People of all ages struggle with skin concerns on their faces. Whether you’ve had acne scarring since your teenage years or are self-conscious due to the effects of natural aging, laser skin resurfacing can lead to profound improvements in skin texture and tone. Charles S. Lee, MD, offers laser skin resurfacing in Beverly Hills and can help you improve your complexion.
Laser skin resurfacing tightens skin, removes lesions, and evens out your skin tone by directing laser energy at the problem area. The laser technology sends concentrated light beams in short pulses into the irregular skin tissue to vaporize, or remove, layers of the epidermis. (The epidermis is the superficial outer layer of skin, and the dermis is the deeper skin tissues.) Laser skin resurfacing removes the epidermis and heats the dermis to stimulate new collagen fibers for firmer and smoother skin.
Who Is a Candidate for Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Dr. Lee will evaluate your skin and recommend a surgical or non-surgical procedure to achieve your desired results. Laser skin resurfacing can be beneficial for these skin concerns:
- Unwanted birthmarks
- Acne scars
- Chickenpox scars
- Facial scarring caused by an injury
- Age spots (liver spots)
- Sunspots or UV-damaged skin
- Fine lines and wrinkles around the forehead, eyes, and mouth
- Hyperpigmentation
- Poor skin texture or quality after facelift
- Enlarged, visible oil glands on the nose
Laser skin resurfacing can help many men and women. However, people with very dark skin tones, deep wrinkles, loose skin, and active acne may benefit from other treatments or procedures instead.
When Should You Have Laser Skin Resurfacing?
The fall and winter seasons are the ideal time to have laser skin resurfacing because the treated skin is susceptible to sun exposure. That sensitivity can last a year after the laser treatment, so patients must use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher every day. Most people spend more time indoors during fall and winter, facilitating recovery and making it easier to avoid the sun.
The Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure
Laser skin resurfacing starts with numbing the face with local anesthesia. Dr. Lee moves the laser over the targeted area and repeats the motion to remove the outer skin tissues and uncover the dermis. The laser treatment may feel like the snap of a rubber band against your skin and typically takes a few minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the size and severity of the skin issue. Most patients need just one laser treatment but severe scarring and deep creases and folds may need additional sessions for the best results.
Recovery is more extensive than other non-surgical procedures. Your face may feel sunburnt with swelling, irritation, and redness. The skin takes about two weeks to heal and form a new layer of healthy skin tissue over the targeted tissues and continues to send new collagen to the area for fresh, smooth skin.
If you struggle with severe facial scarring or deep wrinkles, contact Enhance® Medical Center to see if laser skin resurfacing is right for you. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Lee in Beverly Hills, California, by calling (310) 271-5954.
