Laser Skin Resurfacing Description & Benefits

Laser skin resurfacing (skin rejuvenation) is a cosmetic medical procedure in which a laser is used to remove layers of damaged and wrinkled skin so that new, smoother looking skin can form. As part of the natural aging process, over time the effects of sun damage and environmental pollutants take their toll on our facial skin, creating lines and wrinkles around the mouth and eyes. Laser resurfacing can help to minimize these lines as they begin to occur. Laser skin resurfacing treatments can also be used to reduce or remove acne, acne scars, chickenpox scars and other scars, pigmentation and facial thread veins. Laser skin resurfacing is a treatment to resurface your skin, or to improve the texture and overall appearance of your skin. Laser resurfacing is a relatively new method of improving skin texture and appearance. Laser facial resurfacing can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles of the entire face, or those that develop in specific regions of the face, such as the upper lip and around the eyes, as well as treating pigmentation disorders, such as sun and age spots. All of the resurfacing procedures function in the same way. The top layers of skin are eliminated, leaving smoother, tighter skin on the surface after a period of healing. There are several advantages to laser skin resurfacing that aren't available with other resurfacing procedures such as chemical peel or dermabrasion. One benefit of the laser is that it heats the deep layers of skin, stimulating collagen production. In many cases, laser resurfacing results in less bruising, bleeding, and post-procedure discomfort.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure Steps

Laser skin resurfacing is typically performed under local anesthesia, meaning you will be awake, but feel no pain, and be given a sedative to help you relax. Sometimes with more extensive procedures, general anesthesia is administered. It takes anywhere from 10 minutes to 90 minutes depending on the amount of skin being treated. During the laser resurfacing procedure, an intense beam of light energy (laser) is directed at the area to be treated. The laser beam destroys the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and at the same time heats the underlying skin (dermis), which stimulates the growth of new collagen fibers. The procedure feels like a rubber band is being gently snapped against your skin. As the wound heals, new skin forms that is smoother and tighter. Some people are not good candidates for laser skin resurfacing. If you have black, brown, or olive skin, changes in pigementation may not be corrected with resurfacing. Anyone who has used accutane in the last 2 years or who has skin with frequent infection may not be a good candidate for the procedure.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Recovery

After laser resurfacing surgery, the pain should be mild to moderate. The new skin will begin to form during the first few post-surgery days, though the final results will not be seen for a few months. After the procedure is finished, you may be a little swollen, but this can be treated with ice and medication. A bandage or some kind of cream or ointment may be used to protect the treated skin. Your skin will be pink and there will be some crusts that form, but it is essential that you do not try to take them off to prevent scarring. A series of laser skin treatments are normally required to achieve improvement in skin texture and clarity and repeated treatments are essential to maintain your results, as the skin will continue to age and new lines, wrinkles and other skin blemishes will continue to form. Most people can return to using their regular makeup after about 2 weeks, but is extremely important to stay away from sun until your skin has returned to its original state. Daily sunscreen is highly recommended for at least six months after laser skin treatment to protect the sensitive new skin from sun exposure and prevent any further sun damage.

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You can find a way variety of products designed to help you have the best preparation and recovery from your procedure at the:

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Laser Skin Resurfacing Side Effects & Risks

Some of the complications that occur with laser skin resurfacing include scarring, change in color of the affected skin, itching, tightness, heat burns from the laser, abnormal pigmentation and infection. In rare cases, dormant viruses such as herpes or infections may be triggered by laser treatment.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Costs

The average cost of a procedure is anywhere from $850-2400, depending on the physician and areas treated.

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