Dr. Chu Memphis

Dr Thomas Chu has been performing laser resurfacing of facial skin since 1994.  Before the advent of lasers specifically designed for skin resurfacing, Dr Chu performed traditional dermabrasion and deep chemical peels for scar and wrinkle correction .  Laser resurfacing is a procedure that diminishes or eliminates fine wrinkles and other skin abnormalities by delivering tiny, multiple pulses of  one specific wavelength of light energy to remove scars, wrinkles or sun damaged skin and represents the most advanced technology available in the treatment and refinement of the skin.

Dr Chu employs a fractional CO2 laser,  an Erbium-YAG laser and the new Picosure laser to provide a wide ranges of options to fit the needs of each unique patient.

Ablative Laser Resurfacing

TheUltrapulse fractional CO2 and the Erbium-YAG lasers are lasers that ablate or vaporize damaged skin.  The Ultrapulse fractional CO2 laser is the gold standard of ablative resurfacing lasers.  The designation "fractional" refers to the property of this laser to remove deep columns of damaged skin in a pattern which leaves "bridges" of intact skin which speeds healing minimizing downtime and potential complication.  Removing deep columns of damaged skin causes contraction and tightening of the treated areas & stimulates natural collagen production leading to long term "plumping" of the deeper layer of skin called the dermis.

Nonablative Laser Resurfacing 

The new Picosure laser has established a new paradigm in nonablative laser resurfacing.  It has recently been featured in the media regarding its efficacy with essentially no downtime.  Although it usualily requires several treatments, each treatment is essentially painless. The treated areas are slightly red for 1-4 days and can be camouflaged effectively with cosmetics the next day.  It is the treatment of choice in patients whose schedules do not allow for a recovery period during which the treated skin is noticeably altered.

 How do I know which type of laser resurfacing is best for me?

During your consultation with Dr Chu, he will perform a thorough examination and evaluation of your skin. He will then discuss with your potential treatment plans based on your expectations, your pain tolerance, and your lifestyle (potential for healing & downtime.)

What are the limitations of laser resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing is not a substitute for a facelift which corrects heavy jowling.  Conversely, a facelift will not improve fine lines and wrinkles.  Attempting to due so can result the distorted facial contours not uncommon in entertainers today, However, ablative laser resurfacing does routinely lead to beneficial tightening of loose skin.  Profound tightening creates a redraping of the skin leading to such a marked improvement in some patients of Dr Chu's that they refer to the procedure as a "laser lift."  It can also work well in conjunction with, or as an additional treatment to other aesthetic procedures such as:  chemical peels, blepharoplasty, liposuction of the face and neck and wrinkle correction.

 

What conditions do ablative laser resurfacing treat?

• Diminish fine lines and wrinkles of the face, especially on the upper lip, cheeks and forehead
• Acne scarring
• Smooth and tighten eyelid skin
• Improve crow's feet around the eyes
• Soften pucker marks and frown lines
• Improve and flatten scars
• Repair smoker's lines

What are the advantages of ablative laser resurfacing?

• In most cases only one treatment is required
• Causes immediate yet permanent collagen contraction
• Stimulates new collagen formation leading to plumping of the dermis(the structural support of the skin)
• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles thereby noticeably improving skin tone and texture 

What are the advantages of nonablative laser resurfacing with the Picosure laser?

• There is virtually no downtime following the procedure 
• The procedure is essentially painless
• The procedure can be performed on any area of skin( not limited to the face and neck)