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Fine lines and wrinkles are signs of intrinsic or chronological aging; there's no way to entirely avoid them. As we grow older, our skin becomes thinner and drier. Weakened collagen makes the skin less elastic. Static wrinkles begin to appear. The rate of intrinsic aging occurs at a variable, genetically determined rate; the process is often first noticeable between the ages of 30 and 35.

We do have control over extrinsic aging, a result of exposure to the environment. Extrinsic aging is the critical element in determining who looks older or younger than their biological age. Over-exposure to sunlight is responsible for the majority of problems associated with extrinsic aging. Sun-damaged skin is photoaged from a decrease in collagen and other dermal proteins. This gradual process results in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Over time, these can progress into deep wrinkles and furrows. Photoaging also causes pigmentary changes; "age spots" (sun-induced freckles), uneven skin tone, spider veins and dilated capillaries.

The simplest way to see the contrast between intrinsic and extrinsic aging is to compare skin commonly exposed to the sun (face, hands, neck) and skin not exposed to the sun (usually on the breasts, inner arms or buttocks).

Laser Skin Resurfacing
 The goal of laser skin resurfacing is simple: replace damaged skin with new, fresh skin. Techniques for skin resurfacing have made enormous advances, allowing consumers to achieve nearly flawless complexions. Many systems allow for light, moderate or deep laser resurfacing. The primary targets of laser skin resurfacing include:

  • Fine lines and wrinkles of the face, especially around the upper lip, cheeks and forehead
  • Loose eyelid skin
  • Crow's feet around the eyes
  • Pucker marks (smoker's lines) and frown lines
  • Brown spots and splotchy, uneven skin tone
  • Scars, especially acne scars
  • Loose skin around the neck and jowls 

Our Burane Erbium:YAG delivers short burst of extremely high-energy, laser light to vaporize skin tissue, one layer at a time. The laser's highly focused aim enables our physicians to gently and precisely remove the skin's surface with a reduced risk of scarring and complications.

This unique laser also offers the benefits of heating deeper layers of skin tissue, thereby stimulating collagen remodeling, making the skin more taut. In fact for those patient wanting a less aggressive series of treatments over a longer period of time now have this option. The Miami Institute is now among the first in the US to have the Burane laser therefore to be able to offer such a treatment regimen delivering mild wrinkle treatments with minimal down time. Patients could now see the benefits of resurfacing after receiving multiple mild treatments. This method of wrinkle therapy is ideal for those who can’t afford time away from their busy lives but want to benefit from younger looking skin.

What to Expect
Facial blemishes receive resurfacing sessions, which generally last 30 to 60 minutes. After the patient consultation, anesthesia is administered. This can be done topically, via injection, or through general anesthesia. The patient wears protective laser eyewear. The treatment practitioner applies the laser instrument to the area of treatment and precisely removes thin layers of skin. Many patients only require one Burane laser treatment to achieve significant long-lasting results. When light resurfacing is performed, patients can typically return to normal activities within five to six days, and redness commonly disappears within two to four weeks.

Those patients opting for the Burane milder treatment series typically need only local anesthesia, if any. Treatments generally last 20 to 60 minutes and require the same eye protection as with the more aggressive resurfacing. Only the most superficial layers are removed leaving the skins resulting surface only mildly pink. Because of the gentle nature of the treatment several treatments are required. The patient most often can return to normal activity immediately developing only a superficial crust over the next few days and to there normal state within five days. This treatment option is most successful on those patients with fine line and wrinkles around the mouth, eyes and chin.

Laser resurfacing can restore skin to a healthy state, similar to that of skin that has not experienced sun damage or scarring. With proper sun protection, results can last for more than five years.