Laser Skin Resurfacing Conveniently located to serve Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale,
and The Valley
Laser resurfacing is performed using a beam of laser energy that vaporizes the upper layers of damaged skin at specific and controlled levels of penetration. The treatment can be used to treat issues like fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and dry or damaged skin. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Lille offers laser skin resurfacing in Scottsdale.
The Best Candidates for Laser Resurfacing
In many cases, facial wrinkles form in localized areas, such as near the eyes or around the mouth. The laser can be precisely controlled so that only these specific areas are targeted.
Patients with olive skin, brown skin, or black skin may be at increased risk for pigmentation changes no matter what type of resurfacing method is recommended.
Also, individuals who have taken Accutane in the past 12-18 months or are prone to abnormal (keloid-like) scarring or those with active skin infections on the treatment area may not be appropriate candidates for this procedure.
Remember, having laser resurfacing can help enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t completely remove all facial flaws or prevent you from aging. Lines that occur as a result of natural movements of the face – smiling, squinting, blinking, talking, and chewing – will inevitably recur.
It’s clear that laser resurfacing may offer a number of advantages over other resurfacing methods: precision, little (if any) bleeding, and less post-operative discomfort. However, laser resurfacing isn’t for everyone.
Either dermabrasion or chemical peel may be the better option for you. Ask your plastic surgeon about the latest facts concerning long-term follow-up.
It’s also important to consider the length of recovery when choosing among the skin-resurfacing alternatives. In general, the more aggressive the resurfacing procedure is, the more prolonged the recovery is likely to be.
“Light” resurfacing procedures, such as superficial chemical peels or superficial laser resurfacing, offer shorter recovery times. However, these lighter procedures may need to be repeated multiple times to achieve results comparable to those achieved with more aggressive techniques.
Potential Risks
Risks associated with laser resurfacing include burns or other injuries from the heat of the laser energy, scarring, and obvious lightening or darkening of the treated skin. Also, laser resurfacing can activate herpes virus infections (“cold sores”) and, rarely, other types of infection.
Additional corrective measures and treatments may be required if healing seems abnormal or delayed or if there is any evidence of abnormal pigmentation or scarring.
Getting back to normal after Laser Resurfacing
Your new skin will usually remain bright pink to red in the weeks following the procedure. Dr. Lille will prescribe medications to make this color subside more rapidly. After about two weeks or so, most patients can safely apply makeup to conceal this temporary color change. However, some pinkness may remain for up to six months.
In rare instances, some patients may find that their healing skin is unusually sensitive to the makeup that was regularly used prior to treatment. In such instances, makeup should be avoided until a substitute can be found or until the healing progresses to a point at which the makeup no longer causes a reaction.
Above all, in the months following your laser skin resurfacing in Scottsdale, it’s important to protect the treated area from the sun until all the color has returned to normal. Using sun protection regularly will help to maintain your results and reduce the chance of any new sun damage to your skin.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Results
The final result from laser resurfacing may take several months to fully appear. However, once the pinkness fades, patients usually notice a significant improvement in the quality of their skin and a fresher, smoother appearance.
It’s important to understand that your results will be long-lasting, but not permanent. Remember, your new skin is not immune to the effects of aging. In the months and years following your laser treatment, your natural facial movements will eventually cause any “expression” lines to recur.
As with other methods of skin rejuvenation, laser treatments can usually be repeated. However, by protecting yourself from the sun and following a skin-care regimen recommended by your plastic surgeon, you can help maintain your rejuvenated look.
To see the amazing results that laser skin resurfacing treatments in Scottsdale can provide, please visit our before-and-after gallery.
Treatment Cost
Price and payment options for your laser skin resurfacing in Scottsdale will be discussed as a part of your consultation. Cost will be based on the number of treatments needed, the size of the treated areas, and other factors.
Schedule a Consultation
If you want to rejuvenate the youthful and beautiful appearance of your face, contact our office today to schedule a consultation for your laser skin resurfacing treatment in Scottsdale.
