Laser Resurfacing

The Erbium laser is a way to restore your skin to a softer, smoother, more youthful appearance utilizing a method of technology that is safer, more accurate and less painful. The Erbium laser skin resurfacing procedure specifically removes superficial and moderately deep lines and wrinkles on the face. This innovative Erbium laser allows Dr. Ablon to gently remove damaged skin cells with less heating and burning of surrounding tissues. Most cases require only a local or topical anesthetic. The results of the Erbium laser have also shown production of  new collagen, creating a tightening and smoothing of the skin. Skin resurfacing with the Erbium laser cool light results in less redness, swelling and provides a more rapid healing than with other skin resurfacing methods. For the first few days following the procedure the treated areas are kept moist with ointment. Most patients are fully recovered and back to normal activities within 7 to 10 days. In the weeks following your Erbium resurfacing your fresh, new, pink skin will fade to a normal tone revealing a softer, smoother, younger look. The Erbium laser resurfacing treatment usually requires only one session to achieve your optimum results.

The MicroLaserPeel is an intra-epidermal laser peel that precisely ablates the outermost layers of the skin.  The procedure is individually tailored to the nature of the condition to be corrected.  Skin conditions such as wrinkles, scars, acne scars, keratoses, or pigmentary problems have been very successfully treated with a MicroLaserPeel.  The MicroLaserPeel procedure will give you smoother, healthier, more vibrant skin, with a significant, immediate change in skin texture and tightness.  The healing process after this laser takes about 3 to 5 days.  Symptoms immediately following the procedure resemble a sunburn, with minor sloughing on the second day.  The redness will begin to fade by the third to fifth day and you can usually resume normal activities by the fifth day after the laser treatment.  The MicroLaserPeel procedure consists of 2 to 3 treatments spaced about one month apart to achieve your optimum results.

Sciton‘s ProFractional™ works on the principle of fractionated photothermolysis. The laser is able to penetrate deeply into the dermis by ablating narrow, clean channels to a selected depth and instantly removing necrotic tissue. These channels are surrounded by healthy tissue, speeding healing time and reducing downtime for the patient. As opposed to non-ablative technologies, which create large zones of thermal necrosis, ProFractional energy delivery is limited to the narrow channels, minimizing patient discomfort. The ProFractional laser treatment requires little or no anesthesia, fewer treatment sessions and offers results comparable to more aggressive treatments.  The healing process takes only one to two days and during this phase the skin will resemble a minor sunburn.  The Profractional laser treatment usually requires one to three sessions at intervals of one month apart to achieve your optimum results.

Combination procedures (fillers, botulinum toxin and lasers) will afford you the greatest overall results.

To schedule a consultation, call (310) 727-DERM (3376).

UltraClear®’s cold laser beams precisely remove damaged epidermal cells to clear surface irregularities while minimizing thermal-induced side effects as well as reducing pain. UltraClear®’s superior beam quality enables even energy distribution, delivering highly consistent resurfacing results. Like deep exfoliation, UltraClear® promotes growth of new and fresh skin cells that are smoother, healthier and more radiant.

Simultaneously, UltraClear® forms thermal injuries in the mid dermis by depositing controllable thermal energy, which in turn starts the skin’s self-healing process to promote internal growth of collagen (neocollagenesis), elastin and hyaluronic acid, lifting and rejuvenating skin from the inside out.

Pre-operative Care

Prior to your Ultra Clear or Profractional Erbium Laser Procedure, medications will be given to you at your preoperative visit.  You must take the anti-herpetic medication the day before laser and continue for 5 days throughout the healing period (Valtrex) twice a day.  You may also be started on an antibiotic (Ciprofloxin) twice a day if necessary, lab work is mandatory as bleeding does occur.

Arrange for transportation home after the procedure, and if possible, arrange for someone to stay with you for the first 24 hours of your recuperation at home.

Post-Operative Care

You will leave with ointment or a topical Dr Ablon chooses on the area treated.  The night you go home there will be some oozing.  Simply take a gauze pad or wash cloth and blot dry.  Sleep on your back with your head elevated with two pillows.  Do not eat anything hot, spicy or hard if your face is treated.  Minimal chewing is best: soft foods and fluids are best for the first two days if face is treated.

You will be seen in our office ONE or SEVEN days Post OP.  Do not scratch your scabs or pick at any crusted areas as this may cause scarring.  You may wish to wear gloves or socks on your hands when you go to bed to prevent scratch marks during sleep.  Over the counter Benadryl can be helpful to promote sleep and relieve itching.

• Take prescribed medications
• If swelling occurs, apply ice packs or small bags of frozen peas wrapped with a dry, thin towel as needed.
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid very hot or cold foods for the first 24 hours
• Detailed written pre and post operative instructions will be provided to you prior to the procedure.