Laser Resurfacing

Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is a procedure that rejuvenates your skin and gets your glow back on. The target of resurfacing lasers are the water molecules within the collagen layer of the dermis (your skin) to bring back your luminous skin. During the laser resurfacing, lasers produce an intense beam of bright light of one color (wavelength). New laser systems are extremely accurate and targeted, providing enhanced results and improved safety.

Laser light can gently produce a controlled injury that leads to superficial trauma allowing new skin cell growth. In short, old skin cells are removed to make way for new skin cells. This offers an effective and non-surgical way to treat wrinkles, scars and blemishes.

Laser Resurfacing is performed in the Elite MD office to achieve the following:

• Diminish fine lines and wrinkles of the face
• Smooth and tighten eyelid skin
• Lessen the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes (“crow’s feet”)
• Soften “pucker” marks and “frown lines”
• Remove pigmented spots, such as age spots
• Improve the appearance of scars
• Improve the overall tone and texture of the skin
• Prevent pre-cancers and skin cancers

There are two types of laser resurfacing : light and deep. Light laser resurfacing improves superficial lines, wrinkles, texture, and scarring with an average of about one week of downtime. Deep laser resurfacing improves deeper lines and wrinkles, severe acne scarring, and prevents pre-cancers and skin cancers, with an average downtime of two weeks (depending on skin type). Treated areas usually appear red or pink and may be covered with a fine crust for several days. These areas should be kept moist with ointment or surgical bandages for the first few days following treatment. The treated areas must be protected from sunlight after the procedure. Sunscreen can be used after healing is complete and cosmetics can usually be applied after 10-14 days. Some of the lasers used for Laser Resurfacing include the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) laser and the Erbium: YAG Laser. Newer generations of laser resurfacing include safer fractionated delivery of laser energy to minimize downtime.

These lasers are sometimes referred to as “ablative” lasers because they heat up and remove the top layer of skin. This is different from traditional “non-ablative” lasers that target the deeper layers of the skin and leave the top layer intact. Non-ablative lasers stimulate collagen growth and tighten underlying skin to improve skin tone, remove fine lines and signs of skin damage. This rejuvenation process allows for more even, smooth, and luminous skin. Because the top layer of skin remains undamaged by non-ablative lasers, there is rapid healing with almost no “downtime.”

The best candidates are those with fair skin, moderate to severe sun damage, those who have had a history of pre-cancers or skin cancers, and are in general good health. The procedure can be done on the face, neck, and chest of men and women to even out the skin and areas of sun damage. Ethnic skin patients are not a candidate due to side effects including hyper-pigmentation. However, there are safer alternatives for our skin of color patients. You may not be a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing if you have active acne, very dark skin, deep wrinkles, or/and excessive or sagging skin. Significant complications are rare, and the risk of scarring is low.

Your Elite MD expert provider will recommend a laser treatment using ablative and/or non-ablative lasers depending on your skin type (light or dark), the area of the body being treated, your cosmetic needs, and downtime. Laser resurfacing is often combined with other dermatological procedures, such as dermal fillers or Botox, to maximize cosmetic results.

Caution: In the wrong or inexperienced hands, laser resurfacing can be dangerous. Seek a provider who is trained, qualified, and has specific experience with this type of procedure.

What our patients are saying about Elite MD

“Just love all the wonderful staff at Elite MD. I had the C02 Laser Facial Resurfacing last week. Couldn’t have been easier. My face was red & scaly for a few days but now…WOW! Friends have even commented on how my face looks more glowing & less wrinkles. I’m so happy to have had this procedure!!!” – By Ziggy U.