Laser Wash™ Skin Resurfacing

Lasers were first introduced to treat medical disease in the early 1970's. With research and technological advances many lasers are able to perform a wide array of different tasks. The first cosmetic applications of laser technology were merely to make a bloodless incision.

Today, cosmetic lasers are used to perform very specialized specific tasks with accurate and consistent results, with little or no risks. With this in mind, cosmetic lasers are currently being used to help wash away wrinkles, remove vascular red skin spots, brown spots, tattoos, hair, leg veins, and assists in many other procedures.

As important for remarkable results is the physician guiding its applications. Dr. Maloney's laser background and experience began in 1976. He has patented and developed several laser delivery systems that are marketed around the world. He has conducted FDA clinical trials for laser applications in Erbium:YAG, CO2 and Argon laser technology. Dr. Agarwal has been part of the generation of Facial Plastic Surgeons trained in laser technology and applications from day one. He has extensive experience with resurfacing and non-resurfacing laser modalities, and he has added several laser modalities to the Aesthetic Surgery Center.

• UltraPulse 5000 CO2 Laser - In the fall of 1995, the first and only carbon dioxide laser specifically designed for resurfacing the skin was developed. This laser is computer programmable for depth, intensity, pattern, and size. For the first time, laser skin resurfacing produced precise and predictable results with a greatly reduced risk of scarring. At last, a weapon has been designed to successfully fight back wrinkled dry skin.

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• Erbium:YAG Laser - In the fall of 1996, this laser was developed and its applications are important. Its fine, delicate light beam is the perfect compliment to the broad "heavy duty" beam of the Carbon Dioxide. A single erbium application has applications for less wrinkled, but more acne or facial scarring. Because it heals more quickly, it is ideal for younger career individuals who are looking to improve and maintain their skin's quality.

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• Arctic Peel ™ - Also known as the "weekend" skin peel, the Arctic Peel ™ is ideal for patients with sun damaged skin and early skin aging. Our physicians utilize the Sciton Profile ™ Erbium-YAG laser to perform this in-office, minimal down-time procedure. No anesthetic is required as chilled air is used to cool the skin during the treatment. The Arctic Peel ™ provides deeper resurfacing than microdermabrasion, and you will have noticeably smoother skin. While results are seen after one treatment, they continue to improve with successive treatments.

• Arctic Laser Wash - Using the Sciton Profile ™ Erbium-YAG laser, this partial epidermal peel can successfully treat brown spots, age spots, acne scars, scars, fine wrinkles, and keratoses. Makeup will go on smoother and you will look and feel younger. Topical anesthetic cream is used in addition to the cool air chiller, and healing can range from 3-7 days, depending on the depth of ablation that is chosen. The Arctic Laser Wash is our most popular, in-office, skin resurfacing procedure. If you are looking for a low down-time procedure which offers serious results, call The Aesthetic Surgery Center to schedule your appointment. Our comprehensive Arctic Laser Wash package includes the topical agents required to enhance your recovery and your results.

How do I know if I am a candidate for a Laser Wash™?
An individual consultation with one of our Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Maloney or Dr. Agarwal, is the best way to determine which procedure is best suited to meet your goals. During this consultation, the surgeon will examine you, and discuss which laser is ideal for your face and needs.

Do I need someone to take care of me after my Laser Wash™?
For a deep CO2 Laser Wash™, you will need someone to help you for at least one or two days post-operatively. If a supportive friend or family member is not available, then home nursing can be arranged through our office.

How long do I need to be in town after a CO2 Laser Wash™ and when can I fly again?
At the Aesthetic Surgery Center, we have many national and international patients who fly to Naples for their facial surgery. We ask that you remain in town for a full 14 days after a Laser Wash™. After that, you are free to fly.

After laser resurfacing (Laser Wash™), how long will the laser sites be red?
This is highly dependent on the individual’s skin type, the depth of laser resurfacing chosen, and the laser machine that is utilized. The deepest (and most effective) form of laser resurfacing is the CO2 Laser Wash™. With this treatment, the laser sites are red for 10 to 14 days post-operatively. After this time, make-up can be used to easily camouflage the residual pink color. This pink color will fade to normal skin color over a 2 to 3 month period.

What kind of care is required after laser resurfacing (Laser Wash™)?
Post-operative care is of paramount importance with laser resurfacing (Laser Wash™). Our Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Maloney and Dr. Agarwal, insist on having you seen in our office at least 4 out of 7 days post-operatively, to ensure meticulous care of the laser sites. Initially, a cleaning regimen is reviewed with you, and you will use Aquaphor ointment on the laser sites to keep them moist during the first 10 to 14 days.

What kind of anesthesia is utilized during a Laser Wash™?
An Arctic Laser Wash™ can be done with either local anesthetic or twilight sedation. A CO2 Laser Wash™ is done with twilight anesthesia most commonly. During this type of anesthesia, you will breathe on your own, but you will not remember anything. It is a quick acting type of anesthesia that also wears off quickly. Because you are breathing spontaneously, an endotracheal tube is usually not used.

Where is the procedure performed?
An Arctic Laser Wash™ can be performed in our office or at our state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center, Doctors Outpatient Surgery Center (DOSC). DOSC is fully certified by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). All CO2 Laser Wash™ procedures are performed at DOSC.