20829 Ventura Blvd. Woodland Hills, CA
818.466.-6004 (Direct line)
818.887.-2787 (2nd line)
Effective skin rejuvenation involves reduction of lines and wrinkles, elimination of dark pigmentation caused by sun damage, pore shrinking and smoothing of acne scars. These are difficult goals to achieve. A variety of methods is available that attempt to improve any of these issues and some work fairly well. The Fraxel laser reduces acne scarring and shrinks pores very well and products like Obagi® can reduce the hyperpigmentation of both sun damage and melasma. There is now a new laser that achieves all of the goals of skin resurfacing in one treatment
The Fractional CO2 Laser is a new, less invasive version of the CO2 resurfacing laser. The CO2 laser technology is considered the gold standard for reducing wrinkles, lines, and pigmentation. The main difference is that the fractionation technique makes dermal lasers less destructive while preserving their effectiveness. Instead of a solid beam of energy that destroys a large area of skin tissue, the Fractional CO2 Laser emits microscopic beams that leave the tissue around the injury intact. This allows faster healing and results in an easier recovery period. The results are incredible.
Each pulse inflicts controlled damage to a tiny column of tissue. As ablation occurs, deep heating stimulates immediate collagen contraction and long-term collagen remodeling. Deeper wrinkles and scars have a dermal component and are most effectively treated by penetrating deep into the problem areas. Higher percentage of untreated skin enables quicker healing.
After a single treatment, the Fractional CO2 Laser improves lines under the eyes and around the lips better than any other laser on the market today. Even multiple Fraxel laser treatments are unable to deliver quite as impressive results. During the treatment, Fractional CO2 Laser shrinks pores, reduces pigmentation and eliminates lines, scars, and roughness of skin throughout the face. After a few days of mild swelling and redness similar to a sun burn, the skin is radically improved. The treatment also stimulates collagen growth so improvements continue for up to six months after the laser procedure. The treatment may be repeated again after a few months, but most people are pleased with the results after only a single treatment.
During the treatment the laser is moved precisely over the area that needs to be treated. (The patient experiences slight stinging, comparable with that of a rubber band snapped against the skin. Topical numbing cream and the use of cooled air during the procedure are usually enough to make the procedure painless. In some cases, oral analgesics for pain and anxiety control may be provided for added comfort of the patient.)
If the problems to be treated are of considerable depth as it is the case with wrinkles, blemishes or scars, the laser will be moved over the area in a repeated pattern. This way, the laser®s tiny beams are able to super-heat several layers of damaged skin and uncover the perfect, undamaged skin beneath.
Depending on the extent of the area treated the treatment takes from 30-45 minutes (for a partial face resurfacing) to one and half hour (for a full face resurfacing).
For the first two days the patient may look and feel like after sunburn. (Skin redness and swelling are to be expected). Some pain may accompany it as well. (If needed, pain medication will be prescribed by your doctor.) The patient is usually provided with such items as sterile mineral water for misting the treated area as well as an antibacterial cream and a moisturizer. Most patients resume work in three to four days. (Skin peeling is to be expected in the first week after the treatment which subsides in about 10 days.)
The benefits of Fractional CO2 Laser last for a number of years. As the aging process continues, many people find that they would benefit from a touch up treatment several years from the original procedure. The fractionation process eliminates side effects (including pigmentation changes) encountered from non-fractional ablative CO2 laser which uses a solid beam of laser.
To learn more about Reticular Vein Removal and to schedule a consultation contact us by phone or request an appointment online, today.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Bahari will evaluate your unique needs and desired end results, and explain the treatment in detail. You will have the opportunity to view before and after photos, so that you will know exactly what to expect from the treatment. Dr. Bahari is personally involved in every treatment.