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Laser
Treatments -
Skin
Resurfacing
We were all born with smooth, baby-soft skin. As we go through life, our
skin is subjected to numerous experiences that leave it less than perfect.
For many of us, our first exposure to skin problems is with chicken pox in
childhood, then acne scars in our teen years,
and beyond.
For those of us lucky enough to escape these
hazards, time, heredity, and gravity are still doing their part to create fine lines and wrinkles,
especially around the mouth and eyes. Overexposure to the sun, alcohol use, and smoking are all known to
significantly accelerate the development of these natural signs of aging.
Other surface imperfections, such as moles, warts, superficial skin cancers
and actinic keratoses also may develop over time to mar the skin.
Although dermabrasion and chemical peels have offered some hope for patients
to see smoother, fresher, younger-looking skin, lack of sufficient
cosmetic result, risk of scarring and pigmentation problems, discomfort, and long
recovery periods have kept many people from
having the skin they want.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
We are now able to remove surface
imperfections and dramatically reduce lines and wrinkles with a procedure called laser
skin resurfacing. Using the laser, we can
gently remove sun-damage, aging skin, layer-by-layer.
See before and after photos.
The laser uses a very high-energy beam of
light to vaporize scars, lines, wrinkles, and other skin defects.
Laser light penetrates to a very precise, controlled depth, making the
procedure safe and predictable, and reducing the risk of scarring or
pigmentation problems. Because the laser is gentle, comfort both during and after the procedure is
improved, allowing a more rapid return to your normal routine.
Rapid, Safe, and
Gentle
Skin resurfacing with the laser is rapid and gentle. Because the treatment
is bloodless and does not involve chemicals that cover the surface of the
skin, we are able to clearly see exactly how much tissue to treat and remove
during the procedure. In the first few days after the procedure, your skin will weep as it repairs
itself. It will then go through a period of crusting for a few days. When
the crusting is gone, the fresh new skin will have a pink quality, which
will fade over a period of approximately 2-6 weeks. The pinkness is easily
camouflaged by makeup, which can usually be applied in 4-7 days, depending
upon your skin's response to treatment.
Post-procedure discomfort is usually minor, requiring little or no
medication. However, because pain tolerance is highly individual, we will
make sure you are kept comfortable during and after your resurfacing
procedure.
Treatable conditions
with laser skin resurfacing:
- Facial lines and wrinkles due to aging
- Crows feet at the corner of the eyes
- Lines and wrinkles under the eyes
- Laugh or "frown" creases
- Lines and wrinkles around the mouth
- Scars from acne, chicken pox, trauma
or some surgeries
Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery
The same laser that resurfaces damaged, wrinkled skin is also used to combat
drooping upper eyelids and to remove the sagging
under-eye bags that don't seem to go away with a good night's rest or even a vacation. These eyelid
procedures are called laser-assisted
blepharoplasty. See before and after photos.
The laser is used to remove the excess skin
of the upper eyelid that causes it to droop, and because the laser seals blood vessels as it touches them,
there is less bleeding, swelling, and bruising than with traditional
blepharoplasty, helping to improve healing time.
For the lower eyelids, the laser is used inside the lower eyelid,
transconjunctivally (across the conjunctiva), to make a small, bloodless
incision. The fat pads causing the "bags" are removed, no visible skin
incision is made, and no stitches are required for this procedure.
The skin around the eyes bearing fine lines and crow's feet can then be
resurfaced during the same procedure to complete surgery of the periorbital
area.
Further information
and credentialed physicians
The following will help answer frequent questions regarding procedure costs,
insurance coverage, and contacting a physician.
Cost varies with the type of procedure being performed and the extent of
treatment. The physician will share pricing information during a
consultation. If you wish to compare costs between individual physicians,
you will need to make appointments with each of them. A small consultation
fee is charged, however, in some circumstances, the physician
performing the procedure may eliminate this fee. This should be discussed with the
physician.
Only the physician can tell you if your condition will be covered by your
health insurance. He or she will also have the
necessary information regarding self-pay for cosmetic procedures. The Miller-Dwan Laser Center
accepts payment using a major credit card, cashier's check or personal check
if sent at least a week in advance of your procedure.
To make an appointment you can contact the following physicians who perform
cosmetic laser surgery at Miller-Dwan Laser Center or one of our Mobile
Laser Services sites. If you need further assistance, please contact the
Laser Center at (218) 733-2333.
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Dr. Frank Wolf
Medical Arts Building, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
(218) 727-7407
Dr. Dean Weber
Dr. Andrew Baertsch
Northland Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
(218) 724-7363
Dr. William Portilla
Duluth Clinic Ear, Nose and Throat, Head and Neck Surgery
(218) 722-8364
Dr. Kurtis Waters
Brainerd Medical Center
Brainerd, MN
(218) 828-7100
Dr. Heidi Cole
Northfield, MN
(507) 263-2663
.
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical
advice. Only your doctor can diagnose and treat a medical problem.
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