Laser Resurfacing (CO2 & Erbium)

We are all born with smooth, baby-soft skin. Yet as we go through life, our skin is subject to numerous forces that leave us less than perfect. Overexposure to the sun, smoking, not using a good glycolic acid cleanser, and stress that we do not cope with well are all known to significantly contribute to the development of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth. Even without these factors, simple heredity and gravity still work against us to accelerate the natural signs of aging.

While conventional techniques such as dermabrasion and chemical peels have offered hope for patients seeking a healthier look, the risks of scarring, pigment problems, discomfort and long recovery periods have kept many people from having the skin they desire. Thanks to recent technology, we now have the ability to dramatically reduce unwanted lines and wrinkles with an in-office procedure called Laser Skin Resurfacing or Laser Exfoliation.

• About Laser Skin Resurfacing
• The Procedure
• After Surgery

About Laser Skin Resurfacing

Dr. Roche and his research team have been instrumental in refining laser parameters accepted by physicians and utilized worldwide. Dr. Roche teaches other doctors to do this procedure and frequently has physicians visit him in his office to view his expertise. Dr. Roche has invested and owns the most advanced laser systems in the world today.

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The Procedure

For light exfoliations, the laser called the Erbium is utilized. For deeper lines, a carbon dioxide, or CO2 laser is utilized.  Dr. Roche uses the latest CO2 laser called the encore.  These lasers remove, with accuracy to 1/1,000th of an inch, specific amounts of skin proportional to the problem desired to be softened. The procedure is performed either under a twilight anesthetic or a general anesthetic. The lasers, while removing the outer layer or layer-in-a-half of skin also heat cells called fibroblasts in the mid to lower dermis and stimulate them to make new protein called collagen. Existing protein fibers and existing elastic fibers are also decreased in size thereby softening wrinkles and scars. Subtle results to dramatic results are possible. Softening wrinkles and softening the appearance of scars can be a tremendous boost to self-esteem for patients.

State-of-the-art laser exfoliation offers the safest, most advanced technology for dramatically and permanently removing these signs of aging skin. More precise control during treatment yields fewer problems with pigmentary problems and scarring than the previous procedures, such as dermabrasion and chemical peels. Those physicians who have helped bring laser technology to the forefront, such as Dr. Roche can confidently tell their patients that more meticulous results can be achieved with the fewer side effects.

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After Surgery

When the patient awakens from having the procedure done, they have a special laser ointment dressing on their face, which is usually left on for the first night. Then used as directed. When this is removed, patients then have a vaporized surface on their face, which usually lasts anywhere from 4-7 days, proportional to the depth of exfoliation that was performed. During this 4-7 days, patients must clean their skin with saline-soaked gauzes and sponges and reapply the laser ointment. After 4-7 days, a new layer of skin then appears. Patients are ready for make-up. Proportional to the laser utilized, the depth of the peel, the health of the patient's skin, the patient's skin color before surgery, slight redness remains anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Dr. Roche's team of cosmetic nurses will professionally help you to camouflage any signs of redness during this period of time. Overall, the degree of redness has the patient looking like they have a minor sunburn for this period of time.

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