What You Should Know About Total Laser Resurfacing

By Roger Foster


Wrinkles are without a doubt the commonest skin problem that we struggle with. While it is mostly a natural occurrence that sets in as we advance in age, it may also be seen in younger persons due to some medical conditions. Total laser resurfacing is one of the treatments that is available to Cincinnati residents. This procedure is said tone of the most effective of all that are used in solving the problem.

The therapy targets the most superficial part of the skin (also known as the epidermis). A laser beam directed in the affected area of skin causes damage to underlying collagen tissue. In subsequent days and weeks, new collagen tissue is formed as healing takes place. The result is tighter and smoother skin. There is significant reduction in the prominence of scars, perioral lines as well as pigmentation problems.

Anyone who desires smoother skin is a potential candidate for this procedure. There are no major contraindications. Although it is a minimally invasive procedure, there is a need to avoid drugs that are likely to interfere with the process of clotting. These include ibuprofen, vitamin E and aspirin. If you are a smoker, refrain from the habit for at least two weeks before and after the procedure.

The procedure can be safely carried out in an outpatient setting as long as all the required equipment is available. Your doctor may administer some anesthesia topically or sedation if your skin is very sensitive. The entire session usually lasts 30 minutes to one hour. The exact duration depends on the nature of the problem as well as the area of skin affected.

A single session may be all that is required but most people require several of them for optimal results to be realized. Additional sessions are usually given six weeks apart so as to give the skin a chance to regenerate between successive sessions. Positive results are evident immediately and more improvements set in gradually as healing is taking place.

Light skinned persons tend to have a residual pink or red color after the procedure. This should not be a major cause for concern as the color normalizes in two or three months for most people. It may take a little longer in those with fairer skin tones. Oil-free makeup is often used to camouflage these areas as healing takes place. For darker tones of skin, the main unwanted effect is the appearance of dark pigments. These pigments can be minimized by use of a bleaching agent.

Dressing is not a must. However, you need to have a number of recovery products as you go home. These include emollient creams, antibiotics, a gentle cleanser and sun block. The treated areas should be cleaned daily (at least three times) for about three weeks. These measures help to reduce the risk of scab formation.

Just is the case with many other forms of cosmetic procedures, the results of laser resurfacing are not uniform among individuals. It should be known that some people take longer than others to show a change. Patience is key to success as is the need to follow the instructions that are given by the doctor.




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