Laser Resurfacing (wrinkle treatment)

Lasers can reduce or eliminate wrinkles by enhancing the build up of collagen in the inner layer of the skin. As we age, the sun, time, and the environment cause the inner layer of the skin to lose several types of elastic fibers. This thins this layer, called the dermis, and allows wrinkles to form.

One of the ways of improving the skins elastic properties is to produce a controlled injury to it. This has been done for years with dermabrasion and chemical peels. The degree of this injury results in a controlled increase in the dermis' collagen. Since the mid 1990's, laser resurfacing has been considered the gold standard in wrinkle removal technology. It allows for precise controlled penetration that increases dermal collagen, decreases irregular skin pigmentation, shrinks the skin, and thus dramatically decreases wrinkling.

The procedures are performed with the patient sedated and take approximately one hour to perform. Following the procedure the patient is able to go home. Following approximately 10 days of healing, patients are ready to return to work.

In some patients, Dr. Schneider will combine the laser resurfacing with fat injections to produce a very natural but dramatic rejuvenation.

Micro-needling (wrinkle treatment)

Though laser resurfacing may be considered the gold standard for wrinkle reduction, many patients may opt for micro-needling that dramatically shortens the recovery process. Performed under a light sedation, the 3mm needles of microneedling produce collagen production within the inner layer of the skin called the dermis. Because the procedure does not remove the outer layer of the skin like a laser or chemical peel, the healing process typically takes 3-4 days. And an added advantage is that the procedure can be used on many different areas such as the face, neck, chest, abdomen, and arms.