INTRODUCTION
Today we’re a lot more savvy about the harmful effects of the sun on our skin. Skin experts have educated us on the importance of using sun protection to avoid the ravages of damaging UV rays. Many of us were part of a real outdoor generation that worshipped the sun. As kids, we suffered frequent sunburns. As teens, we purposely baked and basted our skins to achieve a deep, dark tan.

Ultraviolet injury is cumulative over a lifetime. Add the effects of aging, gravity, and environmental pollutants—you’re faced with wrinkles, brown spots, light or dark discoloration, roughness, sagginess. And of course, sometimes our skin problems can be blamed on accidents, illness or nature.

More and more women and men look to their plastic surgeons for skin revitalization and resurfacing to regain a fresher, more healthy and young-looking complexion. Laser resurfacing (also called laser peeling) is one such resurfacing treatment often favored when skin problems are moderate to severe—wrinkles especially around the eyes and mouth (crow’s feet and lipstick lines), uneven pigmentation including port-wine birthmarks, skin blemished with scars from accidents or acne, and some tattoos. The procedure can be done in conjunction with another cosmetic procedure such as a facelift or eyelid surgery.

A laser is a high-energy beam of light that can selectively transfer its energy into tissue to treat the skin. In simplest terms, it’s another tool the plastic surgeon can use—a high-tech scalpel, if you will, that allows for great control and finesse. Some skin problems are best treated using a laser, and some conditions are better treated using another method or technique.

Laser devices are used to remove damaged upper layers of skin, allowing a fresh layer to emerge. Two types are often used: the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser and the Erbium:YAG laser. They work in slightly different ways and are selected for use for specific situations.

Though still a fairly new surgical method, laser resurfacing has been shown to produce less (if any) bleeding, bruising and post-operative discomfort than is typically seen with other resurfacing techniques.

Cool Touch Laser
Touted as a laser treatment without “downtime,” the Cool Touch Laser is a new procedure that is getting good reviews for its ability to smooth fine lines and wrinkles without burning of the overlying skin.

First, the skin is numbed with the spray of a super cooled gas (cryogen) through the laser handpiece, then a series of rapid-pulse Nd-YAG laser beams are directed at problem areas. Discomfort is described as minimal due to the cooling spray.

The treatment appears to be especially suitable for lines around the eyes and mouth. Skin texture and tightening continues for several weeks after the treatment resulting in subtle, natural rejuvenation.

The procedure is repeated in a series of three to five visits. Postoperative healing is quick.

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