Laser Skin Resurfacing in Dallas, TX

Laser skin resurfacing at Elevate Medical Spa and Cosmetic Surgery in Dallas, TX is an aggressive cosmetic procedure that uses a powerful but incredibly precise laser to remove and resurface damaged skin layers at a time. The depth of treatment is carefully controlled based on the desired result and planned length of recovery. The treatment is great for correcting facial lines and wrinkles and for improving skin blemishes, like acne scars, pigmentation, and more. Also called a laser peel, laser skin resurfacing is a great facial treatment for patients desiring a softer, clearer, younger complexion. Depending on the concerns of the complexion, the laser will be adjusted accordingly. There is some downtime needed with most laser skin resurfacing procedures, which can be discussed during your consultation with our Elevate team, led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Thornwell Parker.

There are 2 types of laser skin resurfacing treatments that are chosen based on the condition of your skin. Some are performed for milder cases of skin damage while others are more aggressive:

• Laser Resurfacing Treatments - Ablative lasers eliminate layers of skin, like a deep chemical peel or dermabrasion, with a precision that allows the technician to avoid skin damage. Ablative lasers are best for tightening skin and correcting wrinkles and acne scars.
• Fractional Laser Treatments - Fractional lasers can be both ablative and/or non-ablative that create micro-damage in the lower layers of the skin. As the name suggests, fractional lasers treat a fraction of the skin at a time, creating tiny spots of treatment rather than treating the entire surface. This helps reduce downtime and recovery time. The skin's automatic healing creates firmer, healthier skin as the small holes tighten and heal. Fractional lasers may also be performed to help acne scarring, sun damage, and pigmentation problems.

There are several factors to take into consideration when deciding which laser peel treatment is right for your skin. Laser skin resurfacing is designed for anyone who is unhappy with their general complexion. If you have sun damage, acne scars, age spots, lines and wrinkles, redness or pigmentation concerns, laser skin resurfacing can be good to address these cosmetic flaws. In addition, laser skin resurfacing works great for patients who have scaly patches, rough texture, or other irregularities. This treatment is not recommended if you have very dark skin or active acne. Also, it is important to be aware that there is downtime associated with these laser peels. Some patients, depending on the condition of their skin, may need up to 10 - 14 days for recovery.

If you are undergoing a deeper or more intense laser resurfacing treatment, you may be asked to use a retinoid cream for a few weeks prior to your laser procedure. This helps prepare the skin for better results. Medication will be prescribed prior to the treatment to help minimize pain and for greater relaxation during your session. If your skin needs mild correction, a topical anesthetic will be used to numb certain areas where the laser will target. However, for the full face or more intense laser treatments, some form of sedation may be used. During the procedure, you will relax in our treatment chair while the laser glides over the treatment area, precisely targeting the specific sections for resurfacing. You will feel warmth, followed by cold air from the chilled air cooling system. The laser works to eliminate dead and damaged skin cells while also stimulating natural collagen production.

For lighter peels, a healing ointment will be applied to the skin and you can return home to recover. The skin may appear red, and there will be some irritation and swelling. This should subside within a couple of days, and the peeling process will start over a 3 – 5-day timeframe. If you are receiving a more intense laser treatment, your recovery period will be longer. The treated areas will most likely be covered by dressings and the irritation, swelling, and burning side effects will be more intense. Medication can be prescribed to minimize these side effects. The recovery time associated with a deeper laser peel can be 2 – 3 weeks. All patients should reduce their sun exposure after their treatment and apply sun protection frequently. For all peel intensities, the skin will naturally flake, crust, and peel away. It is vital to not interfere with the healing process to both avoid scarring and to protect the treated area at all times from UV exposure. Once the peeling process has been completed, your skin will feel softer while looking rejuvenated, younger, and clearer.

A laser skin resurfacing peel provides excellent results for patients who want a younger-looking complexion. If you are thinking about a laser resurfacing treatment and would like to learn more about them, as well as more nonsurgical treatments Elevate Medical Spa offers, we invite you to call our office in Dallas, TX today to schedule your consultation with our Elevate team.