Laser Skin Resurfacing
As we age, our skin begins to change as a result of many different factors. Collagen within the skin naturally begins to diminish and the skin will begin to sag or droop. Smoking, alcohol consumption, sun exposure, nutrition and other lifestyle factors can also contribute to development of wrinkles and fine lines within the skin. Skin conditions such as acne, brown spots and chickenpox can leave unattractive blemishes on the skin.
Laser skin rejuvenation is a facial cosmetic procedure precisely performed by Dr. Lowry to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and other skin irregularities. It is the gold standard for skin tightening, improving texture and tone, removing brown spots and smoothing unsightly folds and wrinkles of the face. The laser procedure rejuvenates the outer layers of skin allowing the new growth of smoother, healthier and more youthful appearing skin. Laser resurfacing offers patients many advantages over traditional resurfacing procedures such as chemical peels and dermabrasion as it practically eliminates side effects such as discomfort, bleeding and bruising. Although laser skin resurfacing uses the same basic principles of other procedures and treats aging damaged skin by removing a layer of skin, it does so through precise laser technology to allow exact treatment of as much tissue as needed.
Indications
Laser skin resurfacing can be used to treat wrinkles, skin laxity, skin blotchiness, acne scars, superficial facial scars, sun damage, brown spots, and precancerous growths.
While this procedure is most commonly performed to treat the effects of aging, it can be performed on patients of any age who are looking to restore their skin to a smooth, clear, complexion free of blemishes and other imperfections.
Procedure
Laser skin resurfacing is performed with the breakthrough technology of the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. During the laser skin resurfacing procedure, the laser energy is used to remove layers of damaged skin to leave the treated areas smoother and more even through short pulsed light energy that is precisely delivered to the area. The laser is moved over the targeted area multiple times until skin imperfections are no longer visible and a smooth layer of healthy skin is left. The laser energy causes minimal heat damage to the surrounding tissues.
The procedure is performed comfortably in our AAAHC certified outpatient Surgery Center with general or IV sedation anesthesia. Procedures typically take between 30 and 90 minutes to perform depending on the size and the location of the treated area. Most individuals will notice significant results after just one treatment. However, it is possible to repeat the treatment in order to achieve desired results.
Recovery and Results
After the laser skin resurfacing procedure, patients may experience mild swelling and discomfort for a few days. These symptoms can be controlled with cool soaks, ice packs and medication prescribed by Dr. Lowry. Patients will also experience some skin redness that gradually diminishes as the skin heals. Most patients can return to work and other normal activities after a few days, although the redness may persist for several weeks. Once new skin covers the treated area in 10 to 12 days, cosmetics may be applied to the skin to conceal any residual redness and allow normal activities. When healing is complete, the skin’s appearance will be dramatically improved in tone, texture and tightness.
Some effects of the treatment become visible right away whereas others, such as new collagen formation build up gradually and result in continued smoothing over time. The results of laser skin resurfacing continue to improve for several months. The skin will appear younger and smoother and the results of treatment are long term and persist for many years.
Dr. Lowry often combines laser skin rejuvenation with many of his eyelid and brow procedures to achieve superior results.
