Laser Resurfacing: Q&A
Ask a QuestionWhat's the Best Laser for Skin Resurfacing?
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?
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45 Doctor Answers |
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anon
+16
Fractional laser is NOT the best.
I risk the disagreement of many of my colleagues who have and use fractional lasers in their practices, but I would be able to submit evidence that this is indeed a correct statement. First, I will state that there is nothing WRONG with fractional lasers or resurfacing--they do make nice changes in the skin and are generally appreciated by patients who have these procedures. BUT. . .laser surgeons who charge a lot, and promise even more, can risk the wrath of patients who feel their...
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+8
CO2 lasers are the gold standard!!
In our practice we are very happy with the Active FX fractional CO2 laser. It provides our patients with most of the benefits of the CO2 laser without the downsides. However, no laser will be as successful at obtaining the fabulous results of a well done CO2 laser. But then again, those patients suffered from long recovery periods and very obvious hypopigmentation ("bleaching") problems.
When you are deciding on what laser to use, you have to ask yourself 3 questions:
What level...
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+8
For skin resurfacing there are two main types of lasers,...
For skin resurfacing there are two main types of lasers, carbon dioxide (CO2) and erbium.
CO2 skin resurfacing is the most aggressive and produces the most dramatic results but also requires longer healing times.
Erbium resurfacing is gentler and produces good results with quicker recovery.
There are lasers, such as the Derma K laser, which combine the advantages of both CO2 and erbium into one laser.
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So this is my third laser in the last 2 yrs. going through the itchy stage as I type this....
+7
Combined Fractional Erbium Laser Resurfacing is a Very Effective Technique
The BEST Laser Resurfacing technique is the one done by the best, experienced, most knowledgeable doctor. It is NOT the Laser but the doctor who is using the laser that is most important for the best result.
An excellent laser physician can achieve excellent results with any of the popular lasers whether flat beam or fractional-so choose your doctor very carefully-this is your most important decision.
After 17 years of doing Laser Skin Resurfacing I am currently using a Combined Non...
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+4
I've read through all the answers on this page and they...
I've read through all the answers on this page and they are excellent. In the interests of saving time, let's go through the bullet points:
The right laser depends on what you are treating (redness, brown spots, wrinkles, laxity, etc.)
The laser should be used by a physician with adequate training, experience, and credentials
Sometimes laser is not the best option, therefore it is important to see a physician who has different options and can offer you the one that is right for you....
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+3
The Best Laser For Skin Resurfacing
Many lasers are available for skin rejuvenation. The ideal laser treatment for you would depend on your concerns, your skin color and the amount of downtime and recovery you are willing to experience. In my Raleigh, North Carolina Plastic Surgery Practice I use the following modalities for skin rejuvenation:
IPL, second generation intense pulsed light . This device can safely remove irregular pigmentation, dark spots and red splotchy skin from the face neck chest hands or...
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+3
Best Laser for Skin Resurfacing
I would agree that there is no "best" laser for all problems and all patients... The laser I would recommend would really depend to a large extent on your skin type, skin history, and your goals for improvement.
For wrinkles, brown spots, and acne scarring, my favorite tool is the Mixto SX laser because by combining the benefits of the Carbon Dioxide modality with modern, Micro-fractional technology, I believe it offers "the best of both worlds", if you will.
You can...
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+3
There is no 'Best' laser for skin resurfacing
Skin resurfacing implies that you want to have the outer most layers removed to expose the immature layers of the skin. The older outer skin is removed and the immature skin grows and heals the skin leaving fresher looking younger skin.
No single company has the best laser. The types of lasers that will resurface the skin are the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) or Erbium lasers. These are lasers that can precisely control the depth of skin removal. They will work the best. The more aggressive you are...
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+3
"Best Laser?"
This question is like "What is the best hair style?". The answer is "It depends".
The gold standard laser for skin resurfacing used to be the CO2 laser. But because of its aggressiveness, long healing period, and eventual hypo-pigmentation, it is not very mainstream any more. Erbium resurfacing is more gentler and with repeated treatments, you can achieve similar results. At the same time, the old and time tested chemical peels are excellent less expensive way to...
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+3
CO2 laser skin resurfacing
Because surgery alone cannot correct the tone and texture of your skin, a laser resurfacing procedure to reduce the signs of aging skin allowing it to assume a more rejuvenated, refreshed appearance is often recommended.
Laser skin resurfacing is used to remove areas of damaged or wrinkled skin. This process gently removes skin imperfections and dramatically reduces lines and wrinkles, while using the most advanced technology available and providing safe and effective treatment to the skin....
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Tampa Ophthalmologist
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Comments (3)
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
Well, substitute 'Collective fear of competition' and you approach the truth. The problem is the 'truth' doesn't sell or get bums on seats.
This was particularly noticeable during the period of the recent much hyped non-ablative methods of facial rejuvenation. This behavioural change in attitude prompted a realisation by both doctors and patients that these methods were comparable with ablative skin resurfacing and were often subject to extravagant claims in terms of efficacy. The older CO2 laser resurfacing was for many years considered the ‘gold standard’ for the treatment of rhytides and photodamaged facial skin and in the right hands, still is.