Laser Skin Resurfacing: At a Glance | |
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Preparation | Topical anesthetic cream, with possibly a mild sedative |
Procedure | A laser vaporizes the outer layer of skin, leaving a new surface making you look refreshed and rejuvenated |
Length of Procedure | Up to an hour |
Recovery or Downtime | As little as one week depending on the depth of treatment. A pink/redness of the skin may appear and can last for weeks or months. |
Pain | Minimal |
Results | Fresher, smoother, plumper, younger looking skin |
There are many benefits to laser skin resurfacing including:
Laser skin resurfacing can take out fine lines, as well as smooth out deep creases and wrinkles that are a result of aging, exposure to environmental elements, smoking, and stress. The areas mainly targeted by this procedure include between and around the eyes, the sides of the mouth, and the surface of the forehead.
At The Skin & Vein Center, we use a new generation of facial laser resurfacing — the Active FX (CO2 Laser resurfacing). This laser produces superior results when treating moderate to deep wrinkles, as well as fine lines and uneven pigment. During an initial consultation, your medical history, age, skin color, and condition will be reviewed to see if you are a candidate for fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing. Other laser skin resurfacing procedures may be recommended to ensure that you receive desired and long-lasting results.
There is no required preparation for laser skin resurfacing.
The laser facial resurfacing procedure will last between an hour to an hour and a half. A topical anesthetic cream is applied and allowed to sit for about half an hour. While discomfort during the procedure is usually mild, a mild sedative may be given before the procedure.
During the procedure, a laser is moved across the surface of the skin. The laser emits a beam of energy that heats and vaporizes the tissues of the outer layer of damaged skin, leaving surrounding healthy tissue unaffected.
After the laser facial resurfacing procedure, you can expect to feel a sensation similar to a sunburn. You may also experience some swelling. You will be given care instructions that can include ice, cleansing, and topical products to aid the healing process. Depending on the type of laser resurfacing implemented, downtime can be as little as one week. Also, the temporary pink coloration of the skin may be experienced and will last between two weeks or up to four months depending on the depth of the treatment.