From 1997 to 2007 the total number of cosmetic procedures performed in the US rose by over 9 million. From the the dermatologist and plastic surgery centers to anti-aging skin care products, treatments to promote younger looking skin are highly popular and available. Cosmetic laser surgery was at one time solely for the upscale, ultra-cosmopolitan consumer market but has become nearly as common to the average skin-care regimen as eye creams. In addition to diminishing and removing skin hyperpigmentation, scars, stretch marks and spider veins, laser treatment is also used for the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser wrinkle reduction is achieved by laser resurfacing procedures. These non-invasive cosmetic procedures use high-intensity precision laser light generated from advanced technology and technique to target the fine lines and wrinkles of the skin, commonly around the eyes and mouth. Doctors remove and replace skin tissue without surgical incision.
How it Works
Depending on the depth of the lines and wrinkles and the laser technology used, the doctor performing the laser wrinkle reduction will target the laser to a certain depth and dissolve or destroy old skin cells and push the new skin cells upward and outward. The treatment induces new collagen growth and tightens the collagen fibers, which also fill in wrinkles, reducing their depth and diminishing their appearance.
Effectiveness
Regarding laser resurfacing, the question is not whether it is effective, but how long before desired results are achieved. The depth and quantity of the fine lines and wrinkles to be removed determines how many visits are required. The standard visit takes 30 minutes to an hour. The depth of the wrinkles also determines the increments between visits, since there is often some post-laser healing time required, which may require up to 30 days of ointment application and laser-free care. Procedures aren't painful and do not usually require anesthetics. The patient, at the most, might feel a slight pinch with the targeted laser beams.
Sources of Laser Treatment
Increased demand and availability of this service has earned the attention of the Department of Public Health (DPH), since dermatologists are no longer the only source of laser treatments. The number of "Medical Spas" or "MedSpas" has increased to over 2,500 in the US, and these businesses, which combine salon and spa treatments with medical cosmetic procedures, offer laser resurfacing. Nonmedical practitioners, such as aestheticians, cosmetologists and electrologists may offer such treatments, but the DPH and other regulatory medical organizations plan to enforce laws that ensure special training and certification to legally administer any form of laser treatment. The safest current route for laser wrinkle reduction (also the route that guarantees the latest in laser technology and technique precision) is to have the procedure performed in the dermatologist's office or plastic surgery center by medical doctors.
Alternatives
Microdermabrasion is another non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses a skin "sanding" device with fine teeth to sweep exfoliating crystals across the skin, sloughing off dead skin cells and exposing a fresher, more even-toned outer layer of skin. Microdermabrasion kits for home-application are available from most cosmetics companies, such as L'Oreal and Neutrogena. While this is a less expensive alternative and easier on the skin, visible effects may require more treatment than with laser surgery. Chemical peels are another method for reducing wrinkles, and while at-home chemical peels are available, the concentration of acids in the products make the dermatologist the optimal and safer choice for administering the procedure. For people with more intense signs of aging and who desire the fastest and most dramatic results, there are plastic surgery options, such as a face lift.
Warning
While laser wrinkle reduction is effective and has its advantages, the laser procedures are not risk-free. Scarring, infection, and skin discoloration are results of unskilled and inexperienced renderings of the procedure and negligent post-operative care.
Tags: lines wrinkles, cosmetic procedures, fine lines, fine lines wrinkles, laser resurfacing, plastic surgery