Ask The Doctor

What is cost of laser resurfacing?

2012-03-06T16:25:00.005-08:00

Fractional laser treatments are not permanent. Regular sessions are required as the skin ages. The cost of fractional laser therapy is variable and dependent on the type of laser and degree of skin treatment. The average costs range anywhere from $ 2,000-5,000. So before you undertake this expensive undertaking, which is not only temporary but with no guarantee of success, choose your physician well. There are no refunds.

Does everyone benefit after laser resurfacing?

2012-03-06T16:25:00.003-08:00

Unfortunately, not everyone has a 100% response with fractional skin laser treatment. Most individuals obtain anywhere from a 10-50% response and there are many individuals who show no response. It is difficult to predict who will not respond to the treatment. The majority of people either get no result or develop complications.

Is there anything I should do after laser resurfacing?

2012-03-06T16:25:00.000-08:00

- Avoid the sun. After any laser treatment, excessive sun should be avoided. If one is tempted to go out, then a sunscreen should be worn. Direct sun exposure should be avoided for at least the first 8-12 weeks after the laser treatment.

- One can wear makeup and cosmetics soon after the procedure. For those who have a pink skin discoloration after the treatment, camouflage cosmetics may be worn during the first week.

What are side effects of laser resurfacing?

2012-03-06T16:24:00.000-08:00

Immediately after the procedure the following can occur:

- Redness: this skin discoloration is transient and usually resolves in a few hours.

- Pain. In generally, the majority of individuals have no pain after the laser treatment. For the mild pain that does occur in a few individuals, any over the counter pain medication may suffice.

- Swelling: the swelling is generally mild when the laser is applied for a short time. During longer procedure, facial swelling can occur and be noticeable. One should apply a cool compress and sleep with the head elevated for the first 24 hours after the treatment. This will reduce the swelling by the next morning.

- The skin may feel dry after laser therapy. This dryness may persist and lead to peeling or flaking of the skin. In most cases, this can be prevented by liberally applying a moisturizing cream.

I should warn you that many people also develop devastating permanent complications like burns, keloids, scars and even persistent pain.

How is fractional laser resurfacing done? I am just about to undergo the procedure?

2012-03-06T16:23:00.002-08:00

All fractional lasers resurfacing of skin is done as an outpatient procedure. The procedure is usually done in the physician’s office. After arrival, you will be made comfortable and safety goggles are worn during the procedure.

The current lasers are patient compliant and tolerated by most patients. The advanced cooling systems located at the tip of the laser prevent pain. However, those who are not able to tolerate any pain, the physician may apply a topical local anesthetic 10-20 minutes prior to the procedure.

The laser treatment lasts anywhere from 30-60 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated. If the procedure is done well, there is minimal downtime and the side effects are mild.

How many sessions of laser do I need to tighten my skin?

2012-02-29T16:15:00.005-08:00

Laser skin tightening is done as an outpatient procedure and may take anywhere from 30-60 minutes, depending on the area being treated. After laser treatment, there is a small amount of swelling and redness, which usually disappears in 2-4 days. Depending on the type of laser being used, some individuals may require more than one session to achieve the best cosmetic result. In general, there is nothing in plastic surgery that can be accomplished in one session. The aim of the treatment is to not only please you, but make the surgeon richer. The results of laser skin tightening last anywhere from 3-6 months- if you are lucky.

I am thinking of going laser to rejuvenate my skin. Is this a painful procedure?

2012-02-29T16:15:00.002-08:00

All lasers cause pain. However, the lighter strength lasers only sting for a second. Doctors do numb the skin so that you do not feel the pain. There are also some lasers with come with a cooling tip. If the laser does not hurt, it means it will do jack shit for you.

Do lasers have an anti-aging benefit?

2012-02-29T16:14:00.008-08:00

Have you been drinking or are you completely stupid? Nothing can reverse aging. There is no laser that can reverse aging and if your doctor says that, he is a F…ing liar. Lasers in some cases may smoothen the skin texture but this is only a temporary benefit. All the pictures of celebs you see on the internet are airbrushed and glossed over. They all look old -once the makeup and mascara has come off.

My plastic surgeon says that laser can selectively penetrate skin and make me look young. Is this true?

2012-02-29T16:14:00.005-08:00

Bullshit- this doctor is FOS. There is no treatment, laser or drug that which can selectively penetrate skin and only affect certain tissues. All laser does is heat up the deeper tissues. In some lucky people, this results in a smoother and well-toned skin. However, this is not a universal benefit. Most people either find no benefit and others are burnt from the laser.

Are there any creams that can tighten up my facial skin?

2012-02-29T16:14:00.002-08:00

Wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin are a part of aging- but sometimes they occur much sooner than expected. Over the years there have been many skin tightening treatments developed. There are creams, lotions, potions and many ointments- but the majority have failed to live up the hype. Perhaps the best treatment for tightening skin is laser. Lasers generate an intense energy beam penetrates the skin.

The people who offer this treatment claim that lasers can erase scars, pigmented spots, visible veins, and reduce wrinkles- most of this is wishful thinking. Do you really believe that sitting in the sun all day tightens up skin? Most people who have had sun exposure since childhood look at least 10 years older by the time they are 40.

Best advice, read what is written on cyberspace and talk to people who have had this treatment- most have had very disappointing results and are out of thousands of dollars

Is Fotofacial treatment done by doctors or technicians?

2011-03-01T19:07:00.000-08:00

Unless you are Elizabeth Taylor, a technician will be doing the procedure on you. In fact the majority of spas and clinic which offer FotoFacial are run by people who are not even in the health care profession. Most have graduated from manicures and pedicures to using the laser. Judging from the number of complications being reported everyday, there is one important lesson in this- untrained people mucking around with lasers and skin can instantly change your face from a goddess to Godzilla.

So before you get your FotoFacial, ask questions and seek a well qualified healthcare worker who has experience with this device. After forking out $600-$1500, the last thing you want is a ruined face.

Many cosmetic doctors indicate on their websites that IPL is a great treatment for skin rejuvenation. What do you think?

2011-03-01T19:06:00.001-08:00

Despite some positive testimonials on cyberspace about IPL, the overall impression is that this treatment is just as bad as all other previous laser treatments. Some of the positive testimonials appear to be "fudged" and written by doctors themselves in order to make the treatment look good- so beware. The cosmetic industry is full of charlatans who will say anything to make a buck.

My doctor told me that intense photo light therapy is permanent?

2011-03-01T19:05:00.003-08:00

Piss on your doctor.

There is no permanent cure in cosmetic medicine for any skin disorder. Maintenance treatments are required once or twice a year.

Does Intense pulse light work in everyone?

2011-03-01T19:05:00.001-08:00

Unfortunately No, only a few people with Rosacea and fine lines may see a change in skin texture but the majority of people have a worse result or see no change. There are many testimonials on cyberspace, which indicate that IPL can worsen skin texture. The majority of consumers who have undergone IPL remain unsatisfied. Bottom line- the treatment sucks.

What is cost of intense photo light therapy?

2011-03-01T19:04:00.004-08:00

Fotofacial IPL is considered a cosmetic procedure and not covered by Medicare or any private health insurance plan. The average cost for FotoFacial IPL averages about $400-$800 per session. Like car mechanics, the doctor will insist that you need at least 3-5 sessions. So in the end you will be forking out just enough money that would be sufficient for down payment on a car.

Can complications occur with intense photo light therapy?

2011-03-01T19:04:00.002-08:00

You can rest assured that IPL is not an ideal treatment for any skin disorder. Despite the big hype, complications with this light therapy are common (read testimonials on cyberspace). There are many individuals who have been burnt with IPL. Some have developed scars and skin discolorations. Dark skinned individuals can sometimes develop too much darkening or too much lightening in the treated area. Most of these complications are permanent.

How many intense photo light therapy sessions are usually required?

2011-03-01T19:04:00.000-08:00

Most individuals require several sessions of the FotoFacial IPL to get the desired cosmetic result. Each treatment is usually spaced at intervals of 3-4 weeks apart. Of course, it is very rare that anyone does get any result after any number of sessions, except burnt skin.

Is intense photo light therapy painful?

2011-03-01T19:03:00.004-08:00

Unlike the conventional laser, FotoFacial IPL is much less painful. The treatment does sting a little and the therapist may apply a local anesthetic on skin to soothe the pain. After the procedure, the minimal redness usually resolves in 12-24 hours. Because the FotoFacial IPL is non-ablative, a much larger area of the skin can be treated in one session.

What is recovery time after Fotofacial treatment?

2011-03-01T19:03:00.002-08:00

Because Fotofacial ILP supposedly does not damage adjacent normal skin, most people have a quick recovery. There is no down time and individual can return to work the same day. The average treatment time is about 30 minutes.

Where are IPL sessions done?

2011-03-01T19:03:00.000-08:00

Fotofacial IPL treatments are typically done at a clinic or a spa. There are no extensive preparations required except you must bring in cash or a credit card. Almost all individuals can undergo Fotofacial IPL as long as you have money. However, individuals on blood thinners, those with acute skin infections, or any type of collagen vascular disorders like lupus should not undergo treatment.

What does it mean when doctors say that the laser is non ablative?

2011-03-01T19:02:00.000-08:00

Fotofacial IPL is sometimes also known as a non-ablative treatment, meaning that it does not damage normal skin. This is rubbish. All lasers penetrate the skin and do not distinguish between normal and damaged skin. If anyone believes that after applying a heat source on skin, it can only affect deep layers and not the superficial skin, then he/she is a moron.

Is there a difference between laser and intense pulsed light therapy for skin rejuvenation?

2011-03-01T19:01:00.002-08:00

In short there is not much difference between the two. Both are light therapies and hurt like hell. Unlike a laser, which uses a narrow beam of light, FotoFacial IPL delivers a high broadband light that does not traumatize normal skin. Doctors who provide this treatment claim that IPL penetrates the deeper layers of skin and yet leaves the superficial skin intact. This is B.S. because many consumers have been burnt with IPL.

What sort of skin conditions can be treated with IPL Fotofacial?

2011-03-01T19:01:00.000-08:00

Intense pulsed light is now used to treat skin imperfections like

Acne scars

Fine lines

Pigmentation

Wrinkles

Sunspots

Rosacea

There are some physicians who also treat vascular lesions like spider veins and small hemangiomas with intense pulse light

What exactly is IPL Fotofacial?

2011-03-01T19:00:00.002-08:00

It is just another version of heat/light therapy being used to treat a variety of skin disorders. When skin lesions or wrinkles on face are treated with laser or light therapy, it is known as FotoFacial. Just a fancy name for skin rejuvenation.

FotoFacial - IPL: another light therapy with more hype than action

2011-03-01T19:00:00.000-08:00

First, doctors called the treatment laser facial rejuvenation, now the same treatment with intense pulsed light (IPL) is called Fotofacial. There is no difference between light and laser- neither works great for skin rejuvenation; but both are expensive and cause complications.