Laser Skin Resurfacing: Are You a Candidate?
Using revolutionary laser technology, Dr. Stuart Baker makes having a healthier, clearer, more vibrant complexion a reality for our patients. At The Center for Cosmetic Medicine™, Dr. Baker performs laser skin resurfacing to rejuvenate the appearance of the face, neck, or body.
Laser skin resurfacing can treat various skin imperfections. To find out if you are a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing, read on, and then contact our Decatur, IL practice.
Who Is a Good Candidate for the Procedure?
Laser skin resurfacing can successfully treat:
- Skin damaged by the sun
- Laugh lines
- Wrinkles or lines around the mouth
- Uneven skin pigmentation
- Redness
- Acne scars
- Age spots or sunspots
- Chicken pox scars
- Lines or creases around the eyes
- Skin growths
- Some previous scarring
Candidates for laser skin resurfacing should have sufficient skin elasticity and should not be susceptible to scarring following surgical procedures.
Eligible patients will also be free of any significant medical conditions that could hinder or impede treatment or recovery. Your doctor will discuss your health history with you in detail during your initial consultation.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), you might not be eligible for laser skin resurfacing if you have:
- Active acne
- Exceptionally dark skin
- Deep creases or wrinkles
- Loose, sagging, or excess skin
It is important to note that patients with very dark skin have a higher risk for developing darker pigmentation after healing. However, if this occurs, use of a bleaching gel following the procedure can minimize this occurrence.
About Laser Skin Resurfacing
Thanks to tremendous advances in medical laser technology over the past years, laser skin resurfacing is safer and more effective than ever. In a personal consultation, Dr. Baker will evaluate your skin and discuss options to determine the appropriate laser for your unique case. This procedure involves using lasers to remove skin imperfections.
What to Expect during the Procedure
While local anesthesia and medication are options available to help patients feel more comfortable during this outpatient procedure, laser skin resurfacing is relatively painless. The time needed for this procedure varies, running from 30 minutes to an hour.
What to Expect after the Procedure
Some patients notice an immediate improvement in the treated skin, and this can continue to improve for up to a year.
Redness and irritation are common following the procedure. To minimize this, the affected skin can be soothed by applying ointment. Some cases may require the application of dressings or bandages, but the skin should only take a week or two to recover.
Exposure to sunlight is another consideration after laser skin resurfacing. According to the ASPS, some patients could experience sunlight sensitivity for up to a year, so it’s important to take efforts to minimize sun exposure and apply sunscreen liberally on a daily basis.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Laser skin resurfacing can be performed in addition to other cosmetic procedures such as Radiesse®, BOTOX® Cosmetic, Juvéderm™, facelift, or blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). If you think you might be a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing and would like to find out more, contact The Center for Cosmetic Medicine online or call us at (217) 877-9000.