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Laser Treatment Can Remove Wrinkles | |
By DR. DEBORAH S. SARNOFF Laser treatment is the newest and most effective solution to the problem of wrinkled skin. Used properly, lasers can help to avoid the dangers more commonly seen with older methods of treating wrinkles, such as phenol peeling and dermabrasion. Phenol peeling is performed by the application of an acid to wrinkled areas of the skin. It can be painful and it can leave scars. It also leaves a whitish, porcelainlike tinge to the treated area. When phenol is applied, there is a potential for causing an irregular heartbeat as well. With dermabrasion, the wrinkles are scraped away by a metal wire - or diamond-covered instrument. It can be a bloody procedure, raising worries about possible transmission of infection, and precision is hard to achieve because the operator does not have a clear view of the treated area. Carbon dioxide lasers have been available for clinical use for a decade or more. But the first generation of carbon dioxide lasers, which emitted a continuous beam of powerful light, carried a high risk of scarring. That risk has been virtually eliminated by a newer generation of carbon dioxide lasers that emit ultrashort bursts of light. These lasers make possible an extremely precise removal of wrinkles. A superficial wrinkle generally requires only one pass of the laser. Deeper wrinkles may require two-to-four passes. The operator can see the shrinkage of tissue, making precise control easier. These lasers can also be used to remove precancerous and noncancerous growths, as well as acne scars. Anyone considering laser skin resurfacing should know that it is classified as a surgical procedure, associated with the usual risks and complications. Antibiotics or antiviral drugs can be given before the procedure to prevent wound infection. Because the skin is left raw and pink for weeks to months, it's advisable to apply ointments to the treated area and avoid sun exposure during that period. Laser treatment now is being applied to hair transplants. The laser can make skin openings bloodlessly, providing sites for the transplanted hair. Cosmetic applications of skin lasers are usually not covered by medical insurance. Laser treatment of skin cancers generally is covered. --- Dr. Deborah S. Sarnoff is Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at New York University School of Medicine. Copyright 1996 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. | |