Affirm CO2 Laser System for Facial Resurfacing & Skin Tightening
The CO2 laser has long been known to be the most effective tool for skin resurfacing unfortunately the complications outweighed the benefits. The primary problems were pigmentation changes, a shiny look to the skin and a protracted downtime. However subsequent laser systems fell short in results and were subsequently discarded.
Now the technology of CO2 laser delivery has dramatically changed. The original lasers ablated skin cells in a wide high energy path. This led to large areas of tissue destruction and caused all of the problems. Our new Affirm laser system delivers energy in controlled amounts along micro columns. By doing this, there is less tissue damage and more uninjured cells closer together. The result is quicker and better healing. More areas such as the neck and upper chest as well as hands can now be treated with little or no risk Thus, blending between areas can be achieved. Perhaps, the best part is the reduction in downtime and the reduction in discomfort. The patient can elect one aggressive treatment or a series of smaller less invasive procedures that lead to the same result. Each patient can choose the amount of downtime from three days to ten days.
What the patient should expect is redness and a sun burn like feeling that resolves in a few days. The benefits that will be seen are clearer more healthy skin soon after treatment. But, after a few months skin tightening is seen. The result is truly amazing! The results are expected to last years but, best of all can always be repeated at the election of the patient.
The treatments are short in time lasting perhaps fifteen to thirty minutes and are done in an outpatient setting. Usually only a topical skin anesthetic is required for the treatment.
Because CO2 lasers search out water as the method of producing cell injury, moisturizers are required after treatment. People with light to moderate pigment in their skin require pre- treatment with Retin-A products and hydroquinone bleaching agents. If hyperpigmentation occurs after treatment skin, lightening agents will resolve the problem. Makeup can be applied after a few days.
Call or email us to set up your pre-treatment consultation at Bray Plastic Surgery today.
