Laser Skin Resurfacing Could Be an Option

If you have fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, or non-responsive skin from a facelift procedure, then it is possible that laser skin resurfacing could be the necessary procedure to get your skin looking healthy and youthful again. Laser skin resurfacing is actually a relatively new treatment, especially when compared to the face and brow lifts that have been around for decades. Laser skin resurfacing is relatively nonintrusive, because it uses concentrated beams of light to remove damaged skin one layer at a time. You may have seen it referred to as lasabrasion, laser peel, or laser vaporization, but they all mean the same thing.

There are two different types of laser treatments that are available. CO2 laser resurfacing uses very short pulsed light energy to remove layers of skin, which prevents heat damage to the surrounding skin. The recovery time can be up to two weeks for this particular procedure. The other treatment is the erbium laser treatment, which is excellent for deeper lines and wrinkles on the face, neck, and chest. This particular laser resurfacing works the best on darker skin tones, because there is little to no pigment affectation. The recovery time with the erbium laser treatment is also shorter, with only a week of downtime after the treatment. You should work with a board certified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon to decide which treatment will work best for you. It is important that you disclose all medications and family history, so that your doctor can be sure to provide you with the very best, and safest, results.

Once you have had the treatment, there are very specific instructions that will aid in recovery. It is important that you follow them closely, because the skin will already be very tender. Any deviation could result in scab formation, added swelling and redness, or even scarring. Once the skin tissue has healed, you can wear makeup to cover any remaining redness. This redness will persist longer for men and women with blond or red hair.

As with any medical procedure, there are some possible complications that may arise. After the treatment, you may notice small white bumps in the treated areas. These will be removed with gentle cleansing. You might also notice hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, which is a darkening or lightening of the skin. This will also fade over time, and some creams may help speed the process. Cold sores can reappear after the treatment, so if you have recently suffered a cold sore, you should ask your doctor for an antiviral medication to take before the treatment.

It is very important to realize that this is a medical procedure. You will be dealing with doctors and surgeons, but because it is for cosmetic purposes, your insurance will not cover it. Be sure that you are aware of all monetary obligations before beginning the treatment, including any follow-up appointments that may be necessary. It can be a very expensive treatment, especially if return appointments are needed.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Could Be an Option

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