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Laser Resurfacing

Laser Skin Resurfacing in Sarasota, Florida

As we age, the skin undergoes progressive changes resulting in wrinkles, poor skin texture, and pigmentation changes such as brown spots and color irregularities. Collagen also weakens providing less support for the overlying skin, which causes more wrinkles to appear.  At Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center, we offer Active FX CO2 laser skin resurfacing to correct many of these problems. There are many types of lasers, but the fractional CO2 laser is the most effective for acne scars and deeper lines and wrinkles. This laser removes the upper layers of skin, stimulates collagen production, and allows the skin to regenerate resulting in new, smoother skin. CO2 laser resurfacing can be used on the face, neck, upper chest, and hands to rejuvenate the skin. It’s a great alternative to cosmetic surgery for patients who want a faster recovery and less invasive procedure.

Laser Skin Resurfacing in Sarasota, Florida

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Your Guide to Laser Skin Resurfacing

How is Laser Skin Resurfacing Performed?

Fractional laser resurfacing uses controlled light beams with high intensity to vaporize and remove the upper layer of the skin. When the damaged, superficial skin is removed, it gives way for new skin to grow, which masks the face with a new layer of epidermis. Any pain during the procedure is managed with local anesthesia and/or sedatives to help the patient relax. The eyes will also be protected since laser light energy can be harmful to the patient’s vision. Advanced laser resurfacing technology allows accurate targeting of smaller areas to prevent skin damage in the surrounding areas. A session may take up to 2 hours depending on the patient’s skin conditions.

ABLATION VS. NON-ABLATION

Laser skin resurfacing may be aggressive, depending on the patient’s aesthetic goals. The more aggressive the treatment (which is referred to as ablative laser resurfacing) the more it wears away the epidermis to let new skin regeneration begin. Recovery with this technique may take up to 3 weeks. The lighter treatment is a non-ablative laser (sometimes called a laser peel) that does not remove any skin. It stimulates deeper layers of the skin to initiate an increased growth of collagen. With this treatment, there will be no downtime for the patient. Both techniques help the skin regenerate. As new layers of skin are developed, skin problems such as wrinkles, mild scars, and uneven skin tone are minimized.

Before and after laser skin resurfacing
Before laser skin treatment
After laser skin treatment
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What can I expect during and after laser skin resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing is an outpatient procedure. There may be pain during treatment, so local anesthesia can be used to minimize the patient’s discomfort. The doctor may also prescribe the patient a pain reliever after the procedure. The face may be bandaged after laser treatment. Since the epidermis is peeled away, the skin may appear red for several weeks. As it heals, crusting may be present. It is very important to follow the doctor’s advice on skin care to prevent any scarring. It may take a few days before the patient can resume normal activities. It may also be beneficial to use an extra pillow when sleeping to ease any discomfort.

Are there any side effects from laser skin Resurfacing?

Although the procedure will wear the skin surface away, there is a minimal risk of scarring, especially when post-treatment care is implemented. It is critical to find a reputable doctor or technician with comprehensive experience with laser skin treatments. It’s important for the surgeon to understand how different technologies affect different skin types. For example, patients with darker skin tones may be more at risk of scarring or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially after an ablative laser treatment. When done correctly, the result is long-lasting healthy skin and a rejuvenated youthful appearance.

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