Skin Resurfacing
562,706 laser skin resurfacing procedures were performed in the United States in 2010, almost 10% more than in 2009.
— The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Skin resurfacing can be performed on three different levels to achieve subtle to dramatic results:
• Superficial (stratum corneum through papillary dermis)
• Medium (upper reticular dermis)
• Deep (midreticular dermis)
— eMedicine, MedScape
Every year, millions of patients visit the dermatologist office complaining of skin problems including fine lines and wrinkles, persistent red complexion, sun spots, acne scars, large pores and other blemishes.
— Derma Network
In 2010 Americans spent $1.8 billion on skin rejuvenation procedures, of which over $900 million was spent on laser skin resurfacing.
— American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
The average procedure fee for laser skin resurfacing is USD $2,232.
— American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Mechanism of Action
A laser beam at 2940 nm wavelength will be delivered through a computer controlled device that automatically scans the area of skin being treated. Physicians can control the ablation and coagulation depth for either light or deep peels. As we age, the effects of sun damage and environmental pollutants take their toll on our skin, causing it to wrinkle, develop sun spots and look tired. A Sciton skin resurfacing procedure can reverse these effects and restore a healthy look to the skin. There are two approaches to resurfacing: full field, and fractional. In full field resurfacing, the entire surface area of the skin is treated. A laser beam is scanned across the treatment area and precisely removes a layer of skin. The body will naturally replace the old, damaged skin that was removed, with a fresh, healthy layer. Treatments can range from shallow (which might be appropriate for eliminating fine lines, sun spots and tired-looking skin) to deep (which is often used to improve skin tone/texture and eliminate deep wrinkles, even in difficult areas like upper lip lines and crow’s feet). In fractional resurfacing, the laser removes pinpoint columns of skin, leaving the surrounding tissue intact. This approach allows the laser to controllably ablate and coagulate tissue to variable depth, while the surrounding intact tissue promotes rapid healing.
Results
credit for information: http://www.sciton.com