Modern technology provides a variety of successful laser resurfacing treatments for improving the condition of the skin. Laser skin treatments employ focused beams of light energy to counteract the effects on the skin of acne, aging, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, scars, or poor nutrition. Resurfacing laser treatments are safe and efficient, requiring little downtime to provide effective results.
Laser treatments remove damaged skin and rejuvenate the patient's appearance. Most of the time, such treatments are sought for the face, but may also be performed on other parts of the body. For example, we have the ability to do resurfacing for your hands to reduce pigmentation and sun damage along with fine lines and wrinkles
We have options for laser resurfacing depending on your goals and schedule. Erbium laser resurfacing only requires 2-3 days of downtime while Co2 resurfacing requires more downtime but gives more dramatic results.
Reasons for Laser Resurfacing
Patients seek laser resurfacing for a variety of reasons, all related to discontent with their appearance. Laser resurfacing may be performed for any of the following reasons:
- To decrease or eliminate wrinkles or stretchmarks
- To diminish the appearance of scars
- To rejuvenate non-responsive skin after a facelift
- To remove age spots or spider veins
- To repair sun-damaged skin
- To improve skin tone due to melasma or other causes
- To remove warts or birthmarks
- To decrease the size of enlarged pores
- To remove tattoos
Types of Laser Resurfacing
There are two basic types of laser resurfacing treatments: ablative and non-ablative.
Ablative Laser Resurfacing
Ablative laser treatments, which penetrate more deeply, actually cause a wound, since they remove a layer of skin. Since ablative resurfacing actually vaporizes a layer of the skin, it provides more dramatic results and requires fewer sessions, but also requires a longer period of healing.
Non-Ablative Resurfacing
Non-ablative treatments do not burn away skin tissue, but use laser energy to stimulate collagen growth and tighten underlying skin. Non-ablative resurfacing is gentler than ablative and requires less downtime, but may necessitate more treatment sessions and may yield less dramatic results.
In general, non-ablative laser treatments are used when the repair needed is less extensive. Also, non-ablative treatments are recommended for people of color for whom ablative resurfacing may be more likely to cause unsightly changes in pigmentation.
A form of ablative resurfacing known as fractional ablative laser is now increasingly in use. This procedure targets more specific regions so that laser microbeams pinpoint and peel away smaller areas of skin. During fractional laser surfacing, no visible wounds are caused, so, although results are more noticeable, less downtime is necessary than after conventional ablative treatments. For some individuals, fractional ablative laser resurfacing represents the best of both worlds.
The Laser Resurfacing Procedure
Laser treatments for skin conditions are performed in our office with topical anesthesia. Procedures typically take between 30 and 90 minutes to perform, depending on the size and location of the treated area. While some individuals will notice significant results after just one treatment, particularly with ablative procedures, many patients will require multiple sessions in order to achieve the desired results. It is also possible that additional touch-up treatments will be needed at a future date.
Risks of Laser Resurfacing
Although laser skin treatment is considered safe for most patients and is typically performed with no long-term complications, there are certain risks associated with any type of medical procedure. While considered rare, risks may include:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Redness
- Pigmentation changes
- Acne
- Milia, tiny white bumps on the skin
Recovery from Laser Resurfacing
Recovery from laser resurfacing procedures varies according to the particular procedure undergone and the individual patient's skin type. In all cases, however, patients who have undergone these treatments should avoid sun exposure wherever possible.
Dr. Brantly service only. Other areas by request/quotation.
80 minutes
Upper lip/chin, eye area, cheeks, or forehead. 30 minutes
45 minutes
40 minutes
Microneedling with radiofrequency and Erbium laser resurfacing in the same setting
Dr. Brantly service only. Other areas by request/quotation.
80 minutes
Upper lip/chin, eye area, cheeks, or forehead. 30 minutes
25 minutes
45 minutes