The old school of thought in the treatment of this skin laxity was to just pull hard on the skin during facelifting which often led to a distortion of normal facial anatomy and expression. Later, chemical peels became vogue and they for the most part helped with skin texture, but just did not affect the underlying collagen structure to significantly improve tone.

Enter – laser skin resurfacing

With the advent of the CO2 laser in the 1990s, and facial laser resurfacing, Cosmetic Surgeons were for the first time capable of affecting skin tone. The downside was that the first generation of lasers were fully ablative meaning they were very aggressive, and patients had long recovery periods and occasional complications.

Improvements in laser resurfacing

The current generation of fractionated (not “Fraxel”) lasers have the distinct benefit of providing much better tone improvement but without the prolonged recovery and complications are minimal. The improvement in pigmentation, skin texture (smoothness), and skin tone (laxity) are dramatic. When patients follow our tried-and-true protocol to the letter, they have safe and predictable results.

Why choose Austin Cosmetic Surgery?

Our doctors have successfully treated over one thousand patients with this technique. Nevertheless, each patient presents with a unique skin type, texture, and goal for rejuvenation or removal of precancerous sun-damaged skin.

Therefore, as much as there is tremendous science behind the application of the laser, judgment on the part of the surgeon about the power (density) of the beam applied to the skin, the number of passes and the areas to be treated is an art rather than science.

The complications of laser treatment are almost universally caused by the inexperienced surgeon, improper post-operative management of the patient or non-compliance on the part of the patient.

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Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQ

What is laser skin resurfacing?

How many treatments of laser skin resurfacing will I need?

What are the benefits of laser skin resurfacing?

How does the procedure work?

What is laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing successfully treats:

  • Sun-damaged skin
  • Facial wrinkles
  • Scars

For cosmetic procedures, specially designed lasers produce a beam of light capable of removing unwanted tissue, such as scarred, lined, wrinkled, and otherwise imperfect skin. The laser vaporizes skin cells by emitting bursts of radiation that are absorbed by water in these cells. Laser light penetrates to a very precise, controlled depth, making the procedure safe and predictable while reducing the risk of scarring or pigmentation problems. Laser resurfacing is bloodless and may be performed under light sedation. Laser resurfacing leaves the skin smoother and more natural looking.

How many treatments of laser skin resurfacing will I need?

Depending on the goals of the procedure and the laser used, many cases require only one treatment. The initial redness fades in a few weeks to a light pink, which can be concealed with makeup. The pink discoloration usually disappears in one or three months but in rare cases can last longer.

What are the benefits of laser skin resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing can be used as an alternative to chemical peel and dermabrasion. The benefits of using this technique are:

  • less pain
  • faster recovery time

How does the procedure work?

The laser is used to reduce tiny wrinkles, acne scars, and other minor skin imperfections, especially around the mouth and eyes. It can improve sun-damaged and acne-scarred skin, problems that often cause concern to both men and women. The collagen or the scaffolding of skin loses its elasticity as we age. The most remarkable application of the CO2 laser is that it can restructure the interlacing of the collagen fibers of aged, sun-damaged skin and renew the elasticity and smooth tone of the skin. This has been specially enhanced with the new technique of the fractionated laser, specifically known as Active FX or Deep FX. Active FX techniques are used for less severe facial wrinkling and hyperpigmentation. Deep FX is used for skin that primarily has pigmentation problems.

About Laser Seal

In most cases, only one laser treatment is needed. The advent of Laser Seal, a silicone “mask” applied like “frosting on a cake” over the treated areas of the face has dramatically improved healing time and created a virtually painless recovery. The Laser Seal mask is applied to the patient’s face before they leave the operating room and remains in place for 4-6 days. Upon removal of the mask, there may be minor crusting around the lips (where the mask won’t adhere due to lip movement) and along the forehead hairline.

What is the recovery from laser skin resurfacing?

The patient will begin showers three times a day with a gentle spray to the face from 3 to 5 feet from the shower head. Within two weeks the facial skin is well healed, and the patient may apply a mineral-based makeup, such as Jane Iredale, to cover any residual pinkness. The discoloration usually disappears in one or three months. The goal of laser resurfacing is to enhance overall facial appearance.

What should my expectations for the procedure be?

Expectations by the patient must be realistic, and results should be anticipated as improvements rather than total corrections. The results of the surgery depend on many factors such as the size, shape, and location of the imperfection and the patient’s heredity, age, and general skin condition.

Schedule a consultation with a wellness specialist

Our helpful staff can answer your questions and schedule a consultation with one of our wellness specialists. Call us today or reach out to us online to schedule your consultation. We are proud to be known as the premier aesthetic clinic serving patients in and beyond Austin, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Barton Creek, and Spicewood. We are also honored to serve patients from Scottsdale, AZ, and the surrounding areas.

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