About Laser Skin Resurfacing
Skin resurfacing with a laser at Basile Plastic Surgery is a noninvasive aesthetic treatment that utilizes pulsating beams of energy to eliminate dead and damaged skin cells layers. The procedure is used for addressing facial wrinkles and lines and for minimizing skin flaws including pigmentation, acne scars, and other issues. Sometimes known as a laser peel, fractional skin resurfacing is considered an ideal procedure for people who want clearer, softer, younger-looking skin. Based on the needs of the patient's skin type, the treatment may be customized for best results. There is little recovery time required for most laser skin resurfacing facials. Any questions or concerns may be reviewed with Naples, FL aesthetic plastic surgeon Dr. Andrea Basile during your assessment and consultation.
Types of Laser Treatments
Basile Plastic Surgery offers three kinds of laser resurfacing skin procedures that are selected depending on your skin's condition. We will use the fractional YAG laser to administer the treatment. Some are performed for milder cases of skin damage, while others are more aggressive:
- Ablative Laser Treatments
Ablative lasers treat thin skin layers, similar to dermabrasion or a deep chemical peel, with a high level of control that permits the laser technician to reduce damage to the skin. Ablative lasers are ideal for firming the skin as well as treating acne scars and wrinkles. - Non-Ablative Laser Treatments
Non-ablative laser treatments don't remove the skin — the laser light simply makes micro-injuries to the skin cells to encourage natural skin healing. Non-ablative facials are great for addressing wrinkles and fine lines on those who are willing to wait 2 – 3 months to see strong results. - Fractional Laser Treatments
Fractional laser treatments are a combination of non-ablative and ablative that make small holes in the deeper skin layers. The body's self-healing process leads to tighter, firmer, and healthier skin. Fractional laser treatments can also be performed to treat fine lines, sun damage, acne scars, and pigmentation issues.
Reviews
Ideal Candidates
You have multiple factors to think about when selecting which laser peel procedure is best for your needs. Laser skin resurfacing is ideal for people who are unsatisfied with their skin's appearance. If you see skin damaged by the sun, age spots, acne scars, wrinkles and fine lines, pigmentation, or redness troubles, a laser peel procedure may be helpful to improve these complexion blemishes. Also, a laser peel is wonderful for those who have rough texture, scaly patches, or other skin surface problems. A laser peel isn't suggested for anyone who has very dark skin tones or active acne outbreaks. Additionally, it's important to know that there is a recovery period needed after laser treatments. Certain patients, based on their skin condition, may require as much as 2 – 3 weeks for their skin to normalize.
Procedure Technique
Before you are scheduled for a more intense or deeper laser peel treatment, you may be given a retinoid product for 2 – 3 weeks before your laser peel. The retinoid helps prep the skin for more effective results. Medication may be suggested prior to the procedure to help lessen any pain for increased comfort throughout your appointment. If your complexion only needs mild improvement, a local anesthesia may be applied to numb treated areas of the face. For the whole complexion or deeper laser procedures, a kind of sedation may be required. Throughout the procedure, you can relax in an accredited surgical center while the laser handpiece passes over your skin, directly targeting the needed surfaces for rejuvenation. You may sense the heat of the laser and then cool air from the system's built-in cooling device. The laser energy is designed to remove damaged and dead skin cells while also prompting new collagen production.
What to Expect
Following light peels, an ointment will be smoothed over the treated skin and you can go home for your recovery. The treated skin may look pink and there may be some swelling and irritation. These symptoms subside in a few days and the skin peeling process will occur over a 3 – 5-day period. For those who are getting a deeper laser peel, your recovery time will take longer. The treatment sections may be protected with dressings and the burning, irritation, and swelling symptoms may be stronger. Pain medication can be prescribed to lessen these symptoms. The recovery period for a more intense laser treatment may last several weeks. Every patient needs to minimize their UV exposure following their laser peel and use sun protection throughout the day. For all laser peel treatments, the treated skin will naturally crust, flake, and peel off. It's crucial to avoid accelerating the recovery process to prevent scarring and to shield your skin from environmental exposure. After the peeling is finished, the treated skin should feel smoother while also appearing rejuvenated, clearer, and younger.
A Softer, Clearer Complexion
Your treatment with laser skin resurfacing provides amazing results if you are looking to get a more youthful appearance. If you are curious about a laser treatment and want to hear more information about their benefits, and about additional nonsurgical procedures Basile Plastic Surgery performs, we encourage you to contact our office in Naples, FL today to make your appointment with Dr. Basile.