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SILKTOUCH LASER TECHNOLOGY FOR RESURFACING WRINKLES, LINES AND SCARS, AND BENIGN PIGMENTED DARK AREAS

Syrus Rayhan, M.D.

Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at UCI.
Board Certified in Dermatology and Dermatopathology.
Fellow American Academy in Dermatology.
Contributor in two Laser textbooks in Dermatology.

Recently, laser scientists have developed a new technique for safely removing or improving facial wrinkles, lines, and scars without heat damaging the underlying tissue. This considerably reduces the risk of scarring. Precise depth control and absence of bleeding have proven to be great advantages over chemical peels or dermabrasion. Unlike indictable collagen, laser re-surfacing results are long-term and expected to last for years.


Before Treatement	After Treatement

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

How does the Silktouch Co2 Laser work?
Although the Co2 laser has been used by Dr. Rayhan for many years, new technology has made if safer and more effective. Very short pulses at high energy are directed at the skin surface, controlled by a computerized scanner. The energy is delivered very precisely so that the depth of vaporization is uniform, and only thin layers are removed.

How does the Silktouch Co2 Laser differ, from chemical peels or dermabrasion?
Chemical peels may cause a frosting which masks deeper wrinkles. Also, variable absorption of the chemical may cause uneven results, discoloration, or scarring.
Dermabrasion produces bleeding which reduces visibility, increasing the risk of unevenness or scarring.
The silktouch Co2 Laser seals blood vessels so that the surgery is virtually bloodless. It is also precise and can be used to treat individual lines. It is more predictable and carries less risk of scarring.
What areas can be treated?
The most suitable areas are lines around the mouth and lips, eyelids, "crows feet", smile lines, frown lines, and some acne or surgical scars. In some. patients, treatment of the entire facial skin is desirable.

Will I need an Anesthetic?
For limited areas a local anesthetic is adequate for painless laser surgery. For more extensive areas a topical anesthetic called Emla cream will be applied one hour prior to surgery in addition to a local anesthetic, and a light sedative can be given. If a sedative ' is used it will be necessary for someone to drive you. Another option is to give a nerve block anesthesia, which is a local anesthesia.

Is there any Pre-treatment?
You may be prescribed Retin-A and a bleaching cream two weeks before surgery. on the day of surgery you will begin taking an nral antibiotic and Zovirax for five days to prevent infection or cold sores. Photographs will be taken before and after treatment.
What happens during the Silktouch Co2 Laser treatment?
The doctor will mark out the areas to be treated with input from you. He will then evenly treat those areas and re-treat deeper lines by vaporizing away the high points or "shoulders" of the wrinkles. This gives an immediate pleasing smoothness to the surface of the skin. Tightening of the collagen often occurs. Surrounding areas are blended by feathering with less power. Deeper lines may need a repeat treatment in two to three months.
The procedure takes usually between fifteen and thirty minutes for around the mouth and eyes.

What skin conditions are treated with the Silk-Touch Laser?
Severe sun damage, pre cancerous lesions, or actinic keratosis, melasma, hyper-pigmentation, lines, wrinkles, and some birthmarks.

POST-OP MEDS AND CARE

Immediately after treatment the skin appears whitish-pink and will feel hot or sting for several hours. Ice packs and Tylenol will help relieve the discomfort and swelling.

Soak with diluted water. Boil water, cool, add 1 cup vinegar with three cups of water. Soak twice a day or 15 minutes. If you get a burning sensation dilute the vinegar more.
Apply unscented Vaseline several times per day as needed for dry skin.
Keftab 500 mg. three times daily for one week.
Continue Zovirax 400 mg. three times daily for 10 days.
If there is any diarrhea discontinue meds.
If you have any questions please call the office.

In the first few days a thin scab will appear which will gradually be replaced by scaling and peeling. Cover make-up may be used within five to seven days. The treated areas will be red to pink and fades gradually to a,normal skin color over two to three months or longer as a new blood supply stimulates your own collagen.

What about Sun Exposure?

Do not expose the treated areas til six months unless a high SPF sunscreen is applied (example, SPF 25 or higher). Wear a hat or visor and avoid peak sunshine.

RISKS

What are the Risks?

HYPERPIGMENTATION (increased skin color)
This is common in those with dark complexions and is usually temporary. It should respond to the use of Retin-A, Hydroquinone cream and lotions and UVA sunscreens post-operatively.

HYPOPIGMENTATION (decreased skin color)
This is uncommon and appears to be related to the depth of the peel. It is also temporary.

ERYTHEMA (redness of skin)
The laser treated areas :distinctive redness which have may well last one to four months beyond the time normally required to heal the skin surface (usually seven to ten days). This redness is thought to represent increased blood flow from healing as well as new growth of the superficial tissue. It fades gradually over the weeks.

INDURATION (hardening) AND TIGHTNESS
It is not uncommon for the treated area to feel tight and itchy after seven to ten days The ointment recommended by your doctor should be used whenever the skin feels dry. if the skin around the mouth is swollen or tight drink using a straw. Hydrocortisone cream may help alleviate itching and dryness.

SCARRING
Scarring is not anticipated as a consequence of this procedure but any procedure in which the surface of the skin is removed can heal with scarring. This usually occurs because of some secondary factor which interferes with healing such as infection, irritation, scratching, or poor wound care. Scarring from infection, irritation, or scratching does blend and ordinarily disappears in a few months but some scarring may be permanent. Hypertrophic reactions or keloids in susceptible people may suddenly appear. These should respond to injections or special creams.

CONSULTATIONS AND TREATMENT

How do I schedule a Consultation or Test treatment?

Consultations are scheduled at my office with our Cosmetic Procedure Consultant at (714) 847-1277.

Test treatments are usually done on a small (dime-sized) area prior to treatment. This allows both the doctor and patient to evaluate the effectiveness and risks in each individual patient.