Skin Resurfacing
2. How do the treatments work?
3. What is the treatment like?
4. How many treatments are needed?
5. Who is the best candidate for treatments?
1.What is skin resurfacing? Back to Top
In laser resurfacing, sometimes called "laser peel," a laser is used to remove areas of damaged or wrinkled skin, layer by layer.
The procedure is most commonly used to minimize the appearance of fine lines, especially around the mouth and the eyes. However, it is also effective in treating facial scars or areas of uneven pigmentation. Laser resurfacing may be performed on the whole face or in specific regions.
2. How do the treatments work? Back to Top
Laser resurfacing is a surgical procedure that is performed using a beam of laser energy which vaporizes the upper layers of damaged skin at specific and controlled levels of penetration. The depth of the resurfacing can be adjusted based upon the nature of the skin's condition and desired outcome.
3. What is the treatment like? Back to Top
During the procedure, the activated laser is carefully passed back and forth over the skin until the surgeon reaches the level that will make the wrinkle or scar less visible. When the procedure is over, your surgeon may choose to treat the resurfaced skin with applications of protective creams or ointments until healing is complete. Some surgeons choose to apply a bandage over the treated areas which will cover and protect the healing skin for the first five to ten days.
4. How many treatments are needed? Back to Top
"Light" resurfacing procedures, such as superficial chemical peels or superficial laser resurfacing, offer shorter recovery times. However, these lighter procedures may need to be repeated multiple times to achieve results comparable to those achieved with more aggressive techniques.
5. Who is the best candidate for treatments? Back to Top
Individuals with olive or black skin tone may be at an increased risk for pigment changes and should consult their surgeon for recommended treatment options. Also, individuals who have taken the drug Accutane within the last 18 months, those prone to scarring, or individuals with active skin infections are not good candidates for this treatment.