins/homeopathic regimens. These can increase bleeding.

• Regardless of the type of procedure to be performed, hydration is very important before and afterward for safe recovery.

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Post-Procedure

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Your resurfaced skin may be covered with petroleum jelly or other protective ointments, and in some cases, dressings, tape, or a bandage may be applied. However, there is no true “recovery” with most laser treatments so the patient can leave the office without assistance 20 minutes after the procedure.

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Your recovery will depend on the technique and depth of treatment. A more superficial treatment will require less healing time than a deeper treatment. You will be advised about cleansing your skin and if you should apply any ointments. For men who have undergone resurfacing procedures, shaving must be delayed for a while. Also, waxing or depilatory use must be delayed for a while.

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In advance of your procedure, your surgeon will ask you to:

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• Stop smoking before undergoing surgery to promote better healing

• Avoid taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and some herbal medications can cause increased bleeding

• Avoid unprotected sun exposure. Too much sun up to two months before the procedure can cause permanent irregular pigmentation in the treated areas. Discuss sun protection and acceptable sun exposure with your doctor.

• Discontinue topical skincare products that might increase the risk of complications from laser such as Retin-A two weeks before treatment and Accutane six months before treatment.

• Regardless of the type of surgery to be performed, hydration is very important before and after surgery for safe recovery

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Most laser treatments make the skin photosensitive, so it is of utmost importance to avoid direct exposure to sunlight for at least seventy-two hours post-treatment. Some may require the patient to stay out of the sun for five to seven days after treatment.

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If a deeper treatment requiring anesthesia was performed (such as the CO2 laser), with make-up, it is possible to return to work in about a week. You may have some pain. If the pain is extreme or long-lasting, contact your physician. You will also have some redness and swelling after the treatment. Contact the office to find out if your pain, redness, and swelling are normal or a sign of a problem.

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Results:

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Because of the persistence of skin pinkness following resurfacing procedures, it may take a while before you can fully appreciate your new look. Most patients feel that the results are definitely worth waiting for, and in the case of deeper treatments, the benefits are relatively long-lasting. Superficial resurfacing procedures may need to be repeated periodically in order to maintain their benefits 

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Your skin will continue to age, and wrinkles caused by the movement of your facial muscles will eventually reappear. Some wrinkles may recur sooner than others, depending on their location as well as the type and extent of your resurfacing treatment. Despite this, you can expect that improvements in skin quality and texture achieved by resurfacing which will make your complexion appear younger and fresher for many years to come.