Using lasers to correct skin imperfections might sound like science fiction, but thanks to modern skincare technology, it’s a very real and a widely available cosmetic treatment. Laser skin resurfacing is one of our most popular procedures because it can treat many different skin concerns and does not require much recovery time. In fact, many of our clients are surprised to find that laser resurfacing can treat many of their skin concerns — it is most often recommended for texture changes, fine lines and wrinkles and acne scars. To help you learn more about what laser skin resurfacing can do for you, here is our list of five skin concerns that laser skin resurfacing can fix.
1. Forehead Lines and Wrinkles
Many of our clients think that Botox is their best option for forehead lines, but this is really only the case when your wrinkles are formed by overused muscles rather than aged skin. When your forehead lines are caused by a lack of collagen or damaged skin cells, laser skin resurfacing can be a better option. Ask your cosmetic surgeon about ablative laser treatments — these lasers reach deep into your skin and apply heat to the damaged cells, causing your body’s repair processes to promote elastin and collagen production and replace the damaged skin with more youthful appearing skin.
2. Sun Damage With Facial Wrinkling
Laser resurfacing can also treat wrinkles due to skin damage in other places on the face. Sun damage is one of the main causes of wrinkling and sagging skin on the cheeks and around the mouth. Sometimes, dermal fillers like Restylane or Juvéderm are recommended to treat this, but laser skin resurfacing can be a longer-term solution when the damage is not too extensive. Fillers can last several months, but they will eventually dissolve and you will need further treatment. With laser resurfacing, you are allowing your skin to heal itself rather than disguising the problem. With proper skincare after your laser treatments, your skin can look and feel better for years.
3. Scars That Cause Skin Irregularities
Facial scars are often a source of concern for our clients. The biggest problem with scars is that they come in many different forms — some are indented, some are puffy, some are discolored. But they are all caused by the buildup of scar tissue that forms around a healing wound. Depending on the size and severity of your scarring, there are different types of laser treatments that might work for you; ablative and non-ablative lasers can be helpful. Ablative lasers reach below the surface of the skin and can break up deep-set scar tissue, while non-ablative lasers are more gentle and better for surface scars or discoloration.
4. Eyelid Laxity
Some laser resurfacing treatments are safe to use in the eye area, and those that are can be very beneficial for sagging skin on both the upper and lower lids. Loose skin on the eyelids is a common cause of aging — as your skin loses its structure and tone, the thin, fragile skin around your eyes is typically among the first to start wrinkling and drooping. It often has the unwanted effect of making you look very tired or aged. Laser resurfacing can lift and restore youthfulness to this area the same way it does other facial wrinkles, offering a less intensive alternative to blepharoplasty if your concerns are not severe enough to make you a candidate for surgery.
5. Acne Scars
Pockmark acne scars are another common cosmetic concern that many of our clients desire to improve but aren’t sure how. Even after your skin is free from breakouts, acne can leave your skin bumpy and uneven. This unwanted texture happens because scar tissue develops as your skin heals from inflammation and infection. It can be even worse if you had a habit of popping or picking at acne before your skin cleared up. But laser resurfacing can reduce and sometimes eliminate these scars, combining its ability to treat scar tissue and discoloration to give you smoother skin. If you are interested in finding out what laser skin resurfacing can do for you, you should schedule a consultation with Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery. For more information about laser treatment in the Cedar Rapids and Coralville areas, contact Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery today. Call us at 319-800-6877 to make an appointment.
