Laser Skin Resurfacing vs. Injectables: What’s the Difference?

Sunshine and fresh air are some of life’s greatest gifts. Unfortunately, these environmental factors, along with the inevitable aging process, can cause unsightly lines and wrinkles on your face and neck. When the youthful skin of your past starts to give way to imperfections, it can cause some serious self-confidence issues.

In the past, the only option to really address these concerns was with moisturizers, serums and creams that all promised to provide you with results—yet didn’t. At Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery, we recognize that each person is unique, as are their skin needs and goals, so we offer several options to help restore your skin to a state you’re proud to wear.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

If you already practice a daily skin care regimen, but aren’t seeing the results you’d hoped for, laser skin resurfacing can be the ideal solution for you. While there are numerous skin resurfacing techniques, such as dermabrasion and chemical peels, laser therapy offers a unique safety and efficacy profile that works by using light to target your specific problem areas.

By using a laser to send pulsating light beams to your skin’s irregularities, Dr. Andrews can remove your unwanted, damaged skin one layer at a time. While the laser is busy removing the outer layers of your skin, it is also using its heat to stimulate the growth of new collagen. As the areas begin to heal, smoother, firmer and younger-looking skin will form in its place.

This procedure is non-invasive and really quite gentle on the skin. Many of our patients turn to laser skin resurfacing for its ability to improve a variety of conditions, including:

  • Wrinkles
  • Vertical lines near the mouth
  • Crow’s feet
  • Brown spots
  • Uneven complexion
  • Irregular pigmentation
  • Acne scars
  • Skin laxity
  • Scars from surgery

Patients who undergo this laser resurfacing may experience what feels like a mild sunburn following the treatment. Redness and swelling are likely, but will usually subside within the first few days to a week following the resurfacing.

So long as you keep a healthy lifestyle and minimize your sun exposure, you can expect to enjoy the results for many years to come.

Injectables

More and more people are turning to injectable treatments for their skin rejuvenation needs. Made up of a gel-like solution, these treatments are injected into the skin to help fill in facial lines, smooth out unsightly wrinkles, restore lost volume and help stimulate collagen formation.

There are a wide variety of injectables on the market, but Botox® and Dysport® are two of the more popular ones. Although you won’t get the same dramatic results as a facelift, injectables are a great non-invasive alternative to surgical procedures. In fact, many of our patients appreciate the subtlety of injectables, since friends and family generally can’t tell that your more youthful look is due to a cosmetic treatment.

Unlike with laser skin resurfacing, injectable treatments are generally performed in only about 10 minutes and allow you to immediately return to your daily routine. Results, however, won’t last as long as a resurfacing treatment. Each injectable has its own timeline, but Botox® and Dysport® only last about three to four months before needing another session.

Choosing What’s Right For You

The truth of the matter is, your specific skin conditions could likely benefit from a variety of skin rejuvenation treatments. Your wrinkles could be smoothed away with injectables or skin resurfacing, and your acne scars could benefit from dermal fillers or a laser therapy.

The best way to find out which method will offer the most dramatic results is by seeing Dr. Andrews and his staff. At an initial consultation, he will take the time to examine your skin type, tone and texture—as well as evaluate your specific irregularities. We want to help you make the most informed decision possible, so we encourage you to ask as many questions as possible during your visit.

When you’re ready to improve your confidence and get smoother, more radiant skin, give Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery a call at 319-800-6877.

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