Laser Skin Resurfacing San Antonio

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing uses lasers to dissolve damaged skin cells layer by layer. The fresher, underlying skin is then brought forth, ultimately blending with the surrounding skin to provide a smooth, youthful sheen. Laser skin resurfacing can address a range of imperfections on the surface of the skin, including:

• Sun damage
• Acne scars
• Birthmarks
• Rosacea
• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Age spots
• Uneven skin pigmentation
• Spider veins

Laser skin resurfacing can be a wonderful alternative to other skin treatments such as microdermabrasion and chemical peel. It can also address mild to moderate facial scarring that has resulted from injury or previous surgery.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Candidates

Ideal laser skin resurfacing candidates include individuals who have one or more of the above-mentioned skin conditions and who have realistic expectations of results. Although no incisions are made during laser skin resurfacing, it is considered an invasive surgical procedure. Patients with certain medical conditions and those who scar easily may not be considered candidates for the procedure. However, there are effective alternative skin treatments for individuals who do not meet laser skin resurfacing candidacy requirements.

For more information on laser skin resurfacing candidacy, contact our San Antonio center serving Austin and surrounding areas.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure

Laser skin resurfacing can be performed with local anesthesia administered onto the treatment site, or general anesthesia for more extensive procedures. Using a precise beam of laser light, damaged or wrinkled skin and tissues are vaporized, making way for the healthier skin cells underneath to grow and replace them. The lasers used for the procedure have pinpoint accuracy, which minimizes damage to the surrounding tissue.  Depending on the extent of treatment, laser skin resurfacing can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to complete.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Recovery

Patients can expect the treated areas to be swollen and red for a few days after laser skin resurfacing. Many patients say the feeling after treatment amounts to that of a mild sunburn. These side effects, along with any discomfort, can be alleviated with topical creams. It may take two weeks or more for the healthy skin layers to appear. Patients are generally able to resume normal, daily activities one to two weeks after laser skin resurfacing.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Risks

Cosmetic procedures involve a certain degree of risk, and laser skin resurfacing is no exception. Risks of the procedure include:

• Infection
• Abnormal healing
• Cosmetic damage for patients who are prone to scarring
• Increased possibility of complications if the patient suffers from present cold sores, acne, or other skin disorders.
• Hyperpigmentation, or skin-darkening
• Hypopigmentation, or permanent skin-lightening

Certain medical conditions, particularly immune and connective tissue disorders, along with drug allergies, medications you are taking, prior surgeries, and previous skin treatments such as Accutane® and chemical peels may increase the possibility of complications with laser skin resurfacing. During your consultation, Dr. Constance Barone will go over all aspects of the procedure with you.

BBL™ BroadBand Light

The BBL™ BroadBand Light is equipped with dual-lamp technology is adjustable to treat many skin conditions. The Forever Young BBL™ Treatment smooths wrinkles and creates a more youthful appearance on the face and other parts of the body. It also treats skin conditions using varied wavelengths of light, including acne, pigmented lesions like freckles and age spots, and vascular lesions like cherry angioma and rosacea. It also heats dermal collagen to renew foundation and firm skin. This technology can also be applied for hair removal in the Forever Bare BBL™ Treatment.

Contact Our Laser Skin Resurfacing Surgeon

Laser skin resurfacing surgeon can renew your skin and eliminate years of damage caused by any number of elements. Dr. Constance Barone uses only the safest, most technologically advanced laser equipment to help you achieve the healthy, youthful skin you deserve. Contact our plastic surgery practice in San Antonio today to set up a consultation.