Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is the gold standard in skin rejuvenation. It treats wrinkles, discolorations, sun damage, pre-skin cancers, deep and fine lines, and laxity. In this procedure, the laser is used to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin, which is then replaced by fresh new cells in the healing process. This procedure offers a controlled depth of penetration of the skin surface, allowing treatment of even the most delicate facial areas.
What Conditions Can Laser Resurfacing Treat?
Laser resurfacing is performed in the dermatologic surgeon's office to help:
How Does The Erbium(Er) Laser Work?
The high-powered erbium:YAG laser produces energy in a wavelength that gently penetrates the skin, is readily absorbed by water (a major component of tissue cells), and scatters the heat effects of the laser light. These unique properties allow dermatologic surgeons to remove thin layers of skin tissue with exquisite precision while minimizing damage to surrounding skin.
The Er:YAG laser is commonly used for skin resurfacing in patients who have superficial to moderate facial wrinkles, mild surface scars or splotchy skin discolorations. Skin rejuvenation with the Er:YAG laser offers the advantages of reduced redness, decreased side effects and rapid healing compared to some other laser systems.
Who will perform my laser surgery?
Dr. Nancy Kim is a board certified dermatologist who has extensive experience with laser surgery. Above and beyond her dermatology training, she completed a highly coveted fellowship year entirely dedicated to cosmetic and laser procedures. She trained alongside some world renowned pioneers in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. Since results are technique-sensitive and entail an artistic component, it's important to select a dermatologic surgeon with demonstrated laser expertise.
What can be experienced before and after treatment?
Discomfort is usually minor during the procedure and your doctor will discuss the administration of any pain medication prior to treatment. The procedure occurs in the office. Typically, a local anesthetic combined with a topical anesthetic and an oral sedative are administered. Following skin resurfacing, frequent cleansing and application of a healing ointment are performed during the healing period of approximately 10 to 14 days. During this time, the skin is typically red or pink and may be covered with a fine crust. The treated sites must be protected from sunlight after the procedure, and once the skin has healed, sunblock should be applied daily. In most cases, the skin will remain pink for several weeks to several months; however, makeup can be applied once the skin has healed (usually 5 to 7 days out), to conceal this pinkness.
Are there side effects or complications?
Each year thousands of laser resurfacing procedures are performed successfully. Significant complications are rare, and the risk of scarring is low. Some patients may be at risk for varying degrees of pigment loss or infection. Common side effects may include crusting, mild swelling, and brown discoloration at treatment sites. These risks are minimized by careful surgical techniques and the proper pre- and post- procedure regimens.
What are the limitations of laser resurfacing?
Laser resurfacing is not a substitute for a facelift, nor can the procedure eliminate excessive skin or jowls. However, by tightening loose skin, laser resurfacing can improve certain folds and creases. In most cases, wrinkles will improve significantly, but will not be removed completely. The goal is to improve the appearance by giving a smoother, tighter, and more even-toned complexion. If necessary, specific areas can be retreated, as skin continues to improve for up to 12 months after the procedure. Genetics, sun exposure, diet, and smoking also influence the degree and duration of improvement. As always, we recommend the daily use of sunblock and a skin care program to prolong the results of laser resurfacing. Laser resurfacing can also work beautifully in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures such as fillers, Botox®, and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).
What Conditions Can Laser Resurfacing Treat?
Laser resurfacing is performed in the dermatologic surgeon's office to help:
- Erase fine lines and wrinkles of the face
- Smooth and tighten eyelid skin
- Improve crow's feet around the eyes
- Soften pucker marks and frown lines
- Remove brown spots and splotchy, uneven skin color
- Improve and flatten scars
- Repair smoker's lines
How Does The Erbium(Er) Laser Work?
The high-powered erbium:YAG laser produces energy in a wavelength that gently penetrates the skin, is readily absorbed by water (a major component of tissue cells), and scatters the heat effects of the laser light. These unique properties allow dermatologic surgeons to remove thin layers of skin tissue with exquisite precision while minimizing damage to surrounding skin.
The Er:YAG laser is commonly used for skin resurfacing in patients who have superficial to moderate facial wrinkles, mild surface scars or splotchy skin discolorations. Skin rejuvenation with the Er:YAG laser offers the advantages of reduced redness, decreased side effects and rapid healing compared to some other laser systems.
Who will perform my laser surgery?
Dr. Nancy Kim is a board certified dermatologist who has extensive experience with laser surgery. Above and beyond her dermatology training, she completed a highly coveted fellowship year entirely dedicated to cosmetic and laser procedures. She trained alongside some world renowned pioneers in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. Since results are technique-sensitive and entail an artistic component, it's important to select a dermatologic surgeon with demonstrated laser expertise.
What can be experienced before and after treatment?
Discomfort is usually minor during the procedure and your doctor will discuss the administration of any pain medication prior to treatment. The procedure occurs in the office. Typically, a local anesthetic combined with a topical anesthetic and an oral sedative are administered. Following skin resurfacing, frequent cleansing and application of a healing ointment are performed during the healing period of approximately 10 to 14 days. During this time, the skin is typically red or pink and may be covered with a fine crust. The treated sites must be protected from sunlight after the procedure, and once the skin has healed, sunblock should be applied daily. In most cases, the skin will remain pink for several weeks to several months; however, makeup can be applied once the skin has healed (usually 5 to 7 days out), to conceal this pinkness.
Are there side effects or complications?
Each year thousands of laser resurfacing procedures are performed successfully. Significant complications are rare, and the risk of scarring is low. Some patients may be at risk for varying degrees of pigment loss or infection. Common side effects may include crusting, mild swelling, and brown discoloration at treatment sites. These risks are minimized by careful surgical techniques and the proper pre- and post- procedure regimens.
What are the limitations of laser resurfacing?
Laser resurfacing is not a substitute for a facelift, nor can the procedure eliminate excessive skin or jowls. However, by tightening loose skin, laser resurfacing can improve certain folds and creases. In most cases, wrinkles will improve significantly, but will not be removed completely. The goal is to improve the appearance by giving a smoother, tighter, and more even-toned complexion. If necessary, specific areas can be retreated, as skin continues to improve for up to 12 months after the procedure. Genetics, sun exposure, diet, and smoking also influence the degree and duration of improvement. As always, we recommend the daily use of sunblock and a skin care program to prolong the results of laser resurfacing. Laser resurfacing can also work beautifully in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures such as fillers, Botox®, and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).
