LASER SKIN RESURFACING

LASER SKIN RESURFACING PHOENIX, AZ

Exciting new advancements in technology have produced a laser technique to resurface the skin to undo the harmful damage of overexposure to the sun, acne scars, signs of maturing skin, and other conditions that make your skin look dull, older, and marred. Layer by layer, our Aesthetic Team at Elite Plastic Surgery in Arizona can reveal a newer, reinvigorated skin with our Alma® Pixel laser skin resurfacing techniques and equipment. This also means that your skin will look and feel tighter, softer, and healthier. When you resurface the top layer of your skin, you also stimulate your skin’s natural ability to regenerate collagen in as little as a single treatment. If you would like to learn more about laser skin resurfacing, call and schedule an appointment with us so that they can analyze your skin, and make recommendations on how to best treat your skin’s condition with little side effects and no time away from your work or life. Every patient is different, so results and surgical techniques may vary from patient to patient. Call our office today to schedule a skin resurfacing appointment.

LASER VARIATIONS

The depth and aggression of laser skin resurfacing depends on the patient’s desired outcome and overall goals. More aggressive resurfacing is known as ablation. With this form of resurfacing, the skin is actually wounded to the dermal level. Once the dermal wound healing begins, it stimulates the production of collagen. Recovery time from ablation is around 3 weeks. The less aggressive non-ablative process is less invasive and reduces the overall recovery time, but the results are not as dramatic, and multiple treatment sessions may be unnecessary. The new generation of lasers have increased the effectiveness and efficiency of the procedure by either producing extremely short pulses of light or by emitting a continuous beam. Both methods cut down on the time of the treatment while minimizing damage to the surrounding tissue. It can be used on skin that shows superficial to moderately deep lines and wrinkles. It can be used on the face, neck, hands or chest.

HOW SKIN RESURFACING WORKS

During laser skin resurfacing, we will aim brief, pulsating beams of light to the damaged skin. The laser will ultimately destroy the unwanted skin layer by layer. The depth depends on the patient’s particular condition and needs. The laser beam removes the outer layer of skin, which is known as the epidermis. At the same time, the laser is heating the dermis, the layer underneath, which stimulates the growth of collagen. Once the damaged layers of skin are destroyed, it will begin to crust, flake, and peel away over the course of several weeks. Once this process is complete, new skin will appear in its place that’s healthier, brighter, younger looking, and more even-toned.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM LASER SKIN RESURFACING

Even though laser skin resurfacing is nonsurgical and is considered noninvasive, there generally is some downtime associated with the procedure depending on the level of aggression. To ease any discomfort during treatment, we may choose to numb the skin using a local anesthetic. A sedative can also be given to relax the patient. If the whole face is being treated or if other procedures are being done in conjunction with resurfacing, a local anesthesia will be given. We then place the laser on the treatment area for a short amount of time and repeat this process until all of the damaged skin has been treated. After the ablative procedure, the treated skin will appear swollen, itchy and raw. It’s possible for these areas to discharge a yellowish liquid. We will apply a thick, protective ointment and cover the area in an airtight, watertight dressing to protect the treated skin. During recovery, the treated area will need to be kept clean and protected. Crusting can also occur, so the patient must refrain from picking since this can lead to permanent scarring. New skin is usually generated in about 1 – 2 weeks. With non-ablation, a patient can expect swelling and redness which can be remedied with ice packs.

TREAT SUN-DAMAGED SKIN TODAY!

Elite Plastic Surgery offers numerous treatment options for sun-damaged and aging skin. The decision whether to choose ablative or non-ablative laser skin resurfacing is dependent upon the patient’s individual condition, aesthetic goals, budget, as well as pain tolerance and allowance for recovery time. We can discuss your specific quest for healthier looking skin during a private and thorough skin consult. If you are interested in laser skin resurfacing, we invite you to call our office today and schedule an appointment for a thorough analysis.