Chemical Peels or Laser Treatments: Which One Is Right for You?
Spend time researching online for ways to address skin conditions such as wrinkles, discoloration, acne scars,…Read On
TLKM Plastic Surgery
737 North Michigan Avenue #1500
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 788-2560
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Laser treatments can be adjusted to treat various skin conditions and age-related cosmetic concerns. Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno use the Icon® Aesthetic System, a multipurpose laser with different handpieces targeting specific conditions, including unwanted hair, wrinkles, and discoloration.
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Precision TX Laser Before & After Photos
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Precision TX Laser Before & After Photos
Dr. Sinno Precision TX laser Left 3/4 view age 25-30
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Precision TX Laser Before & After Photos
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
What Is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing is a popular nonsurgical treatment for age-related cosmetic concerns of the face. Laser treatments safely and effectively address the following concerns:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Pigmentation irregularities
- Skin laxity
- Dull skin
- Acne scars
Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno offer different types of laser skin resurfacing treatments, each with different capabilities and advantages. They’ll work closely with you to assess your needs, understand your aesthetic goals, and personalize your laser treatment.
CO2 Laser Skin Rejuvenation
Our surgeons recommend the ablative CO2 laser due to its superior improvements in treating fine and deeper wrinkles, age spots, and overall skin texture and tone. Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno also frequently perform laser skin resurfacing to enhance the results of surgical procedures such as facelift or eyelid surgery.
What Happens During CO2 Laser Treatment?
CO2 laser is an office procedure that typically takes less than an hour, depending on the size of the area being treated. Ablative laser procedures require local anesthesia with sedation.
Here’s a general idea of what to expect from your CO2 laser treatment:
- Before laser skin resurfacing, the skin is typically prepped over 2 to 3 weeks using Retin-A, glycolic acid, or bleaching agents. This helps optimize results, speed healing, and minimize the risk of discoloration.
- During your procedure, the laser is precisely guided over the treatment area, instantly targeting and vaporizing the outer layers of damaged skin.
- Although there will be no bleeding, you will experience some effects of the laser passing over your skin, which may feel like a snapping rubber band.
CO2 laser treatments for the face and skin are highly effective with predictable results due to their deeper penetration level.
Cynosure Palomar Icon Aesthetic System
The Cynosure Palomar laser system offers high peak power and state-of-the-art cooling, resulting in fast treatments with excellent results. We use a fractional laser that works on all skin types, including very light and very dark skin tones. The laser features different handpieces that target specific conditions, smoothing the deepest wrinkles and improving the most challenging scars.
What Is Fractional Laser Resurfacing?
Fractional resurfacing uses hundreds of tiny microbeams to create narrow, deep columns of tissue coagulation into the medium layers of the skin, stimulating your body’s natural healing process. Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno use fractional laser skin rejuvenation to address concerns involving skin texture, sun damage, scars, and stretch marks.
Here’s an overview of what to expect during fractional laser resurfacing:
- A topical numbing cream is applied to enhance your comfort during treatment.
- The laser is passed over the targeted treatment area, resurfacing damaged skin while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.
- Laser energy causes gradual diminishing of visible imperfections through your body’s natural healing process, revealing clearer, healthier-looking skin.
Depending upon the condition being treated, Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno may recommend a single treatment or a series of progressive treatments for optimal results.
Laser Hair Removal
Say goodbye to the constant need for shaving, tweezing, and waxing with laser hair removal treatments. At our Chicago practice, laser hair removal offers a long-term solution for removing unwanted hair—from head to toe—so you can enjoy smoother skin with lasting confidence.
What To Expect During Laser Hair Removal
Our state-of-the-art laser uses gentle pulses of light to destroy unwanted hair follicles. The laser energy targets the melanin and damages the hair follicle with intense heat, inhibiting future growth. We perform laser hair removal for men and women on larger areas such as the legs and back, and smaller, precise areas like the face and around the bikini line.
Because hair grows in cycles, multiple treatments are typically necessary to achieve your desired results. Most patients benefit from 5 to 8 visits spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart for permanent hair reduction. Maintenance treatments may be necessary.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Using concentrated beams of light, IPL treatments target pigmented lesions on the face, neck, hands, and chest, resulting in clear, refreshed skin. The ideal candidate for IPL is someone with light skin who has sun damage, broken capillaries, and sufficient skin laxity. IPL gradually fades facial blood vessels and pigmented lesions, making it an ideal treatment for rosacea and overall skin redness.
IPL treatments cause minimal discomfort and no downtime. The best results are generally seen after a series of 3 to 4 treatments.
Laser Treatment for Bruising
State-of-the-art IPL treatments also hasten the resolution of post-surgical bruising or bruising after injectable treatments, a common concern among cosmetic patients eager to resume their normal routines without looking like they’ve had “work done.”
Using the pulsed light handpiece, Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno delivers quick bursts of energy to the target, penetrating discoloration just below the skin’s surface. Our patients notice significant resolution of bruising in as little as 3 days.
Your Laser Treatment Recovery and Results
Recovery varies depending on the type of laser treatment.
Non-ablative laser resurfacing – Usually causes mild redness with virtually no downtime, allowing you to return to your daily activities quickly.
Ablative laser treatments – May result in temporary, minor discomfort resembling a sunburn, which resolves as your skin heals and rejuvenates. While every patient varies, here’s a general idea of what to expect during healing and recovery from an ablative laser treatment:
- Some swelling and oozing for 5 to 10 days.
- Keeping your skin clean and moist with ointment prevents crusting and enhances comfort and healing.
- Swelling, crusting, and redness gradually subside over 3 to 4 months.
- Skin appears pinkish during the final healing stages. You may easily conceal this with makeup in the interim.
- As your new skin emerges, fine lines diminish, and deep wrinkles significantly improve.
- Collagen continues to build, improving skin tone and texture, and delivering a more youthful appearance.
To prolong your results and preserve your radiant skin, it is critical to follow Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno’s post-treatment protocols and protect your skin from the sun.
Laser Treatments FAQ
How much do laser skin treatments cost in Chicago, IL?
The cost of laser skin treatment in Chicago varies depending on factors such as the specific laser used and the treatment area targeted. During your one-on-one consultation, Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno will share a personalized treatment plan with a detailed price quote.
How soon do you see laser skin treatment results?
The results of laser skin treatments vary depending on the type of procedure and the severity of your symptoms. Non-ablative lasers typically show gradual improvement over several weeks as collagen production increases. Ablative treatments may provide noticeable results once the skin heals, with gradual, continued improvement. Multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve your desired results.
How long do laser treatment results last?
The longevity of your results depends on the specific treatment. Laser skin resurfacing treatments can last for several years, especially if you follow a good skin care regimen and protect your skin from sun exposure. Regular maintenance treatments can also preserve your glowing results. Laser hair removal permanently reduces hair growth.
Which is better, IPL or laser?
The answer depends on your unique needs and aesthetic goals. Laser skin resurfacing addresses a wide range of concerns but may require deeper penetration and longer recovery time than IPL. Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno will help you determine the best approach for your specific needs.
Schedule Your Laser Skin Treatment
If you would like to explore your laser treatment options at our Chicago office, please request a consultation online with Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno. Or you can call us at (312) 788-2560 and one of our helpful staff members will schedule your appointment.
