Cost of Laser Facial Rejuvenation

February 16, 2012 By LFT Team Leave a Comment

If you are considering laser facial rejuvenation, obviously one of the biggest considerations when electing to have this procedure done is the cost of the treatment. The cost of laser facial rejuvenation often depends on the size of the area being treated. Some men and women may have to shell out a couple of hundred dollars for their whole face to undergo this 15 to 30 minute procedure. The full cost of laser facial rejuvenation also depends on a variety of factors, including the extent of the treatment, the total number of laser facial rejuvenation sessions required, as well as where the person lives. If you need anesthesia to undergo the rejuvenation process, that can also tack on a few extra dollars to the price. While topical anesthesia is often utilized and included in the overall price, some people may require general anesthesia because they are either nervous about undergoing the procedure or they are doing a very deep treatment.

However, the cost of the laser facial rejuvenation is not the only cost that you have to think about when planning. Aside from the cost of the procedure, you may have to buy dressings, ointments, specialized washes, and possible antibiotics and analgesics, especially if undergoing a deep treatment. While the surgeon performing the procedure can give you an estimate on the cost, they are often not that expensive, when compared to the total cost of the cosmetic procedure.

It is important to understand that most likely; your health insurance will not cover the cost of facial laser rejuvenation because it is considered to be an elective procedure. On the positive side, many doctors participate in a variety of finance programs that will enable you to pay for the laser facial rejuvenation procedure over a predetermined amount of time. They can provide all the information including the loan application. Many doctors work with lending institutions that specialize in plastic surgery loans. They offer flexible amounts and terms. Most payback periods are anywhere between six months to five years. The interest rates on these loans tend to be a lot less than the interest rates on credit cards. If you opt to pay for laser facial rejuvenation with a credit card, just be very careful about the interest rate, as sometimes it can be more than 20 percent!

Some people opt to refinance their mortgage in an effort to pay for the cost of laser facial rejuvenation. While the interest rates are extremely low, the application process is known to lag on and on with no guarantee of a positive outcome. Cash is often seen as the best option when it comes to paying the cost of laser facial rejuvenation. If you have saved up for awhile, you can either hand the cash over or write the doctor a check. There are no loans to repay and no interest rates to worry about. You only need to make sure you have enough money in the bank.

Tags: , ,
Filed Under: Costs of Laser Facial Pesurfacing

What Can be Expected during the Procedure and what are the Expected Results of Laser Facial Rejuvenation

February 15, 2012 By LFT Team 3 Comments

Laser facial rejuvenation is an outpatient procedure that is often done in an ambulatory surgical facility. Prior to commencing the procedure, nurses will clean your face and then cover your eyes to shield them from the laser. Using a local anesthetic, the surgeon will numb the skin. For deep treatments, general anesthesia may also be required.

During the procedure the doctor directs an intense laser beam at the skin, thereby destroying the outer layer of your skin, known as the epidermis. As well, laser also heats up the dermis, the underlying skin, causing all the collagen fibers to begin to shrink. The damaged collagen disappears while new collagen growth is stimulated, causing the skin to tighten up and improve overall appearance. This procedure tends to take around 15 minutes to 30 minutes, but sometimes up to two hours depending on how deep the treatment is, the technique being used, and the total size of the treated area. To achieve the best possible results, you may have to undergo a number of laser facial rejuvenation treatments over the course of a few weeks or months, depending on what the target is.

After the laser facial rejuvenation procedure is finished, the skin will feel itchy, raw, and a bit swollen. There might also be a bit of yellowish liquid that comes from the treated areas. To ensure scarring does not occur, do not pick at the yellowish liquid as it forms crusts along the skin. The doctor will often apply ointment to the skin and sometimes puts a watertight, airtight dressing over the treated area. They suggest taking over the counter pain relievers to dull any pain, as well as the application of ice packs. The area needs to be routinely cleaned with water and either acetic acid or saline. You will also have to apply an ointment, like petroleum jelly, to the area.

Once laser facial rejuvenation is done, your skin will be red or pink for a few months. Once everything starts to heal up, you will begin to notice an immediate difference in the appearance and quality of your skin. The effects provided by laser facial rejuvenation are known to last for a number of years. Keep in mind that the results do not happen overnight; they are not dramatic or immediate. You will see them start to show in a progressive, gradual way, especially after the skin is no longer red. You will probably first notice improvements in the pigment and texture of the skin than the removal of fine lines and wrinkles.

To ensure the best results with laser facial rejuvenation, it is best to avoid any unprotected exposure to the sun for at least a year. The exposure can actually reverse the results of laser facial rejuvenation. It will prevent the onset of any irregular pigmentation. Also, it is important to be aware of the fact that while these results last for a long time, they are not permanent. As you smile and squint, you will still create new lines and wrinkles along your face.

Tags: , ,
Filed Under: Expected results, Procedural Steps

What is Laser Facial Rejuvenation

February 15, 2012 By LFT Team Leave a Comment

Some people are not as old as they feel or they look and some people look older than they really are. The appearance of skin defects, such as wrinkles, fine lines, acne scaring, and so on can wreak havoc on a person emotionally as well as physically. Self confidence begins to wane and individuals spend hours looking for the right makeup to cover up their pockmarks and wrinkles as well as the latest in over the counter creams, gels, ointments, and cleansers. One of the best options available is laser facial resurfacing. This non-invasive procedure utilizes an intense beam of light radiation along your skin. It can be used to tighten skin, remove any superficial lines and wrinkles, even out pigmentation, smooth out any rough skin, and improve the look of any scarring. The laser is focused right on the problem areas and can either be ablative of non-ablative. Ablative means that the laser destroys the epidermis and heats the dermis to stimulate new collagen growth. Non-ablative (which is what a majority of people go for) does not destroy the skin but heats it up to encourage new skin growth.

Prior to the start of laser facial rejuvenation, the doctor or a nurse will fully clean your face and then place a shield over your eyes to protect them from the laser. The doctor then passes the laser beam throughout the area needing treatment. Do not worry as the doctor has complete control of the laser, including where it goes and how deep it penetrates into the skin. There are a variety of laser treatment options and the doctor will describe which one will be used on you and why. Most laser facial rejuvenation procedures last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour depending on the size of the treated area as well as the laser being used.

Once the local anesthetic placed on the face wears off in several hours, you will begin to feel the area that was treated. Do not knock it or have anything bump into it. The skin will feel a bit raw and you might need over the counter analgesics to dull the discomfort once the local anesthesia wears off. You will have to cover the treated area with some antibiotic ointment and possibly a dressing. The doctor may also prescribe an oral antibiotic to prevent the possible onset of an infection.

It can take anywhere from seven to ten days for the skin to heal and up to six months for all the redness to completely fade. Always follow the instructions given by the doctor to ensure positive results.  To further guarantee beneficial results, it is advocated to remain out of the sun, not to make exaggerated facial movements, and gently wash and moisturize your face every day to prevent it from drying out.

Like with any other medical procedure, there are some side effects and complications associated with laser facial rejuvenation. Most side effects are temporary and include some swelling, weeping, and crusting of the skin within the first two weeks post-procedure. There will also be some redness that will last, as previously mentioned. Complications are extremely rare and only occur during the procedure or right after. These complications include skin infection, changes in skin coloration, scaring, and cod sores.

Tags: ,
Filed Under: Basic Notions and Related Terms

Are their Alternatives to Laser Facial Rejuvenation?

February 13, 2012 By LFT Team 5 Comments

Laser facial rejuvenation has the amazing ability to correct a number of signs of aging, including dull skin, fine wrinkles, dark eye circles, age spots, as well as any other cosmetic defects not necessarily related to aging. The American Academy of Dermatology says that laser facial rejuvenation will not stop the hands of time from ticking, but is can provide satisfactory results for those who maintain realistic expectations. However, while it does provide a lot of good, there are still a number of side effects and complications to be aware of, including irritated skin for hours and even days, changes in skin tone – either lighter (hypopigmentation) or darker (hyperpigmentation), further acne breakouts, milia, scarring, burning, and even possible herpes break out. Not to mention laser facial rejuvenation is a very costly procedure. Here are three possible alternatives to laser facial rejuvenation – chemical peel, microdermabrasion, and exfoliation.

Chemical peels resurface the skin and should only be done by a professional dermatologist. They will apply chemicals to your skin, which causes it to blister and then peel off. It is not very painful and you will probably only experience a kind of warm sensation for five to ten minutes after the chemical is applied to the skin. Chemical peels remove any dead skin along the outer layer to reveal a much brighter and fresher complexion. Depending on how strong the chemical peel is, you may need some medication (topical or oral) as well as a few hours rest after. It is a great procedure and much less expensive than laser facial rejuvenation.

Like chemical peels, microdermabrasion can only be done by a professional dermatologist even though it is not as harsh to the skin as laser facial rejuvenation. Professionals use a small device on your skin to blow very fine crystals on the skin, thereby polishing the surface. A small vacuum like machine is then used to remove all the crystals as well as all dead skin cells. This results in a professional exfoliation that removes any unclogged pores. There are microdermabrasion kits that can be purchased over the counter as a more cost effective option, but they will not yield the same results as a professional procedure.

One last alternative is exfoliation. Exfoliation helps to remove the dead skin cells that build up in pores and clog them, causing a dull complexion. It is extremely easy for anyone to exfoliate their own skin and remove the dead skin cells while promoting new skin growth. Many of the top health and beauty brands sell exfoliation cleansers at all local drugstores. You should exfoliate your skin twice a day – in the morning and in the evening – for best results. For those with really clogged pores and skin problems, microdermabrasion would be the next step.

There is one more alternative to laser facial rejuvenation but it is much more costly and involves more possible risks and complications – a surgical face lift. Many women (and even men) opt for this route if looking for a permanent solution. However, before going down this route, it is best to look at other alternatives first.

Tags: , , , ,
Filed Under: Alternatives to Laser Facial Rejuvenation

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Laser Facial Rejuvenation

February 13, 2012 By LFT Team 10 Comments

What is laser facial rejuvenation?

Laser facial rejuvenation aids in the stimulation of collagen production in the skin by deconstructing the underlying blood vessels via lasers. This helps in “plumping up” the skin and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other skin defects. It is a non-ablative treatment, thereby meaning that the skin’s surface will not undergo any damage throughout the course of the procedure as the heat from the laser only affects the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate the formation of new collagen.

What are the different types of procedures used for laser facial rejuvenation?

There are four primary procedures utilized for laser facial rejuvenation – intense pulsed light treatment, pulsed dye laser treatment, fractional photothermolysis, and thermal plastic contouring. Whichever one the doctor selects for you is based on your skin tone and what you are looking to have done. All of these procedures aid in the increase of collagen production to remove lines and wrinkles and provide you with tighter, smoother skin.

What skin conditions does laser facial rejuvenation treat?

In general, these different light and laser systems that are utilized in laser facial rejuvenation can aid in the reduction of uneven pigment, small threat veins, and even wrinkles, fine lines, large pores, and mild scaring.

Who is considered an optimal candidate for laser facial rejuvenation?

For intense pulsed light treatment, the optimal candidate is an individual who has a light skin tone and has a lot of sun damage which has caused sunspots, freckles, as well as broken blood vessels.

For those interested in pulsed dye laser treatment, the optimal candidate is someone who has a fair to medium tone and has red lesions, including broken blood vessels on their face.

Fractional resurfacing laser therapy is best suited for those with fine wrinkles located especially around the mouth and eyes, as well as increased pore size, rough skin, and superficial acne scars.

Lastly, an optimal candidate for thermal plastic contouring is someone who has drooping skin along the brow and/or jowl area, as well as deep marionette lines.

How often is laser facial rejuvenation required?

Most men and women have four to five sessions of laser facial rejuvenation to obtain the type of improvement they are looking to achieve. After the initial treatment, individuals should come back in approximately every six months to receive maintenance.

Is laser facial rejuvenation painful?

Some individuals experience a bit of mild burning or stinging during the course of the procedure; however, it really depends on which procedure a person elects for.

What are the side effects of laser facial rejuvenation?

Though extremely rare, laser facial rejuvenation can leave burns and/or blisters along the affected area that can cause mild scarring as well as a change in the color or pigmentation of the skin.

Is it true that once this is done, individuals are not allowed out in the sun?

It is possible to go out into the sun after having laser facial rejuvenation, but use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has a SPF of a minimum of 30 no matter what time of year.

Is there noticeable facial redness after treatment?

Some people experience reddening of the skin for a few days.

Is there a high risk of infection?

No, there is no high risk of infection because the surface of the skin remains unbroken.

When will results be noticeable?

Laser facial rejuvenation results are gradual and can take a bit of time. No one will fully see the results overnight.

How much does it cost?

The price of laser facial rejuvenation tends to vary according to a variety of factors, including the laser that is used and the area being treated. It can cost as little as $300 and as much as $600 per session. Because five to six sessions are often required, individuals should put up to $3,600 aside.

How long does a session take and is there downtime needed after?

A treatment often takes anywhere between 15 minutes and an hour depending on the area being treated. After a session, most people return to their normal daily schedule.

Tags: , , ,
Filed Under: FAQs

Patients’ Experiences and Reviews About Laser Facial Rejuvenation

February 5, 2012 By LFT Team 3 Comments
patiens-laser-facial

It is clear that the plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery and dermatology physicians’ communities are very excited and upbeat about the new techniques in laser facial rejuvenation. The remarkable results that physicians are attaining for their patients and the ease of these procedures, along with the reduced complications, are what make current laser facial rejuvenations so exciting. Physicians love the precision available to them with the newer CO2 and Erbium laser procedures that allow for better results while exposing less of the face to laser burns.
So we know how the physicians feel about these laser facial rejuvenation procedures, but what are
patients’ experiences about it? For the most part patient reviews have been as positive as the physicians, but not always. Patients have reported a variety of experiences and offered a variety of reviews on their experience. Some patients have expressed a concern that they did not receive their services from a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist and were not as satisfied with their results as friends who went to board certified physicians were.  It would be recommended to use board certified physicians as often as possible for any type of procedure.
Many patients were very happy with the removal of blemishes, scars and wrinkles, but felt that laser facial rejuvenation did not tighten or smooth the facial skin in the way that regular plastic surgery does. Most women felt that the laser facial rejuvenations were head and shoulders above the chemical facial peels that they had tried in the past. In fact most women reported that they would use the procedure again.
Was there any different in the results between the CO2 Laser facial rejuvenation and the erbium laser facial rejuvenation as far as the patients are concerned? The answer to this question appears to be yes. Patients felt that in just about every way the erbium laser procedure was much more effective with much less side effects than the CO2 laser. The CO2 laser was very effective for most patients who had very fine wrinkles, very light colored scars and blemishes. The erbium laser was a lot more effective if the patient had deeper wrinkles and darker blemishes. The erbium laser is able to remove deeper levels of skin with even less side effects than the CO2 does for more superficial skin removal.
The other aspect that is different between the two laser facial rejuvenation procedures is the recovery and the side effects. The CO2 laser procedure can cause swelling, bruising and redness that the erbium laser procedure does not cause. The CO2 laser facial rejuvenation recovery time is anywhere from 2-4 weeks while the erbium recovery takes a week or less.
For the most part patients have felt that both of these procedures have been substantial improvements over the prior CO2 and chemical facial peels that have been available before. The procedures can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars depending upon the amount of wrinkles, blemishes or scars to be removed.

Tags: , ,
Filed Under: Patients Experiences and Reviews