Laser Skin Resurfacing Atlanta

Laser Skin Resurfacing Atlanta Laser skin resurfacing is a relatively new and increasingly popular surgical procedure for reducing wrinkles and skin irregularities such as blemishes or acne scars. It can help rejuvenate the skin, reducing the effects of aging, sun-damage, and some facial skin disorders. There is more control in the depth of penetration with laser skin resurfacing treatment which allows for a safer and more precise procedure. It is less invasive than other types of treatment and thus the recovery time is much shorter than traditional treatments and it is generally considered safe, effective, convenient, and more affordable than many other treatment options.

Candidates for Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is appropriate for patients with fine lines and wrinkles, stubborn acne scarring or raised scars, and uneven pigmentation; it also may be effective treatment for patients seeking improvement of their skin’s overall texture, which can become rough and coarse as a result of accumulated sun damage.

Skin type, condition, color, ethnic background, and age are factors that should be considered before surgery. Those who have dark skin, oily skin prone to scarring, or have active acne may not make the best candidates for effective laser skin resurfacing treatment.

How Laser Skin Resurfacing Works

Laser skin resurfacing diminishes imperfections on the skin's surface by directing short, concentrated pulses of light at the skin which removes damaged skin cells layer by layer. The laser evaporates the damaged cells until a smoother, more uniform skin appearance is uncovered. The two most common types of lasers used in laser skin resurfacing are carbon dioxide (CO2) and erbium.

CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing

CO2 laser skin resurfacing offers the highest intensity laser treatment currently available. The CO2 laser uses either very short pulses of light energy or continuous light beams delivered in a scanning pattern. This removes thin layers of skin with high precision and minimal heat damage to the surrounding structures. Treatment with the CO2 laser uses heat to restrict the collagen bands found in the lower portion of the dermis, leaving the surface of the skin appearing tighter and smoother.

CO2 laser skin resurfacing can be used to eliminate or diminish the appearance of most wrinkles, scars, warts, and birthmarks, and has even been used to treat early stages of skin cancer.

Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing

Erbium laser skin resurfacing is designed to remove superficial moderate wrinkles with less pain, fewer side-effects, and a faster recovery than other skin rejuvenation treatments. The erbium laser provides a milder and less invasive treatment option than the CO2 laser. While the CO2 laser is able to remove deeper layers of damaged skin than the erbium laser, the erbium laser removes thinner layers of skin with higher precision.

Laser skin resurfacing with the erbium laser is an excellent alternative for those whose skin damage is not as severe or for those who seek a more rapid recovery. The erbium laser also comes with a lower risk of causing permanent changes to skin pigmentation, making it a better choice for patients with dark skin.

The Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure

The laser skin resurfacing procedure is generally performed on an outpatient basis using a local anesthetic in combination with sedative medications. A general anesthetic may be used when the entire face is treated. The length of the procedure generally depends upon the size of the area the patient wishes to have treated. A partial-facial skin resurfacing typically takes 30 to 45 minutes while a full-facial resurfacing can take up to two hours.

The results of laser skin resurfacing depend on the type of laser being used and on the nature of the condition being treated. In general, the resurfaced areas take between 10 to 20 days to heal. Pinkness or redness of the skin usually persists after this time period, sometimes lasting up to several months. If this occurs, the discoloration can be covered with makeup until it disappears.

Potential Risks and Complications of Laser Skin Resurfacing

Although rare and relatively minor, the potential risks and complications of laser skin resurfacing include:

Redness
Swelling
Irritation or burning
Scarring
Changes in skin pigmentation (hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation)
Milia (small white bumps)

» Contact us for more information on Laser Skin Resurfacing

Click here for additional non-surgical procedures.