Rejuvenation Laser Treatment

• How it Works

  Laser treatment procedures are non-invasive cosmetic procedures that require no incisions or entrance into the body through a cavity. High-intensity, advanced laser technology is used to generate energy-filled laser beams that permeate the skin at varying depths, depending on the laser type and the skin's condition. The beams dissolve or destroy the undesirable skin cells, and promote new skin cell growth from the inside out. The dead cells of the outer layer of the skin are sloughed off, revealing a "fresher" layer of skin, and collagen growth is stimulated.

• Effects

  The immediate result of rejuvenation laser surgery is improved complexion. Used for preventative reasons, and to immediately add visible radiance and softness to the skin, one treatment will produce results. Often, broken capillaries in their first stages can also be removed with one treatment. For hyperpigmentation areas, the laser treatment works to "zap" the darker skin cells and replace the area with new skin cells, which may take multiple session, depending on the skin condition. Collagen growth is stimulated, thereby reducing fine lines and wrinkles as these areas are "filled" with new cells from the inside out.

• Types

  While the basic aims and functions of laser surgery are the same, the types of laser technology used may differ. The most commonly used technology is Intense Pulsed Light technology. IPL produces all of the above effects, stimulates collagen growth, and results in smaller pores. Treatment is usually pain free--a pinch-like feeling at most--requires no anesthetic, and has no post-operative downtime. Another type of laser is the YAG, which has more intensely stimulate collagen and elastin production, and is therefore ideal for deeper skin problems, such as scars. The Titan is another laser type, used for deeper rejuvenation and tightening of the skin on the face, stomach, legs and upper arms. This laser uses infrared light to heat the dermis.

• Sources of Rejuvenation Laser Treatment

  The high demand of cosmetic laser procedures has grown so dramatically over the last decade that it has drawn the attention of state and national medical boards. Laws have not yet been enforced to ensure that only doctors can administer such procedures. Although laser treatment was once only offered through the offices of dermatologists and plastic surgeons, beauty salons and spas currently offer laser treatments, and the number of "MedSpas," businesses that combine salon and cosmetic medical services, has grown to over 2,500 in the United States. Regulation actions will soon ensure that nonmedical professionals, such as aestheticians, cosmetologists and electrologists, will be required to have special training and certification to render the service.

• Warning

  This is sort of ironic about rejuvenation laser resurfacing treatment: while the result is more youthful looking skin, the skin is also significantly more sensitive to UV sun rays and other environmental factors. It requires extra special post-treatment care, especially a strong SPF sunscreen, and even a wide-brimmed hat if the patient plans to spend over a half-hour in the sun. The after effects of laser treatment can also leave the skin feeling more sensitive and irritable, making it itchy and red.

References & Resources

• Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Statistics Reported by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
• "New Standards Urged for Treatment at Spas" The Boston Globe, February 24, 2009
• PlasticSurgery.org
• Find a Doctor Near You for Laser Resurfacing