Young and radiant skin thanks to modern laser medicine

Sagging skin, damage caused by sun exposure and UV-induced wrinkles - laser medicine offers effective solutions. PD Dr Laurence Imhof explains the many possibilities of this technology.

Over the years, sunlight and UV radiation leave clear marks on our skin. These often manifest themselves in the form of age and pigmentation marks, enlarged veins and wrinkles. Due to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, the skin loses elasticity and firmness, which leads to sagging. This is where advanced laser systems come in. Dermatologist and laser specialist PD Dr Imhof explains: "Today,laser treatments are used to treat a wide range of skin problems. Each device enables different applications and can be effective against several problems."

Outstanding precision

Lasers in aesthetic medicine work by targeting light energy into the skin to affect specific structures or change tissue at specific points. They generate a highly focussed beam of light at a specific wavelength that is absorbed by target structures such as pigment, blood and water. This absorption generates heat that destroys the target tissue without affecting the surrounding tissue.

The modern laser systems used by Dr Imhof at the Aesthetic Medicine Pyramid include the removal of pigment spots and tattoos, the treatment of vascular changes such as couperose and spider veins, as well as the correction of scars, enlarged pores and wrinkles. The targeted heating of the tissue promotes skin regeneration and stimulates the formation of new collagen and elastin.

Fresher, firmer and smoother

The CO2 laser is considered the "gold standard" among laser systems. "In full face resurfacing, hundreds of microscopically small channels are lasered into the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the body's own healing process, while the superficial skin layers are removed and the skin is smoothed at the same time," explains PD Dr Imhof.

The result is improved skin texture, greater elasticity and resilience as well as a reduction in the signs of ageing. The new collagen formation stimulated by the laser ensures long-lasting effects that often last for several years. However, effective tightening with tissue repositioning is only possible surgically. A facelift (face-neck lift) is particularly effective for tightening the cheeks, midface, jawline and neck.

However, the lift reaches its limits with some problems: Fine lines immediately around the mouth - known as smoker's lines or lip lines - often barely respond to a lift. The skin quality itself is also not improved by a lift. This is exactly where the laser comes into play. After a laser treatment, the skin appears more even, fresher, firmer and smoother without changing facial expressions. "The intensity and penetration depth of the laser treatment can be precisely customised to the respective skin problems and individual wishes of the patient. This creates optimal synergies between laser treatment and surgery," adds PD Dr Laurence Imhof.

It is advisable to start treatment early

The chances of success depend on various factors, including the timing of the start of treatment: younger patients tend to have better conditions than older patients. "The laser is not a miracle cure. It makes sense to start gentle laser treatments early and preventively in order to slow down skin ageing and improve the appearance of the skin in the long term. It is comparable to sport - perseverance pays off.

Those who integrate laser treatments into their skin care routine regularly and over the long term benefit from sustainably better results," emphasises PD Dr Imhof. As most lasers are highly effective systems that also harbour risks and side effects, specialist knowledge and experience are essential. Treatment should only be carried out by doctors who have undergone thorough laser training and have the necessary expertise.

Benefit from the latest laser technologies

Laser technology is constantly evolving, which is why the Aesthetic Medicine Pyramid continuously invests in state-of-the-art equipment and innovative procedures. Through regular further training and the integration of the latest scientific findings, customers benefit from the latest advances in medical technology.

Photo imaging: Patient before fractional_{CO2 laser treatment}(left) and afterwards.

The expert: PD Dr Laurence Imhof

In PD Dr Laurence Imhof, the Aesthetic Medicine Pyramid in Zurich, which is part of the Plastic Surgery Pyramid, gained a renowned dermatologist in spring. Until 2024, PD Dr Imhof was a member of the clinic management of the Dermatology Clinic at the University Hospital Zurich, where she headed the Laser Medicine and Aesthetic Dermatology departments from 2014 to 2024.

In addition to her medical qualifications, she holds a Master's degree in medical physics from ETH Zurich. She is a lecturer at the University of Zurich, President of the FMCH Laser Commission and a board member of the Swiss Society for Laser Medicine. At the USZ, she promoted innovative treatment methods and made a significant contribution to the further development of laser medicine.