Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that uses light to treat a variety of conditions, including those of the skin. When treating conditions of the skin, laser therapy is precise and allows your doctor to treat specific areas of skin while leaving surrounding skin and tissue virtually unharmed.

Here at AESTHETIC INTERNATIONAL®, the process involves choosing the optimal wavelength of light / LASER to clear vascular and pigmented lesions by targeting hemoglobin (for vascular lesions) and melanin (for pigmented lesions) and UNWANTED HAIR . Once the light is absorbed as heat by the lesion, the lesion disappears.

• Treatment with laser therapy is performed in the comfort of your doctor’s office as an outpatient procedure and involves your doctor using laser technology on affected areas to help diminish the appearance of skin pigmentation and discoloration.
• To begin, you will take a comfortable position, either seated or lying down. Safety goggles will be placed over your eyes to provide protection.
• Once you are comfortable and relaxed, your doctor will carefully move a handheld laser over affected areas. Treatment is virtually painless, and anesthetics are typically not needed.
• Depending on areas treated, treatment time will vary.
• Post-procedure, there may be slight swelling and redness of treated areas. This will go away within a few hours after the procedure.
• Skin pigmentation and discoloration laser therapy involves minimal downtime, and you will be able to return to your normal daily activities within the same day.
• To see visible results, additional treatment sessions may be needed.

WHAT CAUSES SKIN PIGMENTATION AND DISCOLORATION?

Generally, skin pigmentation and skin discoloration are caused by overproduction, underproduction, or uneven distribution of melanin in the body. Causes of skin
discoloration may include:

• Sun exposure
• Hormonal changes
• Certain medications
• Inflammation
• Immune system deficiencies
• Certain diseases or medical conditions
• Genetics

HOW IS SKIN PIGMENTATION AND DISCOLORATION TREATED?

While there are an array of treatment options available to help treat skin pigmentations, at AESTHETIC INTERNATIONAL®, we specialize in the utilization of advanced laser technology to help provide removal and reduced appearance of skin pigmentations and discoloration.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING LASER THERAPY FOR TREATING SKIN PIGMENTATION AND DISCOLORATION?

If you have skin pigmentation and discoloration, laser therapy may be an appropriate treatment option for you. Benefits of laser therapy for skin pigmentation and discoloration may include:

• Improved appearance of skin
• Even skin complexion
• Enhanced self-confidence
• Minimal downtime

If you have a problem skin or you want your skin to look flawless and radiant, you need to book an appointment for skin laser resurfacing. With skin resurfacing, your skin will not only look better, it will also boost your confidence and eliminate the need for you to use chemicals that may harm your skin.

WHAT IS LASER SKIN RESURFACING?

Laser Resurfacing also known as Laser Peel uses a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to treat fine lines, wrinkles, scars, areas of uneven pigmentation, and other damaged skin. A laser beam is used to strip away layers of damaged skin. As the healing process occurs, new cells form, and the result is fresher, tighter, looking skin. Your surgeon may recommend a skin care regimen before and after the laser procedure in order to enhance the results.

ADVANTAGES OF LASER RESURFACING

• The laser can be controlled to target specific areas and degree of penetration.
• Minimal bleeding is expected.
• Postoperative recovery is frequently easier than other facial surgeries.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM LASER SKIN RESURFACING SURGERY?

• You will require topical numbing /anesthesia.
• Procedure done on an outpatient basis.
• Protective creams may be applied after surgery.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY AND AFTERCARE FOR LASER SKIN RESURFACING?

CO2 laser skin resurfacing is a deep treatment that can significantly improve the appearance of the skin. To support the recovery process, it is imperative to follow your post-treatment care instructions very carefully. These instructions have been developed to be thorough and concise. After laser skin resurfacing, it is common for the treatment area to appear quite red, irritated, and swollen. Expect to look like you have a significant sunburn. As cellular turnover continues, your skin may darken, scab, and flake. Swelling is most significant during the first three days after treatment.Side effects may continue for five days to a few weeks. Expect redness to subside more gradually over several weeks.

General aftercare instructions may include:

• Keep the treatment area covered with a protective emollient cream.
• Apply ice packs to the treatment area for up to 10 minutes per hour, several times a day for the first two days of recovery.
• Sleep with your head elevated to avoid excessive swelling.
• Strictly avoid sun exposure. Once the skin has healed over (five to ten days post-treatment), use zinc oxide sunscreen for at least another few weeks of tissue healing.
• Avoid scrubbing or picking off flaking skin.
• Natural exfoliation must be allowed as part of the healing process.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR LASER SKIN RESURFACING?

Proper preparation for laser skin resurfacing can reduce risks, ease side effects, and encourage great results. Before treatment, your provider may recommend the following:

• Stay hydrated by drinking at least 2 litres of water daily.
• Moisturize the skin morning and evening for the week prior to the laser treatment.
• Avoid tanning and the use of self-tanning products for four weeks before laser treatment.
• Do not exfoliate the skin during the week before treatment. This includes using products with glycolic acid, retinol, and other acids.
• Avoid blood thinners such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and vitamin E during the week before treatment.
• Avoid alcohol for the two days before treatment.
• Obtain ice packs and store them in the freezer so they are ready to use on the day of the procedure.
• Take pictures! This will enable you to see the vast improvement achieved with laser treatment.

HOW LONG WILL THE RESULTS OF MY PROCEDURE LAST?

• CO2 aser skin resurfacing stimulates profound tissue remodeling that provides lasting results.
• For some people, just one treatment provides a lifetime of beautiful skin.
• During our consultation, we discuss our anticipated outcome from a single treatment and the potential benefits of subsequent treatments in the future.

HOW OFTEN CAN I UNDERGO LASER SKIN RESURFACING?

Generally, patients are advised to wait at least six months before scheduling a subsequent laser resurfacing procedure.

HOW PAINFUL IS LASER SKIN RESURFACING?

• CO2 laser resurfacing is the most powerful form of skin resurfacing performed today.
• Patients undergo this procedure with appropriate anesthesia to maintain optimal comfort for the duration of their treatment.
• Most people who undergo this procedure report mild to moderate snapping sensations or a sensation of “pins and needles.”

WHARE ARE LASER SKIN RESURFACING SIDE EFFECTS?

• After having a CO2 laser skin resurfacing procedure, your skin will be red and swollen.
• The surface of your skin may also be itchy.
• You may develop laser skin resurfacing acne.
• The procedure may also cause your skin to become lighter or darker than normal.

WHAT IS PHOTOREJUVENATION?

Photorejuvenation is a skin rejuvenation treatment therapy that utilizes LED light therapy, intense pulsed light (IPL), lasers, or photodynamic therapy to help combat certain skin conditions and premature signs of aging due to excessive sun exposure.

WHAT DOES PHOTOREJUVENATION INVOLVE?

Here at AESTHETIC INTERNATIONAL®, our photorejuvenation process involves the optimal wavelength of light to clear vascular and pigmented lesions by targeting hemoglobin (for vascular lesions) and melanin (for pigmented lesions). Once the light is absorbed as heat by the lesion, the lesion disappears.

Photorejuvenation can remove damage caused by years of sun exposure and minimize the effects of aging. Photorejuvenation therapy involves no patient downtime and is effective on the face, arms, chest, and other large body areas.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING CONSULTATION?

During your initial consultation, you will meet with your doctor and their team.

Your previous procedures, your medical history, medications you are presently taking, and your overall physical and emotional health will be reviewed.

Your skin quality will also be evaluated.

Costs, side effects, recovery time, risks, and limitations associated with surgery will also be discussed.

The doctor’s patient coordinator will review treatment scheduling with you.

Our AESTHETIC INTERNATIONAL® surgeons are highly experienced in their field of work and are ready to help you learn more about our cosmetic treatment options. The instant you enter our practice, you can rest assured that you will be in good hands throughout your treatment journey with us.