Tijuana Plastic Surgeons - Tijuana Plastic Surgery

In laser resurfacing with Derma K is a dual laser system incorporating an Er: YAG laser and carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. This is the newest laser used to remove areas of damaged or wrinkled skin, layer by layer. The procedure is most commonly used to minimize the appearance of fine lines, especially around the mouth and the eyes. However, it is also effective in treating facial scars or areas of uneven pigmentation. Laser resurfacing may be performed on the whole face or in specific regions. Often, the procedure is done in conjunction with another cosmetic operation, such as a facelift or eyelid surgery. Laser resurfacing is still a very new procedure. However, it has been shown that in some cases, this surgical method produces less bleeding, bruising and post-operative discomfort than is typically seen with other resurfacing methods.

Laser resurfacing is performed using a beam of laser energy which vaporizes the upper layers of damaged skin at specific and controlled levels of penetration.

It’s cleat that laser resurfacing may offer a number of advantages over other resurfacing methods: precision, little (if any) bleeding and less post-operative discomfort. However, laser resurfacing isn’t cleat that laser resurfacing may offer a number of advantages over other resurfacing methods: precision, little (if any) bleeding and less post-operative discomfort.

All resurfacing treatments work essentially the same way. First, the outer layers of damaged skin are stripped away. Then, as new cells form during the healing process, a smoother, tighter, younger-looking skin surface appears. Laser resurfacing is a new method being used by plastic surgeons to remove damaged skin

Men and women of all ages can benefit from laser resurfacing. The ideal patient for laser resurfacing has fair, healthy, non-oily skin.

Patients with olive skin, brown skin or black skin may be at increased risk for pigmentation changes no matter what type of resurfacing method is recommended. We will evaluate your skin characteristics and make recommendations accordingly.

Remember, having laser resurfacing can help enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t completely remove all facial laws or prevent you from aging. Lines that occur as a result of natural movements of the face - smiling, squinting, blinking, talking, chewing will inevitably recur. We can suggest ways to help you preserve you results by protecting yourself from sun exposure or using maintenance treatments, such as light chemical peels or medicated facial creams. Before you decide to have laser resurfacing, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.

Risks associated with laser resurfacing include: burns or other injuries from the heat of the laser energy, scarring, and obvious lightening or darkening of the treated skin. Also, laser resurfacing can activate herpes virus infections (“cold sore”) and, rarely, other types of infection. Additional corrective measures and treatment may be required if healing seems abnormal or delayed or if there is any evidence of abnormal pigmentation or scarring.

In your initial consultation, be frank in discussing your expectations with us and don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have. We should be equally frank with you, explaining the factors that could influence the procedure and the results- such as any abnormal skin condition which has been diagnosed or previously treated, medications you are taking or have taken in the past, previous skin injuries or previous operations.

Depending on your individual needs, we may recommend that you begin a pretreatment plan to prepare the skin for resurfacing.

Laser resurfacing is a relative quick procedure. It usually takes anywhere from a few minutes to 1 ½ hours, depending on how large of an area is involved.

When the imperfections are especially deep, we may recommend that the resurfacing be performed in two or more stages.

When the procedure is over, we may choose to treat the resurfaced skin with applications of protective creams or ointments until healing is complete

You are likely to experience some mild swelling and discomfort after laser resurfacing. However, this can be controlled with ice packs and medications prescribed by your surgeon. During this phase of healing, it is very important that you not pick the crusts off the treated area or scarring may result. Most patients are free of crusts off the treated area or scarring may result. Most patients are free of crusts by about 10 days port-operatively. Redness may persist for several weeks.