Benefits of Laser Skin Resurfacing

The laser peel is a laser skin resurfacing procedure able to restore a smoother and more youthful appearance to the face. Laser resurfacing can improve a variety of skin imperfections including facial lines and wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and scars.

Laser skin resurfacing, or a laser peel as it is also known, is a procedure which is designed to restore a smoother and more youthful appearance to the facial skin. Using a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser device, the damaged top layer of skin is instantly vaporized, thus improving the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles, scars, and uneven pigmentation. There are two laser skin treatments available, the Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing (Active FX) and the traditional ablative CO2 Laser. The Active FX Laser offers many of the benefits of traditional ablative CO2 laser, but with less downtime and less risks. Laser resurfacing may be performed on the whole face or just on target areas.

If you are considering laser resurfacing, it's important that you be in good physical health and that you have realistic expectations for your procedure's outcome. There tends to be an increased risk of unwanted pigmentation changes for patients with olive, brown or black skin tones.

The Skin Resurfacing Process

The procedural time for laser resurfacing may last as little as a few minutes for smaller treatment areas to as much as an hour for the whole face. Local anesthesia and sedation is commonly used, though general anesthesia may be advised for more extensive resurfacing. Patients with extensive skin damage may require more than one session. During the procedure, the activated laser is carefully passed back and forth over the skin until the correct level has been reached to make the imperfection less visible.

Active FX Laser Treatment

Procedures are done in the office. Patients wear numbing cream for 30-60 minutes prior to the procedure. Occasionally dental blocks are performed. Patients are typically surprised by the minimal discomfort of the laser procedure. Following the treatment, the skin will exfoliate over a period of 3 to 6 days. During this period patients will need to frequently reapply moisturizing ointment and avoid the sun. By one week patients may apply make-up and get back to routine activities. Patients should be careful about the sun for the first month.

Traditional CO2 Laser Resurfacing

CO2 laser resurfacing is typically done under general anesthesia. Dr. Hamilton utilizes the Ultrapulse Encore from Lumenis, the most recognized and respected system in the field. The procedure takes about one hour. CO2 laser may be combined with other procedures such as a facelift, blepharoplasty or endoscopic forehead lift.  During the procedure the laser removes the topmost layers of skin while tightening the deeper layers.

Patients do have downtime with this procedure - 10 days to two weeks. Following this patients will be able to apply make-up, but will have some pink coloration for 2-3 months and will need to be careful about the sun. Our office will help patients at the two week point with a complimentary make-up session to help them through this period. Patients will already see by two weeks a dramatic improvement in the look and feel of their skin. Wrinkles will be softened if not eliminated, brown spots and other signs of sun damage will have been removed, and acne scarring and other skin irregularities will be significantly less noticeable.

Laser Treatment Post Care

After laser treatment, a bandage may be applied to the treatment area which can remain in place for five to ten days. Mild swelling may occur as well as some redness which can last for several weeks. Discomfort can also occur and pain medication can be prescribed. After about ten days, crusts which have formed on the treatment area will fade. It will take about two weeks before work and other normal activities can be resumed and about four to six weeks before resuming more strenuous activities. Sun exposure will need to be limited for six months to a year.

Laser and Light Treatments

Individual Treatment and package pricing available

Acne Therapy

FDA approved light therapy combines a gentle vacuum and broadband light energy to clear pores and destroy bacteria causing acne.

Limelight Facial

The Limelight Facial is a non-invasive approach to skin rejuvenation. This procedure offers the advantage of improving skin tone and surface imperfections such as redness alone or rosacea related and or discoloration caused by acne as well as brown spots from aging and the sun.

Permanent Hair Removal

Permanent removal of dark coarse hair available for face and other various parts of the body. A series of treatments are necessary. $40 initial consultation fee can be applied toward treatment purchase.

Frequently Asked Laser Treatment Questions

Q - What risks are associated with laser skin resurfacing?
As with most cosmetic procedures, there are some risks that are associated with laser skin resurfacing and these may include abnormal changes in skin color, adverse anesthesia reactions, burns or other laser-related injuries, cold sores, infection, and scarring.

Q - How is laser skin resurfacing performed?
For the laser skin resurfacing procedure, an activated laser is passed over the skin until the wrinkle or other imperfection has been made less visible. Creams or ointments may be applied after treatment, along with a bandage.

Q - How much time should I plan to take off from work after my laser skin resurfacing procedure?
Normal activities, including work, can usually be resumed within about two weeks.

Find more answers to your laser skin resurfacing questions. Please contact our office to schedule your appointment today.