Has your skin been damaged by the sun, aging, or acne scars? Laser skin resurfacing may be the 
answer for restoring a more youthful appearance. Laser treatment solutions removed damaged layers of skin to leave skin looking younger and healthier.
What is laser skin resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing removes the damaged outer layers of skin and stimulates the production of collagen and new skin cells in the layers below. After healing, skin is smoother and looks younger and healthier.
For those who have sun damage, wrinkles and lines, age spots, or acne scars, laser skin resurfacing can give their skin a more youthful appearance in just a few hours, followed by a few days of healing time.
Who is a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing is typically recommended for patients with moderate to severe skin damage. Patients with minor damage to their skin may not require laser skin resurfacing. A cosmetic surgeon will be able to evaluate the severity of any skin damage and discuss the full range of options. For those who have tried less invasive treatments without achieving the results they were looking for, laser skin resurfacing may be a good next step.
Patients who commonly get fever blisters or cold sores around their mouths may need medication before the procedure. Those with active acne breakouts may need to take medication to stop the breakouts before skin resurfacing can take place.
Smoking should be stopped for at least two weeks before and after the procedure as it may slow healing. If you smoke, this may be a good time to quit for good and reduce any future damage to your skin and body.
Who is not a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing?
Those who scar easily or are prone to infections may not be good candidates for laser skin resurfacing. Darker skin tones are not ideal for this treatment because the effects of the laser may discolor darker skin permanently.
What is the healing process like?
Skin may be itchy or may sting for the first few days. Swelling is typical for the first week, with peeling skin happening after the swelling decreases.
Complete healing can take anywhere from 10 to 21 days, with redness fading after 2-3 months. After the skin has healed, patients can wear makeup to minimize redness until skin tone returns to normal. Treated skin will be lighter for a while and is more susceptible to sunburn and other environmental damage, so it is very important to wear sunscreen and keep out of the sun during peak hours.
GLOW Surgical Arts offers free consultations on laser skin resurfacing and other procedures that can help you look your best. Contact us today to begin exploring the ways you can improve your appearance and reveal your youthful glow again.
