There are several factors which can contribute to the appearance of skin wrinkles. The aging process causes skin to thin and dry out, developing sags and wrinkles in the flesh. Some people have a genetic predisposition to the development of wrinkles and fine lines. The sun also causes wrinkles by damaging the skin's elastic fibers thus reducing the skin's ability to stretch. Cigarette smoking can constrict the blood vessels and lower the amount of oxygen the skin receives. Chemicals, heat, wind, and other environmental factors also contribute to the development of wrinkles in the skin.

Several manufacturers of wrinkle treatment lasers have gained approval from the Federal Drug Administration to market their products as wrinkle treatments. With advancements in safety and technology, plastic surgeons and dermatologists are able to use wrinkle treatment lasers to successfully treat and reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the skin. In 2003 over 50,000 of these procedures were successfully completed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeons. There are a few types of wrinkle treatment lasers currently available.

The first type of procedure using wrinkle treatment lasers involves carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers. This procedure can improve wrinkles, including some deeper wrinkles, by fifty to ninety percent. This wrinkle treatment laser procedure does have some disadvantages. After the treatment , patients may experience crusting and oozing of the treated areas for up to two weeks and swelling up to three months. Redness of this skin might occur for even longer.

The next procedure using wrinkle treatment lasers is called the erbium:YAG laser. This procedure involves using YAG wrinkle treatment lasers to heat the tissues under the skin without damaging the surface skin or appearance. These high energy lasers can reduce the appearance of shallow to moderately deep wrinkles by triggering the body's wound healing responses. This fosters new collagen formation which can increase skin smoothness and elasticity. The YAG wrinkle treatment lasers cause less damage to the skin, though some oozing and crusting of the treated area is still possible immediately following the procedure.

Recently, the FDA approved wrinkle treatment lasers called NLite. NLite stimulates the body's own production of collagen using a yellow laser. There are several benefits to these wrinkle treatment lasers. The procedure is relatively painless, does not require anesthesia, and demands very little recovery time.

The improvement of wrinkles by all wrinkle treatment lasers is gradual but successful in many circumstances. Procedures are not permanent, but can last at least six months. Wrinkle treatment laser procedures are relatively safe and successful in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The procedure is also safe enough to be performed a number of times. To find out if you are a good candidate for wrinkle treatment lasers, please contact us to find a plastic surgeon in your area.