Laser Skin Resurfacing
Overview of Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing uses a CO2 laser to selectively destroy the epidermis and the superficial part of the dermis that makes up skin. This forces the dermis to make new collagen. The new collagen that is formed is thicker, better vascularized, and is more like collagen of youthful skin. It also dramatically tightens the collagen which subsequently dramatically helps improve wrinkles. This effectively rejuvenates the skin.
Because the dermis within the skin is better vascularized, thicker, and has been tightened, the skin has more of a youthful glow. Wrinkles and skin discolorations are dramatically improved and sometimes removed altogether. Age spots can be eliminated or markedly improved.
Dr. Cruise has extensively studied the process of facial aging. It involves all the layers of the face. Laser skin resurfacing does a remarkable job of rejuvenating the top layer otherwise known as the skin. It is able to dramatically improve the fine wrinkles and excess skin around the eyes. It does not do as well with the deeper wrinkles but it will improve them. It does very little to improve jowling or sagging of the face. This requires a face lift.
There are several lasers available and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. We will limit this discussion to the CO2 laser which is the laser most widely used for skin rejuvenation. Other lasers, while they have their merit with skin rejuvenation, are more widely used in other areas such as tattoo removal.

