Laser Skin Resurfacing in Clinton

Laser Skin Resurfacing is one of the most exciting and innovative scientific achievements of the last three decades, Laser technology is being utilized throughout the healthcare community to improve the texture and appearance of imperfect skin.

What is a laser?

The word “laser” is an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A surgical laser, such as the CO2 laser, is a beam of light capable of removing unwanted tissue, such as scarred, lined, wrinkled, and otherwise imperfect skin. The laser vaporizes skin cells by emitting bursts of radiation absorbed by water in these cells.

Laser light penetrates to a precise, controlled depth, making the procedure safe and predictable while reducing the risk of scarring or pigmentation problems. Laser skin resurfacing is bloodless and is performed right here in our office, under light sedation. As a result of this treatment, you are left with more natural-looking skin.

There are two main types of laser systems used for skin resurfacing:

Ablative Laser

Ablative lasers use a beam of light energy to destroy the outermost layer of skin while warming the underlying skin. Heating the skin stimulates collagen production to improve its texture and firmness. As the area heals, new skin grows that is tighter and smoother. CO2 lasers, erbium lasers, and combination systems are all ablative lasers.

Light Source (Nonablative) Laser

Light source lasers also stimulate collagen production, but are gentler than ablative lasers, with more subtle results. However, healing time is faster. Intense pulsed light (IPL) lasers are a type of light source laser.

What areas can be treated through laser resurfacing?

The laser is used to reduce tiny wrinkles, acne scars and other minor skin imperfections, especially around the mouth and eyes. It can also improve sun-damaged and acne scarred skin, problems that often concern both men and women.

Benefits of Treatment

Laser resurfacing can be used as an alternative to chemical peels and dermabrasion. This technique offers less pain and a faster recovery time and is usually less costly.

Before Laser Resurfacing

Before resurfacing, Dr. Anderson and you will discuss the goals for facial improvement. After determining the appropriate treatment plan, we will fully describe the procedure, what results to expect, and the costs. The skin is usually pretreated before the procedure to improve the healing time.

The Procedure

A local anesthetic ensures your comfort throughout the procedure. The area is cleansed and draped. Dr. Anderson directs the laser beam toward your skin imperfections. The laser quickly and accurately vaporizes the outermost layers of skin just four or five cells in thickness.

Possible Side Effects

After laser resurfacing, the treated area will feel like it is sunburned for several days or weeks. The skin may itch, burn, or be inflamed temporarily. Fungal infection or a  Milia (small, white bumps) sometimes appear in treated areas and can be removed by gently cleansing with a clean, damp cloth. Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation may result in some areas. Although rare, scarring is possible. Laser resurfacing can lead to a fungal, viral or bacterial infection in rare cases.

What can be expected?

In most cases, only one treatment is needed. The initial redness fades in a few weeks to a light pink, which can be concealed with makeup. The discoloration usually disappears in one or three months. The goal of laser resurfacing is to enhance facial appearance. Expectations by the patient must be realistic, and results should be anticipated as improvements rather than total corrections. The results of skin resurfacing depend on many factors such as the size, shape, and location of the imperfection and the patient’s heredity, age, and general skin condition.