LASER SKIN RESURFACING
Merheb Surgical Arts Peoria & Pekin IL
As one of the most exciting and innovative scientific achievements to date, laser technology is being utilized throughout the health care community. Dr. Merheb uses one of the newest lasers, the ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser, to treat sun-damaged skin, facial wrinkles, and scars in a procedure called laser skin resurfacing.
Laser Resurfacing| Fractional CO2 Resurfacing System| Photos
What Areas Can Be Treated Through Laser Resurfacing?
The laser is used to reduce tiny wrinkles, acne scars, and other minor skin imperfections, especially around the mouth and eyes. It can improve sun-damaged and acne-scarred skin problems that often cause concern to both men and women.
What Is A Laser?
The word “laser” is an acronym, which stands for light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation. A surgical laser, such as the CO2 laser, is a beam of light capable of removing unwanted tissue, such as scarred, lined, wrinkled, and otherwise imperfect skin. The laser vaporizes skin cells by emitting bursts of radiation that are absorbed by water in these cells.
Laser light penetrates to a very precise, controlled depth, making the procedure safe and predictable while reducing the risk of scarring or pigmentation problems. Laser skin resurfacing is bloodless and is performed in our office under light sedation. As a result of this treatment, you are left with more youthful looking skin.
Benefits of Treatment
Laser resurfacing can be used as an alternative to chemical peel and dermabrasion. The benefits of using this technique are less pain and a faster recovery time. In most cases, it is less costly.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Case Studies
Dr. Merheb performed an Endoscopic Browlift and Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing.
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Before Surgery
Prior to surgery, Dr. Merheb and you will discuss the goals for facial improvement. After determining the most appropriate procedure, we will fully describe the procedure, what results to expect, and the costs. The skin is usually pretreated prior to surgery to improve the healing time.
The Procedure
A local anesthetic is given to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. The area is cleansed and draped. Dr. Merheb directs the laser beam toward your skin imperfections. The laser quickly and accurately vaporizes the outermost layers of skin just four or five cells in thickness.
What Can Be Expected?
In most cases, only one treatment is needed. The initial redness fades in a few weeks to a light pink, which can be camouflaged with cosmetics. The discoloration usually disappears in one to three months.
The goal of laser resurfacing is to enhance facial appearance. Expectations by the patient must be realistic and results should be anticipated as improvements rather than total corrections. Results of the surgery depend on many factors such as the size, shape, and location of the imperfection and the patient’s heredity, age, and general skin condition.
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Fractional CO2 Resurfacing System
EXPERIENCE DRAMATIC IMPROVEMENT:
- Skin tone & texture
- Sun-damaged skin
- Age Spots
CO2RE is the versatile fractional CO2 system that enables Dr. Merheb to precisely target and effectively treat the skin’s surface, middle, and deep dermal levels.
This treatment is lighter, faster and a more versatile solution for skin resurfacing, traditional ablation, and minor dermal excisions. CO2RE has the ability to treat both superficial and deep skin layers simultaneously with precision-control over the intensity, pattern, and depth of ablation.
How do I know if CO2RE treatments are right for me?
Ideal candidates for CO2RE are in their 30’s or older with skin damaged by exposure to the sun, age spots, fine lines, discoloration, rough texture, and other skin imperfections. It is ideal for anyone seeking younger looking skin without the long downtime associated with conventional resurfacing procedures.
What is the CO2RE procedure like?
You can expect some moderate discomfort during the treatment, but the anesthetic applied prior to the procedure typically makes any discomfort tolerable. For more aggressive, higher powered treatments, Dr. Merheb may recommend a subcutaneous anesthetic, oral pain relievers and/or sedatives during the treatment session. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be taken in the days after the procedure to alleviate any residual discomfort.
Is CO2RE safe?
Yes. During your consultation, Dr. Merheb will review your complete medical and skin history to minimize the potential for any negative reactions.
How many CO2RE treatments will I need?
Generally, you will see the difference you want after only one treatment. In the days after the treatment, your skin will gradually look softer and smoother. The age spots and uneven textures will start to show immediate improvement. For deep scars or acne scars, additional spot treatment may be necessary.
How long will the results last?
The durability of CO2RE results approaches that of surgical procedures. However, there are a number of variables that will determine how long you can expect the results to last, including your health, age, and how you care for your skin after treatment.
What can I expect after my procedure?
Immediately following the procedure you can expect a sensation similar to a sunburn, lasting several hours. You can expect peeling of dead skin from the treatment area. This is a natural exfoliation process that may last 7-10 days.
Do I need to take any special precautions after the treatment?
Dr. Merheb may recommend a short course of antibiotics to minimize risk of infection. Use of skin care products such as moisturizer and sunscreen will be provided and will be recommended during the healing process and for the weeks and months following the treatment to optimize results.
Are CO2RE treatments covered by my insurance?
Most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic and aesthetic procedures. Please consult your insurance company for more details.
How much do treatments cost?
Cost depends on the area being treated, the condition being treated, and the aggressiveness of the treatments themselves. During the consultation, Dr. Merheb will discuss the treatment plan that meets your personal needs.