Laser Resurfacing
What is Laser Resurfacing?
If you are unhappy with the tone, texture, and overall appearance of the skin on your face, neck, or chest, you might benefit from a laser resurfacing treatment. Laser resurfacing is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses laser light to vaporize layers of skin and reveal healthy new skin beneath. At Maloney Plastic Surgery, Dr. Maloney and his team may recommend laser resurfacing for face, neck, or chest to treat age spots, liver spots, wrinkles, scars, sun damage, fine lines, or uneven skin tone or pigmentation.
During the procedure, we use a small, handheld laser device to direct concentrated laser light to targeted treatment areas. This laser light stimulates the body’s natural healing processes and promotes the growth of new collagen fibers and healthy tissues. Keep reading to learn more and then call us to schedule an appointment for laser skin resurfacing in Tucson, AZ.
Types of Laser Resurfacing Treatments
There are three primary types of laser resurfacing treatments. Each one takes a different approach towards treatment and may have a different recovery time or success rate:
- CO2 laser resurfacing – Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing uses short pulsed light energy to remove thin layers of skin without damaging the surrounding skin. It can treat wrinkles, scars, warts, birthmarks, and more.
- Erbium laser resurfacing – Erbium laser resurfacing can be used on darker skin tones and can treat skin issues on your hands, neck, or chest. It causes minimal injury to your surrounding tissue and has a small risk of side effects.
- Fractional laser resurfacing – Fractional laser resurfacing is a type of CO2/Erbium laser resurfacing. As the laser targets your skin, your skin tightens between the injured points, making your skin look smoother.
What our laser resurfacing patients have to say
Who Should Consider Laser Resurfacing?
Who is a Good Candidate for Laser Skin Resurfacing?
You should consider laser resurfacing if your self-esteem or confidence is affected by your concerns over the appearance of your skin. We may suggest laser resurfacing if you have:
- Acne scarring.
- Scarring from chickenpox or other health or skin conditions.
- Uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation.
- Birthmarks.
- Age spots or liver spots.
- Sun damage.
- Fine lines or wrinkles.
- Enlarged pores or oil glands.
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Who is not a Good Candidate for Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Some people are not good candidates for laser skin resurfacing. If you aren’t a good candidate, we can recommend an alternative cosmetic treatment or procedure to reduce or eliminate your skin concerns. In addition to laser resurfacing, we also offer skin tightening procedures, injectables, medical-grade skin care products, chemical peels, micropeels, microdermabrasion, microneedling, dermasweep, DiamondGlow facials, and more. You are likely not a good candidate for laser resurfacing if you have:
- Active acne.
- A very dark complexion.
- Deep wrinkles or scars.
- Excess skin.
- Sagging or loose skin.
What are the benefits and risks of Laser Resurfacing?
Benefits of Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing treatment can improve the appearance of your skin and enhance your self-esteem and confidence. Once your skin has healed, it will appear smoother, more supple, and younger. Laser resurfacing can remove scars, enlarged pores, birthmarks, sun damage, liver spots, fine lines, deep wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and issues with skin texture.
Risks of Laser Resurfacing
Like any cosmetic procedure, laser resurfacing does come with risks. Possible risks of laser resurfacing are:
- Milia.
- Hyperpigmentation.
- Herpes simplex activation or reactivation.
- Swelling, inflammation, bruising, and redness.
- Bacterial infection.
- Scarring.
What to Expect from a Laser Resurfacing Consultation
When you come in for your initial consultation, you will meet with Dr. Maloney, one of our certified medical laser technicians, and one of our patient coordinators. Dr. Maloney will discuss your goals and examine you to determine if you are a good candidate for laser resurfacing. He will discuss details of the laser resurfacing procedure, show you before and after laser resurfacing photos, and answer any questions you have.
Meet Dr Maloney
Preparing for Laser Resurfacing Treatment
We will give you detailed instructions for preparing for your laser resurfacing treatment. We recommend that you avoid harsh or drying skin care products for at least two weeks before your procedure. Do not use any new skin care products, and don’t exfoliate your skin. Avoid products with retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or AHA. We may ask that you avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, or fish oil as well as some other vitamins or supplements. You should also avoid drinking alcohol and smoking for at least three weeks before the procedure, and drink at least 61 ounces of water each day. You should not use tanning creams or go to a tanning salon. You will need to arrange for a ride to and from our office on the day of your procedure, and someone should stay at home with you for the first few hours after your procedure. You will also need to take one or two weeks off work if you work outside of your home.
What to Expect During and After Laser Resurfacing
We ask that you arrive at least one hour before your appointment time and take any prescribed medication when you arrive at our office. You should arrive with clean skin free from makeup, oils, lotions, serums, moisturizers, perfumes, and other products. We will clean your skin and apply a topical numbing medication. If you are having your whole face treated, we may use local anesthesia and an oral sedative.
The process may take 30–45 minutes for each treatment area, or one or two hours for your full face. During the procedure, we will use a small, handheld device to apply laser energy to the treatment areas. This laser energy precisely removes damaged skin layer by layer, by vaporizing it. New, healthy skin is revealed, and collagen production is stimulated.
Results and Recovery from Laser Resurfacing
When the procedure is done, we will apply a nonstick dressing that must stay on for at least 24 hours. We will give you specific instructions for cleaning your face afterward. You may want to use a healing ointment to prevent scabbing, itching, and discomfort. You can also use bags of cold peas to ease inflammation and bruising.Â
When your skin has healed, which could take up to three weeks, you can use makeup to cover up pink or red skin. Your skin may be red and/or inflamed for up to three months after the procedure. You should avoid retinol, exfoliating products, facials, and microdermabrasion for at least six weeks. You should wear sunscreen every day and avoid excessive time in the sun.
Schedule a Consultation for Laser Resurfacing in Tucson, AZ
If you have concerns about your skin’s appearance, texture, or tone, laser resurfacing may help. Our team at Maloney Plastic Surgery can discuss your skin concerns, assess your skin health and condition, and recommend safe, effective cosmetic treatments or procedures that will help you achieve your beauty goals. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
READY TO BEGIN?
Dr. Maloney’s consultations are in two parts. The first part is the virtual consultation where you will fill out some basic information such as the procedure you are interested in having performed, and you will upload a front and side view photo. Dr. Maloney will review these and determine if you are potentially a surgical candidate as well as give you pricing. After this portion is complete, you will come in for the in-person consultation to discuss your goals and the surgery in greater detail.
START YOUR VIRTUAL CONSULTATION WITH DR MALONEY
If you have not received a response within 3 business days, please call our office, as we typically respond within this time frame.
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