Laser Treatments

CO2 Resurfacing Laser

The CO2 (carbon dioxide) resurfacing laser is an effective treatment for lines under the eyes, around the mouth, and for deeper wrinkles and severe acne scarring. Full surface CO2 is considered the gold standard for resurfacing. The laser emits an intense beam of energy that heats and vaporizes tissue instantly. It is so precise that the normal surrounding tissue is not affected. The laser removes the outer layer of skin which is replaced by new skin. The results are a much smoother, younger complexion.

For the right patient, CO2 laser resurfacing can give you better results than any other laser for wrinkles and acne scarring. Also, the Ultrapulse CO2 is a one-time treatment.

How CO2 Laser Works

The UltraPulse CO2 laser is designed to offer deep and light skin resurfacing. The wavelength of light emitted by a CO2 laser is absorbed by water in the skin. "Ultrapulses" of the laser vaporize lines, wrinkles, scars, dark spots and other irregularities, layer by layer. This process also stimulates the formation of new underlying collagen to provide better elasticity and support for the skin.

Are You A Candidate for Full Surface CO2 Laser?

Dr. Reichel will review your medical history, age, skin type and pigmentation, consider your desired results, and determine if you are a candidate for laser skin resurfacing. Results will vary from patient to patient depending on age, skin type and condition.

What CO2 Laser Can Treat

• Acne scars
• Moderate to deep facial wrinkles
• Sun damage of the face
• Lines around the eyes
• Upper lip wrinkles
• Brown pigment of the face

What Can I Expect?

Prior to your procedure, you will have a pre-operative appointment where we will go over the procedure and post-operative care in detail. On the day of your procedure, you will be placed under light to moderate sedation. We will then numb the skin to be treated with a local anesthetic injection. The Ultrapulse CO2 laser procedure takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour to complete depending on the area of treatment. After treatment, you will experience moderate redness, and mild to moderate swelling. Most patients have very little post-operative tenderness. Dr. Reichel will personally see you back after your appointment within the first couple of days to help you with your skin care. Make-up can be applied within a few days. You will need to be careful with your sun exposure to the treated area and we will request that you use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 after treatment.

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Laser Hair Removal

At Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center, we utilize the Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) system for permanent hair removal. Currently, there are a number of hair removal devices on the market. Studies have shown that IPL hair removal is as effective as laser hair removal, but is much less uncomfortable. Also, unlike many hair removal lasers, we are even able to treat patients with dark skin safely and effectively.

What IPL Hair Removal Is Good For

Permanent reduction of unwanted darkly colored hairs. Because the IPL targets pigment in the hair follicle, light or white colored hairs do not respond well to treatment. IPL hair removal is an excellent treatment for ingrown hairs in the beard and bikini areas.

How It Works

The Intense Pulsed Light system utilizes a large spectrum of wavelengths to treat the skin. Different handpieces are used which filter light from different parts of the spectrum. Each band of the spectrum has a wavelength that is ideal for different treatments, such as hair reduction. The hair removal handpieces emit pulses of light into the hair follicles. The light is absorbed by the pigment in the follicles and converted to heat. The heat then loosens the hair and disables the cells responsible for growing new hair.

What Can I Expect?

At your initial consultation, one of our providers or experienced laser nurses will determine the best treatment plan for your desired results. Depending on the treatment area and skin color, we usually recommend repeat treatments 3-6 weeks apart. With each session, there will be decreased hair growth and density.

It's extremely important to not be tan (including artificial tans), as this may interfere with the hair removal procedure. No anesthesia is necessary, although we will ensure that you are comfortable during your treatment. The handpiece will send a beam of light through your skin. A flashing light, an audible tone, and a mild sensation on the skin will tell you when the handpiece is being pulsed.

Immediately after treatment, you can expect a mild sunburn-like sensation and possibly some minor swelling. This usually lasts 2-24 hours, and can be soothed with cool compressed or ice packs. The treated hair will continue to appear for 7-30 days post-treatment. This is not new hair growth, but the treated hairs being expelled from the skin. At any given time, some of your hair is not in an active growth phase. Therefore, you will need more than one treatment to affect the growth of all your unwanted hair. Typically, several treatments will be necessary to achieve permanent hair reduction.

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