Category: Laser & Energy

What Skin Conditions Can Benefit From Laser Resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing When it comes to acne, sunspots, fine lines, and wrinkles, there is only so much skincare products can do. While cosmetic surgeries to address these issues exist, invasive procedures can be difficult for some patients who cannot take extensive downtime. 

That’s why you should consider laser resurfacing. It is a minimally invasive procedure for improving skin appearance and treating various skin conditions. Patients love that the downtime is minimal, and the results are phenomenal. 

Learn more about what laser resurfacing is and the skin conditions that can benefit from this innovative treatment. 

How Does Fractionated Laser Resurfacing Work? 

The Laser & Skin Surgery Center utilizes the CO2RE Laser. This device improves upon the traditional CO2 laser by providing improved results, less downtime, and reduced side effects. 

The CO2RE laser uses pulses of light, which penetrate the skin and are absorbed by water in the skin cells. The superficial layer of the skin is vaporized, and the middle layer is heated, stimulating collagen production. Over time, your body’s natural healing process will produce new, healthier layers of skin, causing the skin to appear brighter, smoother, and more youthful. 

What Skin Conditions Can Laser Resurfacing Be Used For? 

Acne Scars

CO2RE laser is great for treating acne scars because it helps to get rid of the top layer of skin and encourages the body’s natural healing, helping to reduce the appearance of scarring. However, laser resurfacing is not ideal for patients with active acne. 

Fine Lines & Wrinkles

This treatment also effectively reduces fine lines and wrinkles by promoting collagen production and helping to create healthier, fuller-looking skin. As you age, collagen is a protein that begins to break down faster than it can be produced, which is why fine lines begin to form. By stimulating collagen production, you can achieve a more youthful appearance. 

Skin Damage

Similar to acne scars, skin damage caused by the sun can be treated and reduced, creating a more even skin tone and removing sun spots. 

Rosacea

It’s also effective for combating rosacea by treating the broken capillaries that cause the skin to redden and appear flushed. 

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re ready to address your skin concerns, schedule a consultation for a CO2RE laser resurfacing treatment in Westlake, OH. Dr. Renuka Diwan, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist with over 33 years of experience treating a range of skin conditions. Start your journey to healthier today by calling (440) 871-9832. 

Skincare Is Not Only For Women

Sexy topless handsome male model posing against blue sky. Wanting to maintain a youthful appearance is common to women and men. At the Laser and Skin Surgery Center, Dr. Renuka Diwan has the experience to provide men with the results they want, while also ensuring they retain a natural, masculine-looking appearance. It is why the center offers several procedures to help guys look and feel their best.

Laser & Radiofrequency Treatments for Men

Laser treatments can effectively remove unwanted tattoos or body hair. Common skin concerns like facial veins, red spots, wrinkles, or skin discoloration from sun damage can also be corrected with laser treatments. Radiofrequency treatments with microneedling are also an option for improve wrinkles, skin laxity, acne scars and discoloration in all skin types, with any degree of pigment.

Some of these problems can be treated with minimal to no recovery time. Improvement is often noticeable after a single treatment and best results are often evident after multiple office treatments.

Injectable Fillers and Botox

Wrinkles and creases make people look older than their years. One solution is Botox, which can lessen or erase wrinkles caused by facial expression in certain areas. Other skin creases and loss of fullness in the face can be approached with injectable fillers. These quick, non-surgical treatments can be fit in during your lunch break and are extremely effective for treating signs of aging such as crow’s feet creases, frown lines, creases across the forehead, nasolabial creases, and more. Not uncommonly, a combination of treatments is ideal for addressing the different features of aging. 

Skin Care for Men

Consistent skin care helps to maintain and enhance the results achieved with treatments that correct skin problems. A skincare regimen is routinely recommended for best results with or without cosmetic treatments to keep the skin as healthy as possible. red spots. At the Laser and Skin Surgery Center, we offer a variety of products and treatments customized to the individual patient to achieve and maintain a more youthful but natural looking appearance. Whether you want to erase wrinkles or an embarrassing tattoo, we can help.

Whatever your esthetic goals, we offer a wide selection of treatments to help you achieve them. Contact Laser and Skin Surgery Center online or call our Westlake, OH office at 440-871-9832 to schedule a consultation.

Improve Your Complexion With Laser Resurfacing

As you grow older, fine lines and wrinkles  start appearing. Age spots and discoloration from sun exposure are other common complaints that men and women have about their complexions.

Dr Diwan at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center in Westlake, OH, understands your concerns. Using laser resurfacing, she can help improve your complexion. The treatment can also minimize acne scars and other blemishes.

What to Expect From a Laser Resurfacing Procedure

One of the lasers Dr. Renuka Diwan uses for laser resurfacing is the fractionated CO2RE laser. The minimally invasive procedure creates tiny micro wounds in the skin to generate a healing response which smooths out wrinkles. It can also tighten the skin, improve acne scars and fade sun spots.

The procedure is performed in the office. With the use of an anesthetic cream and anesthetic injections patients are comfortable.

You should expect to experience redness and swelling after laser resurfacing. Peeling after a few days is expected. Women and men who want a shorter recovery time can opt for a lighter laser treatment. It typically takes around seven to fourteen days for the skin to be ready for make up. 

Most patients see the best results after four to six months. The treatment can be repeated if necessary. Laser resurfacing isn’t limited to your face. The procedure can safely treat age spots and discoloration on the backs of your hands, neck, and chest.

How Long Do the Results Last?

The improvement from laser resurfacing resets the clock and is long-lasting.  Over time, as the skin continues to age, additional treatments can be performed for maintenance. Optimal skin care is very important to maintain your results and slow the pace of aging and its effects. You will be counseled on the best skin care regimen. 

For best results, Dr. Diwan recommends having periodic maintenance treatments. Often, these are lighter treatments with a shorter recovery time.

Patients can also maximize their results by adding Botox to the treatment plan. Botox prevents the reappearance of wrinkles from facial expressions and is highly recommended to extend the duration of your laser results.  While laser resurfacing does produce excellent results, especially stubborn, deep lines require a little extra attention with fillers. 

Learn More About Laser Resurfacing at Laser and Skin Surgery Center

Everyone wants to look their best, and laser resurfacing can help you achieve these results. The colder months are ideal for laser resurfacing. Contact Laser and Skin Surgery Center in Westlake at 440-871-9832.

Pre-Wedding Planning for Cosmetic Treatments

Beautiful bride in a long white dress. Handsome groom in a black suit.
Whether you are the bride, mother-of-the-bride, or a member of the bridal party, you want to look your best on the big day. At The Laser & Skin Surgery Center, Dr. Renuka Diwan can help you look and feel your best for the wedding with a variety of treatment options depending on your timeline. Like other aspects of the wedding, it’s best to plan ahead. Here’s a guide to give you an idea of how much time it may take for various treatments.

4 Days

If you are looking for a quick way to exfoliate dry, rough skin, remove peach fuzz for soft, smooth glowing skin or improve uneven skin tone, dermaplaning is a great choice. This non-invasive treatment rejuvenates your skin with no downtime. For a flawless red carpet-ready finish that celebrities have before big events, Dr. Diwan offers Aquagold microneedling with microinfusion. Make time for this at least 3 days (preferably 7 days) before your big day.

2-4 Weeks

For those who are on a short timeline and want to reduce the appearance of oiliness, pores, wrinkles or scars, we offer AQUAGOLD® microneedling treatments and dermal fillers like Juvéderm®.

6-8 Weeks

If you have a couple of months to prepare, there are a few more options. Non-invasive facial treatments that provide best results with a series of 6 treatments such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels. BOTOX® for wrinkles and excessive perspiration is ideal in this time frame, allowing time for a second visit for any touch up.

For longer eyelashes, we recommend Latisse®, which helps stimulate hair growth. Finally, if you want to address loose skin, Dr. Diwan can perform a mini facelift. A minimum of 8 weeks is recommended for planning a mini facelift.

3-6 Months

If you have a few months before the wedding day visible veins or sunspots can be significantly reduced with laser treatment, IPL treatment, or sclerotherapy. Excess skin on your upper or lower eyelids, can be removed with a blepharoplasty. Laser resurfacing or a series of microneedling treatments

can provide significant improvement of wrinkles and skin texture and allow time for complete recovery.

6-8 Months

If you’ve started planning even sooner, you’ll have enough time for body sculpting options. Dr. Diwan recommends either liposuction or CoolSculpting® for stubborn fat. Kybella® injections improve a double chin and fullness of jowls.  If you’re going to bare your legs, we highly recommend Apollo Radiofrequency TriPolar treatment and other treatments for cellulite.

1-2 Years

Patients who plan far in advance can address most, if not all of their needs. You have enough time for laser hair removal, and tattoo removal.

If you need help preparing for a wedding, call The Laser & Skin Surgery Center today at 440-871-9832 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Diwan. We welcome patients living in or around Westlake and Cleveland, Ohio.

Is Laser Treatment Good for Your Skin?

Woman with smooth skin after laser skin resurfacing

The short answer is, yes. Laser skin treatments can help refresh the skin and improve many skin conditions, including age spots, veins, wrinkles, scars, sagging skin, unwanted hair and tattoos. Lasers can target different structures in the skin. Pigment in the outer layer of the skin is targeted for treating sun spots caused by sun damage. Redness and veins are improved by lasers selectively treating veins. Wrinkles and scars are enhanced by the treatment of deeper dermal tissues with lasers. Tattoos are lightened and cleared by selective absorption of laser energy that reaches the tattoo ink particles below the outer layer of the skin. Unwanted hair in various areas is also selectively targeted by lasers that impact the root of the hair deeper in the skin.

At the Laser and Skin Surgery Center, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon Dr. Renuka Diwan has more than 25 years of experience using lasers to help address her patients’ skin issues. She is committed to delivering natural-looking results that give you the confidence that comes with ridding yourself of wrinkles, unwanted veins, discoloration, tattoos, and hair.

Dr. Diwan is dedicated to helping her patients. This blog explains the benefits of laser treatments and is intended to help patients make informed decisions about the procedures they’re considering.

How Do Laser Treatments Work?

The number of lasers manufactured has multiplied.  Any given skin problem can be treated by lasers made by different vendors for the same problem. Each vendor has its own brand name for the laser, which is said to be the best.  This is a source of confusion for patients looking for a specific laser.  It’s better to ask if the physician has a laser that treats the particular problem you want to have treated.  It’s important to remember that it’s not the laser that takes care of a problem but the specialist physician who knows how to use the laser who treats the problem. What patients need to know is the specialist’s training experience and skin as demonstrated by results.

Just as there are multiple lasers that can address a given problem, there is no single laser that can treat all problems. Dr. Diwan has invested in five lasers, intense pulsed light, and other devices for treating different skin problems, giving her the right tools to address various issues.

Resurfacing lasers are used to carefully remove layers of the skin. Fractional resurfacing lasers treat a fraction of the skin surface. Fractional resurfacing lasers create microscopic injuries to a controlled depth.  The microscopic columns of treated skin are eliminated (seen as peeling) and are replaced by new healthy skin with more elastin and collagen. The new collagen and elastin cause an improvement in wrinkles and scars.

Preparing for Laser Skin Treatment

Many laser treatments are performed after simply cooling the skin or after numbing the skin with an anesthetic cream.  Anesthetic injections and oral medications are needed for deeper laser resurfacing. Before your treatment, these steps can help set you up for success:

  • Tell Dr. Diwan if you get cold sores or fever blisters around your mouth. These can be activated by laser treatments around the mouth and need to be prevented with an antiviral medication started before your laser procedure.
  • Stop taking any medications or supplements that affect blood clotting, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E, 10 days before a laser resurfacing procedure.
  • If you smoke, quit smoking at least two weeks before and at least two weeks after a deeper laser resurfacing procedure.
  • Avoid a tan before your treatment by using adequate sun protection. Sun protection is essential after all laser treatments to ensure the success of the procedures and prevent complications.

What to Expect from Laser Skin Treatments

Depending on the problem being treated, the treated skin may be pink and slightly swollen, have darker pigmented spots, have peeling, or crusting. The skin needs to be handled and cleansed gently and treated as recommended.  After laser tattoo removal, the treated area is covered with a bandage.

To get the best results of Laser Skin Treatments

Laser skin treatments are incredibly safe and effective, in the right hands and especially with the appropriate specific precautions and post-laser care. After laser resurfacing, follow these steps to maximize your results:

  • Avoid picking any crusting or scratch your skin. Apply icepacks to help reduce any discomfort or swelling.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise during this recovery period, as well.
  • Cleanse your skin two to five times per day using a cleanser recommended by Dr. Diwan.
  • Practice sun protection methods daily including the application of a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and a minimum SPF 30. This is important after any laser treatment.

Contact Our Westlake Dermatologist Today

Dr. Diwan strives to give her patients elegant results that give them back their self-confidence. She relies on her extensive experience and continuing education and recognizes every detail and nuance that can help give you a natural, age-appropriate look. Dr. Diwan serves Westlake, Cleveland, and nearby areas of Ohio. Call (440) 871-9832 today to schedule a consultation.

Fractionated Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing has evolved from the traditional CO2 laser resurfacing to fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing. Fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing achieves high levels of improvement with a a series of treatments with shorter recovery time and fewer side effects, making it more compatible with today’s busy lifestyles.

The CO2RE Laser (Syneron/ Candela) is a fractionated CO2 laser (greater capability than the Fraxel Restore laser) used to improve wrinkling and pigmentation caused by sun damage, acne scars, and melasma (also called pregnancy mask).

How is fractionated laser resurfacing performed?

Our fractionated CO2RE laser treatments are performed in-office by Dr. Diwan with anesthetic cream and surface cooling or, if needed, anesthetic injections (nerve blocks), with or without oral medication for reducing discomfort and/or anxiety. Dr. Renuka Diwan then carefully uses the CO2RE laser to treat the problem areas. A pre-treatment consultation is required to determine a specific plan for your procedure.

Laser resurfacing is often followed by Botox® injections to prevent the reappearance of facial expression lines. You will be able to discuss your options with Dr. Diwan in detail prior to your laser treatment.

How long is recovery after fractionated laser resurfacing?

By the end of the treatment, the treated areas have a sunburnt appearance with pinkness, swelling, and peeling for about 7 days. The recovery time can be shortened by performing a lighter treatment. For the individual who wants a more noticeable effect, this can be achieved with a more aggressive treatment. This adds 3-4 days to the recovery time but the final result is achieved with fewer treatments. Moisturizer, sunblock, and make-up can be applied minutes after the treatment. The treatment may be repeated in six to sixteen weeks to achieve further improvement in the skin.

laser resurfacing before and after photo - Dr Diwan

These photos are from a specific patient. Results may vary. Schedule a personalized consultation with our doctor to learn more.

Fractionated Laser Resurfacing Reviews from Real Patients

"Very much so. I had core laser to reduce wrinkles and I am very pleased with the out come. On a personal level I just feel better about my looks and have lost that feeling of “I look older than I am”. Have had many compliments, would do it again even with the 14 day down time and would highly recommend for anyone considering this procedure."

"I went to Dr Diwan for laser treatments on my eye lids for xanthelasma. I am very happy with the results she achieved! The office staff was very friendly and listened to my concerns. Dr Diwan was also very personable and friendly, and also called me later that night after the procedure to make sure I wasn’t having any problems or if I had any concerns. As xanthelasma can be a recurring problem, I will definitely be going back to Dr Diwan."

"I’ve suffered from acne since I was a teen. It left me with scarring and discoloration, which left me horribly insecure. I received laser dermabrasion and it improved my complexion tremendously. I’ve never second guessed or regretted my decision or investment. Dr. Diwan and staff did a great job!"

"I had the laser resurfacing with Dr. Diwan in March. The results are amazing. The fine lines have been removed."

Fractionated Laser Resurfacing Results

The best results are obtained after four to six treatments. Non-facial areas such as the neck, chest and the back of the hands can also be treated safely with the CO2RE laser. Once your treatment sessions are completed, your skin will appear smoother and more even. Patients are often thrilled with a more youthful appearance and experience a boost in their self-confidence.

You can maintain younger, healthier-looking skin by having periodic maintenance treatments with Dr. Diwan, or by combining your laser resurfacing treatment with other non-surgical options.

To see Before and After Pictures please click here

Schedule a Fractionated Laser Consultation in Cleveland

Call 440-493-1242 or use the form on this page to schedule a Fractionated Laser Resurfacing consultation with Dr. Diwan. She will listen to your goals, examine you and determine the best approach to meet your goals. We serve patients in Cleveland, Westlake and surrounding areas of Ohio. 

Facial Veins | Red Spots | Cleveland, OH | Westlake, OH |

“Broken” blood vessels gradually appear on the face as a result of sun-exposure, Rosacea, heredity, or a combination of these factors. Patients are often self-conscious about the appearance of these veins, and are sometimes concerned about giving the impression of being heavy drinkers. Camouflage of the blood vessels with make-up becomes increasingly time-consuming and difficult. Fortunately, these veins can be effectively treated with a sophisticated laser treatment by Dr. Renuka Diwan.

Other blemishes such as blue-purple venous lakes on the lips, blue veins under the eyes, red angiomas on the face or body, red spider angiomas, redness of the face from Rosacea, redness of the neck from sun damage, and portwine stain birthmarks, that are related to blood vessels,  can also be treated.

How are facial veins treated with lasers?

The blood vessels can be significantly improved, if not completely removed, by non-invasive treatments with a state-of-the-art laser. Dr. Diwan uses expert laser techniques to selectively target the blood vessels in the skin without breaking the skin’s surface.

How long is recovery after facial vein treatment?

The in-office treatment is followed by mild swelling and pinkness for 1-2 days. You should still feel well enough to return to work and be able to cover up any signs of treatment using makeup. Dr. Diwan will provide you with detailed care instructions after your facial vein treatment. It is important to avoid  sun exposure as your skin heals, and thereafter.

Recovery from treatment of other individual problems related to blood vessels is similar and specific details will be explained in detail before your laser treatment.

2016-11-17-09_44_29-laser-for-veins-and-redness-before-after-gallery

These photos are from a specific patient. Results may vary. Schedule a personalized consultation with our doctor to learn more.

2016-11-17-09_44_46-laser-for-veins-and-redness-before-after-gallery

These photos are from a specific patient. Results may vary. Schedule a personalized consultation with our doctor to learn more.

2016-11-17-09_44_11-laser-for-veins-and-redness-before-after-gallery

These photos are from a specific patient. Results may vary. Schedule a personalized consultation with our doctor to learn more.

 

Facial Vein Treatment Reviews

Read what our patients are saying!

“I had laser under eye treatment for blue veins and I am very pleased with the outcome.”

“I had many small red spots on my scalp, which as a bald man, were very noticeable. Dr. Diwan was able to completely remove these with one quick and painless laser treatment. I’m perfectly happy with the results and wish I would have come to her long ago for this treatment.”

“I had laser treatment for veins on my face and am very happy with the results. I had laser treatments twice before at other facilities and this was a much better experience.”
Click here to read more reviews.

When will I notice the results of my facial vein treatment?

By the end of the laser treatment the veins become invisible. There is significant improvement after a single treatment.  Further improvement is achieved with additional treatments, which are spaced at least  six weeks apart. With the blood vessels removed, the original appearance of the skin, without the broken blood vessels, is restored.

Some other problems such as venous lakes and angiomas can take about three weeks to resolve.

To see Before and After Pictures please click here

Apollo Radiofrequency

This non-invasive, tripollar, radiofrequency treatment is FDA approved. Dr. Renuka Diwan uses the Apollo Radiofrequency device for the successful improvement of wrinkles, sagging skin, cellulite, and circumferential reduction.

How does Apollo Radiofrequency work?

The treatment works by tightening your skin’s existing collagen and stimulating the production of new collagen. The radiofrequency energy also shrinks fat cells. This tripollar treatment is a simple and effective in-office procedure that does not require any anesthetic or pain medications because it uses significantly less energy than older devices. Our Apollo Radiofrequency tripollar treatment can tighten sagging skin near the eyes, the rest of the face and neck, the arms, hands, thighs, flanks and abdomen. It can also be used for the treatment of cellulite on the thighs and buttocks, or to reduce the circumference of the thighs, flanks, abdomen and arms. Patients describe the Apollo radiofrequency treatment as being similar to a hot stone massage. Apollo can be used for the safe and effective treatment of the face and body and all skin types.

How long is recovery after Apollo Radiofrequency?

This is truly a lunch time procedure, with individual treatments taking less than an hour and no recovery time.

When will I notice the results of my Apollo Radiofrequency treatment?

Results are sometimes visible after the first Apollo treatment, but at a minimum, six treatments at approximately weekly intervals are generally needed for the full result. A one-on-one consultation with Dr. Diwan will allow her to make a professional recommendation for the most effective treatment plan.

2016-11-11-10_54_29-cellulite-reduction-before-after-gallery

These photos are from a specific patient. Results may vary. Schedule a personalized consultation with our doctor to learn more.

While the use of radiofrequency in medicine is not new, the Apollo Radiofrequency tripollar treatment utilizes new technology which makes it possible to achieve results without discomfort. Call now to schedule a consultation to find out how the tripollar treatment can help you.

To see Before and After Pictures please click here