About Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing with at Legacy Dermatology & Restoration Center 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, skin resurfacing is a great facial treatment for patients desiring softer, clearer, youthful-looking skin. Depending on the condition of your complexion, your treatment plan can be adjusted accordingly. There is some downtime needed with most laser skin rejuvenating procedures. Any concerns or questions can be discussed with Frisco, TX dermatologist Jennifer Dharamsi, M.D. and our team of providers during your consultation.
Types of Laser Treatments
Legacy Dermatology & Restoration Center has three types of laser skin resurfacing treatments that are chosen based on the condition of your skin. Some are performed for milder cases of skin damage while others are more aggressive:
- Ablative Laser Treatments
Ablative lasers eliminate thin layers of skin, like a deep chemical peel, with a precision that allows the technician to avoid skin damage. Ablative lasers are best for tightening skin and correcting wrinkles and acne scars. - Non-Ablative Laser Treatments
Non-ablative lasers do not remove any skin — the light creates micro-damage to the skin to prompt the body's natural healing response. Non-ablative procedures are ideal for minimizing fine lines and wrinkles on patients who are able to wait several months for strong results. - Fractional Laser Treatments
Fractional lasers are both ablative and non-ablative to create micro-damage in the lower layers of the skin. The skin's automatic healing creates firmer skin. Fractional lasers may also be used to help deep wrinkles, acne scarring, sun damage, and pigmentation problems.
Our In-House Lasers
Sciton Halo™ – As the first and only non-ablative and ablative laser skin resurfacing treatment, Halo only needs one single pass over the skin to achieve optimal results. Halo also reduces the amount of downtime needed to heal from a laser peel.
Cutera enlighten® PICO Genesis – PICO Genesis is a non-ablative, fractional skin resurfacing treatment that improves skin texture and tone by addressing acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. The technology is FDA approved for the treatment of all skin types.
Reviews
Ideal Candidates
There are several factors to take into consideration when deciding which laser peel treatment is right for your skin. Laser skin resurfacing is designed for anyone who is unhappy with their general complexion. If you have sun damage, acne scars, age spots, lines and wrinkles, redness, or pigmentation concerns, a laser skin resurfacing treatment may be needed to address these cosmetic flaws. In addition, laser skin resurfacing works well for patients who have scaly patches, rough texture, or other irregularities. This treatment is not recommended if you have very dark skin or active acne. Also, it is important to be aware that there is downtime associated with these laser peels. Some patients, depending on the condition of their skin, may need up to 2 – 3 weeks for recovery.
Procedure Technique
When you have a deeper or more intense laser resurfacing treatment, you may be asked to use a retinoid cream for a few weeks before your laser procedure. This helps prepare the skin for better results. Medication will be prescribed prior to the treatment to help minimize pain for greater relaxation during your session. If your skin needs mild correction, a topical anesthetic will be used to numb certain areas where the laser will target. For the full face or more intense laser treatments, some form of sedation may be used. During the procedure, you will relax in our treatment chair while the laser glides over the skin, precisely targeting the specific sections for resurfacing. You will feel the warmth from the laser followed by cold air from the built-in cooling system. The laser works to eliminate dead and damaged skin cells while also stimulating natural collagen production.
What to Expect
After lighter peels, a healing ointment will be applied to the skin, and you can return home to recover. The skin will appear red, and there will be some irritation and swelling. This should subside within a couple of days, and the peeling process will last over a 3 – 5-day timeframe. If you are receiving a more intense laser treatment, your recovery period will last longer. The treated areas will most likely be covered by dressings and the swelling, burning, and irritation effects will be more intense. Medication can be prescribed to minimize these side effects. The recovery time associated with a deeper laser peel can last 2 – 3 weeks. All patients should reduce their sun exposure after their treatment, and apply sun protection frequently. For all peel intensities, the skin will naturally flake, crust, and peel away. It is vital to avoid interfering with the healing process to evade scarring and to protect the treated area from UV exposure. Once the peeling process has been completed, your skin will feel softer while looking clearer, rejuvenated, and younger.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does laser skin resurfacing cost?
Laser skin resurfacing costs vary based on the treatment type you choose. In your consultation, Dr. Dharamsi will understand your skin issues and goals before discussing the different types of resurfacing treatments. Then, she can help you select your resurfacing treatment and discuss costs. Legacy Dermatology & Restoration Center often runs treatment specials and discounted packages so ask for more information during your consultation.
What's the best type of resurfacing for me?
Dr. Dharamsi will help you decide which laser resurfacing treatment fits your needs and goals during your consultation. The best treatment for you will depend on the health of your skin, your unique dermal concerns, and how deep you want your treatment to go. How long you are willing to give your recovery may also be a deciding factor when choosing your treatment type. When in doubt, it's best to try a lighter treatment to see how you like your results and adjust as needed for your next treatment.
How can I help my skin recover after a resurfacing treatment?
Dr. Dharamsi or a member of her team will discuss how you can help your skin heal after a laser resurfacing treatment. The number one rule is: don't pick or peel your skin. This could lead to lasting damage, including scars. You should skip all hair removal methods in the treatment area, which means no shaving, waxing, or depilatory creams. We will recommend an ointment to help soothe and heal your skin.
Should I get laser skin resurfacing, IPL, or a chemical peel?
After listening to your skin issues, Dr. Dharamsi will help you decide if laser skin resurfacing, a chemical peel, or IPL treatment fits your needs and goals. While they all improve the surface of the skin, each has its own benefits and limitations. During your consultation, Dr. Dharamsi can discuss each option and make a recommendation for your treatment.
How often should I get laser resurfacing treatments?
Depending on the resurfacing method you and Dr. Dharamsi select for your treatment, you may need to wait a few weeks or even months between appointments. Deeper treatments will provide longer-lasting results but will require more time for recovery. You should talk to Dr. Dharamsi about how often you are willing to come back for treatments so she can take this into account when suggesting a type of resurfacing during your consultation.
A Softer, Clearer Complexion
A laser skin resurfacing peel offers 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 them, as well as other nonsurgical treatments Legacy Dermatology & Restoration Center offers, we invite you to call our office in Frisco, TX today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Dharamsi.
