Our Experts
Lisa Carr
Lisa Henry
Michelle Blondeel
Grace Gast
The MedAesthetics laser technicians are highly skilled at determining the correct treatment for your individualized needs, as laser resurfacing is a broad term that encompasses a variety of lasers, many of which are available at MedAesthetics.
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.
For skin resurfacing at MedAesthetics we offer the ResurFX DermaBlate lasers.
ResurFX
ResurFX uses fractional laser technology to target specific areas of the skin, leaving the surrounding tissue intact. This helps to stimulate collagen production and improve the texture and tone of the skin. The treatment is minimally invasive and typically requires little to no downtime, making it a popular option for those looking to improve the appearance of their skin.
DermaBlate
The DermaBlate laser is a type of fractional laser that is used for skin resurfacing. It uses a high-energy beam of light to remove the outer layers of damaged skin, revealing smoother, more youthful-looking skin below. The laser creates tiny, microscopic wounds in the skin, which triggers the body's natural healing process. As the skin heals, it produces new collagen and elastin, which helps to firm and tighten the skin, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and improve skin texture and tone.
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 penetrate deeper into the skin causing a controlled wound healing response. Due to the ablation of the outermost layer of skin, it provides a more dramatic result and requires fewer sessions. Downtime is to be expected.
Non-Ablative Resurfacing
Non-ablative fractional lasers bypass through the outer layer of the skin and focus on stimulating collagen and elastin in the deeper layers of the dermis rejuvenating the skin from the inside out. Downtime is minimal but more sessions may be required.
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.
The Laser Resurfacing Procedure
A consultation is typically required to determine which laser best suits your skin needs. A series of 3 treatments done 4-6 weeks apart is usually recommended for optimal results.
On the day of your treatment, you will be numbed with a prescription numbing agent for an hour to relieve any discomfort. We also offer Pro-Nox, which is a mild form of laughing gas that is metabolized by the body very quickly so you are able to drive yourself home afterwards. Recovery will vary from person to person.
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.
Recovery from Non-ablative Laser Resurfacing
After treatment, patients may experience redness and peeling at the treated site as the skin heals. The duration of these side effects varies, but is commonly several days. Ice packs may ease discomfort and improve appearance. Normal activities can be resumed during healing, and makeup may be applied to camouflage any unwanted, evidence of treatment.
Recovery from Ablative Laser Resurfacing
After ablative laser resurfacing, the treated skin will temporarily be raw, swollen and itchy and the yellowish liquid that oozes from treated areas may form crusts. After treatment, a thick ointment, such as petroleum jelly, and a watertight dressing will be applied to the affected area. If treatment has been performed on the face, the patient may be instructed to keep the head elevated during the night. Ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers may be recommended for symptom relief. To help avoid scarring, patients are instructed not to pick at crusts or pieces of skin. Visible healing may take a week or two.
While recovering from ablative laser resurfacing, patients are instructed to avoid strenuous activities and to clean the treated area regularly with water, saline or dilute acetic acid in order to assist in debriding the site. Some patients may prefer to remain at home until healing is well underway. Once new skin covers the treated area, cosmetics may be applied to conceal any residual redness which may persist for a few months. When healing is complete, the skin‘s appearance will be dramatically improved in tone, texture and tightness.