Laser skin resurfacing at our practice is a cosmetic procedure that uses a state-of-the-art SmartXide DOT™ Laser by DEKA (a fractional CO2 skin resurfacing device). Scottsdale, AZ board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Carlos Mata, a.k.a. Dr. Scottsdale® implements this device to remove the upper layer of skin to reveal a healthy, new layer. The best candidates for laser skin resurfacing are men and women who have wrinkles or other skin irregularities and desire supple, youthful skin. Keep in mind that laser skin resurfacing also stimulates collagen development, which is an important factor when it comes to healthy skin for better elasticity and tone.
Laser skin resurfacing uses controlled light beams with high-intensity SmartXide DOT Laser by DEKA (a fractional CO2 skin resurfacing device) 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 the 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 lasers can be harmful to the patient’s vision. Laser skin resurfacing’s advanced technology allows accurate targeting of smaller areas so the surrounding skin is not affected. A session may take up to 2 hours depending on the patient’s skin conditions.
Laser skin resurfacing may be aggressive, depending on the patient’s aesthetic goals. The more aggressive the treatment (which is referred to as an ablative procedure) 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, or non-ablative laser, 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 discoloration are minimized.
Laser resurfacing is an outpatient procedure. There may be pain during treatment, so local anesthesia may 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 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 skincare to prevent any scarring. It may take a few days before the patient may resume normal activities. It may also be beneficial to use an extra pillow when sleeping to ease any discomfort.
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Recover Time | 7-14 days |
Average Procedure Time | 1 hour |
Procedure Recovery Location | Outpatient |
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 different technologies that affect different skin types. When done correctly, the result is a long-lasting healthy skin effective in combating signs of aging and skin damage.
Aside from the natural effects of aging, personal habits and environmental factors, results may be long-lasting. Maintenance treatments may be considered as signs of aging get more and more significant over time.
It depends mainly on the patient’s skin condition and cosmetic goals. Another factor to consider is how quick the recovery period should be or if there should be no downtime for the patient. The doctor will discuss each treatment in detail and recommend the best approach that matches the patient’s circumstances.