Laser Skin Resurfacing

Cosmetic laser skin resurfacing is a procedure that uses Carbon Dioxide or Erbium lasers to create a new, smooth skin appearance.  The laser “ablates”, or vaporizes the outer layers of skin which have been damaged by age, sun, acne, wrinkles, or pigmentation problems or spots.  As new cells are generated during the healing process, a smoother, tighter, younger looking skin surface appears.  Some lasers 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

The laser is used to ablate various layers of skin in a controlled manner until the appropriate depth of skin is reached. 

Recovery Process

Antibiotic cream is 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.  Some discomfort should also be expected.

Any pain associated with the surgery can be treated with oral medication. Recovery time varies with the extent of the resurfacing.  Most patients are ready to return to work or social activities in about ten days. 

Other Laser Procedures

Don Hunt, our laser technician offers a variety of gentler laser procedures with no down times.  He can treat fine wrinkles, age spots and spider veins.   Don also has several lasers for hair removal and tatoo removal.  

Enhanced skin rejuvenation is a non-ablative, non-invasive treatment for wrinkles and sun damage—the surface of the skin is not damaged or removed.  The gentle lasers correct pigmentation irregularities and encourage new collagen growth to smooth out existing wrinkles. 

The laser can:

  • Reduce facial wrinkles and fine lines
  • Treat sun damage, including age spots and brown pigmentation
  • Improve rosacea, broken blood vessels, red and blue facial veins

There is no recovery time.  Patients can return to activities immediately.  The procedure is safe for face, chest, neck and hands—anywhere sun damage shows.