Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing treatment can be used for improving the way your skin looks. It makes use of a laser that sends brief high-energy light pulses. The light gets absorbed by substances and water molecules in your skin called chromophores.
The chromophores change the light into heat energy, which then vaporizes or destroys layered sections of your skin. New skin shall grow in place as the wounded area heals to replace the damaged skin. Some types of laser resurfacing treatments only involve skin tightening and not vaporization by heating.
Laser resurfacing is precise and effective. It causes minimal damage to the surrounding tissue and skin. The treatment is usually carried out on the face, but can also be performed on other parts of the body, such as the neck, hands, and the chest.
During your initial consultation, your surgeon will discuss with you the pros and cons of the procedure and help you make an informed decision. Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides laser skin resurfacing to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and surrounding locations.
Why Is Laser Resurfacing Performed?
Laser resurfacing is general used for improving the look of or removing:
- Superficial scars from surgery, acne, and trauma
- Wrinkles
- Color pigments, such as café-au-lait spots, liver spots or port-wine stains
- Skin defects
Candidates for Laser Resurfacing
Best results are seen in individuals with lighter skin that don’t get exposed to sun a lot. People who have darker skin may notice benefits as well. But, it is possible the skin may not heal quite as well. People with the following conditions may not be a good candidate for the treatment:
- Scarring, skin color changes or fibrosis (thickened tissues) from previous treatment
- Viral or bacterial skin infection
Results of Laser Skin Resurfacing
Long term or short term results of laser resurfacing can be affected by a number of things. For instance, the health of your skin, skin type, doctor’s experience, type of treatment used, and precautions taken after the treatment all play an integral role in the success of your results. There are certain skin defects or problems that tend to respond better to this treatment.
Long term sun exposure and wrinkles around the mouth and eyes respond well to laser skin resurfacing. Forehead wrinkles because of repetitive muscle use may also be improved upon. Mild or moderate acne scars can be slightly improved by laser treatments.
Understanding Erbium Laser Resurfacing
Erbium laser resurfacing treatment helps in removing moderately deep or surface level lines or wrinkles on the hands, face, neck, and chest. The treatment has a sizeable advantage in causing just minimal burning of surrounding skin and tissue. There are fewer side effects to this treatment, such as bruising, swelling, and redness as opposed to CO2 laser resurfacing.
In some cases, recovery doesn’t take more than a week. In fact, erbium laser resurfacing can work wonders for you even if you have darker skin tone. However, you should discuss your particular options with your doctor. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and nearby areas for laser skin resurfacing.
Contact Atlanta Plastic Surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey 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 Atlanta, Buckhead, Morningside/Lenox Park, Roswell, Virginia-Highland, Candler Park, Midtown, Inman Park, Poncey-Highland, Ormewood Park, Roswell, Marietta, Georgia and other surrounding areas.