Traditionally, collagen remodeling has been accomplished with laser peels (carbon dioxide, erbium) or deep chemical peels (phenol, high-concentration TCA), which resurface the skin by creating a second-degree burn. The epidermis is essentially burned through and the dermis is injured, stimulating new collagen production. The problems with these aggressive peels are the following:• an open, weeping facial wound (like a burn which has blistered) for several days, followed by crusting/scabbing
• a great deal of discomfort and itching
• a prolonged period (frequently several months) of erythema (facial redness) which must be concealed with make-up
• the possibility of hypo- or hyperpigmentation due to melanocyte injury or overstimulation
• a line of ‘demarcation’ between peeled and non-peeled skin
• the risk of scarring if the level of the peel is too deep
• the possibility of a ‘waxy’ or ‘shiny’ skin appearance with deep or repeated peels
Laser Skin Tightening can provide moderate facial and body skin tightening results without surgery.
Q: What is Laser Skin Tightening?
A: Laser Skin Tightening is a series of laser treatments, using the Candela GentleYAG laser, designed to stimulate dermal collagen production and regeneration of damaged skin cells. The single-wavelength light energy produced by the GentleYAG targets fibroblasts in the dermis, which produce new collagen in response to laser energy. Increased turnover of skin cells is also stimulated, helping to regenerate and replace damaged cells.
Q: Will I have to take time from work to recover?
A: No. There is no downtime or external injury to the skin. A person can return to work or reapply makeup immediately following the procedure. The full face and neck can be treated in less than one hour.
Q: How long will the results last?
A: The new dermal collagen that is produced becomes part of the structure of the treated skin, and thus Laser Skin Tightening can produce improvements in skin which lasts for years. GentleYAG skin tightening is so powerful that new collagen production can continue several months after the treatment. Most people report improvement immediately, with even more dramatic results weeks later. New collagen growth results in continued skin tightening and the development of a more youthful complexion with fewer lines, folds, and looseness of the skin
Continued exposure to the damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun will result in breakdown of both existing and new collagen over time, so it is very important to protect your results by limiting sun exposure, using a high-SPF sunblock, and maintaining a healthy and scientifically sound skin care regimen.
Q: Is Laser Skin Tightening effective for both the face and body?
A: Yes. LST can be used to treat any part of the body that may benefit from softer, smoother skin quality, wrinkle reduction, improvement of pore size and texture, or elimination of acne scars. The GentleYAG can provide beautiful firm skin on the face, neck, chest, upper arms, legs and other body areas with no downtime and without the need for numbing creams.
Q: How many treatments would I have to have?
A: Clinical studies suggest that 3-6 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart in most cases will produce a significant increase in dermal collagen, remodeling of dermal matrix components, and a resulting improvement in overall skin tone and vitality.
Gwinnett Dermatology Aesthetics provides free consultations. You may call (770) 972-4845 to schedule today. Valorie English, Aesthetic Laser Technician, has over 20 years experience in providing aesthetic laser procedures and has been with Gwinnett Dermatology for 15 years.
For more information visit http://www.gwinnettdermatology.com
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