Laser skin resurfacing is a cosmetic treatment where your dermatologist directs a laser onto your skin to address aging effects. The laser removes the skin cells on your topmost skin layer, called the epidermis, and the outer cells of the dermis, the second layer of your skin. Houston laser skin resurfacing treatment stimulates the growth of new skin cells and collagen production, giving you a youthful look. The procedure can reduce the appearance of age spots, acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, warts, large pores, and sun damage. Laser skin resurfacing can be ablative, involving skin injury, or non-ablative, where no skin is removed.
How should you prepare for laser skin resurfacing?
Before the laser skin resurfacing procedure, your specialist will recommend you avoid tanning or heavy sun exposure four weeks before the treatment. Also, avoid deep facial peel techniques four weeks before your treatment. Your specialist may suggest you apply a topical retinoid on your skin four weeks before laser skin resurfacing treatment. Ensure you notify your doctor of any medications, herbs, or supplements you may be taking.
What should you expect during a laser skin resurfacing procedure?
Laser skin resurfacing involves local or general anesthesia, depending on the area being treated. General anesthesia may be beneficial if the entire face is being treated. Your doctor will clean the site to be treated and move the selected laser slowly around the affected region. The laser eliminates the skin cells on the top layer of your skin and the outer cells of the dermis. There are many types of lasers, so your doctor uses the one that suits your skin and condition. The two most common forms include carbon dioxide and Erbium lasers. Carbon dioxide lasers address scars, wrinkles, and warts, while erbium removes lines and wrinkles and has fewer side effects.
What should you expect after laser skin resurfacing?
After laser skin resurfacing treatment, your skin will be red, itchy, and swollen. These effects fade within a few days. Depending on the laser skin resurfacing technique used, your skin may appear raw or blister. Avoid scratching or picking skin that crusts, as it can lead to scarring or infection. To ease discomfort, you may apply cold compresses on the treated areas within twenty-four to forty hours after treatment.
Your doctor may recommend you apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment to the treated region twice a day until the skin heals. Avoid aggressive facial treatments like glycolic acid for four weeks and topical products that can irritate your skin for six weeks following treatment. After healing, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your newly laser-resurfaced skin.
How long will laser skin resurface treatment results last?
Results of laser skin resurfacing treatment vary depending on the laser used and the extent of your condition. Outcomes often last several years, but you may need multiple treatments for the non-ablative laser technique.
Laser skin resurfacing involves using a laser to eliminate the skin cells on your epidermis and the outer cells of your dermis. It can address many aging effects, including fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, and age spots. Schedule an appointment at Yeung Institute for laser skin resurfacing treatment to eliminate your facial wrinkles and fine lines.
