Laser Skin Rejuvenation in Scottsdale

Written by Dr. Ali Ghafouri

Also Serving Patients in Phoenix

Laser facial rejuvenation, or Laser Skin Resurfacing, is a minimally invasive skin treatment that addresses aging skin and skin damaged by sun exposure, acne and other factors. The treatment uses focused laser light to remove the damaged top layer of skin while at the same time promoting new skin growth by stimulating collagen production. The result is glowing skin and a face that looks years younger and healthier than ever.

At Arizona Oculoplastic Specialists, Dr. Ali Ghafouri offers this treatment as an alternative to more invasive surgical procedures, allowing patients to have soft, supple skin and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without going under the knife. To learn more about this safe and effective skin treatment, contact our office today.

Would You Benefit from Laser Facial Rejuvenation?

You may be a good candidate for laser facial rejuvenation if you have one or more of the following concerns:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Sun-damaged skin
• Acne scars
• Blotches or other unsightly skin conditions
• Warts
• Liver spots

Types of Laser Skin Treatments

At Arizona Oculoplastic Specialists, we offer the most advanced, proven Laser Skin Resurfacing treatments available, including AcuPulse^™ laser system by Lumenis, TotalFX and ReSurFX. Find out more about these treatments here.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing with Lumenis AcuPulse^™

The Lumenis AcuPulse^™ system is a CO2 ablative laser that works by damaging the skin to stimulate your body’s wound-healing response for smoother, tighter, more youthful skin. The deep skin layers are heated, and a thin layer of skin is removed from the surface.

AcuPulse^™ offers multiple modalities, including SuperPulse^™ for total ablative laser resurfacing with state-of-the-art technology. This laser treatment offers dynamic treatment with a single pulse to reach the deep tissues. The Lumenis system has 11 built-in modes for full versatility using only two scanner systems. Our experienced oculoplastic surgeon can fully customize your CO2 laser resurfacing with AcuPulse^™.

The short pulses reduce your discomfort during AcuPulse^™ treatment and minimize side effects. The unique SuperPulse^™ option impacts deeper skin layers safely and can be used with a continuous-wave mode. SuperPulse^™ uses the lowest amount of energy to penetrate the skin tissues, reducing pain, downtime and heat damage in the skin.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing with Lumenis AcuPulse^™ can treat many skin concerns, including:

• Severe skin lesions and scars
• Deep wrinkles
• Acne scars
• Syringomas (benign tumors that form on the eyelids and other body parts)
• Blepharoplasty (laser-assisted incisions reduce bleeding and post-surgical bruising)
• Women’s health, including gynecologic conditions
• Uneven texture or skin tone
• Loose skin
• Stretch marks
• Rhinophyma (a bulbous nose)

TotalFX with DeepFX^™ | ActiveFX^™

DeepFX^™ | ActiveFX^™ are two fractional laser resurfacing treatments that can revitalize the surface and underlying skin tissues in a single session. The fractionated carbon dioxide lasers focus on a portion of the skin, leaving surrounding tissues untouched for faster healing and more comfort. TotalFX offers effective, safe results with less downtime and fewer risks than more intensive laser treatments by combining DeepFX^™ and ActiveFX^™ modes of the UltraPulse^® laser system by Lumenis. This combination reaches the deep tissues for maximum efficacy and versatility with less trauma to the skin than CO2 laser resurfacing.

TotalFX can improve these skin concerns and more:

• Uneven skin texture 
• Scarring
• Deep wrinkles and creases
• Fine lines and wrinkles 
• Sun damage
• Actinic keratosis, or scaly patches on the skin
• Dyschromia, or abnormal skin discoloration

The mix of in-depth and superficial treatment modes with DeepFX^™ and ActiveFX^™ deliver a comprehensive treatment without surgery or significant downtime. TotalFX treats a broad spectrum of skin concerns at your skin’s surface and underneath. Advantages include results after a single session with continued improvement in skin concerns for 18 months and a comfortable treatment thanks to CoolScan^™ technology.

TotalFX has been proven to work in several clinical studies and is featured in peer-reviewed publications. Your treatment session starts with a local anesthetic to numb the area, and oral medication may also be used. Laser treatments typically take around 30 minutes, and you may experience mild to moderate discomfort afterward with warm, slightly red or swollen skin, depending on the customized settings. A cooling pack can ease these effects after treatment, and Dr. Ghafouri will give you recovery instructions.

ReSurFX^™

ReSurFX^™ is a non-ablative laser treatment that uses controlled wavelengths to heat the deep skin tissues, provoking your body’s healing response without traumatizing the surface layer skin and evaporating (ablating) the water in the tissues. ReSurFX^™ non-ablative fractional technology offers effective results with little to no downtime because it targets your troublesome areas with precision and doesn’t damage surrounding tissues.

The handheld ReSurFX^™ device only requires one pass over the treated area, which protects your skin and cuts down on treatment time. CoolScan^™ scanning technology keeps you comfortable during your session and avoids overheating the skin with continuous contact cooling. ReSurFX^™ accomplishes this gentler laser treatment using narrow energy beams to trigger neocollagenesis. New collagen and elastin production promotes skin tightening and improves signs of aging and skin traumas.

ReSurFX^™ may be combined with Lumenis Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy for Photofractional Laser Resurfacing to improve skin discoloration and even skin texture.

FAQs

How long does a laser facial rejuvenation treatment take?

Typically, one to two hours, depending on the treatment.

Is laser facial rejuvenation painful?

Depending on the treatment type, a topical numbing agent may be applied to the treatment area. In addition, numbing injections and/or cool air is applied during treatment in order to ensure that the patient is kept as comfortable as possible during treatment.

What type of anesthesia is used for a laser facial rejuvenation treatment?

A topical anesthetic agent is used to numb the treatment area. Numbing injections may also be used.

After treatment, how long will skin redness last?

The majority of the skin redness will disappear within the first few days, at which point most patients feel comfortable returning to work and socializing. The skin may still appear slightly pink for a week or more afterwards, but this effect is easily concealed with makeup.

How long will my results last?

The laser facial rejuvenation treatment has long-term benefits, as it allows for a new, healthier level of skin to be exposed. However, this new skin is still susceptible to the effects of aging, sun exposure and skin problems. Nonetheless, the effects of a treatment can often last up to seven years, depending on the conditions being treated.

Are there any risks associated with this treatment?

As this is a minimally invasive treatment that doesn’t require incisions, risks are minimal and rare, but include skin or bacterial infection.

Why should I have my laser facial rejuvenation treatment at Arizona Oculoplastic specialists?

Though the treatment is minimally invasive, it is still a medical procedure requiring the knowledge and precision of experienced staff whose expertise includes the safe and effective use of the most advanced laser technology.