Phoenix Laser Resurfacing doctors
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Susan Van Dyke, MD
Paradise Valley Dermatologist
5206 N Scottsdale Rd, Paradise Valley |
8 answers | |
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Todd Christopher Hobgood, MD
Phoenix Facial Plastic Surgeon
3501 North Scottsdale Road Suite 160, Scottsdale |
3 answers | |
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Amir M. Karam, MD
San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon
4765 Carmel Mountain Road 201, San Diego |
1 answer | |
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Paul K. Holden, MD
Phoenix Facial Plastic Surgeon
9522 E. San Salvador Dr. Suite 301, Scottsdale |
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Geoffrey E. Leber, MD
Paradise Valley Plastic Surgeon
5410 N. Scottsdale Road Suite D-500 , Paradise Valley |
Recent Answers
I am 25 years old and have been in search of a treatment for uneven skin, premature fine lines, and some acne scarring. I still have some mild comedonal acne that has persisted since adolescence, but am pretty depressed with how my face now looks. I am 2 years post accutane and i think my skin is pretty sensitive. I really want to fix this as it is very depressing but am unsure of what the best route to go actually is. I figure dermabrasion or laser resurfacing are best, but am pretty scared
Unfortunatelt this is a very difficult question to answer without an exam. However, a few generalizations can be made.
1.) Deep ice pick scars likely will require removal with small grafts from behind the ear for maximial improvement followed by some resurfacing (dermabrasion vs. laser).
2.) Lasers are very good to soften margins on discoid acne scars (think of moon craters).
3.) Atrophic acne scars often will need lifting with some filler. Fat can be used. Also any of the availalble market fillers work quite nicely.
Bottom line: All scars are not the same. Many times a combination of therapies is necessary to resurface the skin, remove irregular surfaces, and plump the undersurface to improve contour.
Hope that helps.
Dr. Todd Hobgood
My dermatologist offers a laser treatment for skin "resurfacing" which is different from the laser at my favorite medispa. Are all lasers the same? How do I make sure they use the right one?
This is a great question. Carbon dioxide source (CO2) lasers have always been highly effective to resurface facial wrinkles, remove pigmentation and clear sun damage. Issues in the past related to cost, recovery time, and complications. The older methods all used what is called ablative approaches- essentially the entire skin surface was painted with the laser. This achieved incredible results that lasted a lifetime, but required 3 weeks or more for healing.
Newer technology evolved that essentially "pixelated" the energy. We call this fractionation. The newest lasers don't cover the entire face. Rather they produce microscopic treatment zones that are healed more quickly by the untreated adjacent skin. (Think of aerating the lawn on a golf course.) These lasers produce very effective results that can heal in about 7 to 10 days.
Patients really need to research and understand the technology behind the laser. Don't gravitate toward a name. Understand the type of laser (ie CO2), the power (super pulse, ultra pulse, etc) and the delivery of that power (ie fractionation). Now you can truly understand the differences in the resurfacing process.
Bottom line: In my hands, the CO2 laser with ultrapulse power and fractionation is the best laser around. I recommend the lumenis encore with active and deep fx power.
I've had 3 pixel laser sessios done and have experienced breakouts afterwards. My derm told me it has nothing to do with the procedure, but I had never had acne before on my left cheek and when I peeled after my first session I had quite a few pimples and it was quite a shock... the worst episode took place 5 days after my last session: 2 huge cysts popped there (on my left cheek) out of nowhere, and now I'm left with 2 very nasty icepick scars... Is it possible that laser triggered my acne?
Generally speaking, laser surgery should actually help to reduce the build up of oil within glands of the face that cause acne. However patients may be asked to apply post treatment products to protect the skin and aid in healing that might cause some early problems. Essentially we have to watch our patients during recovery very closely for these secondary effects and make changes as appropriate. Also, some patients in the rosacea spectrum can respond to treatment with inflammatory changes that can lead to acne breakouts. This is rare and very managable. I would speak to a qualified specialist to determine how to best treat your current conditions. Best of Luck, Dr. Todd Hobgood
