Facial Rejuvenation
Facial rejuvenation is a term encompassing methods by which to reverse the look of aging through a variety of invasive or non-invasive procedures, and topical treatments. For most people, facial rejuvenation involves treatments meant to eliminate the fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes, or around the mouth; and the reversal of the signs of photoaging. While there are methods by which to reduce even greater signs of aging, such as face lifts, blepharoplasties, and laser resurfacing, this article will mainly discuss some of the non-invasive ways of diminishing photoaging and fine wrinkles.
For the reversal of photoaging (mainly encompassing the appearance of redness and dark spots on the face and neck), IPL / Flash-Lamp Pulsed Dye lasers are and excellent means by which to achieve an even and immediate result. While these laser treatments are not necessarily painless, they require only minimal office time once a month and involve the use of light to destroy the underlying causes of redness and dark spots. Most treatment courses involve 3 to 5 monthly visits with no downtime between treatments. Most people can go to work the very same day without signs of even having had a treatment, except for some slight redness. Major caution must be used to ensure that no burning has occurred, and this risk may be minimized if the laser is being operated by an experienced dermatologist or laser personnel. It is wise to avoid sun exposure 2 weeks before a treatment and for several days after a treatment. As part of the treatment plan, a sunscreen should be used everyday since the damage from the sun is the primary condition being treated. Your physician may also decide to prescribe you a bleaching cream to augment the effects of laser therapy.
Resurfacing lasers (CO2, Er:YAG lasers) function to destroy the wrinkles and allow new collagen and skin regrowth. The non-ablative lasers (do not peel off the skin) have variable results while the ablative lasers (peel off the top layer of skin) are the gold standard for all types of wrinkles, but have significant downtime. Newer laser treatments include the use of fractional resurfacing laser technology (Fraxel
