Laser Skin Resurfacing
About Laser Skin Resurfacing at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta
Your face is often the first thing people notice about you. Factors such as age, hormonal issues and sun damage can make people feel self-conscious about their skin. Laser skin resurfacing can help remedy numerous skin conditions including wrinkles, acne scars, blemishes and more. This technique uses pulsating beams of light to target problem areas and destroy damaged skin cells. Laser Institute of Georgia, a specialty center of Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, uses the most advanced and effective laser technologies for all your skin care needs.
For our full face laser resurfacing patients, we offer Oxygenetix® for post-production healing and concealing. Oxygenetix® combines compounds that promote healing with the coverage capabilities of foundation. This accelerates the skin’s healing to reveal the results of your resurfacing treatment faster, while also providing the same smooth, manicured look of other foundations.
Laser Resurfacing Treatment
At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, we have led the way in laser technology. Being the first in Georgia to offer a laser center specifically dedicated to treatment of the skin, has allowed us to stay at the forefront of laser advancements. We offer the latest medical-grade laser technology for your skin care needs. We use specific lasers to remove layers of aged or damaged skin while leaving the deeper layers undisturbed. These procedures have a lower risk of scarring such as hypo or hyperpigmentation than the traditional CO2 laser. Even wrinkles around the mouth and eyes can be effectively treated.
Patients are seeing their scars and wrinkles dramatically improve with the use of the FDA-approved Fraxel® and DOT laser technology. Carefully controlled by our physicians, these lasers are used in the most precise way to resurface the skin making it clear and smooth. The Fraxel® laser produces thousands of tiny, deep columns of micro thermal treatment zones, which eliminate old damaged skin cells and penetrate into deeper skin layers. This laser is unique in that it leaves surrounding, healthy tissue intact allowing the skin to heal faster. Healing can also be accelerated with the use of Oxygenetix® post-procedure foundation.
Our DOT Laser creates thousands of microscopic perforations in a “dot” pattern specifically targeting areas of aged and sun damaged skin. The DOT laser can improve skin texture and laxity, acne and other scarring as well as stimulates new collagen to help produce a more youthful appearance.
The UltraPulse 5000 CO2 Laser may also be used for facial laser resurfacing, and depending on the complexity and extent of the cosmetic issues being addressed, newer technologies such as DOT and Fraxel® may be preferred for full-face laser skin resurfacing. The CO2 laser provides a deeper facial treatment as it scans the entirety of the face and can effectively remove brown spots and other irregularities including superficial basal and squamous cell carcinomas. The UltraPulse Laser has also been shown to stimulate new collagen fibers to the treated sites where the sun damaged skin is removed along with age spots, facial growths and wrinkles.
Another highly effective laser is the Erbium, a cold ablation resurfacing laser used to smooth scars and benign raised moles. For deeper furrows and creases, other methods such as Ultherapy® skin tightening or facial fillers like Restylane® may be recommended to maintain subtle youthful-looking skin.
Laser resurfacing is an appropriate treatment for both men and women. One side effect with the use of laser treatments (as well as with deep peels and dermabrasion) is flushing of the skin, which fades with time (one to six months).* The appearance of flushing can be minimized with the use of Oxygenetix® post-procedure foundation.Hundreds of satisfied patients at DAA have been treated with our lasers for improvement of scars and the removal of fine lines and wrinkles.
Frequently Asked Questions about Laser Resurfacing
How should I prepare for laser skin resurfacing?
We will discuss all pre-treatment procedures and post operative care with you during your consultation. We may recommend topical treatments to prime skin for treatment. It’s also best to avoid sun exposure before or after treatment as pigmentation issues could develop if skin is tan or tanned.
Am I good candidate for laser skin resurfacing?
If you have surface irregularities such as wrinkles, uneven skin, scars, or age spots then you may be a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing. A consultation with one of our board certified dermatologists will help determine the best options for your facial rejuvenation needs.
What conditions can be treated by laser resurfacing?
Some conditions our resurfacing lasers can treat include fine lines & wrinkles, lax skin & collagen depletion, acne & acne scar, brown spots & freckles, and birthmarks & hyper pigmentation. Please contact our office for complete list of conditions treated.
What areas on my face can be treated?
Laser resurfacing can be very effective in treating wrinkles around the forehead, eyes, and mouth, as well as improving the overall skin tone of your face.
How long do the results last?
Laser resurfacing treatments have very long lasting results; however, the skin will continue to age after treatment. You can prolong your rejuvenation results by protecting your skin from the sun and investing in a quality skincare regimen to address specific cosmetic concerns as they arise.
How much improvement can I expect to see?
Your laser resurfacing results will vary depending on your lifestyle, the depth of your treatment as well as the ancillary procedures performed. During consultation we will discuss expected results with you.
What can I expect after a laser skin resurfacing procedure?
Most of our lasers have a quick recovery time with minimal down time. It is normal to have pink or even redness following your procedure among possible crusting and peeling. For full face laser resurfacing patients, using Oxygenetix® post-procedure foundation can promote faster healing while also serving as a foundation. Most patients can wear their other “non-Oxygenetix®” makeup 5-7 days after their procedure.
It’s crucial to note that staying out of the sun until the skin has healed is necessary for proper recovery. Staying out of the sun and wearing a broad spectrum SPF (at least 30 SPF) as well as a hat will avoid side effects such as hyperpigmentation. All post operative instructions will be reviewed prior to as well as after your procedure.
