Laser Skin Resurfacing

There are two main types of laser resurfacing: ablative and nonablative. While both are effective at rejuvenating treated areas, they use different techniques to do so.

Ablative lasers work by removing the damaged outer layer of skin. These lasers are designed to vaporize the skin’s surface and can be used to treat deeper wrinkles, scars and other imperfections. The removal of the skin’s outer layer triggers the body’s natural healing process, resulting in the growth of new skin that is smoother and more even in texture.Ablative lasers can require a longer recovery period, but today’s devices use fractional technology to minimize downtime. Fractionated lasers emit a series of tiny, closely-spaced beams of energy that penetrate the skin in a grid-like pattern, leaving surrounding tissues intact to speed up the healing process and decrease the side effects of treatment.

Nonablative lasers, on the other hand, do not remove any skin. Instead, they heat the underlying tissues to stimulate collagen production and promote skin tightening. Because of this, nonablative lasers are generally less invasive than ablative lasers, and patients typically experience little to no downtime or discomfort after the procedure. However, because they do not remove any skin, the results can be more subtle and multiple sessions may be required for optimal results. Nonablative lasers are ideal for improving the skin’s overall tone and texture, as well as treating fine lines, shallow scars and milder signs of aging.

What are the
benefits of Laser Skin Resurfacing?

By removing dead, unhealthy skin and exposing a softer and younger-looking complexion, laser resurfacing treatments have proven to be an effective method of reversing sun damage and other tell-tale signs of aging. Additional benefits of laser resurfacing include:

• Improved skin tone & texture: Laser resurfacing can help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, reduce the appearance of sun damage, and improve the overall tone and texture of your skin.
• Stimulated collagen production: Laser treatments stimulate the production of collagen, an essential building block of firm, youthful and healthy-looking skin.
• Precision & control: Laser resurfacing allows for precise targeting of specific skin concerns for safer and more effective treatments.
• Variable treatments: Depending on which laser is used, your treatment can be more or less aggressive to help you reach your aesthetic goals.
• Minimal downtime: Compared to surgical procedures, laser resurfacing produces great results with less downtime; fractionated and nonablative lasers have an even quicker recovery.

With laser resurfacing, Dr. Hunt can improve the appearance and health of your skin by correcting facial lines, scars and other irregularities. No matter what your concerns are, we can develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your exact needs.

Laser Resurfacing
‍Recovery

The recovery time for laser skin resurfacing varies depending on the type of laser used and the aggressiveness of the treatment. However, there is generally minimal downtime associated with nonablative and fractional lasers, so patients can expect to return to their normal activities within 24 hours. Some patients may prefer to take three to four days of social downtime due to redness, swelling, peeling and minor sunburn-like irritation, which are common but should subside quickly.

You may also be asked to refrain from wearing makeup as your skin heals and protect it from sun exposure — you’ll be more vulnerable to damage from UV rays after treatment. To ensure a smooth recovery, Dr. Hunt will send you home with post-procedure details and recommend gentle, non-irritating products that can be used to help your skin recover.

Laser Resurfacing
Results

Laser skin resurfacing can dramatically enhance the overall tone, texture and quality of your complexion. However, results aren’t immediate and can take some time to develop. You’ll notice a difference within a few days of treatment, as any peeling, redness or swelling gradually subsides. Then, over the next few months, improvements will continue to appear as the skin naturally repairs itself, generating new collagen and remodeling the tissues in treated areas to reveal a smoother, tighter and more youthful-looking complexion.