Lines and Wrinkles are No Match for Lasers

By Nasrin Mani, M.D.

We’re inching right up on the holiday season, which means most of us have a lot on our plate. We’ve got to make sure everyone special to us gets the perfect gift. We’ve got to sort through the holiday party invitations and decide how to find time to both celebrate and to replenish with the necessary rest. Oh, and amidst all of that and more, there is a good chance that we’re also thinking about how we can look our best when the cameras start pointing our way. When issues like lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and discoloration are noticeable, this might threaten to diminish the joy of the season. It doesn’t have to.

What Happens to the Skin as We Age?

The skin has three layers. The uppermost, the epidermis, protects deeper layers from environmental toxins and damage. The dermis, the middle layer, contains collagen, elastin, and other proteins that support flexibility and firmness. The deepest layer, subcutaneous tissue, is fat. This layer plumps the skin.

The skin needs firmness to be nicely held in a youthful state. This comes from collagen. It also needs to bounce back when stretched, which can happen when elastin quantities are high. Contouring along the cheeks and temples is achieved with fat. With age, and in response to lifestyle and genetic factors, each of the layers of the skin changes. According to research, though, 90% of premature aging is related to photodamage. In our coastal community, it is difficult to avoid UV exposure. What isn’t difficult is finding ways to correct the damage this exposure can do.

Lasers to the Rescue

Laser treatments may all work somewhat differently only because various devices may emit different wavelengths of light. Some “laser treatments” aren’t laser treatments at all, but energized by other sources of technology such as radiofrequency or ultrasound. The way that many of these state-of-the-art treatments work, though, is by penetrating deeply into the layers of the skin. When absorbed by the mitochondria in the cells, energy stimulates cell regeneration and the production of healing enzymes, collagen, and elastin.

It isn’t necessary to know the clinical details of laser treatment, really. All our clients want to know is how we can help them look and feel their best. To see what our La Jolla laser clinic has for you, schedule a consultation at 866.676.3242.