What does the term laser resurfacing mean?  There are many different treatments offered for laser resurfacing - but the outcome should be the same, younger, fresher looking and improved skin.  Skin resurfacing with laser technology refers to removing the outermost layers of the epidermis to improve skin discoloration, fine lines, and texture, while at the same time, using heat/thermal energy in the dermis to promote collagen contraction, remodeling, and stimulation of new collagen.  The patients that benefit most from these types of procedures are those concerned with wrinkles, acne scars, and photodamage.  Photodamage refers to multiple changes in the skin/tissue related to excessive sun exposure over time.

The Celibre Medical Laser Resurfacing Program, www.celibre.com/micropeel.aspx.

Los Angeles Laser Resurfacing with the Erbium laser by Celibre Medical.  More Orange County Laser resurfacing before and after photos at www.celibre.com/micropeelba.aspx.  

At Celibre we offer both non-ablative (no downtime/appropriate for all skin types) and ablative (downtime and not appropriate for all skin types) treatment to assist patients achieve their laser resurfacing goals.  One current laser used for skin resurfacing is the Erbium Nd: Yag MicroLaserPeel.  This laser skin resurfacing procedure is a good option in lieu of the less effective spa treatments such as facials and microdermabrasion.  The MicroLaserPeel is also a good option to the CO2 laser which is still considered the "gold standard" but comes with greater risks, full anesthesia and much longer downtime. 

Schedule a free consultation regarding Orange County or Los Angeles laser resurfacing, www.celibre.com/contactlist.aspx.

There are many newer names and treatments being offered such as fractionated technology, radio frequency, deep dermal tissue heating, fractionated Erbium, Plasma, and the list goes on.  Needless to say, the average consumer can get quite overwhelmed with facilities claiming that they have the best, new treatment.  However, we are not easily impressed with a laser just because it is new.  In fact, in our research and conversations with consumers, we are quite unimpressed and underwhelmed with fractionated technology.  We have relied on technology that has been around long enough to offer good, predictable outcomes and long-term results that have be substantiated by independent studies, research and long term consumer feedback.  Although we acknowledge there is value in some of these treatments, the Erbium MicroLaserPeel has met ours and our patients' expectations.

While doing your research, make certain to find a practitioner that listens to your goals, offers realistic expectations, and offers explanations/photos to substantiate why any one particular modality would be the most appropriate in helping you achieve  your goals.  There is nothing wrong with a healthy dose of skepticism either.  The saying of, "If it's too good to be true...."  is usually justified.  Be an educated consumer and seek a practitioner that encourages this.

Learn more about the Celibre Micro Laser Peel at http://www.celibre.com/micropeel.aspx.

The term "facial rejuvenation" is becoming more popular because there are so many treatments being offered that claim to offer this.  Rejuvenation of the face invovles texture improvement, resolution of facial discoloration (brown/red), pore size reduction, skin tightening, and improvement of fine lines and wrinkles.  The practice of aesthetics allows for all of these concerns to be addressed without undergoing a traditional surgical procedure.  There is the concept of the Three R's that capture the goals of rejuvenation:  Relaxing, Refilling, and Resurfacing. 

The Celibre Medical Orange County Laser Resurfacing Program, www.celibre.com/micropeel.aspx.

Relaxing hyperactive muscles with the use of Botox Cosmetic will soften fine lines/wrinkles if not resolving them completely.   It is the repetitive contraction of facial muscles that create wrinkles to the eye area, around the mouth, the forehead, and between the eyebrows (frown lines).  Botox Cosmetic is also used to soften a "pebble chin" or to correct a mouth frown wherein the corners of the mouth are turned down.  Undergoing rejuvenation with other modalities is a step forward but unless the underlying problem that is leading to wrinkles is corrected (ex: muscle activity) one may not see long-term results.

Read About All Celibre's Facial Shaping Techniques

Contact celibre Medical in Los Angeles and Orange County for a free consultation regarding laser resurfacing procedures, www.celibre.com/contactlist.aspx.

Facial rejuvenation using laser and injection treatments.  Los Angeles Laser Resurfacing for facial rejuvenation.

Refilling deep wrinkles and folds of the face using hyaluronic acid fillers (ex: Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane) is an excellent way to resolve the deeper lines that cannot be resolved with Botox.  The most common area wherein fillers are used is the nasolabial folds which are referred to as laugh or smile lines.  Fillers work by adding volume in a very natural, appealing way.  Fillers are used to augment and define the mouth area, add support and smoothing to the lower mouth and chin area (marionette lines), and to add volume to the hallow areas of the cheeks.  The concept with fillers is to focus on shaping the face rather than just filling lines and wrinkles.  Oftentimes as we age, we see the mid-face area change.  The common complaint is "my face is falling!"   By restoring volume to the upper cheeks and filling the tear trough area (area below lower lid and orbital rim), the shape of the mid-face is improved to a more youthful appearance.  The outcome is subtle yet appealing.

More before and after photos of Los Angeles laser Resurfacing Patients, www.celibre.com/micropeelba.aspx.

Laser Resurfacing and facial rejuvenation refers to improving the texture and pigmentation (color) of the skin by using lasers, chemical peels, appropriate skin care products, etc.  In our practice, we utilize the Erbium MicroLaserPeel which works by removing the outermost layer of the skin while stimulating collagen remodeling in the dermis below the surface of the skin.   Although there are many, many modalities that are being offered that claim to achieve these goals, we have found that the Erbium MicroLaserPeel is "tried and true" with consistent, predictable outcomes.  We also utilize non-ablative lasers (no downtime involved) that are efficient in addressing pigmentation concerns as well as stimulating collagen remodeling.

There is no one particular treatment plan that is appropriate for all.  We believe that the best treatment plan is one that sets realistic expectations, attempts to over-deliver on those expectations, is mindful of the patient's goals, concerns, and lifestyle.  Not all patients are candidates for a traditional face lift when the issue is restoring volume.  For the same reason, the above modalities may not be effective if the patient presents with much laxity (sagging) of the skin and would be best served with surgical intervention.  However, it is always in one's best interest to know what their options are while doing their research.  http://www.celibre.com/wrinkles.aspx or http://www.celibre.com/sunspots.aspx.

Large pores are a result of sebaceous glands that are heavy with oil production.  The weight of the sebaceous gland pulls on the surface of the skin which then enlarges the pore.  This is why large pores are usually found around the T-Zone area where the skin is the most oily.  There are many over the counter products that claim to "minimize" the appearance of the large pores but this is a temporary effect. 

Orange County Laser Resurfacing treatments by Celibre Medical, www.celibre.com/micropeel.aspx.  

At Celibre Medical, we use the Aramis Quantel laser which has a wavelength that is specific for heating oil and water to shrink pores.  When the oil in the sebaceous glands is heated to a specific temperature, the gland will shrink in response.  This renders an actual change in the shape and structure of the gland.  This then prevents the gland from over-producing oil.  As a result, pore size is reduced.  It usually takes several treatments to receive optimal results as it is the cumulative effect of the treatments that produces the desired outcome.  Combining laser treatments with good skin care products (effective does not mean expensive), is ideal. 

For more before and after photos of laser resurfacing to shrink large pores, go to http://www.celibre.com/micropeelba.aspx.

Contact Celibre Medical for a free consultation, www.celibre.com/contactlist.aspx.

Before and After Pictures for pore size reduction.  Shrink Pores Los Angeles by Celibre Medical.

Eye rejuventation has become a growing concern as female patients are starting to learn about the many treatment modalities that are available that do not involve traditional plastic surgery.  We've often heard the saying that "the eyes are the windows to the soul."  More appropriately, the eyes are the frame of the face.  As we age, the frame changes and these changes may be addressed in  a variety of ways. 

The term "crow's feet" refers to the fine lines that are found lateral to the eyes and may extend even below the lower lid.  These wrinkles are caused by repeated contraction of the strong muscle that encircles the orbital rim.  Using Botox Cosmetic for crow's feet to relax this muscle is an excellent, simple way to soften if not resolve these lines.  We also utilize a popular but often under-used technique referred to as the lateral brow lift.  This technqiue involves a small dose of Botox Cosmetic usually to the ends of the eyebrows.  With good/exact placement, we are able to provide a very natural, subtle lifting of the upper lid.  Although this will never replace surgical blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), it is an excellent technique appreciated by most of our Botox patients. 

Read About All Celibre's Injection Techniques

To schedule a free consultation, call or e-mail us at www.celibre.com/contactlist.aspx.

In addition to the above modalities, laser (thermal) energy can be used to improve the texture and address laxity (loosening) of skin including crow's feet.  Laser resurfacing using the Erbium MicroLaserPeel laser resurfacing for crow's feet works by removing the outer most layer of the epidermis while stimulating collagen (the building block of skin/tissue) in the dermis.  This is considered an ablative procedure which involves 4-5 days of downtime away from work or social activities.  

Find out more about the Celibre Medical Los Angeles Botox injections program at www.celibre.com/botox.aspx.

Apart from laser resurfacing, we also have found good outcomes with the Aramis Quantel and Q-Switched technology.  These lasers are considered non-ablative.  This means that there is no downtime involved, treatments are safe for all skin types, with treatments usually being 20 minutes long.  This technology works by stimulating collagen by sending thermal energy down into the dermis.  There is minimal to no discomfort for this type of treatment for this condition.  

Using specific skin care products will always enhance treatment results.  For example, Glycolic Acid has great benefits by exfoliating and thinning out the stratum corneum.  This in turn causes an increase in skin cell turnover process while stimulating the production of collagen.  This allows for a thickening of the dermis which provides improved texture.

Research and our experience reveals that a combination of modalities usually renders the best outcomes.  However, the practitioner must taken into consideration what your goals and concerns are.  Tailoring a treatment plan to the individual is a must.  Knowing that there are options and treatments available is the first step.     For more information on how to improve the fine lines and wrinkles around the crow's feet of the eyes, please visit http://www.celibre.com/wrinkles.aspx.

When choosing a laser to treat fine lines and wrinkles, we must first understand what the patient’s goals and personal situation are.  Our laser skin treatment options and recommendations for a 35 year old patient with relatively mild sun damage that wants to get out ahead of any potential wrinkles are going to be much different from that of a 60 year old that has been smoking and sunbathing for 40 years.  The general idea behind using lasers for wrinkles is to treat laxity (loss of skin tone) of the skin by using thermal (laser) energy to tighten the skin, stimulate collagen to improve the tone and texture of the skin and decrease the appearance of wrinkles. There are numerous laser treatments that all claim to address these concerns, whether it is fractionated technology, radio frequency, deep dermal tissue heating, or other options. 

Call to schedule a free laser resurfacing consultation. 

Los Angeles Laser Resurfacing Before and After Pictures by Celibre Medical, www.celibre.com/micropeelba.aspx.

   Visit http://www.celibre.com/wrinkles.aspx to see view treatments for fine lines and wrinkles.

We believe that the CO2 laser is still the gold standard for laser resurfacing, but for the majority of our patients, they are not in a situation where they require deep resurfacing  or they cannot afford the two to four weeks of downtime.  Because of this fact, we use an Erbium MicroLaserPeel that is designed to penetrate about half as deeply as a CO2, but may be used more times (3 to 4 treatments vs. 1 for the CO2).  The Erbium laser has the ability to deliver consistent, predictable outcomes with excellent reduction in fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage with far less risks and downtime involved than the CO2 laser.  In addition to the CO2 and Erbium lasers, there are also several other lasers that can be used to treat wrinkles with no downtime.  Although these lasers are great options for the patient that cannot take time away from work or school, results are typically less dramatic than with CO2 or Erbium resurfacing.  

Celibre's Top Wrinkle Prevention Tips.