Questions About Bray Plastic Surgery Lasers and Treatments
What lasers do you use?
For pigmentation small veins and hair removal we are proud to feature the Palomar Pulse Light system.
For skin resurfacing and tightening we use the Cynosure Affirm CO2 Laser.
What is the pulse light system used for?
This laser seeks pigment. Brown aging spots and small red vessels known as spider veins. It is also the best treatment for Rosacea. By changing laser heads hair removal can be done.
Does the pulse light laser hurt?
No, you feel more of a slight snap sensation.
How long before I see results?
Sun spots as first turn darker and then break up and disappear in one to two weeks. Noticeable results in Rosacea occur within one week. Spider veins will fade and disappear within 10 to 15 days.
I know the treatments for veins work well on the face. How about my legs?
Good results can be obtained but, in general, the further from the heart the lesser the results.
Bikini season is near. When should I start treatment?
Now is the time because effective hair reduction takes several treatments. This is because of the cycle of hair growth.
Who are the best candidates for hair removal?
Everybody can try but, since the laser seeks the pigment in the hair follicle, dark hair with light skin works the best.
Who does the treatment?
At Bray Plastic Surgery we have a female laser nurse specialist.
What about men?
Men can have Rosacea, spider veins and aging spots. Many men want the hair removed from their neck and back. It also helps with ingrown hair and folliculitis.
How about sun exposure after treatment?
Of course, you will be more sun sensitive and as with all people you need to protect against the sun rays. People who use Retin A products should discontinue before treatment.
Over the years, I heard a lot of bad things about CO2 laser treatments. Why does Bray Plastic Surgery advocate CO2 laser resurfacing?
The old CO2 lasers directed a single very invasive beam causing deep burns that resulted in skin sloughing pain and prolonged downtime. Also, hypopigmentation and jaw neck line cut offs were frequently seen. The new Cynosure Affirm System avoids all this.
So, what is the difference?
The beam is split into multiple small beams leaving healthy tissue between each laser burn.
What areas are treated?
Face, neck, décolletage and hands are the most common.
I am using Accutane. Can I use CO2 laser?
You need to wait 6 to 12 months after Accutane before treatment.
What do I expect?
A reduction in wrinkles, smoothing of skin texture fleshing of aging skin and over time skin tightening. Acne scars will also improve.
I have heard that multiple treatments are needed. Is this always the case?
No, the results are related to the intensisity of each treatment. Three light treatments can be as effective as one vary intense treatment.
What is the downtime?
Low intensity treatments require three days down but, higher intensity prolongs the downtime.
Will I peel and slough skin or ooze serum?
Most patients do not but look like they had a bad sunburn.
Does CO2 laser hurt?
We use a topical numbing cream and the patients easily tolerate the procedure.
Who can be treated?
We follow the Fitzpatrick skin type scale. Class I and II (fair skin blue eyes and light hair) are the best candidates. Class III and IV require pretreatment with bleaching agents with Retin A.
Who benefits from CO2 laser?
Aging skin, sun damage skin and acne scar patients are all good candidates.
What are the medical contraindications?
Recent use of Accutane and some sun sensitizing agents such as tetracycline. Aspirin use even in small doses, may increase the risk of pin point bleeding.
This is the best resurfacing laser done today, to schedule an appointment or to learn more about the cosmetic laser surgery services or other procedures we offer such as laser resurfacing, call or email our plastic surgery offices today for a personal consultation.
