Treat Wrinkles, Acne Scars and Skin Irregularities With Laser Resurfacing
A board-certified dermatologist or skin cancer surgeon may use laser resurfacing to decrease the appearance of facial wrinkles, acne scars, blemishes and certain skin irregularities. During a laser resurfacing treatment, Dr. Weitzbuch removes damaged surface-level skin cells with concentrated pulsating light beams. The result is skin that looks smoother and healthier.
Laser Resurfacing Candidates
Certain people are better candidates for laser resurfacing than other people. Those who have shallow acne scars, facial wrinkles and fine lines may be good candidates for laser resurfacing. Patients who have unresponsive skin after getting a face-lift may also be candidates for this type of treatment. However, people who have a dark complexion, stretch marks or acne may not be an ideal candidate.
Fractional C02 Laser Resurfacing
Many patients in Calabasas have improved the appearance of their scars, warts, enlarged oil glands and wrinkles with fractional C02 Laser resurfacing, which is the latest CO2 laser resurfacing technology used by board-certified dermatologists and skin surgeons. This technology utilizes continuous bursts of light beams that remove thin skin layers without significant heat damage.
The Laser Resurfacing Treatment and Recovery
The process takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size of the affected area. If the entire face will be treated, the patient may need general anesthesia; small areas only require a local anesthetic. Once the surgeon finishes the treatment, the treated area will be bandaged, and the patient will be allowed to go home. Most laser resurfacing procedures do not require the patient to stay overnight.
After 24 hours, the patient must clean the treated area and apply a protective ointment four or five times per day to prevent scabs. The skin may sting or itch up to 72 hours after treatment. In approximately one week, the treated skin dries and peels. If the patient experiences any swelling, the surgeon may prescribe steroids or recommend sleeping in an elevated position and applying ice packs to the area. Most patients recover in two weeks. To cover skin redness, the patient may use oil-free makeup after the recovery period. Redness typically subsides in three months.