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Lines and wrinkles in the skin are a result
of aging, gravity, and repeated exposure to the sun. Apart
from losing the youthful skin tone and texture, a process
called "solar elastosis" or the breakdown of the
skin’s natural elasticity occurs as well. Other changes
commonly associated with aged and weathered skin are age spots,
pigmented patches, and precancerous skin conditions. One area
of particular concern is the smoker’s lines, or kissing
wrinkles, noted around the mouth and upper lip. This area
can not be addressed with surgery, and can only be partially
alleviated with absorbable collagen fillers. Laser resurfacing
replaces the damaged and cosmetically unappealing skin, by
replacing it with new, fresh and healthy skin. This is accomplished
by heating the top skin layer in a controlled fashion. As
a result this damaged layer "sloughs" away, and
is replaced by the body’s natural healing instinct.
Many patients are familiar with older treatments set out to
accomplish a similar goal. Dermabrasion and chemical peels,
while still performed today, set out to accomplish the same
goal; destroying damaged skin. Dr. Bassin does not perform
these older techniques for skin rejuvenation, as he feels
that the newer laser system can accomplish better results
by maintaining a precise penetration depth, controlled by
the computer generated laser system. Dr. Bassin has all of
the state of the art laser systems at his disposal, including
the Carbon Dioxide and Erbium lasers. |
| Patients
who choose to have peri-oral (around the mouth) or peri-orbital
(around the eyes) resurfacing can have the procedure performed
in Dr. Bassin’s office, with the aid of local anesthetic.
This is accomplished with a tiny injection placed around
the nerve that provides sensation to the area being treated.
The numbness lasts approximately 90 minutes. Patients are
then placed in a comfortable reclined position and treated
with the laser that may take 10 to 15 minutes depending
on the areas being treated. Patients opting for full face
laser resurfacing are encouraged to have the procedure
performed at an outpatient surgical facility for maximal
comfort. After the procedure, patients do not experience
pain that can not be controlled with over-the-counter medicine.
Dr. Bassin expects for the new skin layer to appear in
approximately 5 days, during which time patients will be
seen in the office by our Aesthetician for skin treatments.
Dr. Bassin encourages all of his patients to consult with
the Aesthetician prior to a laser procedure to adequately
prepare the skin and formulate a skin care plan. Laser
skin resurfacing is commonly performed with other facial
cosmetic surgical procedures. |