Laser skin resurfacing is a quite new cosmetic process that reduces or eliminates damaged skin. During the process of laser skin resurfacing, the external layers of damaged or blemished skin are carefully taken off using a carbon dioxide laser beam. The laser beam is managed and will only penetrate the minimum number of layers which are targeted to fix the blemish.
Once the procedure is finished, the skin is left to heal for a while, creating new cells that produce a smoother, suppler, skin surface. Laser skin resurfacing which is also known as a laser peel is made on patients who have fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and irregular areas of pigmentation. It is so common for a plastic surgeon to make a laser skin resurfacing operation during another cosmetic procedure involving the facial skin, such as a facelift.
Is it ok for me to make skin resurfacing?
It is recommended that people who have taken the acne medication Accutane within the past year to 18 months allow more time for the medication to get out of their systems or consider another surgical procedure.
Patients with darker skin colors are prone to pigmentation changes with any resurfacing operation. Patients with current skin infections on or near the treatment area may be advised to wait until the skin has finally and completely healed before the operation can be made.
Finally, patients who are prone to abnormal, keloid-like scarring are usually advised to try a different way of cosmetic treatment. Keloid scars are raised and often become darker than the surrounding parts of the skin, healthy skin.
The procedure works best on people with light blemishes, skin discolorations, and fine lines. Deeper scars and more severe wrinkles may require more than one laser treatment. You will need to set up a consultation with a plastic surgeon in your area to discuss whether laser skin resurfacing is right for you. The plastic surgeon will need to do an assessment of your skin in order to decide if this resurfacing process is your best option.
What are the risks involved with laser skin resurfacing?
As with any surgical or cosmetic performance, there are risks. The possible complications for laser skin resurfacing are relatively rare and usually not major. These include: scarring, lightening or darkening of the affected area, and burns from the heat of the laser beam.
Patients who are prone to cold sores might be experiencing one after laser skin resurfacing. Skin infections as a result of the operation are rare. Luckily, should the skin begin to heal in an abnormal manner, your plastic surgeon can take steps to adjust the treatment or suggest a different method. The healing process often takes several months to produce the results you desire.
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