Atlanta Facial Plastic Surgery
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser wrinkle removal and skin rejuvenation at Dr. Sinha’s Atlanta office is accomplished through Fractional Laser Resurfacing and the CO2 Laser Peel (Also known as CO2 Max). These laser treatments restore and refine by safely vaporizing layers of skin, revealing healthier, newer skin and causing increased collagen production. By promoting collagen growth, the deeper laser skin resurfacing treatments also slow down the aging process.
Dr. Sinha customizes each laser treatment based on the needs and desired downtime of the patient—lighter, surface level correction require less, while deeper wrinkles, tightening, and re-contouring, require more downtime. The laser technology Dr. Sinha uses allows for the flexibility of 5-100% coverage in a single pass of the laser. This means the depth of coverage is highly customized according to the individual face, as well as different areas of the face. This tailored technique is made possible, in part by the UltraPulse® laser, which targets everything from discoloration and fine lines to deep wrinkles and scars by choosing the depth of laser treatment. Dr. Sinha may use UltraPulse Active FX, for example, for fine lines and brown spots and UltraPulse Deep FX for deep collegan stimulation. Traditional CO2 (“CO2 Max”) is not fractional—Dr. Sinha often uses this laser for the most powerful overall tightening and deep wrinkle removal.
Whether the laser treatment that is right for you is fractionated or “fractional” (dispersed laser beams allowing for less downtime) or not fractionated (using the full force of the laser beam), will depend on your expected results and the amount of downtime you are able to take. Here are the basic categories, which will be further tailored in your comprehensive consultation to best address your specific needs:
The CO2 Light (Active FX™)
CO2 laser is ideal for removing dull surface skin, reducing facial discoloration, improving skin texture, and eliminating blemishes such as scars. This skin resurfacing treatment ablates or “wipes away” the upper layers of skin with fractionated laser technology. It requires a few days downtime and a topical pain relieving cream for comfort during the procedure.
The CO2 Medium-Level (Total FX™ or Deep FX)
Atlanta Institute for Facial Aesthetic Surgery offers technology that adjusts to the patient’s desired aesthetic outcome as well as the patient’s schedule. Those seeking a more medium-level laser skin treatment can expect to be red for 8-10 days, but will enjoy wrinkle improvement and skin tightening in addition to the benefits of the “Light” laser peel (improved, tone, color, texture).
The CO2 Deep-Level Laser Treatment
Dr. Sinha uses the deep CO2 laser technique to stimulates the most new collagen growth in the dermis layer, effectively removing deep wrinkles and restructuring and restoring skin to a healthier state.
This laser skin resurfacing procedure will leave you with skin that looks firmer, smoother, and younger-looking in addition to imparting the surface-level benefits listed under “light” as well as line correction benefits under “medium” level treatments (above).
Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure
During your consultation, the Atlanta Institute for Facial Aesthetic surgery will help you select the most appropriate laser for your skin resurfacing goals. The procedure for all laser skin resurfacing is similar.
The procedure takes place in a licensed ambulatory surgical center adjacent to Dr. Sinha’s Atlanta office. The patient is typically put into twilight sedation for most medium level treatments, meaning that he or she will not feel pain during the treatment, but will remain conscious (though not necessarily awake). Patients will be put under general anesthesia for deep-level laser resurfacing. (Light-level laser treatment requires only a topical anesthetic). Dr. Sinha then moves the laser over the discussed treatment area, using a variety of techniques, depths, and settings according to the patient’s specific needs. For deeper areas, such as heavy scars, the area may need to be treated again in a follow-up visit. Dr. Sinha will often suggest that the patient apply a facial cream in the weeks leading up to and following the laser skin treatment.
Recovery From Laser Treatment
Depending on the depth of Dr. Sinha’s laser skin resurfacing treatment, patients often experience swelling and mild discomfort after their laser treatment, but these are well controlled with ice and medication. If a deeper technique was used, the patient cannot drive home from Atlanta Institute for Facial Aesthetic Surgery’s outpatient center and will need assistance until the anesthesia wears off. Specific recovery instructions related to your customized laser treatment will be outlined in your individual consultation.
Making a Decision Regarding Laser Resurfacing
The decision to proceed with laser skin treatment requires planning. To aid in your decision, Atlanta Institute for Facial Aesthetic surgery offers thorough consultation to answer all of your questions and assistance with the financial investment of laser skin resurfacing. Please contact us for a consultation that will clarify which laser treatment best suits your needs and schedule. Consultations cover in detail the differences in our laser skin resurfacing techniques. Some patients find during the consultation that another procedure, such as laser skin tightening or wrinkle removal with dermal fillers, is more appropriate for their goals.
