Aging skin is perhaps the least welcomed aspect of natural aging. As we get older, our skin quality sadly declines, causing the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and other issues. At Behr Laser & Skin Care Center, your beauty and happiness are our priorities. As such, we employ the latest in skin resurfacing technology including the amazing UltraPulse® CO2 (Total FX™) laser system. Through a series of simple, non-invasive laser procedures, you can experience a refreshed look! Get in touch with our Fresno, CA center today to learn more.
REQUEST APPOINTMENTWhat Laser Does Dr. Behr Use For Skin Resurfacing?
Dr. Behr uses the UltraPulse® CO2 laser (Total FX™) made by Lumenis. The CO2 laser has been the gold standard for resurfacing wrinkles for years, and the UltraPulse® CO2 provides precise control of the laser treatment depth. Dr. Behr often uses the Total FX™ for resurfacing of wrinkles along with the Deep FX™ on deep wrinkles to stimulate collagen. The Total FX™ treatment gives remarkable results with less downtime and fewer side effects.
How Long Has Dr. Behr Been Performing Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Dr. Behr has been performing CO2 laser resurfacing since 1996. She began while at UCLA on faculty with the Ultrapulse® CO2 laser. While this laser gave great results, healing was prolonged. She has been using the UltraPulse® Fractional CO2 laser since 2005 and has seen excellent results with minimal side effects and no scarring to date.
Why Is This Laser One Of Dr Behr’s Favorites?
Dr. Behr has been performing CO2 laser resurfacing since 1991 and has performed several hundred cases. She loves the combination of the Active FX™ and Deep FX™ using the UltraPulse® Laser to improve deep wrinkles, fine lines, pigment, and texture in just one treatment. The improvement can be seen once the skin is healed, but due to collagen stimulation, the skin texture continues to improve over 6-9 months. It is an amazing treatment for more severe sun damage and acne scarring in patients with lighter skin types. Dr. Behr tailors the treatment for each patient, carefully examining the skin thickness and skin condition. More aggressive settings can be used on deeper wrinkles such as those around the mouth and eyes.
How Does Skin Resurfacing Work?
With facial resurfacing, a high-energy beam of CO2 light is used to vaporize lines, wrinkles, scars, dark spots, and other irregularities, layer by layer. This process also stimulates the formation of new collagen over the next six months for continued improvement. Dr. Behr performs this procedure herself and tailors the procedure according to each patient’s needs and desired recovery time.
What Is The Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment Procedure?
It is very important that we pretreat your skin with appropriate skin care for at least two weeks prior to treatment. The Ultrapulse® CO2 laser resurfacing appointments take 1-2 hours. This is because we begin with topical numbing cream for at least 30 minutes. We then give local blocks, pain medication, or nitrous oxide to make the patient as comfortable as possible. If pain medication is given a driver to take the patient home is required. Eye shields are placed on or in your eyes for protection.
During the treatment, cool air is blown on the skin for extra comfort. The Deep FX™ is done first by making tiny fractionated deep holes in the skin to stimulate collagen production over the next 6-9 months. The Active FX™ is then performed on the more superficial layers of the skin to help with the skin rejuvenation. Different energy levels and a number of passes are used depending on the area and degree of photoaging or acne scarring. Then we apply ointments and place the patient under the stim light to promote healing.
Before and After Ultrapulse® CO2 Results
Laser resurfacing can restore your skin to a healthier state with fewer wrinkles. With proper sun protection and the correct skin care regimen, results can last for more than five years. Where muscle activity is strong, Dr. Behr may recommend BOTOX® Cosmetic to help prevent lines from reappearing sooner. Usually, one treatment gives great results, but in patients with deeper wrinkles, a second treatment may be needed.
What Down Time Is Expected With Ultrapulse® CO2 Laser Treatment?
Dr. Behr warns people that to get this amazing rejuvenation, there is some downtime. This can vary from 1-2 weeks depending on the aggressiveness of the treatment performed. The first couple of days are the worst with swelling, redness, and some crusting. Most of the skin is treated with fractional resurfacing that creates microscopic channels leaving some unaffected skin in between the channels that allow for rapid healing over the first week. Patients are amazed at the progress their skin makes every day.
These effects coincide with an initial sunburned sensation, but most people don’t think the recovery is painful, including Dr. Behr, who has had the CO2 treatment herself. Applying an ice pack can cool the surface inflammation and improve comfort. We prescribe appropriate antibiotics and antiviral medication to prevent infection. Patients are also given specific ointments and skin care recovery creams to use while healing. At Behr Laser & Skin Care Center, we see patients back 1-3 days after treatment to perform a light stim treatment to help heal the skin and to check the progress of their healing. By the 4th-6th day most of the skin is healed but pink. At this time, we have creams to protect the skin and cover up the redness that can last a couple of weeks.
Should I Avoid Anything Before My Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment?
Laser resurfacing creates micro-injuries across the upper layer of the skin. We want the tissue to be as healthy and resilient as possible so that the healing response to treatment can be fully successful. To achieve this, it is recommended that patients avoid:
- Sun exposure. This should begin 4 weeks before treatment. Broad-spectrum sunscreen should also be worn daily.
- Chemical peel treatment. For the 2 weeks prior to laser resurfacing, it is advisable to refrain from any treatment that will remove cells from the epidermis. In addition to chemical peels, patients should avoid microdermabrasion and other laser treatments.
- Certain medications may need to be avoided before laser resurfacing due to the risk of photosensitivity. Talk with your provider about medications you are taking and whether they should be stopped.
- Patients with a history of shingles or herpes in the treatment area need to alert their provider. Antiviral medication may need to be taken for a few days leading up to laser resurfacing to prevent a flare-up.
Should I Avoid Anything After Treatment?
Laser skin resurfacing causes temporary inflammation, which can create mild to moderate photosensitivity. Photosensitivity means it is easier to get a sunburn. We advise patients to avoid sun exposure while their skin is healing and to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 thereafter. Optimal results can be achieved by carefully following post-treatment skincare guidelines. These may include suggestions for products to use for healing and those to avoid. If you have questions about how to care for your skin after laser resurfacing, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Are CO2 Laser Resurfacing Results Permanent?
The results that are achieved with laser resurfacing can last for years if properly cared for. Medical grade skin care use, sunscreen application every couple of hours, and a healthy diet all contribute to lasting results. Age will continue to affect the appearance and structure of the skin over time, but as signs of aging emerge, they can be managed with regular treatment of lighter lasers.
Is Laser Skin Resurfacing Safe?
Laser skin resurfacing has been performed by Dr. Behr for many years. The techniques that we use today are largely fractional. Fractional laser resurfacing does not vaporize the entire outer layer of the skin, which is why patients recover so much faster with this method. Treating only pinpoint spots of skin with intact tissue in between enhances the safety of laser resurfacing. The risk of complications from this procedure is extremely low, especially with proper treatment and follow-up. Dr. Behr provides topical and intramuscular or oral medications to ensure pain management. Medication is tailored for each patient.
Ultrapulse® CO2 Skin Resurfacing in Fresno, California
At Behr Laser & Skin Care Center, we’re dedicated to helping you reach your beauty goals. If you’re struggling with wrinkles and fine lines, age spots, or any other concerns, we welcome you to schedule an appointment today. Get in touch by filling out the form below or giving us a call at (559) 435-7546 today.
