California Skin & Laser Center provides a number of skin resurfacing options, including microdermabrasion, Fraxel, Sciton and other laser treatments, for residents of Stockton and Lodi CA, and surrounding areas. These procedures are a great way to improve skin quality, reduce the signs of aging.

Individual skin cells are quite short-lived. They form, gradually rise to the surface, and die. Old cells are regularly shed as new ones develop, keeping the skin fresh and healthy. However, as we age this process slows and becomes less efficient. Dead cells accumulate on the surface creating a rough, dry texture. Additionally, problems such as discoloration often persist, because the damage goes deeper than the surface layer that sloughs off.

Mild skin resurfacing removes dead and damaged skin cells, as well as encouraging the formation of new ones. Aggressive procedures actually cause microscopic, controlled “injury” to skin layers. It is not sufficient to cause scarring or harm, but it triggers a healing response that can stimulate collagen development as well as eliminate deep-down damage. The Microlaserpeel is adjustable from minimal to deeper skin removal, offering an excellent option midway between mild and aggressive resurfacing. Resurfacing may be accomplished in a variety of ways, including laser treatment, photofacial, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion.

About Laser Resurfacing

Over the years, there have been many attempts to improve the quality of the skin by producing controlled injuries to the skin, resulting in improved appearing skin after healing occurred. The original agents used for this were a variety of chemicals that had variable effectiveness. Some produced more dramatic results, while others were less effective. One problem that frequently occurred with peels was that they were highly operator-dependent, and even in the hands of the same operator could, at times, produce inconsistent results. In addition, the peels had a relatively high incidence of adverse effects, especially the more aggressive peels.

To reduce these problems there has been a move, over the years, to try to obtain similar results in a safer and more reproducible fashion. Lasers were the obvious solution, and for a number of years the CO2 laser was the instrument of choice. With time, lasers with an even better side-effect profile were developed, and these days the CO2 laser is used infrequently by most physicians.

Sciton Laser Resurfacing

Laser Resurfacing by Dr. Gerald Bock

Laser Resurfacing by Dr. Gerald Bock
Dr. Gerald Bock from California Skin & Laser Center in Stockton, Lodi & Elk Grove says Laser Resurfacing can be divided in to Fractional Resurfacing and Ablative Resurfacing. Lasers are wavelengths and various wavelengths are used to deal with different problems. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Gerald Bock for more details about Laser Resurfacing Treatment.

What exactly does laser resurfacing do?
Laser resurfacing can be divided into fractional resurfacing and what is called the ablative resurfacing.

All these devices basically injured the skin, then as the skin heals, it makes itself more normal.

How does ablative resurfacing work?
Ablative resurfacing essentially injures 100% of the skin surface, and so, there is more downtime but it tends to be a more impressive result.

What does fractional laser treatment do?
With fractional resurfacing, you are just resurfacing little individual spots and the laser is skipping spots. So, it doesn’t treat 100% of the skin surface.

And as a result, there is less downtime and less discomfort, but usually, it will take several treatments with the fractional laser to give you the same result as the ablative laser.

How do you choose which laser to use?
The lasers are different wavelengths, various wavelengths that are used will depend on what tissue is targeted so, some wavelengths are absorbed by water, other wavelengths are absorbed by color or connective tissue.

So, various wavelengths are used to deal with different problems.

Call and schedule an appointment at California Skin & Laser Center for more about laser resurfacing treatment.

Formerly, skin resurfacing was done by sanding down the skin using a wire brush or a diamond-coated wheel. This dermabrasion was technically demanding and had a significant risk of side effects. When the CO2 laser was developed, it replaced dermabrasion because it was easier to perform and safer. However, there were still long healing times and sometimes permanent lightening of the skin.

To reduce these problems further, a cooler laser, the Erbium YAG laser was developed. The Sciton laser is the most advanced and sophisticated of these lasers. Its advanced scanner and computerized controls allow precision resurfacing with a much-reduced risk of side effects. The resurfacing mode of the Sciton laser is a much more intense treatment than either the Microlaserpeel or Arctic Peel.

Benefits of a single treatment

  • Reduce or eliminate wrinkles
  • Markedly improve aged and sun damaged skin
  • Improve brown spots and discoloration
  • Produce new young collagen
  • Reduce the risk of skin cancer
  • Tighten skin and improve skin tone

Fractional Erbium Yag Laser Resurfacing

The newest addition to our collection of lasers is the Asclepion MCL-30 Fractional Erbium Yag Laser. As a fractional laser it treats a portion if the skin with each pass. It is designed to treat a spot and skip the next spot, producing a pattern that limits the skin injury with each treatment. As a result the treatments are almost painless and are followed by minimal downtime. There is generally one day of redness followed by a day of pinkness followed by a day or two of mild peeling.

Treatments are performed every 4-6 weeks and after 3 to 4 treatments there is significant improvement in fine lines, brown discolorations, acne scarring, pore size and skin texture. Sometimes skin tightening is visible as well.

The laser is gentle enough to be used on the neck and upper chest, as well as the face, hands and arms.

It is our goal to be able to offer treatments that produce noticeable results with minimal to no discomfort or downtime. Our acquisition of this laser represents a significant advance in this direction.

If you are considering laser resurfacing, choose the dermatologist that quality conscious residents in Stockton, Lodi, and throughout Northern California turn to. Call
209-751-4292, and schedule a consultation at California Skin & Laser Center today.