What is a laser facial peel?

What is a laser peel?

Lasers have come a long way over the past several decades.  They have been used in facial plastic surgery for a long time, but new technologies have made them better and better.  The lasers of the past have been replaced with newer, safer, more effective ones.  While medical lasers have dozens of uses, specific ones have been developed for facial peels.

So what is a laser peel?  Think of a laser as a stimulator of new skin growth.  By removing old skin cells with the laser, newer skin can regenerate in its place.  You will see skin that is smoother, brighter, and more evenly toned.

Lasers of the past were designed to remove the entire top layer of skin.  Think of this as “mowing the lawn.”  While this was effective, the recovery period was several weeks where the skin remained red and swollen.

Think of the new fractional lasers as “aerating the lawn.”  These lasers essentially poke microscopic holes in the skin. This removes a very small area of skin, but more importantly, stimulates the body to renew and regenerate the skin around it as well. Recovery time has been reduced from several weeks to just a few days.

Laser peels have taken the place of many chemical peels as well.  A laser can be used more safely, more precisely, and with less downtime.

Keep in mind that, while your skin is healing after a laser peel, you will be more sun-sensitive.  The winter is an ideal time to get yours done, as the sun is not out as much, and you can stay warm and cozy indoors while you recover.

In our practice, we have a new fractional CO2 laser that works very well for skin resurfacing. It can help treat sun spots and scarring as well.

The next time you feel ready for some skin rejuvenation, consider a laser peel as an excellent rebooting of your skin.

 

Here’s to the beautiful human face,

-Dr. Yamamoto

 

New Year's Resolutions for the face

Here's to a happy and healthy 2016!  What are your New Year's resolutions?

Keep your face in mind when making yours this year.  Remember, your face is the most delicate and most personal part of your body.  Treat it well and do those little things it deserves to stay fresh and youthful.  Resolutions for your face can be a simple as trying a medical-grade skin care product or wrinkle-reducing treatment in the office.  You can even finally book that surgery you have always thought about.

Here are a few ideas:
1) A little seasonal Botox/Dysport/Xeomin.  Quick, easy, and one of the best things to ward off those wrinkles, while giving you a refreshed, brightened look.
2) A facial treatment including peels, microdermabrasion, and LED light treatments.  They not only make your skin glow as soon as you walk about, but also are incredibly relaxing and stress-reducing.
3) Always wondered about facial fillers or other injections, but haven't tried it yet?  Make 2016 the year!  I love giving my patients information about anything they'd like to know.  You can find out more about that product you have heard about, or I can give you ideas about things you may have never considered.
4) Try medical-grade skin care products, only available through your doctor.  They are highly-effective and have proven science behind their active ingredients.
5) Finally take care of those jowls with a mini-facelift.  Recovery is short and the benefits are long-lasting.

If you need any help in reaching those facial resolutions for the year, we are always available at our office in Plumgate in Reno, or our NEW location in Carson City.

Here's to the beautiful human face,
-Dr. Yamamoto