Here’s what you need to know about laser skin resurfacing: it’s a form of cosmetic surgery that utilizes lasers to remove a small layer of skin. The procedure is most often used for various types of facial scars, such as acne or wrinkles. Those who are looking for smoother, more youthful-looking skin may also opt for this treatment. In this article, we will cover what is laser skin resurfacing so that you can rest easy knowing what you need to know.
Whenever you’re ready to delve deep into this cosmetic surgery, keep reading.
What Is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing is a form of cosmetic surgery that utilizes lasers to remove a small layer of skin. The procedure is most often used for various types of facial scars, such as acne or wrinkles. Those who are looking for smoother, more youthful-looking skin may also opt for this treatment.
The process removes these imperfections by targeting them with intense pulses and beams of light over the surface area where they’re located – using heat energy to create a controlled injury that triggers the body’s healing process.
The two most common types of laser skin resurfacing are fractional and non-ablative. There is also laser rejuvenation. This can be used for fine lines around the eyes or mouth and wrinkles on other parts of the face.
There are four potential benefits to this type of procedure:
- removes scars
- reduces deep laugh lines
- tightens slackened skin by stimulating collagen production
- decreases pore size by removing fatty deposits
Non-surgical treatment options include topical creams, injections with steroids and hyaluronic acid (a natural molecule found throughout our bodies), microdermabrasion treatments, and chemical peels.
What to Expect During/After Procedure
During the procedure, you can expect to feel a warm sensation from the laser. Afterward, there might be some slight redness and swelling that will disappear within 24 hours to 48 hours after your treatment.
A dermatologist or plastic surgeon performs the procedure. To help you relax during your treatment, the doctor may sedate you or numb any areas that will be treated with a local anesthetic. If small sections of your face are being treated, the process is relatively quick and painless- make sure to call in advance for more information!
A full-face treatment takes up to two hours, but on the other hand, a quick 30-45 minute appointment can cover your eyes and cheeks.
Following laser skin resurfacing, your doctor may prescribe steroids to manage swelling around the eyes, and sleeping on an extra pillow at night can also help ease it. However, if you experience any other symptoms such as pain or fever afterward, please contact a medical professional immediately!
The healing process takes 10-21 days. But you’ll start noticing improvements within 72 hours after treatment starts. After five to seven days post-treatment, your skin will dry and peel, which means it’s time to put on some oil-free makeup (make sure it’s rated SPF 30 or higher).
Limit your time in the sun. Especially between 10 am and 2 pm. Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats to protect yourself from UV rays. They can cause skin cancer or wrinkles while you are out.
You might need some extra care for Retin A products if they were part of your treatment routine. These can irritate sensitive areas more easily. But typically start working again around 6 weeks after stopping them completely.
The Benefits of Treatment
When going through laser skin resurfacing, you will witness a wide variety of benefits from your own experience. Here is a list of some of the benefits you will experience:
Your scars will be reduced and may even disappear entirely.
You will have more clarity with your complexion, which you might not have had before due to the scarring and discoloration caused by acne or other skin conditions.
The sun damage on your face can also be improved significantly when going through laser resurfacing treatment. This option gives people back their confidence in their looks rather than being left out of options for a youthful appearance!
There are no incisions made during Laser Skin Resurfacing, so there isn’t any risk of infection as well as minimal downtime compared to traditional surgery methods such as dermabrasion.”
You will see a reduction in the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines!
When to Get Laser Skin Resurfacing?
The season of the equinox is the perfect time for laser resurfacing.
The autumn leaves are changing color, and fresh, local produce is filling grocery shelves to prepare you for wintertime warmth – so why not schedule a cosmetic procedure that will help your skin look its best this upcoming holiday? With shorter daylight hours in the fall or winter months, less sun exposure can vastly improve your results from any laser treatment!
As it gets colder outside, there’s no better way than getting some “laser love” during “autumn”!
To keep your laser results looking their best and prevent premature aging, make sure you use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen regularly.
Who Treats You Is Important
When it comes to your skin, do not take any risks. It would be best if you chose a professional who has experience and qualifications in laser resurfacing.
If you’re looking for the best surgeon available, don’t despair. There are plenty of qualified cosmetic surgeons to choose from!
The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery has done a great job at certifying all their members with rigorous training and experience in surgical procedures and non-surgical treatments like laser skin resurfacing that can make an aging face look more youthful than ever before.
Laser Skin Resurfacing for You
Now that you understand what is laser skin resurfacing, you might be interested in treatment. If that’s the case, you already know what you have to do, contact your preferred medical specialist.
However, you might not have to look any further. Here at Atlanta Face & Body, we provide a full range of cosmetic services, including skin resurfacing.
So get in touch with us, and we will happily accommodate your needs.