Laser Resurfacing

With time facial skin begins to show signs of wear and tear. Lines and creases appear while skin begins to loosen and sag. Age spots may also appear. The effects of sun, smoking, stress, poor nutrition, pollution and alcohol all accelerate the aging process.

Laser Resurfacing is one way to erase the ravages of time on delicate skin. Lasers are particularly effective to remove fine lines, treat scars and reverse the effects of sun damage.

How Does Laser Resurfacing Work?

L.A.S.E.R. stands for Light Amplified by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Medical lasers use an intense beam of light to gently remove the outer layers of skin that have been damaged by sun, wind, pollutants and time. This beam of light is so concentrated and precise that it does not affect the tissue surrounding the targeted area. With lasers, physicians can achieve dramatic results by uncovering new, undamaged skin.

There are several types of lasers used to resurface the skin. Two types of lasers are currently in use for Laser Resurfacing: Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Erbium. Indications and results are similar for both types. With the Erbium laser, recovery time is much shorter than the CO2. Your physician will discuss the benefits of each with you to determine the best laser treatment for your skin.

Local anesthesia is usually sufficient. For more extensive treatments, iv sedation may be used to prevent discomfort.

Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Resurfacing?

Lasers are commonly used to successfully treat age spots, freckles, moles, keloids, tattoos, certain types of skin cancers and other skin growths. There is some risk of pigmentation disturbance with darker skin tones.

Various factors contribute to whether or not you are a good candidate for Laser Resurfacing. Your physician will consider all medical history, age, skin type, skin pigmentation and desired results before recommending Laser Resurfacing.

What Can I Expect After Laser Resurfacing?

Recovery after Laser Resurfacing typically takes one to three weeks. The skin must be kept moist for seven to ten days with ointments and/or bandages. After the first week, the remaining redness can be covered with cosmetics until it fades. After a few weeks, the skin will fade to a normal tone and will have a softer, fresher look.