If you’ve ever wished that you could “renew” your complexion to make it smoother and more even-toned, laser resurfacing may be a good option for you. Cosmetic laser resurfacing, also called “laser peel”, is a procedure that smooths the facial skin by using a laser to refinish damaged areas and shrink fine wrinkles. It also corrects areas of uneven pigmentation. The result is a fresher, smoother complexion.
In laser resurfacing, a beam of laser energy is used to vaporize the upper layers of damaged skin with accurate precision. As new cells form during the healing process, a smoother, tighter, younger-looking skin surface appears. During the procedure, the activated laser is carefully passed back and forth over the skin until the surgeon reaches the safest level that will make the wrinkle or scar less visible. When imperfections are deep, your surgeon may recommend that the resurfacing he performed in two or more stages.
Laser resurfacing may be performed in a hospital, an outpatient surgery center or an office-based surgical suite. Usually, local anesthesia with sedation is used during laser resurfacing.
when the procedure is over, your surgeon will cover your face with protective ointment and give you more ointment to use at home for the first week of healing. You will likely experience some mild to moderate swelling. Your skin will be bright pink to red in color. The redness is a positive sign that the healing process is progressing and a new layer of collagen is being laid down. After two weeks you will be able to start applying makeup to conceal the red color. You can probably return to work in two weeks. The pinkness in the skin may remain for several months while the new skin layers are appearing. In the months following treatment, it’s essential to protect your face from the sun until all the color has returned to normal. If you go out in the sun at all be sure to wear a sun block with at least a 25 SPF or higher and shade you face with a visor or wide-brimmed hat.
If you’re like most patients, you will notice a significant improvement in the tone and texture of your skin. Many say that their fresher, younger looking complexion makes them feel more confident at work and in social situations.
To find out if you are a candidate for laser resurfacing or to answer any questions that you may have about any other cosmetic procedures feel free to make a consultation appointment with Dr. Sellers.
