Month: April 2017

Is Laser Skin Resurfacing Right for You?

Are you looking for a non-surgical way to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage or acne scarring on your face and neck? You have several options at Pearl-Ereso Plastic Surgery Center, including traditional laser skin resurfacing and Fraxel laser resurfacing. Here, Bay Area plastic surgeon Dr. Alexander Ereso explains whether laser skin resurfacing might be right for you.

You Have Mild to Moderate Skin Imperfections

Laser skin resurfacing can minimize the appearance of the following imperfections:

  • areas of sun damage
  • uneven pigmentation
  • wrinkles and fine lines
  • poor skin texture

Our team can examine your area(s) of concern and determine whether laser skin resurfacing is likely to deliver the results you want.

Your Skin Has Good Elasticity

Although laser skin resurfacing does have a mild tissue tightening effect (especially in the lower eyelid area), it does not tighten significantly loose skin. Facelift or another surgical procedure may be a more suitable option under those circumstances.

You Do Not Have Active Acne

Laser skin resurfacing is a safe and effective way to smooth out shallow scars from acne. However, it is not good for use on areas with active acne, as the laser may exacerbate the irritation.

You Are Seeking a Non-Surgical Solution

If you want clearer, more radiant skin without the time and financial commitment of surgery, laser skin resurfacing is a great compromise. You can still see results without having to take time off from work. The downtime is much shorter after laser skin resurfacing than it is after facial rejuvenation surgery.

How Laser Skin Resurfacing Works

Traditional laser skin resurfacing vaporizes the top layer of damaged skin cells and reveals fresh, healthy skin. As opposed to treating the entire surface layer of skin cells, Fraxel laser skin resurfacing only treats a “fraction” of the tissue. The laser creates micro injuries in the skin, leaving tissue intact between the injuries. This fractional pattern encourages rapid healing. Compared to traditional laser skin resurfacing, Fraxel achieves similar results, however, the fractional pattern means less downtime versus traditional laser skin resurfacing.  Dr. Ereso has been offering Fraxel treatments to the Bay Area for many years and your Fraxel treatment will always be personally performed by the doctors themselves.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Team

If you think you might be a great candidate for Fraxel laser skin resurfacing, our team would be happy to sit down with you to discuss your options. Schedule a personal consultation today to determine the most appropriate solution to your specific needs.

Tips to Enhance Your Plastic Surgery Consultation

The consultation is an exciting step in the plastic surgery journey. It’s a valuable opportunity to sit down with a knowledgeable plastic surgeon, explain what you are looking for and describe what you hope to achieve. In turn, the plastic surgeon can answer all of your questions, examine you and recommend the best way to accomplish your goals.

A little planning and preparation can help you make sure that your plastic surgery consultation is productive and informative. Here our board certified plastic surgeon in the Bay Area, Dr. Alexander Ereso, shares tips for making the most of your consultation. 

Preliminary Research Is Helpful

In anticipation of your consultation, take some time to research your desired procedure(s). Visit trusted websites like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and RealSelf (a portal where surgeons answer patient questions) to read about the procedure and what it entails. Formulate a list of questions you have about the surgery including benefits, potential risks, cost, your recovery and more.

Also, it’s helpful to think about the individual surgeon and what you would like to know about him or her. You might want to create a list of questions about their training (see Dr. Ereso’s CV here), experience and general approach to patient care.

Prepare for the Appointment

After you’ve created your list of questions about the prospective surgeon and your desired procedure, fill out any applicable new patient paperwork ahead of time (if possible). This can help you save time on the day of your appointment and help the appointment go smoothly.

Bring a list of your medications and be prepared to answer questions about your medical history and any past surgeries. Pack a small notepad and pen to take notes during the appointment. It may also be helpful to bring a spouse or loved one to the appointment; they can bring up topics you might forget to ask about.

Dress for an Examination

If you are considering a breast or body procedure such as a breast augmentation or liposuction, dress in light, loose clothing that can be easily removed for the examination portion of the appointment. You might also want to bring a bathing suit or your favorite undergarments so we can show you where potential scars will be concealed.

Schedule Your Consultation at Pearl-Ereso Plastic Surgery Center

To meet with Dr. Ereso to discuss your plastic surgery goals, please contact our office today.