Laser Non-Albative Rejuvenation

Non-Ablative Laser Resurfacing, or "photo-rejuvenation," utilizes light energy to stimulate collagen remodeling and/or remove irregular pigmentation and enlarged blood vessels from the skin surface. Unlike traditional resurfacing procedures, this technique doesn't injure the outer layers of skin and there is no prolonged healing phase or risk of complications. Loss of time from normal activities is minimal.

The aim of non-ablative technologies is to create controlled injuries to certain "target" structures in the dermis, while completely sparing the epidermis from damage. These controlled injuries stimulate a healing response in the dermis, causing collagen production and remodeling, as well as shrinking of sebaceous glands and a tightening effect of the skin.

Conditions that can be treated by non-ablative technologies include facial wrinkles, sun damage, age and pigmentation spots, rosacea, acne scarring, blood vessels, and other minor surface irregularities. Non-ablative procedures can be performed almost anywhere on the body with little or no risk of scarring. Treatments can take as little as 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes depending upon the area to be treated. Treatment requires no anesthesia, although some patients may feel a slight warming sensation. Noticeable improvement may be seen 6 weeks after the first treatment, with continued improvement noted up to 6 months after treatment. Some patients experience dramatic results right from treatment. Treatment is permanent, in the sense that new collagen growth is stimulated by the treatment. The new collagen is treated as existing collagen, and is then subject to the same aging influences as the rest of the body. Possible side effects include postoperative fever blisters, swelling, and bruising at the site of treatment--especially in patients taking high doses of aspirin, vitamin E, or drugs that induce photosensitivity.