Laser skin resurfacing is a procedure that uses lasers to create a new, smooth skin appearance. The laser “ablates”, or destroys, the outer layers of skin which have been damaged by age, sun, acne, wrinkles, or pigmentation problems or spots. William Bruno Plastic Surgery provides laser skin resurfacing near Hollywood and West Hollywood. A laser can be thought of as a deeper type of chemical peel, however, it is much more precise. The destruction of the older layers of skin prompts the body to generate a new layer of skin cells which are unaffected by the previous skin condition.
The deeper layer of the skin (dermis) responds to the laser by tightening – an effect which continues months after the actual procedure is performed. West Hollywood laser skin resurfacing expert, Dr. William Bruno, prefers the use of a fractionated CO2 laser which achieves excellent results in most patients. Some lasers however may be inappropriate for darker skin complexions.
Reasons for Considering Laser Skin Resurfacing:
- Reduce or remove facial wrinkles, creases, and lines.
- Improve sun-damaged skin.
- Correct pigmentation problems and spots.
- Effectively treat scars from acne, birthmarks, moles, and tattoos.
- Tighten skin that has lost elasticity due to aging.
General Procedure for West Hollywood Laser Skin Resurfacing Patients
First, the face is cleansed of oils in order to prepare for the laser procedure, and an antibiotic ointment is applied. The laser is then used to ablate various layers of skin in a controlled manner until the appropriate depth of penetration is reached. This procedure is commonly performed with a local topical anesthetic, with or without sedation. The procedure takes about 45 minutes to one hour, depending on the number of areas treated (face, neck and/or chest).
Laser Skin Resurfacing Recovery Process
Antibiotic cream and moisturizers are applied to the affected area immediately following surgery in order to aid with the healing process, to minimize swelling, and to control the risk of infection. The skin will be red and may ooze for a few days. Some discomfort should also be expected which is treated with mild oral pain medication. After about the sixth day, your skin will be pink and you will be able to return to work with make up or cover up.
While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the post-operative directions. Recovery time varies with the extent of the resurfacing and the number of procedures completed.
Please feel free to call William Bruno Plastic Surgery at 310-461-3855 for more information on laser resurfacing in West Hollywood and Hollywood.