Laser skin resurfacing at Scottsdale Plastic Surgery is a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure that uses pulsating beams of light to exfoliate damaged surface skin one layer at a time. The treatment is great for correcting facial lines and wrinkles and for improving skin blemishes like acne scars, pigmentation, and more. Also called a laser peel, laser skin resurfacing is a great facial treatment for patients desiring a softer, clearer, and younger-looking complexion.
Depending on the condition of the complexion, the laser will be adjusted accordingly. There is some downtime needed with most laser skin resurfacing procedures. Any concerns or questions can be discussed with plastic surgeon Dr. James Nachbar during the consultation.
Types of Laser TreatmentsThere are several types of laser skin treatments that can be performed in Scottsdale. Dr. Nachbar primarily performs the most intensive type, an ablative laser treatment, for those with more skin changes to correct. This type of treatment requires skin preparation for several weeks, and is performed under general anesthesia. The laser is used to carefully remove the outer layer of skin, leaving the deeper layer from which the new and firmer skin will develop.
This procedure does require some downtime, with a red and weeping appearance of the skin for the first week or so, and generally the early epithelial coverage is complete by about ten days after the procedure.
While non-ablative laser treatments, non-laser “Intense Pulsed Light” (“IPL”) (also called “broadband light” or “BBL”), and “fractional” laser treatments are available, they do not have the same effect as the more intensive ablative laser, and generally do not require a plastic surgeon to perform. Those less effective but gentler treatments are available in many MedSpas.
Laser skin resurfacing is ideal for patients in Scottsdale with skin changes and fine lines that need to be corrected and improved. It works better on patients with lighter skin tones; darker skin carries a greater risk of pigment abnormalities, including lightening, darkening, or both.
Laser skin resurfacing also helps smooth the skin, which may be very helpful for those with acne scars. Typically, about 30-40% improvement in acne scarring is seen, and ideally a second treatment will be planned about six months after the first.
Also, because there is some downtime required, patients should have about two to three weeks during which they do not need to go out in public (although I have often seen women in Scottsdale who appear to have had a recent laser skin resurfacing!)
For two to four months prior to the procedure, an intensive skin preparation program, including retinoid and hydroquinone, is used.
The actual procedure is done under general anesthesia. Once you are asleep, the eyes are protected with metal laser shield “contact lenses.” The laser is then used to remove the outer layer of the skin. Usually, several passes of the laser are required, with removal of the tissue between them.
Once the Scottsdale laser treatment is complete, the skin is treated with lubricating ointment, and a special dressing is applied.
For the next week or so, the skin will be moist and weeping, as the new skin develops from the deeper layers of the skin. During this time, you must be careful to keep the skin well moisturized for optimum results.
After the first ten days or so, the outer layer of skin will have regenerated, and will be smoother. Additional healing, thickening, and smoothing will occur over the subsequent weeks and even months.
All patients should reduce their sun exposure after their treatment and apply sun protection frequently.
Laser skin resurfacing in Scottsdale provides excellent results if you want a younger-looking complexion. If you are thinking about a laser resurfacing treatment and would like to learn more about laser and other treatments Dr. Nachbar offers at Scottsdale Plastic Surgery, we invite you to call our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Nachbar.
Your laser skin resurfacing costs vary based on the type of treatment you choose. In your initial consultation, Dr. Nachbar will ask about your concerns and wants before explaining the types of laser resurfacing available. Then, he can help you choose your resurfacing method and discuss costs. Scottsdale Plastic Surgery often offers treatment specials and packages, so be sure to ask in your appointment.
Dr. Nachbar can help you decide which resurfacing option will best meet your needs and goals during your initial consultation. Which treatment is best for you will depend on the health and condition of your skin, your skin concerns, and how deep you want your treatment to go. The length of recovery time may also be an important consideration when you create a treatment plan. When in doubt, it is best to start with a lighter treatment then assess your results and adjust as needed for your next appointment.
Dr. Nachbar or a member of our team will provide you with tips on how to help your skin heal following your laser resurfacing treatment. The top rule is to refrain from peeling or picking at your skin. Doing this could cause long-term damage like scars. You need to skip all hair removal methods in the treatment area, which includes shaving, waxing, or depilatory creams. We can suggest an ointment to help soothe your skin.
Based on the laser resurfacing options you and Dr. Nachbar choose for your procedure, you may need to wait several weeks or even a few months between treatments. Deep laser treatments will provide results that last a long time; however, they do need a lengthy recovery period. You should tell Dr. Nachbar about how frequently you want to return for appointments so he can take this into account when choosing a type of resurfacing in your consultation.
