Laser Skin Resurfacing

Who Can Be Helped Through Laser Skin Resurfacing

Most anti-aging and acne treatment procedures of the past have traditionally been somewhat painful, and the recovery time was longer than most patients could tolerate. Thanks to advances in laser light and photofacial technology, laser skin resurfacing has provided a quicker and easier to deal with method of turning back the clock, and restoring skin to its youthful appearance.

Think you’d like to improve your skin through laser skin resurfacing? At True MD, our highly qualified professionals will do a complete analysis of your skin to determine the right cosmetic procedure for you.

There are two common types of lasers can be employed during a laser skin resurfacing: CO2 and Erbium. The latest version of a very short pulse or continuous beam to treat and remove wrinkles, acne scars, birthmarks, warts, the remnants of skin cancer and other skin imperfections. It is not recommended for use on those who have a darker skin tone, as it may leave behind lighter patches of healed skin. The recovery time from a procedure utilizing a CO2 laser light is around two weeks.

The most popular version for anti-aging treatment is the Erbium laser. It is designed to remove superficial to moderately deep lines, wrinkles, blemishes and scars on the hands, face, neck, and chest. This laser is particularly popular with darker skin, because it does not use very much heat, causing less burning than the CO2, and will not leave behind lighter healing patches. It also has less side effects, like swelling and redness.

Laser resurfacing is often used in conjunction with a face lift or other anti-aging procedures to grant an overall youthful appearance. The laser gently removes the first few layers of dead or dying skin cells, leaving behind fresh and youthful appearing pink skin. The overall effect, especially with other procedures can be astounding. Years are literally removed from the patient’s appearance, restoring the skin’s natural tone and resilience.

All laser resurfacing is performed on an outpatient basis, generally using a local anesthesia on the target site. If that is not enough, or if you have sensitive skin, an oral sedative may be administered as well. The procedure can be done over the entire face, or in planned segments over several weeks. The procedure itself can run from a half an hour to a couple of hours, depending upon how much area is being resurfaced.

After care following the procedure will usually involve sterile dressings being applied to the treatment areas. These dressings can be removed within a few days, and the areas may be cleaned with cool tap water saline solution, or a diluted vinegar solution. A topical ointment would be applied afterwards, to prevent scabs from forming on the healing skin. Most patients of laser skin resurfacing will have completely healed skin in under 20 days, depending on the extent of the procedure done.