Article At A Glance
- Laser and chemical peel skin resurfacing are cosmetic procedures.
- Both treatments can address wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, and uneven skin tone.
- You can leave the hospital immediately after your skin resurfacing treatment.
Premature wrinkling is more common now than ever before. Both men and women are more interested in treatments that reverse the effects of fine lines, deep wrinkles, or age spots. Laser skin resurfacing can help improve the appearance of skin problems that diminish your confidence.
If you’re looking for smoother, younger-looking skin, skin resurfacing may be a great solution for you. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the benefits of skin resurfacing.
What Is Laser or Chemical Peel Skin Resurfacing?
Skin resurfacing is a type of skin rejuvenation treatment. It involves the use of special lasers or chemicals to remove the top layers of the skin with a great deal of precision.
After removing these top layers, new skin cells form during the healing process. The result is younger-looking, tighter, smoother, and clearer skin.
Many different types of people can benefit from skin resurfacing. However, this treatment is most common among those who are dealing with acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
How Does It Work?
Skin resurfacing treatments must be performed by a qualified cosmetic surgeon. This is an outpatient cosmetic procedure, which means you don’t have to stay in the hospital overnight after having it done.
The laser skin resurfacing process begins with the cosmetic surgeon applying a local anesthetic to numb the areas being treated. Then, they’ll use a special laser to direct intense light energy to your skin. Alternatively, your cosmetic surgeon may apply a topical acid or base to the skin.
The laser treatments will destroy the outer layer of skin and heat or chemically coagulate the layer underneath (the dermis). This stimulates collagen production and improves your skin’s tone and texture.
Benefits of Skin Resurfacing
At first, the idea of treating your skin with lasers or chemicals might seem a little intimidating. There are lots of reasons to give skin resurfacing a try, though, especially if you’re looking for smoother and younger skin.
The following are some of the greatest advantages this particular treatment has to offer:
Improved Appearance: Do you ever feel self-conscious about your skin? Are you tired of spending time and money on makeup and over-the-counter products designed to help you cover up scars or soften wrinkles and fine lines?
Skin resurfacing allows you to get to the bottom of the issue and tackle your imperfections head-on. This treatment improves the appearance of your skin so that it looks smoother and more youthful.
Increased Confidence: There’s no denying it. When your skin looks great, your confidence increases.
Think about how much you could accomplish in your life if you had higher self-esteem and felt at ease in your own skin. How much more could you get done if you weren’t spending time every day covering up age spots and trying to draw attention away from your wrinkles and sagging skin?
Fast, Easy Treatments: Some people might be hesitant about skin resurfacing treatments because they assume they don’t have time for them. In reality, though, these treatments can be relatively fast.
Most appointments take less than an hour, and they’re performed on an outpatient basis. This means you can treat yourself without having to worry about blocking off a whole day (or more) from your calendar.
Long-Lasting Results: The results of laser skin resurfacing treatments can last a long time, too. This isn’t some temporary solution that will fade overnight.
Remember, when you choose this type of skin rejuvenation, you’re having the top layer of your skin removed. It’s not coming back, and neither are some of the blemishes, scars, fine lines and other issues you’re working to get rid of.
It’s true that your skin will continue to age after you’ve had a laser resurfacing treatment done. However, it shouldn’t revert to the way it looked before.
As long as you take good care of your skin post-treatment, you can feel confident that your skin will still look younger and smoother than before you chose skin resurfacing.
Additional Read: Is a Skin Resurfacing Peel Worth It?
What to Expect After Skin Resurfacing Procedures
You’ll be able to leave the doctor’s office or hospital immediately after your skin resurfacing treatment. Your skin may be red, and you will have to deal with some scabbing, swelling, and peeling as you recover.
In general, the healing process takes about 3-10 days (the larger the treatment area, the longer the recovery time will likely be). Most people don’t experience too much discomfort during the healing period, although you may need to apply ice packs to reduce swelling.
You’ll likely see improvements right away after receiving a laser skin resurfacing treatment. Everyone’s outcomes are different, of course, but most people are very satisfied with the improvements they see, as well as how long they last (usually several years).
Recovery Tips
To see the best results from your laser skin resurfacing treatment and ensure they last as long as possible, you need to take your recovery seriously. Here are a few tips that will help you maximize the recovery period:
1. Keep Your Skin Clean
Start by making sure your skin stays clean. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser that is designed specifically for sensitive skin, and wash your face using tepid water (hot water dries out your skin and can cause tissue damage).
Be sure to avoid situations that can expose your skin to germs during the healing process, too. Stay out of the gym, for example, and avoid sweating for a few days so you can recover safely.
2. Keep Your Skin Hydrated
Prioritize hydration, too. As your skin heals, you might find that it’s a bit drier than usual. Proper hydration can help with this discomfort, and it can help to speed up the healing process as well.
You can combat dry skin by using a gentle, fragrance-free cream or lotion. Apply it after washing your face to seal in moisture and prevent itchiness, peeling, and other issues.
3. Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure
Finally, avoid excessive sun exposure while you’re healing from laser skin resurfacing. Sun exposure, in general, is not great for your skin. It can exacerbate wrinkles and fine lines, and it can also cause dark spots, not to mention the fact that increases your risk of skin cancer.
During the healing time, it’s especially important to protect your skin from the sun. Avoid direct contact for about two weeks (sometimes more). If you do need to go out, apply a moisturizer that contains sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face and minimize exposure.
Read here: Post Operative Instructions For Chemical Peel and Laser Peel
Is Laser or Chemical Peel Skin Resurfacing Right for You?
At this point, you’re probably a bit more interested in the laser skin resurfacing procedure. However, you might also be wondering whether or not you’re a good candidate.
In general, this procedure is a good option for those who have sun damaged skin, acne, or age. If your issues haven’t improved with the help of over-the-counter products, laser resurfacing can be an effective next step.
People with the following skin concerns tend to see the best results:
- Age spots
- Scars (including acne scars)
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Crow’s feet
- Sagging skin
- Uneven skin tone
- Enlarged pores
- Warts
What Makes Someone a Good Candidate?
When it comes to skin rejuvenation treatments like laser resurfacing, the number one prerequisite is good general health.
Before your treatment, you will sit down with a cosmetic surgeon for a consultation. During this appointment, they’ll go through your medical history and ensure you don’t have any conditions that might make you a less-than-ideal candidate.
If you’re considering skin resurfacing, it’s important to go in with realistic expectations. Everyone’s outcome will be different, and results depend on a variety of factors, including the following:
- Skin type
- Age
- Skin conditions (allergies, burns, a history of poor scar-healing, radiation exposure, cold sores, blisters, excessive acne breakouts, excessive sagging skin, etc.)
When working with you to decide whether or not a skin resurfacing procedure is right for you, your cosmetic surgeon might recommend that you start a skin care regimen for a few weeks or months to prep your skin, minimize damage, and help you see better results.
The Importance Of Finding A Qualified Surgeon In Chicago
Laser or chemical peel skin resurfacing can be a great treatment for anyone looking for smooth skin, a youthful appearance, and help to combat signs of aging. Do you think you’re a good candidate for skin rejuvenation? If so, it’s important to find an experienced surgeon who can help you see great results.
If you’re looking for a qualified surgeon in the Chicago area, Dr. Sidle is here for you.
Dr. Sidle is Chicago’s leading facial cosmetic surgeon and is board-certified by two independent surgery boards (ABFPRS and ABOHNS). When you work with Dr. Sidle, you can always feel confident that you’re getting the best treatment possible.
Reach out today to learn more about laser skin treatment or to request a consultation.
