Laser Skin Peels

What is Profile?

Profile is a combination of two lasers technologies. It has set a new standard for laser skin peels, allowing your physician to precisely vary the depth and the effect of your laser peel. Your treatment will be tailored to match your skin condition and desired result.

What conditions can be treated with Profile?

• Wrinkles
• Epidermal nevi
• Acne scars
• Solar lentigines
• Actinic keratoses
• Hypertrophic scars
• Syringoma
• Surgical scars

What areas can be treated?

All skin areas can be treated. Popular areas are the face, neck, chest, and hands. Discuss your needs with Dr. Singh.

Is there a risk?

Following the correct aftercare procedures prescribed by your physician will reduce the risk of infection. You will return to your physician for follow-up visits to ensure excellent healing.

What will happen during the procedure?

Your physician will administer anesthesia after discussing the options with you. Your eyes will be protected with safety shields or glasses.

Profile’s laser beam will be delivered through a computer-controlled device that automatically scans the area of your skin being treated. You may hear a snapping or popping noise as the laser gently removes the outer skin cells.

Your procedure may take a few minutes to half an hour depending on the size of the area to be treated and the depth of your peel.

How does laser skin resurfacing work?

Lasers work by emitting a specialized light that passes through the skin and is preferentially absorbed by water in the damaged collagen of your skin. This action allows the laser light to ablate (evaporate) very fine layers of skin, diminishing the look of the wrinkle and other unwanted textures. The older, wrinkled collagen in your skin is remodeled into newer skin: As new cells form in the healing process, the skin becomes smoother and softer. Several lasers and light sources are available today for skin resurfacing.

What will the Profile laser do?

Your physician will use Profile to remove thin layers of your skin’s surface, which will be replaced by younger skin growth. Only Profile has the ability to provide a treatment that is optimized to your skin condition. Your wrinkles will soften and become less noticeable, some will disappear, and pigmented lesions will greatly improve.

Is the procedure painful?

You will be given either a topical or local anesthetic during the procedure. Sedation can also be provided. Most patients describe the post-procedure feeling as a bad sunburn. This feeling will subside in a few days. Cold compresses will also help subdue the discomfort.

Will it be uncomfortable?

The amount of discomfort varies from patient to patient. Your physician will discuss your anesthesia options to properly manage any discomfort from the treatment.

How soon will I see results?

Because your skin will heal over a period of several weeks, you may not see the final results until then. As your skin heals, and as new collagen regenerates and fills in the lines and wrinkles, your results will continue to improve for months.

How long will it take me to recover?

Your healing time will depend on your actual treatment depth, and you may experience erythema (redness) that may last several weeks. Healing time does vary among individuals. Your physician can answer questions about temporary changes to your skin color and how they may be camouflaged.

How long will it take me to heal? What are the side effects?

Most patients enjoy a short recovery time after laser resurfacing, which lasts anywhere from less than a week for lighter resurfacing procedures to a bit more than a week for deeper procedures. You will be asked to keep the area moist. The initial redness after the procedure will fade over a period of time. However, camouflage make-up may be used to cover the redness.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and side effects associated with laser skin resurfacing. Your doctor will review with you in detail any risks involved in the procedure.

What should I expect after treatment?

Some redness and slight swelling may be present in the area that has been treated; however, this should subside within a few hours. Your skin will have a pink or red color that will resolve over time. You will need to avoid direct sun exposure or use a sunblock of at least SPF 15 when outdoors.

What aftercare will I need?

It is important to follow your physician’s instructions. You will be given some skincare products and instructions on how to use them. This will minimize your risk for infection and ensure the shortest healing time. The top layer of your skin will regrow and be covered with make-up in about one week.

Your new skin will be very sensitive to ultraviolet light, and you must avoid sun exposure until fully healed. You need to cover your skin, wear a hat, and use a good sunscreen if you have to go outdoors.