about Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing at Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa is a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure that utilizes pulsating beams of light to exfoliate damaged skin cells layer-by-layer. This treatment is great for reducing facial wrinkles and lines and for minimizing skin irregularities, such as acne scars, pigmentation, and more. Sometimes referred to as a laser peel, fractional skin resurfacing is an ideal facial treatment for individuals who desire clearer, softer, youthful-looking skin. Based on the condition of the patient's skin, the treatment may be adjusted for the best results. There is some downtime required with most laser skin resurfacing treatments. At our office, this advanced skin care procedure is performed using the intuitive Cynosure Icon laser system. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about laser-assisted skin care services, schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Tamburrino at his Doylestown, PA facility.
benefits of laser skin resurfacing
When you're ready to take skin improvement to the next level, a laser skin resurfacing treatment plan at Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa offers a variety of excellent benefits, including:
- Clearing away dead, damaged skin cells
- Reducing lines, wrinkles, and creases
- Tightening loose skin
- Addressing skin imperfections
- Diminishing skin discoloration, spots, sun damage, and more
- Decreasing the appearance of acne scars
- Rejuvenating the skin's overall appearance
- Promoting new collagen and elastin growth
- Brightening the complexion
- Balancing skin tone and texture
Types of Laser Treatments
There are three types of laser skin resurfacing procedures that could be chosen, depending on your skin's condition. Some are performed for milder cases of skin damage while others are more aggressive:
- Ablative Laser Treatments
Ablative lasers remove thin layers of skin, similar to dermabrasion or a deep chemical peel, with a high level of control that permits the technician to avoid damage to the skin. Ablative lasers are best for tightening skin, as well as correcting wrinkles and acne scars. - Non-Ablative Laser Treatments
Non-ablative laser treatments don't remove the skin — the light simply creates micro-injuries to the skin to encourage natural healing. Non-ablative treatments are ideal for minimizing wrinkles and fine lines on those who are willing to wait 2 – 3 months for effective results. - Fractional Laser Treatments
Fractional laser treatments are both ablative and non-ablative treatments that create micro-damage in the deeper skin layers. The body's natural healing process leads to tighter skin. Fractional lasers may also be used to treat fine lines, acne scarring, sun damage, and uneven pigmentation.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Reviews
WHO CAN GET IT?
There are several things to consider when selecting which laser peel is ideal for your needs. Laser skin resurfacing is designed for patients who are unsatisfied with their overall complexion. If you see sun damage, acne scars, age spots, wrinkles and fine lines, pigmentation, or redness, a laser skin resurfacing procedure may help improve the tone and texture of your skin. Additionally, a laser peel works wonderfully if you have rough texture, scaly patches, or other irregularities. A laser peel isn't suggested for anyone who has very dark skin or active acne. Also, it is important to be aware that there is a recovery period required after laser peels. Certain patients, based on their skin condition, may require as long as 2 – 3 weeks to recover.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
When you are scheduled for a more intense or deeper laser peel, you may be asked to use a retinoid cream for a few weeks before your laser treatment. This helps prep the skin for better results. Medication will be given prior to the treatment to help reduce any pain for greater relaxation throughout your session. If your complexion only requires minor correction, a topical anesthetic may be applied to numb certain areas of the face. For the whole complexion or more intense laser treatments, some type of sedation may be required. Throughout the procedure, you will relax in our special treatment chair while the Cynosure Icon handpiece glides over the skin, precisely targeting the specific areas for improvement. You may feel the heat from the laser, followed by cold air from the built-in cooling system. The laser energy is designed to destroy dead and damaged skin cells while also prompting natural collagen production.
What to Expect
For light peels, an ointment will be smoothed over the skin, and you will be able to go home to begin your recovery. The skin may look red, and you may notice some irritation and swelling; however, this should subside within a couple of days. The peeling process will then occur over a 3 – 5-day period. If you are undergoing a more intense laser treatment, your downtime will take longer. The treated sections may be covered by dressings and the swelling, burning, and irritation side effects may be more intense. Pain medication can be prescribed to lessen these side effects. The recovery period associated with a deeper peel may last several weeks.
Every patient needs to reduce their sun exposure after their laser treatment and apply sun protection throughout the day. Regardless of the intensity of the peel, the treated skin will naturally crust, flake, and peel away. It is crucial to avoid interfering with the recovery process to ensure that you don't cause any scarring to your skin. You should also make sure that your skin is protected from sun exposure and UV rays as you heal. Once the peeling process has concluded, your skin will feel smoother while appearing younger, clearer, and rejuvenated.
Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQ
How much does laser skin resurfacing cost?
Your laser skin resurfacing cost will vary depending on the treatment you select. In your consultation, Dr. Tamburrino will understand your skin problems and wants before discussing the different types of laser resurfacing available. After this, he can help you decide on your resurfacing method and talk to you about costs. Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa often runs skin treatment specials and packages, so be sure to ask during your appointment.
What's the best type of resurfacing for me?
Dr. Tamburrino can help you choose which resurfacing option will best meet your needs and goals during your consultation. What treatment is best for you will depend on the health of your skin, your skin problems, and the skin depth you want your treatment to reach. How long you are willing to give your recovery might also be a deciding factor when you create a treatment plan. If you are in doubt, it is better to select a milder treatment to see how you like your outcomes and adjust as needed for your second appointment.
How can I help my skin recover after a resurfacing treatment?
Dr. Tamburrino or someone on his team will give you recommendations on ways to help your skin heal following your laser resurfacing treatment. The top rule is don't pick or peel flaking skin. Doing this could lead to long-term damage like scars. You should forgo all hair removal methods on the treated skin, which includes waxing, shaving, or depilatory creams. We can recommend an ointment to help soothe treated areas.
Should I get laser skin resurfacing, a chemical peel, or dermabrasion?
After listening to your skin issues, Dr. Tamburrino will help you choose whether laser skin resurfacing, dermabrasion or a chemical fits your needs and goals. Although all three rejuvenate the surface of the skin, each has benefits and drawbacks. In your consultation, Dr. Tamburrino will explain each option and make a recommendation for your treatment plan.
How often should I get laser resurfacing treatments?
Depending on the laser resurfacing options you and Dr. Tamburrino select for your treatment, you may need to wait a few weeks or even a few months between treatments. Deeper laser treatments will give you longer-lasting results; however, they will require a lengthy recovery period. You should tell Dr. Tamburrino about how frequently you want to return for appointments so he can consider this when recommending a type of resurfacing in your consultation.
A Softer, Clearer Complexion
A laser skin resurfacing peel provides excellent results for patients who desire a younger-looking complexion. If you're curious about a laser treatment and would like to hear more information about all of the possible benefits, or if you would like to learn about additional nonsurgical procedures offered at Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa, we invite you to contact our office in Doylestown, PA today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Tamburrino.
