What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Laser Skin Resurfacing is a treatment for blemishes, scars and sun damaged skin in which a laser removes the old skin and allows collagen and fresh skin to grow.

How does the treatment work?

The laser removes the damaged upper layers of skin, stimulating a new, healthier layer of skin. The heat delivered into the skin promotes collagen growth and revitalizes the tissue. Different lasers are used for different degrees of resurfacing. In general, erbium lasers are used for fine lines and superficial resurfacing while CO₂ is used for deeper peels and reduction of deeper wrinkles. Either laser can be used at varying depths depending on the goals and desired downtime.

• Erbium Laser Therapy is a laser treatment in which fine wrinkles, pigmentation irregularities, sun damage, acne scars, sun spots and age spots are greatly decreased or diminished. The laser light is absorbed by the water in the skin cells. This absorption causes the instantaneous vaporization of the cell. As the laser passes across the skin, a small amount of tissue is removed at a time, allowing for the physician to treat only as deeply as desired.
• CO₂ Resurfacing diminishes fine lines and scars by using a laser to remove old skin layer by layer, promoting new growth. The laser is passed over the desired area, vaporizing superficial, damaged skin cells until a level is reached that minimizes wrinkles and scarring. Following treatment, protective creams and ointments may be applied to protect the skin for five to ten days.

Who are candidates for Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Healthy individuals seeking a younger look or those who want to remove blemishes should consider Laser Skin Resurfacing.

Will there be any downtime?

• Erbium Laser Therapy takes a couple of days to recover from. Most clients come in on a Thursday, recover over the weekend and are back at work by Monday. After a deep, full facial resurfacing, it may take two to three weeks before you feel aesthetically comfortable to return to normal activities.
• Downtime following CO₂ Resurfacing is usually 10 to 20 days. You may experience some mild swelling and discomfort which can be controlled with ice packs and medications prescribed by your physician.

What are the benefits of Laser Skin Resurfacing?

The benefits include the minimizing of facial scars, areas of uneven pigmentation or fine lines. Specific areas, such as lines around the eyes or mouth, can be targeted. Areas not usually helped by surgery alone may be dramatically improved. Recovery may not take as long as some surgical procedures.

What are the results?

Improvement of wrinkles generally ranges from twenty-five to seventy-five percent. Fine lines and superficial blemishes may disappear completely.

What to expect after treatment:

After treatment, a sun burned sensation may occur, and burning, tingling or redness may appear on the treated area. This will diminish in a few days, and normal skin pigmentation will appear. If more intense therapy is undergone, the face may scab, and the new skin will be visible in about a week.

How soon will results appear?

Noticeable results can be seen in a few days with complete healing in a few weeks.

How long does a Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment last?

A Laser Resurfacing treatment lasts about an hour depending on the laser and the size of the area being treated.

Is Laser Skin Resurfacing safe?

Laser Skin Resurfacing is a safe procedure with minimal risk, which varies according to laser type and depth of resurfacing. Infection does occasionally occur, and permanent scarring and redness are rare effects.

Are there any possible side effects?

After treatment, your skin may be red and tender, similar to a sunburn. Itching and sensitivity are common. If you have dark skin, your skin has a chance of becoming lighter in the treated area.

Who should avoid Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Those with darker skin tones may have less dramatic results and a higher chance of side effects. Outbreaks may occur in those with existing active viral infections, such as herpes or shingles. Those with burns or poor healing in the treatment area should avoid Laser Skin Resurfacing. If you have irregular pigmentation, reoccurring infections, previous surgery in the area, psoriasis or vitiligo, you should consult with your doctor before undergoing treatment.

How does the treatment feel?

• Erbium Lasers: Treatment is tolerable and feels like sunburn. Pain medication is given to reduce discomfort.
• Co2 Lasers: Usually a sedative is administered, and in some more intensive, full-face sessions, general anesthesia is administered, and the client is asleep for the treatment.

How long do the results last?

Laser Resurfacing is long-lasting, but not permanent. The original results will last for months to years; however, the process cannot prevent future aging which may need additional treatment. Smoking and excessive sun exposure will cause more damage to collagen fibers and new wrinkles can appear.

What are the alternative treatments?

Alternative treatments include Chemical Peels, Fraxel®, Blue Light Therapy, Botox® and Dermabrasion. Laser Resurfacing can be more intensive than these therapies and have better results.

Is additional treatment necessary?

Additional treatments may be needed for each laser treatment, but the amount of additional treatment varies.

What are the limitations of Laser Skin Resurfacing?

The limitations are that Laser Resurfacing cannot stop future expression lines or facial wrinkles from occurring. It can only clear existing facial problems.

Instructions for before treatment:

Before treatment, it is important to avoid taking medications containing aspirin or other blood thinners for several days to a week. Accutane® and Retin-A® should be discontinued for six weeks prior to treatment. Also, sun exposure and sunless tanning should be avoided for four weeks before the treatment occurs. Shave the area to be treated if necessary, and do not apply facial creams or makeup. Remove contact lenses prior to your session.

Instructions for after treatment:

After treatment, cold compresses may be applied to ease swelling and discomfort. To maximize the results of the therapy, sun exposure should be avoided following the treatment. Follow your practitioner’s advice regarding antiviral or antibiotics medications, and cleanse your skin as instructed.