Laser skin rejuvenation and wrinkle removal can be accomplished through Fractional Laser Resurfacing with the ActiveFx laser – one of the most contemporary and acclaimed lasers on the market for skin resurfacing. Laser treatments restore and refinethe skin by safely vaporizing layers of skin, revealing healthier, newer skin and causing increased collagen production. By promoting collagen growth, the deeper laser skin resurfacing treatments also slow down the aging process and can remove imperfections such as acne scars, hyper-pigmentation, uneven skin tone, surgical scars, and loose sagging facial skin.
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Dr. Mune Gowda, board certified plastic surgeon, customizes each laser treatment based on the needs and desired downtime of the patient: lighter, surface level correction require less, while deeper wrinkles, tightening, and re-contouring require more downtime.
The laser technology Dr. Gowda uses, ActiveFx Laser Skin Resurfacing, allows for the flexibility of 5%-100% coverage in a single pass of the laser. This means the depth of coverage is highly customized according to the individual face, as well as different areas of the face. This tailored technique targets everything from discoloration and fine lines to deep wrinkles and scars by choosing the depth of laser treatment.
Dr. Gowda may use the ActiveFX laser, for example, for fine lines and brown spots and or deep collagen stimulation. Traditional CO2 (“CO2 Max”) is not fractional, so Dr. Gowda often uses this laser for the most powerful overall tightening, scar improvement, and deep wrinkle removal.
Whether the laser treatment that is right for you is fractionated or “fractional” (dispersed laser beams allowing for less downtime) or not fractionated (using the full force of the laser beam) will depend on your expected results and the amount of downtime you are able to take.
Below are the basic categories, which will be further tailored in your comprehensive consultation to best address your specific needs.
The CO2 Light (Active FX™) laser is ideal for:
- Removing dull surface skin
- Reducing facial discoloration
- Improving skin texture
- Eliminating blemishes
- Diminishing acne scars
- Diminishing uneven skin tone
- Diminishing surgical scars
This skin resurfacing treatment ablates or “wipes away” the upper layers of skin with fractionated laser technology. It requires a few days downtime and a topical pain relieving cream for comfort during the procedure.
The CO2 Medium-Level (Total FX™ or Deep FX) is ideal for: Those seeking a more medium-level laser skin treatment can expect to be red for 8-10 days, but will enjoy wrinkle improvement and skin tightening in addition to the benefits of the “Light” laser peel (improved, tone, color, texture).
The CO2 Deep-Level Laser Treatment: This laser treatment is designed to stimulate the most new collagen growth in the dermis layer of the skin, effectively removing deep wrinkles and restructuring and restoring skin to a healthier state. This laser skin resurfacing procedure will leave you with skin that looks firmer, smoother, and younger-looking in addition to imparting the surface-level benefits listed under “light” as well as line correction benefits under “medium” level treatments.
During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will help you select the most appropriate laser for your skin resurfacing goals. The procedure for all laser skin resurfacing is similar.
The treatment takes place at either Dr. Gowda’s Troy or Novi location. The patient is typically put into twilight sedation for most medium-level treatments, meaning that there is no pain during the treatment and that the patient will remain conscious, but not necessarily awake.
Patients will be put under general anesthesia for deep-level laser resurfacing. Light-level laser treatment requires only a topical anesthetic. Dr. Gowda then moves the laser over the discussed treatment area, using a variety of techniques, depths, and settings according to the patient’s specific needs.
For deeper issues, such as heavy scars, the area may need to be treated again in a follow-up visit. Dr. Gowda will often suggest that the patient apply a facial cream in the weeks leading up to and following the laser skin treatment.
Recovery From Laser Treatment
Depending on the depth of Dr. Gowda’s laser skin resurfacing treatment, you may experience swelling and mild discomfort after the procedure, but these are well-controlled with ice and medication. If a deeper technique was used, you cannot drive home and will need assistance until the anesthesia wears off. Specific recovery instructions related to your customized laser treatment will be outlined in your individual consultation.
Laser Skin Resurfacing: Making a Decision
The decision to proceed with laser skin treatment requires planning. To aid in your decision we offer a thorough consultation to answer all of your questions, as well as assistance with the financial investment of laser skin resurfacing. Consultations cover in detail the differences in our laser skin resurfacing techniques.
Some patients find during the consultation that another procedure, such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser skin tightening, or wrinkle removal with cosmetical injectables such as Botox® or Restylane®, may be more appropriate for their goals. Please contact us for a consultation that will clarify which treatment best suits your needs and schedule.
As a best in class plastic surgeon, Dr. Gowda provides highly personalized and comprehensive care. His philosophy regarding the physician/patient relationship is based on trust and has earned him one of the most respected reputations in South East Michigan. The top rated plastic surgeon uses the latest techniques to provide the most natural-looking results possible for your plastic surgery or cosmetic procedure.
For more information about the plastic surgeries we offer or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mune Gowda, MD, FACS please contact either our plastic surgery practice:
Novi, MI Plastic Surgery Office
26850 Providence Parkway
Suite 125
Novi, MI 48374
(248) 305-8400
Troy, MI Plastic Surgery Office
3270 West Big Beaver
Suite 415
Troy, MI 48084
(248) 530-0000