 
 
The Sciton Contour erbium laser is strong enough to be able to provide the same results as a deep CO2 resurfacing but with less of the risks associated with CO2 lasers like scarring or loss of pigment. With it's variable settings it can be used to provide a minimally ablative treatment like a Laser Micro Peel or be used on other areas of the body. Dr. Ellliott personalizes each Sciton treatment to the goals and available downtime of each patient.
A single facial laser resurfacing treatment that removes over 100 microns of skin (microdermabrasion removes 10-15 microns) can dramatically improve fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage. Think of it as getting brand new skin. Laser Resurfacing can be done over the entire face or only to those areas where fine lines may be prominent, such as around the eyes or mouth. Sometimes it's one area of the face that makes you appear older, so treating that single area can take 10 years off of your appearance in one hour.
 
Before & 7 days after Laser Resurfacing under the eyes, Photo by C. Elliott, M.D
 
Before and 1 month after a combination of Botox & Laser Resurfacing around the eyes, Photo by C. Elliott, M.D.
What to expect:
Most patients are surprised by how little discomfort they experience during the procedure. Depending on the area of the face treated, anesthesia consists of a combination of a topical anesthetic cream, oral pain medicine, and an anti-anxiety medication if desired . A full face procedure takes about an hour to perform and it feels like mild stinging during the treatment and a bad sunburn for the first few days afterwards.
At the completion of the laser resurfacing procedure the treated area is covered in a soothing ointment which is continued for the first few days at home. Some weeping and swelling of the treated area is expected for several days depending on the depth of treatment, and redness will fade over a period of weeks to a month, depending on your skin type. Concealers can be used to camouflage the redness as soon as the skin has healed.
Most patients can return to work about 6 days after facial laser resurfacing around the eyes but deeper wrinkles such as those around the mouth require a greater depth of treatment with up to 10 days of recovery. Strict sun avoidance is necessary for at least 3 months after facial laser resurfacing and a professional skin care program is encouraged to maintain the results indefinitely.
How long do the results last?
When old skin has been replaced with new skin, it's like turning back the clock. The new skin begins aging again at the same rate as before but as if it was from an earlier age, with results that are visible for many years.
Before & 2 Years After Laser Resurfacing with continuing professional skin care Photo by C. Elliott, M.D.
Prices for laser resurfacing range from $1,500-$2,800 depending on the areas treated.
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