Skin ResurfacingYorba Linda, CA
Laser skin resurfacing, also known as a skin peel, has gained popularity as a cosmetic treatment for the skin. It is used to correct a number of skin imperfections, like wrinkles, age spots and patches of darker skin.
The thing is, skin resurfacing comes in many forms, and the type of laser used to treat one skin condition will not necessarily treat another. So, how do you know which method of skin resurfacing you will need?
How skin resurfacing works
The general principle of skin resurfacing is to remove a thin layer of a section of skin with an imperfection. The goal is to stimulate the growth of new and perfect skin. Skin resurfacing can be limited to specific portions of the face, or it can be done on all the facial skin.
The amount of skin to be treated will depend on the type and extent of the person's skin imperfection.
Types of skin resurfacing treatments and the faults they correct
Laser skin resurfacing is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. The kind of laser used to remove warts and other flaws that run deep in the skin is different from the type used to treat issues like hyperpigmentation.
Here are a few common types of skin resurfacing treatments:
CO2 lasers: They are used to correct imperfections that extend deep into the skin. These lasers work by removing a thin layer of the skin's surface. A person who has scarring, deep discoloration, wrinkles and warts will likely receive this treatment.
Erbium lasers:These lasers can work by removing a layer of skin, but some do not remove any skin at all. Erbium lasers are used to treat fine lines, sagging skin, age spots and wrinkles.
Intense pulsed light: This is the one treatment that does not use lasers to remove skin imperfections. It uses light pulses instead, and it is used to treat conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation and sun damage.
Fractional lasers: They disperse the energy from a laser beam into many, much smaller beams. These smaller dispersed beams are able to target a limited amount of skin in the problem area.
Because fractional lasers are gentler on the skin, they reduce the amount of time a patient needs to get back on their feet. Some fractional lasers remove thin layers of skin. Some do not. All are used to treat skin blemishes that come with age.
Pulsed Dye lasers: This type of laser is not normally used to peel away thin layers of skin. These lasers are used to absorb excess pigment that causes redness and hyperpigmentation. The laser can also restore broken capillaries.
Who is a good candidate for skin resurfacing?
The patient starts their treatment process by consulting a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. They will have to share their complete medical history with their doctor. This information allows the doctor to come up with a treatment plan that will lead to a good outcome with no complications.
The doctor will need to know if a prospective patient:
- Often gets cold sores around the mouth
- Smokes
- Has diabetes
- Has a medical condition that causes uncontrollable bleeding
- Is on medication that thins the blood
If a person answers yes to any of these questions, the doctor will let them know that they have a higher risk of complications from the procedure.
With skin resurfacing, the best way to start is with a consultation
Skin resurfacing is a term that encompasses a wide range of cosmetic skin therapies, and a patient is probably not equipped to pinpoint the exact treatment they need. This is why it is best to start your journey to better skin with a visit to a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon.
At Optimal Plastic Surgery, we can help you fix a wide range of skin issues. Visit us at our Yorba Linda office today.
Contact Us
Optimal Plastic Surgery is located at
17435 Imperial Hwy Suite D
Yorba Linda, CA
92886
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