Cosmetic Dermatology
Fraxel Laser Skin Resurfacing
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Skin Rejuvenation and Acne Scar Treatment with Laser Skin Resurfacing in the Dallas Area
Skin irregularities can by addressed by a variety of treatment options, from topical prescriptions to chemical peels to intense pulsed light (IPL). Laser skin resurfacing, available in the Dallas area from Dr. Ellen Turner’s practice, is one of the most effective methods, and has the added benefit of being non-invasive. Dermatologists have used lasers for more than 25 years to treat such skin conditions such as acne, lesions and uneven pigmentation (such as melasma), as well as to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and scars. Laser skin resurfacing removes the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of skin, while heating the dermis, which is the next layer down. The heat stimulates new collagen growth, as well as a healing process that generates a more youthful look with new, smoother, firmer skin. Since laser skin resurfacing works to target specific areas in such procedures as laser acne scar removal, it reduces problems associated with hypopigmentation, which is a lightening of skin.
We are proud to offer the most up-to-date laser technology for our patients, including Fraxel® laser and SmartXide DOT laser (see additional details below). Laser skin resurfacing may be combined with BOTOX® Cosmetic for the treatment of wrinkles and folds due to muscle activity, such as between the brows or around the eyes and lips. The use of dermal fillers such as Juvéderm®, Voluma™ and Restylane® may also be used selectively depending on the results you want to achieve. While dermal fillers were traditionally used to treat the deep folds and wrinkles in superficial areas of the skin, expert placement of selected fillers can now be used to help with volume in specific areas of the face such as the cheeks, lips, and jowls.
Cosmetic Dermatology
Book an appointment online or call (214) 373-7546 to schedule an appointment to see us in our Dallas or Irving locations.
Am I a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing?
Appropriate candidates for laser skin resurfacing include patients with:
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- Fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, mouth and forehead
- Scars: acne scars. chicken pox, burns, etc.
- Sun-damaged skin
- Pigmented brown facial spots (melasma)
- Stretch marks
- Enlarged pores
The most common areas treated with laser skin resurfacing are the face, neck, chest and hands. In general, it is not advisable to schedule laser skin resurfacing during the months between Memorial Day and Labor Day, since sun exposure combined with laser resurfacing, especially when treating sun-related issues, can potentially worsen the very condition one is seeking to improve.
Dr. Turner’s efforts to provide outstanding patient care include diligence in choosing appropriate patients for each procedure, starting with consultations that are comfortable, informative and respectful. It is important for her and her staff to listen to your concerns so they can carefully evaluate you and recommend the ideal treatment. To see if you are a candidate for laser skin resurfacing, book an appointment online or call the office to make an appointment at (214) 373-7546.
What types of lasers do you use?
FRAXEL® Laser (Non-Ablative Resurfacing)
FRAXEL® is a safe and gradual laser procedure that stimulates replacement of aged, photo-damaged, uneven, and/or scarred skin while increasing collagen. To date, there have been two categories of laser skin rejuvenation: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative techniques resurface broad areas of the skin and can offer significant clinical improvement. However, they are associated with significant post-treatment recovery. On the other hand, non-ablative techniques require virtually no downtime, but can be limited by inconsistent clinical improvements depending on the condition treated.
The FRAXEL® laser, a non-ablative therapy, is a novel device that can provide the positive results of ablative resurfacing using a non-invasive technique with little downtime. Treatments are typically spaced every four weeks, with a series of four treatments in a typical course. FRAXEL® is used for lines and wrinkles, skin discoloration due to sun damage, stretch marks, scar revision (including acne scar treatment), burn scarring and surgical scarring.
Dermatology Office
Meet Dr. Ellen Turner
Dr. Ellen Turner and her staff at the Dermatology Office strive to work within a space where compassion meets technology to obtain top results for Dallas patients.
DEKA SmartXide DOT Laser Resurfacing
DEKA SmartXide DOT laser resurfacing is one of the most successful techniques for treating all types of wrinkles—superficial to deep—as well as acne scarring. Used on appropriate skin types, it ablatively and selectively treats the skin to induce re-epithelization and neocollagenesis. After treatment, your skin will feel smoother and softer, without any scarring or alterations in your natural facial expression, and you will see a natural new glow to the surface of the skin. Unlike traditional ablative resurfacing procedures, the fractionated technology produces excellent results but without the lengthy recovery times.
Erbium-YAG Ablative Laser Resurfacing
If you are not yet ready for a full or partial face lift, Erbium-YAG laser resurfacing is used for patients with deep wrinkles and furrows to achieve the smooth result of younger, thicker, and healthier skin.
What happens before, during, and after laser skin resurfacing?
The accuracy of laser skin resurfacing allows the operator to control the depth of penetration, limiting the effects on surrounding tissue while delivering the necessary treatment energy with controlled precision. The laser is applied and the depth of penetration is modulated to deliver a conservative, moderate, or more aggressive treatment.
Downtime for recovery is directly related to the aggressiveness of the treatment. Conservative treatments for a condition like superficial (near surface of skin) sun damage may require downtime of only a few days, but aggressive treatments for deep wrinkles or acne scars typically require a longer downtime of up to one week or more.
Healing time varies based on treatment, skin type and the individual patient. Most patients will experience a sunburn-like sensation after the laser treatment. Redness, swelling and mild discomfort may occur initially, with flaking over subsequent days. To maximize long-term effectiveness, patients need to continue or implement a good maintenance skin care program following treatment. Avoidance of the sun and wearing sunscreen daily are advised.
How much does laser skin resurfacing cost?
Laser skin resurfacing costs vary depending on the size of the area treated, the time required for treatment and the number of treatments required for an optimal result. Dr. Turner’s office offers patients a laser skin resurfacing consultation. A trained medical esthetician will evaluate your needs. Schedule your consultation online or call (214) 373-7546 today.
Patients looking to pay for their elective laser skin resurfacing or other procedures with outside financing can go online to apply for CareCredit. When approved, patients can then begin their treatment, confident that they can pay for them over the coming months via a customized plan. It takes only a short time to apply online or ask our staff for more details.