Laser Skin Rejuvenation and Resurfacing

At Des Moines Plastic Surgery, we offer a full line of laser services using the latest in laser technology under the direct supervision of Dr. Robbins, board certified plastic surgeon. We understand that not all patients desire cosmetic surgery. So, we offer a wide scope of laser services within Des Moines Plastic Surgery which allows Dr. Robbins to select the most appropriate and effective treatment for each and every patient.  The following list outlines the laser skin rejuvenation and resurfacing services we offer.  Each laser application is described below.  For a complete evaluation and discussion about our Laser Center, please call us for your complimentary cosmetic consultation at 515-221-9999 or attend one of our informational seminars.

 
As we age, our skin changes.  The youthful appearance of the skin gives way to loss of elasticity, discoloration, sun spots, wrinkles, and enlargement of pores.  Lasers have improved our ability to treat skin conditions and improve the appearance of the skin.  Dr. Robbins is the Medical Director of The Laser Center at Des Moines Plastic Surgery.  We offer the latest technology in laser skin treatments.  All lasers are either performed by Dr Robbins himself or one of his highly qualified staff members.  Unlike many other “laser centers” that do not have an onsite supervising physician, at Des Moines Plastic surgery your comfort and safety is of the utmost importance.

If you would like to improve the surface and appearance of your skin, reduce fine lines, surface irregularities such as scarring, uneven pigmentation and sun damage, then skin resurfacing may be right for you. In laser skin resurfacing a laser is used to remove areas of damaged or wrinkled skin, layer by layer. The procedure is most commonly used to minimize the appearance of fine lines, especially around the mouth and the eyes. However, it is also effective in treating facial scars or areas of uneven pigmentation. Laser resurfacing may be performed on the whole face or in specific regions. Often, the procedure is done in conjunction with another cosmetic operation, such as a facelift or eyelid surgery.

LASER SKIN RESURFACING AND REJUVENATION

Using the Lumenis Fractionated CO2 UltraPulse Laser

(Active FX, Deep FX, and Total FX)

Go to the Before & After Photo Gallery - Non-Surgical

to see the amazing results using the UltraPulse Laser

The laser resurfacing system from Lumenis is a CO2 laser.  CO2 lasers have been the gold standard in skin resurfacing for many years and Dr. Robbins has years of training and expertise using the CO2 laser.   New fractionated technology from Lumenis allows you to get the results you want just like the traditional CO2 lasers of the past but with the added benefit of minimal downtime.  This is a huge advantage over other resurfacing lasers on the market.  Dr. Robbins is aware that his patients are active and busy with their family, career, and other activities.  The minimal downtime with this laser has made it extremely popular.  Many other laser systems are not aggressive enough to give you much of a benefit.   The UltraPulse Laser from Lumenis results in remarkable, long lasting results and in most cases this can be accomplished in just one treatment.  The Active FX treatment is your single treatment solution for wrinkled, sun damaged skin and is now available at the Laser Center of Des Moines Plastic Surgery. 

Laser resurfacing involves the Active FX, Deep FX, or the Total FX. The Laser Center at Des Moines Plastic Surgery is the first and only plastic surgery practice in Iowa to purchase these lasers.  This laser system is a long-lasting, single treatment approach for wrinkles, dark spots, sun damage, scars and other skin irregularities. In addition, this laser system will stimulate the formation of new collagen to provide better elasticity and support for the skin. Click here to learn more about the Lumenis UltraPulse Laser.

Is Active FX right for you? Active FX is an ideal treatment option for you if you:

The Lumenis UltraPulse Total FX treatment offered at Des Moines Plastic surgery was featured recently on 20/20 for treating burn scars. To see the inspiring story of triplets burned as infants and now being treated with the CO2 laser and the profound difference it has made, click here.

What is Active FX?

A high energy laser  contacts the skin surface causing the outer layer to peel off and regenerate a layer of new, healthy skin.  Essentially, the damaged outer layer of skin is removed down to healthy undamaged skin below.  The laser is pulsed or fractionated leaving small “bridges” of untouched skin.  The fractionated portion of the laser makes the healing process much faster and enables you to get back to normal activities sooner.  Typically 5-7 days of peeling and redness can be expected after the Active FX.  The downtime is similar to a sunburn.

What is Deep FX?

Deep FX involves a more aggressive approach and penetration of the skin is deeper.  The Deep FX is used to treat deeper wrinkles and scars.  It is particularly useful on acne scars.  The Deep FX is oftentimes combined with the Active FX.  Since the Deep FX penetrates a little deeper into the skin, the downtime is slightly longer (7-10 days of peeling and redness to the skin) compared to the Active FX alone.  Makeup can generally be applied in 4-7 days.  The deep FX also results in deep dermal skin heating which stimulates new collagen formation.  Collagen forms the framework or building blocks of the skin and can be damaged by the sun and with aging.  New collagen formation results in tighter, firmer, healthier skin.

What is Total/FX?

Total FX is a combination of Active and Deep FX.  The Deep FX is performed first on the deeper wrinkles and/or scars.  This is followed immediately with the Active FX.  Total FX is the most effective way to treat the skin. It is the most advanced and aggressive treatment of the skin.  

LASER SKIN RESURFACING AND REJUVENATION

 Using the Syneron Elos Laser System

The Laser Center at Des Moines Plastic Surgery offers the Syneron Elos Laser System which combines laser energy and radiofrequency energy.  As opposed to the more aggressive Active FX laser described above, the Syneron laser system offers the full spectrum of non-invasive and minimally invasive laser applications. The Syneron system offers the following applications.

WRINKLE TREATMENT WITH THE SYNERON SYSTEM (WRA)

How does Wrinkle Treatment with elōs™ work?

The WRA combines safe and effective levels of laser and radiofrequency (electric current) energies to remodel the dermal layer of the skin by stimulating new collagen growth, creating a smoother and softer appearance. Both laser and radiofrequency have been used separately for decades in medicine and surgery, but the WRA exclusively combines light and radio-frequency energy for ideal treatment outcomes with a very low risk of side effects and virtually no down-time.

What results can one expect from elōs™ wrinkle treatment?

The WRA can improve textural irregularities in the skin due to loss of collagen in the dermis such as: non-dynamic moderate wrinkles, enlarged pores, superficial acne scarring, rough skin texture, and skin laxity of the face and neck. This is done non-ablatively, which means that this is a non-invasive procedure. Most people leave the treatment office with only slight pinkness or no pinkness at all, they can return to work immediately.

How many treatments are required?

Most patients will have between 3-5 treatments.

How frequently does one need treatments?

Treatment sessions are typically 3-4 weeks apart.

How is elōs™ treatment tolerated by the patient?

The sensation may be described as a “hot pinch”, like someone snapping an elastic band on your skin. Patients tolerate treatment well by use of either cooling the skin during treatment and/or use of a topical anesthetic cream that numbs the skin.

Is treatment with elōs™ safe?

Any medical laser procedure has risk of side effects such as superficial blistering, crusting, and pigmentary changes in the skin. These risks are rare and usually quickly resolved. elōs™ incorporates several technological advances that focus on patient safety to minimize these risks and provide greater satisfaction. The laser handpiece is also cooled for skin protection and comfort during the procedure.

Who should be treated with elōs™ technology for wrinkles?

Anyone with unwanted moderate wrinkles, superficial acne scarring, enlarged pores, or rough skin texture from chronic sun-damage. Pigmentation from chronic sun-damage may also improve over the series of treatments. Dynamic wrinkles such as between the brows or deep folds near the mouth/nose are not realistic indications for WRA treatment.

SKIN TIGHTENING WITH THE SYNERON SYSTEM (STA)

How does Skin Tightening via Wrinkle Treatment with elōs™ ReFirme™ ST Applicator work?

The ReFirme™ ST procedure combines safe and effective levels of infrared light and bipolar radiofrequency energies to remodel the dermal layer of the skin by stimulating new collagen growth. Both laser and radiofrequency have been used separately for decades in medicine and surgery, but the ST exclusively combines infrared light and bipolar radio-frequency energy for ideal treatment outcomes with a very low risk of side effects and virtually no down-time.

What results can one expect from the ReFirme™ ST Applicator treatment?

ReFirme™ ST can improve skin laxity and sagginess of the face, neck and some body areas such as the abdomen or upper arms. Skin texture can also be smoothed out by the tightening and firming effect of treatment. This treatment is performed non-ablatively, which means this is a non-invasive procedure. Most people leave the treatment office with only slight pinkness or no pinkness at all. Patients can return to normal activities immediately.

Does it hurt?

Refirme is a gentle, comfortable treatment requiring no downtime. Many patients return to normal activities immediately after the treatment. Cooling of the skin’s surface provides enhanced safety and additional comfort.

How often are treatments done?

Most patients will have between 3-5 sessions typically 3-4 weeks apart. The best results are seen 3-6 months post completion with maintenance every 6 months.

When can the patient expect to see results?

Most patients see gradual and cumulative results throughout the Refirme skin tightening treatments. The total number of required treatment sessions depends on the patient’s skin condition.

How is ReFirme™ ST Applicator treatment tolerated by the patient?

The ReFirme ST procedure is well tolerated by most patients without any topical anesthetic or other means of analgesia. The treatment tip is chilled so it provides contact cooling to the skin surface for added comfort.

Is treatment with the Refirme™ ST Applicator safe?

Any medical aesthetic procedure has risk of side effects such as superficial blistering, crusting, and pigmentary changes in the skin. These risks are rare and usually quickly resolved.

Who should be treated with the ReFirme™ ST Applicator?

Refirme can safely treat all skin types for laxity, sagginess, loss of elasticity, or textural irregularities. Treatment can be done on the face, neck, or other areas of the body.

SKIN REJUVENATION WITH THE SYNERON SYSTEM (SR & SRA)

How does skin rejuvenation with elōs™ SR/SRA Applicator technology work?

The SR/SRA uses focused light and bi-polar radio frequency energies to restore skin to a more youthful state. Brown spots (pigmented imperfections) from sun damage and aging, red blotchiness from spider vessels or rosacea (vascular imperfections), and uneven skin texture will improve over a treatment series.

What results can one expect from the SR/SRA Applicator treatment?

Each SR/SRA treatment will result in gradual lightening and improvement of pigmented and vascular imperfections. Textural improvements are appreciated towards the end of the treatment series.

How frequently does one need SR/SRA Applicator treatments?

Treatments are repeated every month for a total of 5 treatments.

What happens after each SR/SRA Applicator treatment?

Temporary pinkness in the skin lasts a very short time, and most people return to work or normal activities immediately after treatment. The improvement in pigmented and vascular irregularities can often be appreciated by the time patients return for their next treatment a month later. Brown spots temporarily go darker before they lighten.

What is the average number of treatments for the SR/SRA?

Photodamaged skin, erythema from Rosacea, Telangiectasias and pigmented lesions typically require 4- 5 treatment sessions. Some resistant vascular and pigmented lesions may require more than 5 sessions to achieve fading or improvement. Fine lines, pore size and superficial depressed scarring may also show noticeable softening after 4- 5 treatment sessions.treatment time.

Is treatment with the SR/SRA Applicator safe?

Treatment is very safe for the skin. There are many advances in the SR/SRA technology that make it unparalleled for skin safety, without compromising effectiveness for treatment. There are no long term health hazards from light or electric energies used in the SR/SRA. Both have been used for decades in medicine, surgery, and aesthetics without adversity.

How is the SR/SRA Applicator treatment tolerated by the patient?

The sensation is often described as “hot pinch” feeling. The sensation only lasts for fraction of a second, and you may feel warmth or tingling sensation for a short time afterward. Most people tolerate treatment without topical anesthetic, but individuals who are more sensitive may prefer to have the skin numbed before treatment.

Who should get SR/SRA Applicator treatment for Skin Rejuvenation?

Anyone who wants to improve the signs of sun damage and aging in the skin, such as pigmented and vascular irregularities, uneven or rough skin texture. Skin rejuvenation can be done on face, neck, chest, hands, and arms.