Laser Vs. Infrared Cosmetic Procedures Article

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Laser vs. Infrared Cosmetic Procedures

Laser skin resurfacing using laser and infrared technology can greatly improve the appearance of your skin. These cosmetic procedures are the non-surgical way to achieve tighter, younger-looking skin.

Author: Sara Goldstein

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There are many different laser technologies used in laser skin resurfacing, and cosmetic surgeons usually offer a number of different lasers. Your doctor can recommend the best treatment for you, but you may want to consider the differences between the lasers to make an informed decision.

Ablative vs. Non-Ablative Technology
In skin resurfacing procedures, skin appearance is improved with light energy. Some lasers remove the outer layer of skin cells, causing your body to respond with the production of new skin. These lasers are called “ablative,” meaning that they heat up the moisture in your skin, causing it to vaporize and removing the outer layer of skin cells along with it.

Examples of ablative lasers include:
• CO2 laser
• Er: YAG laser

In comparison, non-ablative lasers use heat that penetrates beyond the outer layer of skin. Non-ablative lasers heat the skin underneath, causing skin to tighten and produce more collagen. Examples of non-ablative lasers include:

• Cutera Titan
• Palomar LuxIR Deep
• Refirme

Whether you will benefit most from an ablative or non-ablative method will depend mostly on your unique skin needs as well as your own preferences. Laser skin resurfacing is a great way to achieve younger-looking skin, but for long-term results you may want to consider a surgical procedure like a facelift.

Non-ablative lasers are generally gentler and cause less pain, swelling and redness. The disadvantage to non-ablative lasers is that, because they are so gentle, they require several treatments. Each treatment should be spaced apart by four to six weeks.
Conversely, ablative methods treat serious imperfections like deep wrinkles and acne scars. Ablative skin resurfacing normally requires one to two treatments, but redness and swelling can be more pronounced with these lasers.

Choosing a Skin Resurfacing Laser
Which laser treatment you receive will depend greatly on your skin needs and your desired outcome. Laser skin resurfacing effectively improves:
• Face
• Neck
• Arms
• Abdomen
• Hands
• Décolleté (area between waist and neck)

You doctor will make a suggestion for which laser, or combination of lasers, should be used depending on the areas of treatment.
For more information about laser skin resurfacing in Charlotte, North Carolina, please visit the website of the experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons at Southeastern Plastic Surgery & Laser Center.

About Author

Southeastern Plastic Surgery's board certified plastic surgeons specialize in procedures such as Breast Augmentation, Face Lifts, Rhinoplasty, Tummy Tucks, and Liposuction.Free initial Consultations.

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Laser vs. Infrared Cosmetic Procedures