Laser skin resurfacing at Sage Plastic Surgery in Dallas, TX is a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure that uses an Erbium/CO2 laser to rejuvenate the skin. The Erbium laser uses pulsating beams of light to exfoliate damaged surface skin one layer at a time. The treatment is great for correcting facial lines and wrinkles,and for improving skin blemishes like acne scars, pigmentation, and more. Also called a laser peel, laser skin resurfacing is a great facial treatment for patients desiring a softer, clearer, younger complexion. Depending on the concerns of the complexion, the laser will be adjusted accordingly. There is some downtime needed with most laser skin resurfacing procedures, which can be discussed during your initial consult with plastic surgeons Dr. David G. Genecov and Dr. Huay-Zong Law.

There are 3 types of laser skin resurfacing treatments that are chosen based on the condition of your skin. Some are performed for milder cases of skin damage, while others are more aggressive:

• Ablative Laser Treatments
  Ablative lasers eliminate thin layers of skin, like a deep chemical peel or dermabrasion, with a precision that allows the technician to avoid skin damage. Ablative lasers are best for tightening the skin and correcting wrinkles and acne scars.
• Non-Ablative Laser Treatments
  Non-ablative lasers do not remove any skin — the light creates micro-damage to the skin to prompt the body's natural healing response. Non-ablative procedures are ideal to minimize fine lines and wrinkles on patients who are able to wait several months to see strong results.
• Fractional Laser Treatments
  Fractional lasers are both ablative and non-ablative that create tiny holes in the lower layers of the skin. The skin's automatic healing creates tighter skin. Fractional lasers may also be used for deep wrinkles, acne scarring, sun damage, and pigmentation problems.

There are several factors to take into consideration when deciding which laser treatment is right for your skin. Laser skin resurfacing is designed for anyone who is unhappy with their general complexion. If you have sun damage, acne scars, age spots, lines and wrinkles, redness or pigmentation concerns, a laser skin resurfacing treatment can be good to address these cosmetic flaws. In addition, laser skin resurfacing works great for patients who have scaly patches, rough texture, or other skin irregularities. This treatment is not recommended if you have very dark skin or active acne. Also, it is important to be aware that there is downtime associated with this laser treatment. Some patients, depending on the condition of their skin, may need up to 2 – 3 weeks for recovery.

Medication will be prescribed prior to the treatment to help minimize pain and for greater relaxation during your session. If your skin needs mild correction, a topical anesthetic will be used to numb certain areas where the laser will target. However, for the full face or more intense laser treatments, some form of sedation may be used. During the procedure, you will relax in our treatment chair while the laser glides over the treatment area, precisely targeting the specific sections for resurfacing. You will feel warmth, followed by coolness from the built-in cooling system of the device. The laser works to eliminate dead and damaged skin cells, while also stimulating natural collagen production.

For lighter treatments, a healing ointment will be applied to the skin and you can return home to recover. The skin will seem red and there will be some irritation and swelling. This should subside within a couple of days and the peeling process will start over a 3 – 5-day time frame. If you are receiving a more intense laser treatment, your recovery period will be longer. The treated areas will most likely be covered by dressings and the swelling, irritation, and burning side effects will be more intense. Medication can be prescribed to minimize these side effects. The recovery time associated with a deeper laser peel can be 2 – 3 weeks. All patients should reduce their sun exposure after their treatment and apply sun protection frequently. For all peel intensities, the skin will naturally flake, crust, and peel away. It is vital to assist the healing process by protecting the treated area at all times from UV exposure. Once the peeling process has been completed, your skin will feel softer while looking clearer, younger, and rejuvenated.

A laser skin resurfacing peel provides excellent results for patients who want a younger-looking complexion. If you are thinking about a laser skin resurfacing treatment, we invite you to call Sage Plastic Surgery today. Our staff will be happy to sit down with you and answer any questions you may have about our laser treatment.