THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR LASER SKIN RESURFACING
Men and women of all ages can benefit from laser skin resurfacing.
The ideal patient for laser skin resurfacing has fair, healthy,
non-oily skin.
Patients with olive skin, brown skin or black skin have some
increased risk for pigmentation changes no matter what type
of resurfacing method is recommended.
Dr. Rekow will evaluate your skin characteristics and make
recommendations accordingly.
Dr. Rekow will evaluate your skin characteristics and make
recommendations accordingly. Contact him at the Cosmetic Surgery
Associates of Seattle for procedures including, but not limited
to, laser skin resurfacing.
PLANNING YOUR LASER SKIN RESURFACING PROCEDURE
In your initial
consultation Dr. Rekow will evaluate the tone and condition
of your skin. During your consultation, be frank in discussing
your expectations with Dr. Rekow and don't hesitate to ask any
questions you may have. Dr Rekow will explain the factors that
could influence the procedure and the results -- such as any
abnormal skin condition which has not been diagnosed or previously
treated, medications you are taking or have taken in the past,
previous skin injuries or previous operations.
On rare occasions, this laser skin resurfacing can be used for
the modification of scars. This condition could meet the criteria
for "medical necessity," usually required by insurance companies
before coverage will be provided.
Dr. Rekow can advise you about how to contact your insurance
carrier to determine whether benefits will be allowed in such
an instance.
LASER SKIN RESURFACING
Laser skin resurfacing, dermabrasion, and chemical peels
are all skin resurfacing techniques which have in common the
removal of the outer layers of skin to promote the replacement
of the old rougher lined or pitted skin with a layer of new,
fresh smoother skin. Dr. Rekow still performs all three procedures
for specific indications but uses the Erbium laser almost
exclusively now. The laser is more precise with more control
of the depth of the treatment than chemical peels and allows
the treatment of areas not amenable to dermabrasion like the
eyelids.
The two most common lasers used for the treatment of wrinkles
and acne scarring are the CO2 and the Erbium. The advantage
of the Erbium is much quicker healing and lower risks of scarring
and permanent skin discoloration. The procedure is performed
either under general anesthesia or with sedation and local anesthesia
depending upon the size of the area to be treated, which specific
area is treated, and the patient's preference. When the imperfections
are especially deep, Dr. Rekow may recommend that the resurfacing
be performed in two or more stages.
During the procedure, the activated laser is carefully passed
back and forth over the skin until the surgeon reaches the level
that will make the wrinkle or scar less visible.
AFTER THE LASER SKIN RESURFACING TREATMENT
You are likely to experience swelling and discomfort after laser
resurfacing. However, this can be controlled with ice packs
and medications prescribed by Dr. Rekow. The wound from any
resurfacing procedure is an open, weeping wound just like a
second degree burn. Just like a burn the laser wound stays moist
for several days and then suddenly dries up and heals with a
pink or red new skin. The treated area will remain red for a
couple of weeks to a few months, but once the wound is dry it
can be covered with make-up to hide the color. It is extremely
important to avoid sun exposure for the first three months by
wearing a hat and using sun block in order to avoid the development
of a dark pigmentation in the area that might require repeating
the lasering process.
If you are seeking a cosmetic surgeon in the Seattle area
for a facelift, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty,
eyelid surgery, tummy tuck or other cosmetic surgery procedures,
contact Dr. Alisa Rekow.
Or schedule your
consultation for your preferred cosmetic surgery procedure
here.* However, because Dr. Rekow sees you personally a no-show
fee is charged. Directions to
Cosmetic Surgery Associates of Seattle.
Alisa Rekow, MD - 1221 Madison St., Suite 1102 - Seattle, Washington 98104 - 206.682.2200
Cosmetic Surgery
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