LASER RESURFACING
(LASER PEELS)

Beverly Hills plastic surgeons can help you finally live your life.

In laser resurfacing of the face, sometimes called "laser peel," a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is used to remove areas of sun-damaged or winkled skin, layer by layer, very precisely. The procedure is most commonly used to minimize the appearance of facial lines, especially around the mouth and eyes, however it is also effective in treating facial scars or areas of uneven pigmentation. Laser resurfacing may be performed on the whole face or in specific regions, and while the best candidate for CO2 laser resurfacing has a fair complexion, modified procedures have been used successfully on Hispanic and Asian patients by Dr. McGuire with success.

All resurfacing treatments work essentially the same way: First, the outer layers of damaged skin are removed; then, as new cells form during the healing process, a smoother, tighter, younger-looking skin surface appears. In comparison to alternative methods of skin resurfacing, such as chemical peels or dermabrasion, laser treatments are much more controlled and precise, and as a result, much safer. This control and precision also permit a deeper peel, which is more effective and dramatic. Laser resurfacing is therefore the best means to diminish deep acne scars, but also early aging changes and sun damage.

The CO2 laser used in the face also makes the skin tighten visibly, so the patient gets the "refreshed" look of a mini face-lift, as well as a beautiful improvement in the texture and appearance of the skin. While it is not a substitute for a face-lift, it is an excellent complement to face-lifts or eyelid cosmetic surgery, since it achieves changes in the quality of the skin that surgery does not. Laser resurfacing is also effective in areas less affected by surgery, such as around the mouth, at the corners of the eyes, and in the forehead.

The neck and chest are also often improved by laser resurfacing, but in these areas the Erbium/YAG laser is used. There is less skin tightening with this laser, but skin texture and appearance are significantly improved, treating sun damage, aging changes, and undesired pigmentation.

All laser resurfacing is done with a general anesthesia, and there is some pain during the first several days following the procedure, but the principal problem is the horrendous appearance, with oozing, redness, and swelling. This can last up to one week, and can be a challenge for some patients. The healing is complete in all patients within one week, however, with the use of a revolutionary treatment given daily for four days after the resurfacing is done. The BiO2 Oxy-Mist® treatment is an amazing breakthrough that was initially tested and evaluated by Dr. McGuire ten years ago, and he is still the Medical Consultant to the company which developed the process.

Oxy-Mist® uses a solution containing amino acids, trace minerals, Vitamin E, and other natural factors critical to skin healing. The solution is delivered as a mist using medical grade oxygen, and the treatment is very soothing and effective. Before Oxy-Mist®, healing after laser resurfacing took TWO WEEKS, and subsequent redness lasted MONTHS. With Oxy-Mist®, healing is complete in ONE WEEK, and redness after healing is more pink, and it fades in several WEEKS. Dr. McGuire is one of only a few plastic surgeons to use Oxy-Mist® after laser peels, and it makes the recovery much quicker and easier, and the subsequent result even more beautiful.

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Co2 Laser

Before		After
Before		After

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