Laser Skin Resurfacing
Remove Aging and Damaged Facial Skin
Laser Skin Resurfacing, also known as a laser peel, reduces facial scars, wrinkles and blemishes by removing the outer layer of skin while heating the underlying skin to stimulate the growth of new collagen. As the treated area heals, the new skin that forms is smoother and firmer.
Advancements in laser technologies give our Certified Laser Technicians in Birmingham AL a new level of control in laser resurfacing, permitting extreme precision especially in delicate areas. With laser skin resurfacing, damaged skin is removed in a very precise manner one layer at a time.
Laser resurfacing can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the entire face or those that develop in specific regions of the face, such as the upper lip and around the eyes.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Candidates
Laser skin resurfacing can improve minor facial flaws such as:
- Fine lines or wrinkles around or under the eyes, forehead or mouth.
- Scars from acne or chickenpox.
- Non-responsive skin after a facelift.
- Aged or sun-damaged skin.
- Liver spots.
- Yellowish or grayish skin tones.
- Warts.
- Birthmarks.
- Enlarged oil glands on the nose.
Laser skin resurfacing is one of several different skin resurfacing methods available at our Birmingham, Alabama cosmetic surgery center and medical spa.
Pigmentation disorders such as sun spots and age spots are treated with lasers or specially formulated chemical peels. Careful consideration of your natural skin color and type will determine the treatment best suited to minimize your risk of developing additional pigmentation or loss of pigmentation (whitening of the skin).
The appearance of acne scars and other skin conditions can be improved with laser and fractional resurfacing, or with mechanical resurfacing such as dermabrasion or dermaplaning. The degree of scarring and your skin type and color will determine the available treatment options.
Laser skin resurfacing may not be the best choice if you have active acne, very dark skin, deep wrinkles, excessive skin or sagging skin.
People with darker skin tones have a greater risk of healing with darker pigmentation, or hyperpigmentation. This may be minimized by use of a bleaching agent.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Risks and Safety
Complications of laser skin resurfacing can include:
- Acne flares: Your provider will recommend a treatment regimen.
- Bacterial infection: Your provider may recommend taking an antibiotic prior to the surgery and afterward.
- Cold sore reactivation: May occur if you have laser resurfacing around the mouth.
- Hyperpigmentation: The treated area can become darker in tone. A bleaching solution may be recommended. More rarely, you may have hypopigmentation, a lightening of the skin.
- Milia: These small white bumps may appear during healing. They can be removed by gentle cleansing with a washcloth.
- Prolonged redness: The redness takes longer to disappear for some people.
- Scarring: Rare but possible.
- Swelling: If you are having laser resurfacing around your eyes, an oral steroid may be prescribed to manage swelling.
Laser skin resurfacing's targeted approach means there are fewer problems with hypopigmentation, a lightening of the skin, for procedures such as laser acne scar removal.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure
For best results, you may begin with a series of skin treatments to prepare your skin. Often beginning 6 weeks or more prior to your procedure, these treatments are customized for your individual skin type to minimize complications and help you get the best results.
Laser skin resurfacing at our Birmingham-Hoover, Alabama laser spa usually takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
In preparation, your face will be thoroughly cleaned and you may be given eye protection.
Two types of lasers are commonly used in laser resurfacing — carbon dioxide (CO2) and erbium. Both work to vaporize superficial, damaged skin cells. Laser skin resurfacing with the CO2 laser precisely removes thin layers of skin with minimal damage to the surrounding tissue. The erbium laser is typically used to remove superficial and moderately deep lines and wrinkles on the face, but can also be used on the neck, chest or hands.
Managing Your Discomfort
Laser skin resurfacing can be painful. Your skin may be numbed with local anesthesia. You may also receive a sedative to help you relax. General anesthesia may be used if you opt for extensive resurfacing or are having other cosmetic procedures at the same time. Afterward, you will be provided with medication to keep you comfortable.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Recovery
After your laser skin resurfacing procedure, a specialized dressing will be applied to protect the treated tissues. Further dressing changes or specialized topical treatments may be needed to enhance healing. Your skin will usually become dry and peel after about 5 days to a week.
You will be instructed on how to care for the treated skin. You will also be reminded about the expected duration of your results, specific concerns to look for and when to follow-up with your provider.
Skin that is treated with laser resurfacing may react in different ways, but most of the time it feels like a mild sunburn. You will have some redness and swelling. You may also experience itching or stinging for a few days after the procedure.
Depending on the treatment, some people may have what looks like a severe sunburn. The skin will be raw, oozing and may even blister. A yellow liquid may ooze from treated areas to form a crust. Do not scratch or pick at crusts because this can cause scarring.
To achieve an optimum look, follow these steps for an easier recovery:
- Clean the treated areas two to five times a day with saline or a diluted vinegar solution as directed.
- Apply protective skin care treatments recommended to help your skin heal.
- If directed, use a liberal amount of moisturizer on your new skin each day.
- Elevate your head with an extra pillow at night.
- Use an ice pack during the first day or two to ease swelling and discomfort.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Results
After the treated area peels, your new, rejuvenated skin may stay red or pink for up to several months, but will gradually lighten. It may take up to a year for the pinkness to go away. It is very important to protect your skin during this time of healing. Redness tends to last longer in blondes and redheads.
You may resume application of Retin-A and/or glycolic acid products about 6 weeks after laser skin resurfacing or as directed.
Once your treated areas have healed, makeup may be used to tone down the color. Try a green-based, oil-free makeup to neutralize the red color.
A series of treatments is often required to achieve improvement in skin texture and clarity. Repeat treatments are essential to maintaining your results.
Following laser skin resurfacing, your skin will continue to age naturally. You may develop similar conditions to those that have been treated or other skin conditions.
Sun Protection
Daily sun protection is essential for the first year after laser skin resurfacing to prevent irregular pigmentation. The skin care professionals at Hedden & Gunn Plastic Surgery and Spa Greystone can help you select a sunscreen formulated for the sensitive, rejuvenated skin on your face to best protect the treated areas. Diligent sun protection for life will help to maintain your new, younger, smoother skin.
Procedure Information © American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Laser Skin Resurfacing removes aging and damaged skin from the face, allowing fresh new skin to form and stimulating the production of collagen.
Birmingham, AL Office & Surgery Suites
Hedden & Gunn Plastic Surgery140 Village Street
Birmingham, AL 35242
205-980-1744 or 800-HeddenMD
Contact Us Today
Questions About Laser Treatments?
Contact our Birmingham, AL Laser Spa today to find out more about rejuvenating your skin with Laser Skin Resurfacing.
To schedule your consultation at the earliest possible date, please call 205-980-1744.