Laser Skin Resurfacing
What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser
resurfacing, also referred to as a Micro laser Peel,
is an innovative treatment option used to diminish
facial wrinkles and skin imperfection, such as acne
or acne scarring, sun spots, dark patches, scars (both
pitted scarring or raised scars), loss of skin tone
(including loss of firmness or the development of
cellulite), and vascular conditions that cause visible
blood vessels, vascular lesions, or even constant
facial redness.
By directing a concentrated pulsating beam of light
at the targeted area, laser resurfacing, removes the
treated skin layer by layer allowing new, rejuvenated
skin to be revealed.
What is the laser skin resurfacing procedure like?
Laser resurfacing is performed as an outpatient
procedure. Patients are given a local
anesthetic. The time needed to complete a
laser treatment ranges between a few minutes and an
hour and a half. The time varies depending upon the
amount of resurfacing needed.
Using a microphone shaped wand, your doctor will
move the laser directly over the treatment area. This
is done to vaporize the damaged skin. The laser may
be passed over the same area repeatedly depending
on how deep the wrinkle, scar, or discoloration may
be. As the laser is absorbed it removes the outer
layers of skin until the layer not affected by the
imperfection is revealed. When the target layer is
exposed, healing begins and new skin is rebuilt giving
you a younger, smoother appearance, free from the
imperfections. For some patients, one procedure is
enough, however, in some cases two or more sessions
may be necessary to penetrate deeper areas.
What can I expect after Laser Skin Resurfacing?
For most patients mild swelling and discomfort are
experienced after laser skin resurfacing. This can
be eased by applying an ice pack or by medications
your doctor can prescribe. Redness
may continue for several weeks though is usually very short-lived unless an agressive resurfacing took place.
What are the long-term affects of Laser Skin Resurfacing?
For most patients laser resurfacing removes most
of the fine lines and wrinkles that were being treated.
However, over time they may reappear because of natural
facial movements. Laser skin resurfacing treatments
can be repeated to maintain the optimal results you
desire.
After your laser treatment, you are urged to use
sunscreen daily to protect the sensitive new skin
that has formed from sun exposure. If you receive
laser resurfacing around the eyes, it is recommended
that you wear sunglasses.
Are there any major complications or risks from
Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Complications from laser skin resurfacing are rare.
However, when patients do experience any complications
they may include burning, scarring, or skin discoloration
(this is found more often in patients with darker
skin tones). In very rare cases, dormant viruses or
infections may become active.
It is important to note that Laser Skin Resurfacing
does not stop your skin from aging. You may have the
reappearance of wrinkles, discoloration or other skin
imperfections over time.
Who is a good candidate for Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Patients with fine lines or wrinkles around the eyes,
mouth or forehead, scars from acne, or non-responsive
skin post-facelift may find successful results from
laser skin resurfacing. The best candidates, however,
are physically healthy, non-smokers, who are free
from active skin infections (including acne), without
unusual scar formations (such as keloids), and are
willing to accept the healing process involved with
this procedure.
Patients with darker skin tones may not be the best
candidates for laser skin resurfacing because of the
risk of color discoloration or bleaching affects.
Also, patients who scar easily, those on certain medications,
or those with a skin disorder may not be a candidate
for laser skin resurfacing.
For more information regarding Laser Skin Resurfacing...
Give Pura Vida MedSpa a call today to set up a consultation
for Laser Skin Resurfacing (facial wrinkles and skin
imperfection, such as acne or acne scarring, sun spots,
dark patches, scars (both pitted scarring or raised
scars), loss of skin tone (including loss of firmness
or the development of cellulite), and vascular conditions
that cause visible blood vessels, vascular lesions,
or even constant facial redness) or any of their other
non-invasive medical spa procedures. You can also
request a Laser Skin Resurfacing consultation online
by clicking
here.
