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:: C02 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. Chiu and 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 Chui and 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.
:: IPL/PhotoFacial Rejuvenation
Photofacial rejuvenation is a non-abrasive and non-invasive rejuvenation of your skin using the remarkable technology of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). At Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center, we have years of experience treating patients with IPL. Photofacials improve the signs of sun damage, redness, and brown spots on the face, hands, and body. There is minimal recuperation time - with an IPL Photofacial, you can return to work or resume your normal activities right after your treatment. You may have a mild amount of swelling, and brown spots will darken and then peel off over about 5 to 7 days. You will notice a gradual, natural looking improvement in your skin. IPL Photofacial is safe for most skin types and tones.
What IPL Photofacial Treats
- Sunspots/Sun Damage
- Broken blood vessels
- Brown spots
- Rosacea/Redness
- Face, neck, chest, arms, hands
How It Works
The Intense Pulsed Light system utilizes a large spectrum of wavelengths to treat the skin. Different hand pieces 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 sun spot removal and vessel clearance. The IPL handpieces emit pulses of light into the skin. The light is absorbed by the pigment in brown spots and the blood in visible vessels, and converted to heat. The heat dissolves the cells that create the pigment and shrinks the vessels.
What Can I Expect?
At your initial consultation, Dr. Reichel and Dr. Chiu will determine the best treatment plan for your desired results. For most patients, it takes 4-6 treatments approximately 3 weeks apart. It’s extremely important to not be tan (including artificial tans), as this may interfere with the IPL 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 may feel like you have a slight sunburn, with minor redness and possibly swelling. This usually lasts 2-24 hours, and can be soothed with cold compresses or ice packs. Your brown spots will also darken after treatment and be naturally shed from the skin within 1-2 weeks. Moisturizer with sunscreen is applied immediately afterwards and should be continued throughout the duration of your IPL Photofacial treatment sessions.
:: Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is an intensive Photofacial treatment that utilizes the application of Levulan solution to the skin prior to IPL treatment. Instead of 4-6 treatments, it may only require 2-3 treatments, one month apart. Dr. Reichel and Dr. Chiu both have extensive experience with this procedure. PDT allows us to aggressively treat the signs of sun damage, including brown spots, redness, and fine wrinkling, as well as pre-cancerous lesions (actinic keratoses) and acne. PDT inactivates the bacteria that triggers acne, exfoliates the skin to unclog pores, and shuts down the sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin that are the primary cause of acne.
What PDT Treats
- Sun Damage
- Pre-cancerous Lesions
- Acne
- Brown spots
How It Works
Levulan Kerastick topical solution is 20% aminolevulinic acid, an acid that occurs naturally in your body and is a strong photosensitizing agent. Once applied to the skin, it is absorbed by skin cells, especially precancerous cells and sebaceous glands. When activated by a light source, such as IPL, highly charged oxygen free radicals are formed, causing destruction of the brown spots, broken capillaries, precancerous lesions, and acne-causing sebaceous glands. Fine wrinkles are also improved. More Levulan can be applied to the problem areas to intensify the response.
What Can I Expect?
At your consultation, Dr. Reichel and Dr. Chiu will determine if you are a good candidate for PDT. This procedure may not be suitable for patients with darker skin. It is extremely important that you are not tan (including artificial tans) prior to your procedure.
The area of treatment will be thoroughly cleansed and Levulan Kerastick will be applied one hour before your procedure. No anesthesia is required, but we will ensure that you are comfortable during your treatment. IPL will then be used to activate the Levulan. (Please see “What Can I Expect” under IPL Photofacial section.) You may experience stinging or burning lasting up to 24 hours after the treatment is completed. It is extremely important to avoid sunlight and other forms of bright light for at least 48 hours after treatment. Examples include exam room lights, operating room lamps, tanning bed lights, and household lights at close range. Sunscreens will not protect against photosensitivity reactions caused by visible light. Remember to wear light protective clothing, such as a broad-rimmed hat, during this time. A minimum of SPF 30 sunscreen is also required during the healing period.
You may experience redness, flaking, swelling, crusting, and itching after your treatment. This usually subsides in 1-2 weeks, but rarely may last up to 4 weeks. Moisturizer with SPF 30 sunscreen is recommended during this time.
Generally, it takes 2-3 treatments approximately 1 month apart, depending on the nature of the condition and your response to PDT. Dr. Reichel or Dr. Chiu will personally perform this procedure.
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