Resurfacing

How Does Laser Resurfacing Work?

The skin resurfacing procedure uses a laser wavelength that is preferentially absorbed in the water of the epidermis. The laser instantaneously heats the water to a high temperature causing it to vaporize or ablate the skin.

Ablating the top layer of the epidermis removes old, tired-looking skin and depending on depth, will remove some light blemishes such as sun spots and pigment irregularities. During the healing process new, healthy cells regrow, generally improving the overall appearance of the skin. MicroLaserPeel may be used alone or in conjunction with other procedures, such as fractional resurfacing.

What Areas Can Be Treated by Laser Resurfacing?

Many skin areas can be treated with a MicroLaserPeel. Popular areas are the face, neck, chest, and hands. Your skin care specialist will help you determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs and skin type.

What to Expect During Your Procedure

Your eyes will be protected with safety shields or glasses and your Aesthetician may administer a type of anesthetic. The laser energy is delivered through a computer-controlled scanner that precisely positions the beam over the treatment area. You may hear snapping or popping sounds as the laser beam gently removes the outer layer of skin cells. The procedure may take a few minutes to half an hour or more, depending on the size of the treatment area. 

The amount of discomfort varies from patient to patient and depends on the depth of treatment. Very light treatments are often tolerated with no anesthetic at all. Deeper treatments may require topical and/or local anesthetic. Your Aesthetician will discuss options for managing any discomfort associated with the procedure. 

Are There Risks With it?

Generally, laser skin resurfacing carries very few risks, which is one of the reasons why it has become a preferred method for many patients. Your Aesthetician can provide more information on the risks associated with any type of medical procedure, including MicroLaserPeel. 

One of the best ways to reduce the possibility of complications is to follow the after-treatment care instructions and follow-up schedule provided by your practitioner. Doing so will help reduce the possibility of infection and ensure proper healing.

What to Expect After Laser Resurfacing

After skin resurfacing, slight swelling may be present in the treated area; however, it usually subsides within a few hours to a day. Redness may persist for a few days, depending on the depth of the treatment, but should resolve fairly rapidly. It is important that you avoid sun exposure, especially while your skin is healing. If you must go outdoors, it is recommended that you cover your treated skin, wear a hat and use sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. 

Your Aesthetician or Provider will direct you on specific instructions for after-treatment care. You shouldn’t need any type of dressing or bandages after the procedure and you may get prescribed an occlusive ointment such as Aquaphor or Vaseline to keep your skin moist for one to five days depending on the depth of the treatment. 

After a few days a moisturizer can usually be used. Your healing time will depend on factors such as treatment depth and post-treatment care. Healing time may also vary between individuals, but patients usually return to normal activities within a few days of the treatment. 

How Long Will It Take to See Results?

Results are clearly visible as soon as the skin heals after the treatment. Most patients say that a MicroLaserPeel, even a light one, returns a healthy glow to their skin and that the texture is smooth. Often an immediate improvement in dyschromia (skin discoloration) and overall color homogeneity of the skin is achieved.

How Many Resurfacing Treatments Will I Need?

Great results are often achieved after just one laser resurfacing treatment. However, some patients prefer to have a series of shallow peels to achieve a gradual improvement in their skin coupled with very minimal downtime. Typically, a MicroLaserPeel can be repeated approximately every 4-8 weeks. Discuss your own customized treatment options with your Provider to reflect your desired outcomes. 

Learn more about deep resurfacing and fractional resurfacing.

Find a location near you throughout the Austin area to make an appointment to discuss your laser resurfacing needs today: Bastrop, Burnet, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Harker Heights, Marble Falls, San Marcos, and Southwest Austin.