Cosmetic Care

Cosmetic Care Clinic no longer provides Laser Skin Resurfacing. As an alternative solution we feel more confident about Pixel Laser Skin Resurfacing.

The Erbium (ER –BEE – UM) Laser is an skin resurfacing treatment for multiple skin problems. Most common uses for this device are for softening:

• Acne scarring – particularly the shallow rolling scars
• Wrinkles – most effective on mild to moderate, even on delicate areas around the eyes and the mouth
• Pigmentation problems – can reduce the pigmentation caused by sun exposure and the passage of time
• Surgical reduction of tags, small moles and warts

The Erbium YAG laser is quite a precise laser. This laser performs skin resurfacing by vaporizing away the unwanted layers in an extremely controlled fashion. It can be used on small areas and larger ones, for example treating the area around the eyes or mouth or treating the entire face. The Erbium is used differently for different types of problems.

For the skin resurfacing of problems like warts or moles, a topical freezing cream can be applied before treatment, or the spot can be injected with freezing. The laser pulses light over the target skin. The undesired skin is vaporized, and a small plume of smoke can be seen as a vacuum system pulls it away. After the treatment, a small sore remains where the undesired spot once existed. Gradually over days to a few weeks, new skin re-grows to naturally heal the spot. During the healing phase, attention to the little wound is needed.

For larger areas, such as for a full facial skin resurfacing, or a facial area treatment, the process requires greater client commitment. An important part of this process is the consultation. At the consultation, a review of your health, medications, allergies and objectives is taken. This review is followed by a thorough explanation of the process, including showing you photographs of consenting clients at various stages of their healing.

Before the actual skin resurfacing treatment, the client prepares the skin with the application of a topical anesthetic cream one hour before the procedure. On arrival to the office, a mild sedative is offered to clients who are feeling anxious. During the treatment, the client is laying comfortably on the treatment bed. Depending on the area needing skin resurfacing,  goggles or special contact lenses are used to protect the eyes from laser injury. The laser is pulsed over the problem skin. Liquid freezing medicine is misted on to the skin to keep the client comfortable during the procedure. A vacuum device is used during the procedure to whisk away the undesired vaporized skin.

After the skin resurfacing treatment, hydrating balms are applied. Special attention to the skin is required for a full week. It is expected that the skin will be quite rosy for a minimum of three days, more commonly a week, and uncommonly longer. After the first three to seven days for most clients, concealing makeup can be used to disguise the rosy tone until it subsides. The skin resurfacing procedure can also be done more conservatively, meaning fewer days of rosy tone and care; however, more treatments or a series of treatments would be needed to achieve the desired result. Alternatively, the skin resurfacing treatment may be done in a more assertive fashion, creating a longer healing time, but fewer overall treatments. Your goals and lifestyle are major factors in considering what treatment path to take.

Like all medical procedures, there are some side effects and potential limitations of skin resurfacing. We are dedicated to providing full pre treatment education, so that each client may participate in their treatment choices. We pay close attention to your objectives, lifestyle, and ability to tolerate downtime, comfort, and budget issues. We welcome your questions.

If you think that skin resurfacing may be a treatment option for you, please book your consultation with one of our knowledgeable staff today.

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