Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing makes use of lasers for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It restores the skin to a smoother and more youthful appearance at the treated sites. Laser technique involves directing short and concentrated pulsating beams of light on irregular skin. The procedure removes the topmost layers of skin in a precise way by vaporizing it.
Laser can remove the outermost layer of the skin called the epidermis while heating the dermis (underlying layer). The procedure successfully promotes the growth of new collagen fibers that results in firmer and smoother skin. Wrinkles and fine lines effectively get diminished in the process.
Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta (PSI), led by plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey, provides laser skin resurfacing to remove lines and wrinkles to patients in Atlanta, Marietta, Georgia, and surrounding locations.
Erbium Laser Resurfacing
Erbium laser resurfacing helps in removing moderately deep and superficial wrinkles on the skin. It requires the use of local anesthetic to keep the patient comfortable. The laser procedure can be used on the neck, hands, and chest. It causes minimum injury to surrounding tissues.
Erbium laser causes fewer side effects in the form of bruising, swelling, and redness as compared to CO2 lasers. The recovery time is more rapid. Erbium laser resurfacing is the best option for people with darker skin tone.
All types of laser skin resurfacing are performed as an outpatient procedure by using local anesthesia in combination with intravenously or orally administered sedatives. Your treatment provider may treat wrinkles around the mouth, forehead, or eyes individually. They may choose to perform a full-face laser skin resurfacing as well.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Results
You should be able to see an immediate improvement in the treated skin. Your skin may stay red or pink for a few months following the laser treatment. In general, the skin continues to improve over the next year with results lasting several years.
You will gain new wrinkles because of normal aging, which should be treated with laser resurfacing again. You should apply sunscreen everyday and avoid going out in the sun as much as possible.
Recovery Following Laser Resurfacing
A nonstick dressing will be applied to the treatment site for 24 hours following laser resurfacing. Moisturizing creams or ointments will be applied next for preventing scab formation. Based on this data, the area will take 5 to 21 days to heal depending on the nature of the condition and laser used.
You should be able to wear makeup for camouflaging the red and pink colored skin that is common after laser skin resurfacing once the areas have healed. Most experts recommend using oil-free makeups. Normally, it takes 2 to 3 months for redness in the laser-treated sites to fade away completely.
You are at a slightly greater risk of healing with hyperpigmentation or darker pigmentation if you have a darker skin tone. You may need to use a bleaching agent following the laser skin resurfacing for bringing your skin color back to normal. Consult your surgeon for this and follow their advice.
Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Marietta, Georgia, and nearby areas for laser skin resurfacing to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles on the face.
Contact Marietta, Georgia Plastic Surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta for a Consultation
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:
Serving patients in and around Marietta, Atlanta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Buckhead, Morningside/Lenox Park, Virginia-Highland, Candler Park, Midtown, Inman Park, Poncey-Highland, Ormewood Park, Georgia and other surrounding areas.