Laser Resurfacing
Located in Kirkland, WA to serve the Eastside Seattle area
What Is Laser Resurfacing?
Laser resurfacing devices emit concentrated beams of light energy to achieve improvements in skin texture, firmness, and tone. Thermal energy from the laser also works to stimulate collagen production and exfoliate damaged skin cells. This can result in more uniform pigmentation and brightened complexion. There are many types of lasers used to improve discoloration or wrinkling of the skin. The first laser used for the skin resurfacing was the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. This older-technology laser removed a generous thickness of the skin layer, which was helpful to reduce wrinkles, but left the patient with a red face for up to several months. The other concerns were the demarcation line between the treated and untreated areas, and possible hyperpigmentation (dark areas) or hypopigmentation (light areas). Better lasers have been developed, namely fractionated CO2 lasers. These lasers offer a good compromise between wrinkle reduction, improvement in skin quality, and a more rapid recovery time.
Good Candidates for Laser Resurfacing
If your skin concerns include sun damage, mild acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, or uneven skin color and texture, you may be a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing. These treatments can improve mild to moderate signs of aging. However, surgical management may be indicated for patients with advanced signs of aging, such as considerable skin laxity or moderate to severe skin creases, often due to the descent of facial fat compartments. Thanks to advancements in aesthetic laser technology, patients of many skin types and tones can benefit from this treatment. Specialized pre-treatments may be necessary to prevent hyperpigmentation in patients with darker skin tones. Laser resurfacing is often combined with procedures such as facelift, blepharoplasty, and brow lift. Patients with certain skin conditions may be better candidates for alternative skin treatments. Limited skin concerns, such as a small area of dyschromia (dark, blotchy patches), may be more suited for a different type of laser therapy.
Procedure Details
The fractionated CO2 laser can be used with topical numbing cream, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia. This will be determined based on the proposed area of treatment and if other procedures are being performed simultaneously. The laser device will be used to deliver controlled pulses of light energy across the surface of the skin. Laser settings (power, frequency, pattern, and number of passes) are customized for each treatment area and each patient. After the procedure is completed, soothing and moisturizing topical cream is applied.
Consultation Process
Dr. Remington can determine if laser skin resurfacing is a recommended treatment for you during your consultation. A physical examination will be performed and your medical history will be reviewed. This is important to be sure that no medical conditions or medications will affect your healing. Patients must be physically healthy with no known history of keloid scarring. The potential risks, recovery time, and costs of the procedure will be discussed as well.
Recovery and Results
The length of your recovery will depend on the extent of treatment from your laser resurfacing procedure. Non-ablative laser devices typically require minimal downtime; however, a more significant period of healing is necessary after ablative laser treatments that remove the outer layer of the skin. Recovery is typically one to two weeks. You will be given personalized aftercare instructions, detailing proper skin care, moisturizing, and avoiding sun exposure. Maximal improvement in some patients may require multiple laser resurfacing treatments.
– by K.J.