May 15, 2008 9:43 am US/Eastern
CBS 2 HD HealthWatch: Zapping Facial Discoloration
A New Approach To An Old Procedure Can Help Many Women Suffering From Pregnany-Induced Melasma
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
-
-
Facial resurfacing is fast becoming an option women are turning to in their fight against facial pigmentation problems. The procedure uses a tiny laser and costs $4,000.
CBS
Repairing pigment problems on the face is not easy. Now, a new twist on and old laser procedure is offering patients new hope.
Linda Bernal is tired of the pigment problems on her face.
"I've tried so many different products, and I've tried the retinol and the lightening ... and so many different things, and I haven't gotten the results that I wanted," Bernal said.
Bernal suffers from a condition known as melasma. It's a facial discoloration, often the result of pregnancy.
"I'm hoping to really get rid of … at least lighten it to where I don't have to wear as much makeup," Bernal said.
So she's trying out facial resurfacing with the newly redesigned Smartxide dot laser.
"Carbon dioxide laser or co2 laser has been the gold standard on what's known as facial resurfacing for 15-20 years now," said Dr. Bill Johnson, an internist for Innovations MedSpa.
The old laser technique was harsh, and removed the entire top layer of skin, so recovery could be difficult.
"People basically weren't able to go to work, or go outside for about 30 days afterwards," Johnson said.
But now, new software has completely changed how it works. Instead of removing the entire surface, it removes thousands of tiny dots.
"We've now left most of the skin surface intact, and so it's able to heal from the sides as well," Johnson said.
That cuts the recovery time to just two or three days.
"It feels just kind of numb, and kind of tight," Bernal said after having the procedure done.
Before and after photos from other patients show the difference. Johnson says Bernal will see optimal results in a few weeks. And she's willing to wait.
"It really is your self-esteem, and I feel like that's the only thing you see when you see my face," Bernal said.
The Smartxide laser can also be used to tighten up wrinkles, reduce acne scars and minimize sun damage. Only topical anesthesia is required.
The laser treatment is approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and can be done by a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon. The cost is about $4,000.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
2009 Celebrity Deaths
Click to enlarge
Lawyer: Terror Suspects To 'Explain' 9/11 Attacks 29 mins ago 
Stumble It!
Reporting
Comments