What
is Profile?
Profile
is a combination of two
laser technologies, and
sets a new standard for
laser skin
peels, allowing your physician to precisely vary
the depth and the effect
of your laser peel. Your
treatment
will be tailored to match your skin condition and
desired result.
What is laser skin resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing is one of the leading
cosmetic procedures in the United States. The process
utilizes a laser to minimize the appearance of lines
and wrinkles, as well as improve the overall texture
of the skin.
How does laser skin resurfacing
work?
Lasers work by emitting a specialized light
that passes through the skin and is preferentially
absorbed by water in the damaged collagen of your
skin. This action allows the laser light to ablate
(evaporate) very fine layers of skin, diminishing
the look of the wrinkle and other unwanted textures.
The older, wrinkled collagen in your skin is remodeled
into newer skin: as new cells form in the healing
process, the skin becomes smoother and softer. Several
lasers and light sources are available today for
skin resurfacing.
Why choose laser skin
resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing offers patients many
benefits. The procedure is truly "incisionless," provides
consistent results, and offers the physician precise
control. Its faster recovery time means that it can
also delay or eliminate the need for the more invasive
face-lift surgery.
What will the Profile
laser do?
Your physician will use Profile to remove
thin layers of your skin's surface, which will be
replaced by younger skin growth. Only Profile has
the ability to provide a treatment that is optimized
to your skin condition. Your wrinkles will soften
and become less noticeable, some will disappear;
and pigmented lesions will greatly improve.
What areas can be treated?
All skin areas can be treated. Popular areas
are the face, neck, chest and hands. Discuss your
needs with your physician.
How long will it take
me to recover?
Your healing time will depend upon your
actual treatment depth, and you may experience erythema
(redness) which may last several weeks. Healing time
does vary among individuals. Your physician can answer
questions about temporary changes to your skin color
and how they may be camouflaged.
What should I expect after
treatment?
Some redness and slight swelling may be
present in the area that has been treated, however,
this should subside within a few hours. Your skin
will have a pink or red color that will resolve over
time. You will need to avoid direct sun exposure,
or use a sun block of at least SPF 15 when outdoors.
Is there a risk?
Following the correct aftercare procedures
prescribed by your physician will reduce the risk
of infection. You will return to your physician for
follow-up visits to ensure excellent healing.
What will happen during
the procedure?
Your physician will administer anesthesia
after discussing the options with you. Your eyes
will be protected with safety shields or glasses. Profile's laser beam will be delivered
through a computer-controlled device that automatically
scans the area of your skin being treated. You may
hear a snapping or popping noise as the laser gently
removes the outer skin cells. Your procedure may take a few
minutes to half an hour depending on the size of
the area to be treated and the depth of your peel.
What aftercare will I
need?
It is important to follow your physician’s
instructions. You will be given some skin care products
and instructions on how to use them. This will minimize
your risk for infection and ensure the shortest healing
time. The top layer of your skin will re-grow and
may be covered with make-up in about one week. Your new skin will be very sensitive
to ultra-violet light and you must avoid sun exposure
until fully healed. You need to cover your skin,
wear a hat and use a good sun screen if you have
to go outdoors.
How long will it take
me to heal? What are the side effects?
Most patients enjoy a short recovery time
after laser resurfacing, which lasts anywhere from
less than a week for lighter resurfacing procedures,
to a bit more than a week for deeper procedures.
You will be asked to keep the area moist. The initial
redness after the procedure will fade over a period
of time. However, camouflage makeup may be used to
cover the redness. As with any surgical procedure,
there are risks and side-effects associated with
laser skin resurfacing. Your doctor will review with
you in detail any risks involved in the procedure.
Is the procedure painful?
You will be given either a topical or local
anesthetic during the procedure. Sedation can also
be provided. Most patients describe the post-procedure
feeling as a bad sunburn; this feeling will subside
in a few days. Cold compresses will also help subdue
the discomfort.
How soon will I see results?
Because your skin
will heal over a period of several weeks, you may
not see the final results until then. As your skin
heals, and as new collagen regenerates and fills
in the lines and wrinkles, your results will continue
to improve. Results will continue to improve for
months. |
