Laser Services

Rick J. Smith, MD Our Services Laser Services

Rick J. Smith, MD

Plastic Surgery located in East Lansing, MI

Lasers have revolutionized cosmetic treatments, enabling clinicians to provide safe and noninvasive alternatives to surgical procedures. Jennifer Edwards, is an experienced licensed medical esthetician who uses the BBL Heroic and Moxi at the office of Rick J. Smith, MD, in East Lansing, Michigan, to reduce the signs of aging and improve the appearance of skin blemishes. To find out more about the power of lasers to improve your appearance, call Dr. Smith’s office or schedule an appointment online today.

Laser Services Q & A

What are laser services?

Lasers have a wide range of medical and cosmetic applications and are a safe and effective way to treat a variety of conditions through minimally invasive procedures. Lasers use light technology, a precisely targeted form of energy that enables Jennifer to improve the appearance of skin blemishes without using surgical techniques. There are several different types of lasers Jennifer can use, depending on the treatment you need.

What is laser resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing enables you to regain a more youthful appearance. The laser vaporizes the skin cells in the target area by sending pulses of energy into the water inside the cells. Lasers are so precise that they can destroy unwanted cells while leaving surrounding tissues unharmed.

Laser skin resurfacing is available as an ablative or nonablative option.  CO2 laser resurfacing is ablative, meaning it removes the top layer of skin to reveal new, unblemished skin, whereas BBL Heroic and Moxi are milder approaches that can help correct a comprehensive list of skin concerns.

Ablative laser resurfacing produces the most noticeable results, but requires a lengthier recovery period than the more gentle, nonablative option. Nonablative fractional lasers and broad band lasers (bbl) are suitable for in-office procedures requiring little to no downtime.

What cosmetic skin problems can lasers treat?

Lasers are effective in facial rejuvenation, revealing fresh layers of skin through ablation, and stimulating collagen production to plump up underlying tissues and tighten skin. Lasers can also improve the appearance of many different types of cosmetic skin problems, including:

 

  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Rosacea
  • Melasma
  • Scars from burns, acne, surgery, and injuries
  • Sundamage

Lasers are also highly effective in removing unwanted tattoos, breaking down the ink in your skin into smaller particles over a series of treatment sessions until the tattoo eventually disappears.

What do laser treatments feel like?

The exact sensations you experience depend on which form of laser therapy you receive, but the procedures aren’t invasive or painful. Typical sensations include tingling, temperature and pressure changes, and numbness. Topical anesthetic cream or cooling gel packs help prevent any discomfort during the procedure.

After your session, you may feel sore or have some slight swelling and redness if you’ve had a nonablative treatment. The ablative process is more intense, and you’ll need to take some time to recover. Jennifer explains all the options to you during your consultation so you can agree on the most appropriate laser treatment for your needs.

To make an appointment and discuss your options, call the office of Rick J. Smith, MD, or schedule an appointment online today.

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