Laser skin resurfacing is a kind of skin-care treatment that uses laser energy to improve the skin texture. If you have wrinkles, lines, scars, or blotches due to excessive exposure to the sun, this treatment helps your skin look healthier.

At Michigan Oculofacial Specialists in Detroit, laser skin resurfacing is a popular treatment for anti-aging and resolving many common skin conditions.

How Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?

This simple cosmetic procedure involves precisely removing skin layers to encourage the formation of firmer and younger-looking skin. Also known as laser skin rejuvenation or a laser peel, it removes damaged skin cells effectively.

Laser skin resurfacing diminishes the imperfections on your skin’s surface and enables it to attain a smoother, more uniform texture. It is safe, convenient, and quite affordable compared to several other cosmetic treatments.

What Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Improve?

Laser skin resurfacing can improve fine lines or wrinkles around the eyes, forehead, or mouth. It can also work on reducing scars from acne or chickenpox.

This treatment can improve hyperpigmentation. While dark spots can go away with lightening creams in three to six months, laser skin resurfacing works faster in achieving an even skin tone.

Additionally, the treatment is effective for improving aged or sun-damaged skin, liver spots, and correcting yellow or gray skin tones.

Laser skin resurfacing is also a good option for removing warts, reducing birthmarks, and minimizing oil glands on the nose.

Are You a Candidate for This Procedure?

Laser skin resurfacing is suitable for almost all skin types. If you have wrinkles, scars, or other skin imperfections but are not looking for a surgical solution, you may be an ideal candidate for laser skin resurfacing.

If you have sensitive skin or cannot tolerate intense laser energy, it’s better to talk to Drs. Handler and Pearce before deciding on the best course of action. Let Drs. Handler and Pearce know if you have fever blisters or cold sores around your mouth; these conditions might put you at risk for complications.

Preparing for the Treatment

If you are a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing, Drs. Handler and Pearce will ask you to stop taking certain supplements and medicines such as aspirin, Vitamin E, or Ibuprofen, since these can hamper clotting.

If you are a smoker, you will need to stop smoking at least two weeks prior to and after the treatment, since smoking can negatively affect the healing process.

The Laser Skin-Resurfacing Procedure

Laser skin resurfacing is an outpatient cosmetic procedure that needs to be performed by a qualified professional. It can treat wrinkles on your forehead, around your mouth and eyes individually or can work on your entire face.

Drs. Handler and Pearce may administer a local anesthetic and sedate you if treating small areas only. However, you will require general anesthesia if your whole face is being treated in a single session.

The procedure takes 45 minutes to two hours, depending upon the areas that are addressed.

After the Procedure

  • The treated areas are professionally bandaged, and you are sent home with a family member or friend.
  • After 24 hours, you should clean the targeted region five to six times a day and apply petroleum jelly or any other ointment prescribed by Drs. Handler and Pearce to prevent the formation of scabs.
  • You might suffer mild swelling after laser skin resurfacing, but this is only temporary and subsides within a day or two; if it persists, your provider may suggest steroid treatments. You can also use extra pillows while sleeping to reduce swelling.
  • Healing takes around two to three weeks, after which you can wear makeup.
  • Avoid stepping outdoors for a few days, but if you need to go out, use sunscreen and cover yourself appropriately.
  • Keep your treated skin moisturized while it is healing.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Recovery

New skin after a laser skin resurfacing treatment will cover the treated area in one or two weeks. Full recovery from the treatment will take at least one month. It is highly recommended to use skin care products prescribed by Drs. Handler and Pearce to ensure that your skin gets the correct formula it needs.

Avoid activities that risk skin infection like public saunas, hot tubs, or sharing skin care products, and always protect your skin from sun exposure with the correct sunscreen.

How Long Do Laser Skin Resurfacing Results Last?

The results of a laser skin resurfacing treatment can last up to three or five years depending on the patient’s lifestyle choices. With proper skin care, diet, and healthy habits that prevent further skin aging, a patient can enjoy the full benefits of this treatment.

The number of laser skin resurfacing sessions it will take to achieve your appearance goal will depend on the recommendation of Drs. Handler and Pearce. Most patients require one to three treatments with a four-week interval between each session.

How Much Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Cost?

The price of laser skin resurfacing is based on the number of treatment areas and the size of the treatment area(s). Your cosmetic concerns will be assessed in your initial consultation, so our skin rejuvenation specialists can determine the best approach to achieving your most beautiful skin. Once your treatment plan has been created, the details of your procedure, including the cost, will be reviewed with you.

Contact Our Office

The Michigan Oculofacial Specialists are dedicated to helping men and women in the Michigan area rejuvenate the look and feel of their skin with innovative cosmetic procedures, and our experts are considered top providers of laser skin resurfacing in Detroit. To get the youthful and beautiful skin you’ve been searching for, schedule a consultation by contacting Michigan Oculofacial Specialists today.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology Michigan Society of Eye Physicians & Surgeons American Medical Association American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery ASOPRS Michigan State Medical Society