Sun damage, fine lines, wrinkles and skin laxity are inevitable with age. Thankfully, laser skin resurfacing can help erase and slow signs of aging by removing sun damage and improving wrinkles and skin laxity. While many centers offer laser skin rejuvenation, ProfileMD has over 10 lasers which can help improve your skin. This means we have a laser for every skin condition and every skin type. Our providers can tailor your treatment based on desired results as well as your available downtime. What’s more, our providers have over 50 years of combined experience treating skin with laser.
What types of lasers are available?
Ablative Lasers
Ablative lasers remove the outer layer of skin and heat the underlying skin. These lasers help to improve texture and skin firmness by building collagen. Types of ablative lasers are the UltraPulse (CO2) laser, the Erbium laser and Fraxel Repair laser.
Non-ablative Lasers
Non-ablative lasers also stimulate collagen growth, wipe out sun damage and improve skin tone, but are less aggressive. Skin heals within just a few days but results are still very noticeable. Optimal results may require more than one treatment. The Moxi laser is a patient (and staff) favorite for its ability to effectively remove sun damage in a single session.
Fractional Hybrid Lasers
Fractional Hybrid Lasers can be both ablative and non-ablative. Fractional devices are fast becoming the treatment of choice. The HALO laser is one of our patients’ favorite hybrid lasers, removing both sun damage and building collagen.
Why would I choose a non-ablative laser treatment?
Clients who choose non-ablative procedures often do so to accommodate their schedules. This type of treatment is less invasive and offers quicker healing times. Non-ablative technologies available at Profile MD are:
- Broadband Light (BBL) which uses an intense pulse of laser light to lighten and remove brown spots, sun damage, reduce redness and to improve skin texture. A series of treatments may be recommended for the best results.
- The MOXI Laser is a thulium laser that corrects early signs of aging by reversing sun damage, reducing fine lines, and improving texture.
- The PulseDye Laser treats broken blood vessels, reduces redness caused by rosacea, and flattens scars. It is also a primary tool for removing warts.
- The GentleMax Pro Laser effectively treats sun damage and age spots, improves loose, saggy skin and is the perfect solution to remove unwanted hair.
- The PIQO4 Laser takes care of age spots and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). It also successfully removes tattoos.
Why would an ablative laser be recommended?
Patients who want a dramatic result may do best with an ablative laser. These lasers are the treatment of choice for addressing deep wrinkles, severe scarring and heavy sun damage. It is different from non-ablative laser treatment because it removes the outer layer of the epidermis. This type of resurfacing smooths the skin and causes skin to noticeably tighten where treated. It is most appropriate for the following:
- Significant signs of facial aging
- Deep pitted scars
- Someone who has the time for a longer recovery
What’s special about Fractional Lasers?
At Profile MD, our providers often use the Profractional Laser to rejuvenate wrinkled and sun damaged skin on the face, hands and neck. The technology is completely tunable to be more or less aggressive. Treatment causes tiny channels to form deep into the skin. These channels heal quickly compared to full field laser treatments. Our doctors may recommend adding Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) or Exovex to your laser treatment. These additions are absorbed into the micro-channels causing the skin to heal and to build new healthy tissue.
What happens on the day of my treatment?
The treating clinician will have you wash off the numbing cream before treatment starts. You will then be placed in the appropriate room for care and made comfortable. In most cases, treatment will take 30 to 45 minutes. Post care depends on the laser and level of treatment provided. You will leave our office with a light gel on your face and you will be instructed to avoid the sun for several days while healing. Photos will be taken before treatment and after you have healed.
What about deeper ablative procedures?
If you opt for a more involved procedure, you may be given the option of either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with oral sedation. General anesthesia requires clearance from your primary care physician, and laboratory evaluation. You will be given pre-care and post-care instructions at your pre-procedure visit. Pictures will be taken and any necessary medications ordered. You will be instructed to have a driver if you plan to receive general anesthesia or an oral sedative.
When will I see results?
Non ablative procedures start showing improvements after the swelling and redness have resolved. However, improvements will continue to progress over time as collagen rebuilds. The first thing you will notice is improved skin color and texture. Ablative procedures take longer to heal so you will have to wait a week or two to see the fresh new skin emerging. Once the healing process is complete, the results are often dramatic. Ablative procedures clear sun damage and noticeably reduce fine lines and wrinkles. You can also expect some skin tightening due to laser heat that comes with treatment.
How do I maintain my results?
A follow up consultation with our aesthetician or nurse is important to advise on appropriate daily skin care. We proudly offer the ZO skin care line.
How long will my results last?
Your correction could last for years if you properly take care of your skin. Here are some factors that influence how long results last:
- Sun exposure
- Extreme weight gain or weight loss
- Genetics
- Smoking
To learn more or schedule your free consultation call 410-544-4600 to schedule a FREE consultation to discover the possibilities.
