Question 1

how does co2 laser resurfacing get rid of wrinkles and dark spots? i understand that the co2 laser damages the skin and forces it to heal itself. but i don't understand exactly how that gets rid of wrinkles and spots.

Accepted Answer

This : This is a good question. Total fx laser resurfacing (co2 laser) vaporizes the soft tissues of the face to eliminate/reduce sun spots, decrease and remove lines and wrinkles as well as reducing pore size. This is through the production of a controlled injury to the papillary dermis (upper dermis), after which replacement of damaged tissues with new healthy, compact collagen takes place. One also sees a more homogenous complexion of the skin tone (color) and the reduction of telangiectasias (small red capillaries) due to this injury and tissue replacement. Optimal results are seen over a 90 â€“ 120 day timeline.

Be healthy and be well,

james m. Ridgway, md.

Question 2

are there any laser skin treatments for age spots? i'm looking for a way to get rid of the dark spots on my face for good. i stay out of the sun and exfoliate regularly, but nothing seems to help. i don't want a temporary solution. would laser skin treatm

Accepted Answer

Lasers : Lasers and light-based therapies are the best means of getting rid of age spots. The result will be permanent if intense sun exposure is avoided after the treatment. There are many lasers and intense pulsed light systems that can be used for this purpose and the choice will depend on your skin condition. Accordingly, it is important that you seek treatment in a center equipped with a wide choice of laser systems, and the procedure is performed by an experienced doctor; not a technician in a day spa.

Question 3

i am 61 years old and noticed age spots on my face.  what is the best approach to get rid of them.  creams?  laser?  retin-a?

Accepted Answer

Compounding pharmacy: Try to find a compounding pharmacy close to your physical location, and call them for a recommendation regards a physician who uses their pharmacy for this condition. I would suggest a consultation with that dr., as compounding pharmacists are able to purvey prescription formulations that are not available in regular pharmacies that are sometimes more effective. Your problem can be cured.

Question 4

does laser resurfacing remove pigmentation?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It really depends on the pigment issue and the type of laser.  Make sure that you treat with topical pigment suppression for 4-6 weeks before treatment with a laser!

Question 5

do i need a dermatologist for laser resurfacing?

Accepted Answer

Laser resurfacing: You can go to a dermatology but plastic surgeons also commonly do laser resurfacing procedures. If you want a deeper and more effective resurfacing its best to see a plastic surgeon who can arrange for sedation.

Question 6

what to do about hyperpigmentation after laser resurfacing?

Accepted Answer

See specialist: This may take time to resolve. I would first recommend a course of mild topical anti-inflammatory agents. Chemical peels and bleaching agents may help be the inflammation is  controlled.

Question 7

what's involved in the  aftercare of my skin after laser resurfacing?

Accepted Answer

Occlusion/relaxation: Right after the procedure, ice is applied to decrease swelling and inflammation. After that an emollient salve is applied and the area covered. The covering should be changed daily until the top layer of skin begins to regrow. How long that takes depends on how deep the resurfacing was. Don't rush back to work; relax for a while and let it heal.

Question 8

do dermatologists give a free consultation if you're going in for laser resurfacing?

Accepted Answer

Most do: I cannot answer for all dermatologists, but we do in our office, and i believe that most of us do.  It is probably wise to call the office before making an appointment and ask.

Question 9

i was on accutane 80mg for 9 months. how long should i wait to get laser resurfacing?

Accepted Answer

Opinions very: The most conservative estimate is that you should wait about 6 months. There are docs that will do it much sooner and there are docs who will never treat you if you have ever used accutane. In my opinion, 6 months is more than enough.

Question 10

can you have non ablative laser resurfacing done in the summer if your job involves being outside?

Accepted Answer

Sun and laser tx: Any sun exposure after any type of laser resurfacing can result in blotchy pigmentation.  Sun exposure must be avoided after laser resurfacing for at least 8-10 weeks, however, it is advised to avoid sun exposure for even longer periods because pigmentary changes can happen later as well.

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Doctor answers about:

Will Laser resurfacing remove age spots

A member asked:

How does co2 laser resurfacing get rid of wrinkles and dark spots? i understand that the co2 laser damages the skin and forces it to heal itself. but i don't understand exactly how that gets rid of wrinkles and spots.

A member asked:

Are there any laser skin treatments for age spots? i'm looking for a way to get rid of the dark spots on my face for good. i stay out of the sun and exfoliate regularly, but nothing seems to help. i don't want a temporary solution. would laser skin treatm

A member asked:

I am 61 years old and noticed age spots on my face. what is the best approach to get rid of them. creams? laser? retin-a?

A member asked:

Does laser resurfacing remove pigmentation?

A member asked:

Do i need a dermatologist for laser resurfacing?

A member asked:

What to do about hyperpigmentation after laser resurfacing?

A member asked:

What's involved in the aftercare of my skin after laser resurfacing?

A member asked:

Do dermatologists give a free consultation if you're going in for laser resurfacing?

A member asked:

I was on accutane 80mg for 9 months. how long should i wait to get laser resurfacing?

A member asked:

Can you have non ablative laser resurfacing done in the summer if your job involves being outside?

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