The term "ablative" literally means “to carry away.”  In the world of class IV medical lasers, this term refers to treatments wherein the top layers of the skin are being removed for the purposes of resurfacing the skin.  These treatments involve a certain amount of downtime or “social” downtime depending on the degree of treatment being rendered and the condition being treated.  Generally, these more aggressive laser treatments create desired changes to the dermis (the layer below the epidermis) wherein collagen and tissue remodeling takes place.  Ablative laser resurfacing at Celibre Medical is performed for patients interested in wrinkle removal and acne scar removal.

Celibre Medical Los Angeles Ablative Laser Resurfacing.

Los Angeles Ablative Laser Resurfacing Free Consultations. 

Los Angeles Ablative Laser Resurfacing Before and After Photos.  

Ablative laser treatments offer a quicker, more dramatic method of achieving your skin care goals.  However, anytime one chooses a more aggressive laser treatment like ablative laser resurfacing, there are usually potential negative side effects and/or discomfort associated with it.  On the other hand, non-ablative laser treatments do not involve downtime and generally have far less potential for negative side effects.  The trade off would be more treatments to reach one’s goals and potentially less dramatic results for those conditions that are more appropriate for ablative procedures.

As an educated patient/consumer, remember that not all cosmetic laser procedures are appropriate for all conditions, lifestyles, or skin types.  Make certain you do your research prior to your consultation and understand the benefits vs. risks with all proposed laser treatments.

Lori Haney, RN, MEP-C

Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer

At Celibre, laser resurfacing can be used in the context of laser procedures that involve downtime (time spent at home recovering) and those that do not.  For the purposes of this question, we will talk about laser resurfacing in terms of the (downtime) procedure that improves wrinkles, acne scars and other textured skin imperfections by removing the top layer of the skin (epidermis).  In addition to "resurfacing" the skin by removing it and having it improve the texture as part of the healing process, laser resurfacing uses thermal/heat (laser) energy to promote collagen stimulation, which also improves the texture and plumpness of the skin.  Currently, there are many types of technologies used in laser resurfacing such as erbium lasers, fractionated lasers, plasma treatments, C02 lasers, and combinations of these technologies.

Generally speaking, for those treatments that involve social downtime of 5 to 7 days, the recommended amount of laser treatments is a series of no less than three for optimal results.  Some patients may also benefit from more than three.  For most treatment plans, a series of three laser resurfacing treatments is an ideal starting in reaching the goal of improved skin color, tone, and texture.

Information about laser resurfacing in Los Angeles and Orange County, please visit www.celibre.com/micropeel.aspx.

Contact us for a free consultations, www.celibre.com/contactlist.aspx.

More Los Angeles laser resurfacing before and after pictures at www.celibre.com/micropeelba.aspx.

Lori Haney, RN, MEP-C

Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer

Laser skin resurfacing may be accomplished with several different types of laser technology.  At Celibre, we rely on a tried and true laser resurfacing technology called the Erbium YAG laser. 

The Erbium laser works by removing the outer layers of the epidermis to dramatically resolve pigmentation and to improve fine lines, wrinkles, acne scarring, and skin laxity.  In addition to ablating (removing) the outer layers of the epidermis very precisely, the laser also sends much heat/thermal energy down into the deeper layers to promote new collagen stimulation.  Because collagen is the building blocks of our skin and tissue, this is a very desirable outcome and leads to the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

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

Schedule a FREE consultation for Laser resurfacing Los Angeles at www.celibre.com/contactlist.aspx.

Most patients benefit from a series of three erbium laser treatments spaced four weeks apart.  The downtime associated with the erbium laser resurfacing treatments is referred to as “social downtime” because you can go out and about if you need to, but most prefer not to because of redness or peeling.  This term implies that one may not feel comfortable with their appearance for approximately 4 to 5 days following the procedure although there is minimal discomfort during the healing phase.  Most patients return to their usual activities of work and school after five days if not sooner.

Although there are a myriad of brand names, newer technologies, etc. – we believe the erbium laser provides our patients with the most consistent and positive laser resurfacing outcomes.

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.

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.