Phone: 209 239.2901 | Fax: 209 239.8662 | 296 North Cottage Avenue, Manteca, CA 95336
Phone: 209 477.SKIN (7546) | Fax: 209 320.5027 | 423 North Lincoln Center, Stockton, CA 95207
Phone: 209 477.SKIN (7546) | Fax: 209 320.5027 | 423 North Lincoln Center, Stockton, CA 95207
Laser Therapy
HISTORY OF SKIN REJUVENATION USING LASERSThere are two general types of lasers: Ablative Lasers & Non-Ablative Lasers
Ablative Lasers
Ablative lasers remove the top layers of skin. The patient looks like a burn victim after undergoing treatment with an ablative laser. CO2 lasers are probably the most popularly-known ablative lasers.
From the ‘70’s through the ‘90’s, laser resurfacing of the skin to remove wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin became quite popular.
CO2 and Erbium Yag lasers were utilized to remove the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) and thereby stimulate new collagen formation in the dermis. Essentially, a controlled second-degree burn was created.
Although lasers were highly effective in tightening the skin and reducing wrinkles, there were significant drawbacks. Chief among these was a two-week recuperative period during which the skin would often ooze and form a crust. Although rare, potential complications included bacterial, viral, and even yeast infections.
Another significant drawback was that approximately 20% of patients often experienced persistent redness of the skin even though their skin was smooth. Occasionally, a year-and-a-half to two years after the procedure, patients noted loss of pigment in their skin.
These drawbacks contributed to a reduction in the popularity of this procedure; although for select patients, this is still the gold standard for wrinkle correction.
Given the drawbacks to this type of laser resurfacing, efforts were made to find methods that were effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles without the potential problems of ablative laser resurfacing.
Non-Ablative Lasers
Non-ablative laser treatments are the newest therapies for achieving smoother, younger-looking skin. This laser treatment does not remove any skin from the patient, but stimulates new collagen formation by heating the dermis. The treatment is affordable and offers minimal discomfort.
There is also very little likelihood of infection. The greatest advantage to this treatment lies in the fact that there is no down time. The patient is back to his or her normal routine the very next day.