Facial Rejuvenation Lasers
As your skin ages, it loses its smooth, homogeneous color and becomes wrinkled. Ultraviolet light (sun) exposure and environmental toxins (cigarette smoke) cause the skin to wrinkle and develop age spots (lentigenes) and broken capillaries (telangiectasias). To improve aging skin, lasers can be very effective in restoring a smooth and even color to the skin and can improve superficial lines and wrinkles.

Palomar Star Lux Intense Pulsed Light^TM
device (IPL/Fotofacial^TM)
Technically not a laser, this device emits a broad spectrum of light rather than a specific wavelength. The broad light spectrum makes is very effective for improving the color and texture of the skin. It is very effective for red discoloration of the skin and has been proven to improve pore size. However, it is not very effective in improving wrinkles. The IPL^TM treatments can be intensified by adding levulinic acid (Levulan^®) in a process know as photodynamic therapy (PDT). The Levulan^® makes the skin more receptive to the light source, which makes each treatment more effective, but there is increased redness with this approach.


Fraxel^® (fractional photothermolysis)
This laser spans the gap between nonablative (minimally effective with quick recovery) and ablative (maximally effective with a long recovery) lasers. It works by using an Erbium laser to make tiny holes in the skin (leaving untreated skin between the holes). About 20 percent of the skin is resurfaced at a time. The benefit is that there is minimal recovery (one to three days of redness and swelling) compared to more aggressive treatments such as deep chemical peels or ablative lasers (10 days to two weeks). Fraxel^® will improve the color and consistency of the skin, especially brown discoloration. If used in a more aggressive fashion, and with an increased recovery period, it can improve fine lines and wrinkles. An added benefit of this laser is that it can be used in locations other than the face, including the neck, chest, and hands.