Laser Skin Resurfacing in Palo Alto

What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing, or rejuvenating, represents a broad class of treatments from Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to treat surface pigmentation issues, to the full ablative CO2 laser for the treatment of deep facial lines and skin tightening.  Over the past 20 years, the technology has advanced and we are now able to offer the full array of laser technology to best suit your particular findings and develop a program that will match your recovery limitations. As with all cosmetic procedures, there are multiple options. Nowhere is choosing the right technique more important than with laser resurfacing to ensure that your expectations match the technology being utilized. Dr. Papalian is proud to be the first center on the San Francisco peninsula to offer the new Fraxel re:store DUAL™ laser technology, as well as offer the full spectrum of options to you, not simply one.  It is important to have a thorough understanding of the benefits and limitations of the particular laser system selected for you as well as the anticipated recovery.  This is best accomplished together with Dr. Papalian during your Comprehensive Consultation.

Laser technology is divided into ablative and non-ablative techniques. Ablative technology will penetrate deeper into the skin and result in greater tightening and smoothing, however a longer recovery is required.
In recent years, fractional resurfacing has been developed and blends the benefits of higher treatment levels with more rapid recovery than the traditional technologies.  While fractional technologies are now the most commonly used by Dr. Papalian, having the full spectrum of techniques available to you will allow you to have the right procedure selected for your condition.

Fraxel re:store is a fractional non-ablative Erbium fiber laser treatment that allows for microscopic laser columns to penetrate the skin improving sun-damaged, discolored, wrinkled or scarred skin with little or no down time. The recommendation if for 3- 6 treatments to achieve optimal results.  Fraxel re:pair is an ablative fractional CO2 laser treatment used for treating deeper skin wrinkles and skin tightening.  Fraxel re:pair is a single, more aggressive treatment that does require several days of downtime. 

The latest generation of Fraxel lasers is the new Fraxel re:store DUAL™ laser.  Dr. Papalian is the first on the San Francisco peninsula to offer this exciting new technology. The Fraxel DUAL laser system combines two unique laser wavelengths to achieve maximal treatment benefits. The Fraxel re:store Dual™ adds a 1927 nm Thulium laser to treat sun damage and surface pigment irregularities to the 1550 nm erbium fiber laser for deeper treatment of wrinkles, melasma and acne scars during one treatment.  This combination of superficial and deep treatment is proving to be what many patients have been waiting for.  Call for your Fraxel re:store DUAL™ treatment and experience what is becoming the “Laser treatment of choice.”  Don’t settle for “laser or IPL” when you can have the benefits of both in one treatment with the Fraxel re:store DUAL.  No longer is resurfacing just for the face, with the Fraxel re:store DUAL™ rejuvenating your neck, chest, arms and hands is just a call away.


Vein Care in Palo Alto

Abnormal veins can occur in the legs and face. They can be small, thin purple-colored lines (called “spider veins”) that lie just below the surface, or they can appear as thick, bulging, or knotted veins. Cosmetic treatment for superficial spider veins can be accomplished through sclerotherapy. Patients with larger bulging veins are referred to a vascular surgeon for evaluation and treatment.

Sclerotherapy is a procedure used to eliminate varicose veins and “spider veins.” Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a solution (such as sodium chloride, a salt solution; or sotradecol, a detergent) directly into the vein. The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to swell and stick together. Over time, the vessel fades from view. Sclerotherapy is a well-proven procedure and has been in use since the 1930’s. Patients with spider veins have multiple treatment options. Having a consultation by Dr. Papalian will ensure you that you going to have the options presented in a thoughtful manner. Dr. Papalian performs sclerotherapy for cosmetic reasons and the procedure is not covered by your insurance. If your condition is more severe, whereby insurance coverage might apply, you will be referred to a vascular surgeon.


Products and Skin Care in Palo Alto

Dr. Papalian is pleased to offer personalized skin care programs. The Plastic Surgery Center on Woodside offers a variety of products from leading skin care companies including La Roche-Posay, Vivité®, Clinique Medical and Latisse®. Together with Dr. Papalian, each patient is able to develop a program individualized to their skin type.


Call 650-364-6060 to schedule a consultation today!