Skin resurfacing is a procedure that employs a laser to remove areas of damaged or wrinkled skin. Resurfacing is often used to minimize the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth and eyes, but it is also very effective in treating facial scars, age spots or areas of uneven pigmentation.
Good candidates for skin resurfacing are:
- People with wrinkled or sun damaged skin on the face
- Brown spots or blotchy skin coloring
- Fine wrinkles on your upper eyelid
- Acne or other facial scars
- Certain skin growths
- Vertical wrinkles around your mouth
- Crows feet
- Superficial facial scars
Laser skin resurfacing treatments can cover a whole area or focus on a specific region of skin. These treatments are often used in conjunction with other procedures such as facelift or eyelid surgery. Although this is a relatively new procedure, laser skin resurfacing has been shown to produce less bleeding, bruising or post-procedure discomfort than other resurfacing methods.
The procedure is relatively quick and the length of the procedure can range anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the area being covered, and the depth of treatment desired. Patients are given a local anesthetic and put under sedation, meaning they are awake but relaxed. However, for extensive treatment, the physician may prefer to use a general anesthesia, which will allow you to sleep through the procedure.
RECOVERY
The recovery from laser resurfacing will vary from patient to patient. Most patients will need 7 days off for the skin to peel and recover. Atopalm or similar ointment is needed for 7-10 days and makeup may be applied at day 7 to help hide the pinkness, with the assistance of our aesthetician in the medical spa. It will take up to three months to see the best results. Sun exposure should be minimized for two or three months after the procedure.
COSTS
How much does laser resurfacing cost? The cost varies depending on the type of treatment you choose, the extent of the treatment, and other factors including anesthesia cost, cost of the surgical facility, and the cost of any medical tests and prescriptions you may need. Dr. Samson can give you an accurate cost estimate for your specific needs during a one-on-one consultation.
COMMONLY COMBINED PROCEDURES
In order to achieve a more complete aesthetic appearance, many patients opt to have another cosmetic surgery done in conjunction with liposuction surgery. Such procedures may include facelift, eyelid surgery, breast augmentation, or liposuction surgery.
To get an idea of the results you can achieve with liposuction, view Dr. Samson’s laser resurfacing before and after photos.
If you are interested in these or other cosmetic surgeries in the Daytona Beach, FL area, schedule a consultation by calling 386-756-9400 or fill out our contact form.
