Learn About the Three Types of Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatments
As much as we love spending time in the sun, damage from ultraviolet rays can cause the skin to age prematurely. Acne scars and pigmentation can also leave people feeling self-conscious about their appearance. No matter your skin issues, laser skin resurfacing may be the ideal approach for skin rejuvenation. While all laser treatments offer dramatic improvements, they do differ in the final results they produce. This is why it is so important to consider all of your options carefully. At Marisa Lawrence Plastic Surgery, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Marisa Lawrence offers ablative, non-ablative, and fractional lasers. Learn how to reduce facial wrinkles and blemishes by scheduling a skin care consultation at our clinic in Atlanta, GA.
About laser skin resurfacing
Each procedure at Marisa Lawrence Plastic Surgery is meant to generate long-lasting benefits for the health and appearance of the skin. When patients arrive at our office for their consultation, we perform an assessment to understand your skin type and learn about your issues. The best candidates for laser skin resurfacing are individuals who are unhappy with the appearance of their skin and suffer from fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, and acne scars. Laser treatment is not usually suggested for patients with darker skin tones.
Laser skin resurfacing is a nonsurgical procedure that uses pulsating beams of light to eliminate the damaged skin layers. Based on your concerns, we may choose ablative, non-ablative, or fractional lasers to treat your skin care issues. For instance, the Fractional 2940 Ablative Laser is a great solution for moderate to deep wrinkles. While there is some downtime associated with most laser treatments, Dr. Lawrence will be able to inform you about the process from beginning to end and let you know how long it takes to recover at home.
Ablative laser treatments
The main difference between ablative and non-ablative lasers is that ablative lasers carefully remove the epidermis, or the top layer of the skin, to make improvements. The Fractional 2940 Ablative Laser at Marisa Lawrence Plastic Surgery works similar to a deep chemical peel with a precision that allows us to reduce the possibility of skin damage. Since ablative laser treatments are more invasive, they are ideal for moderate wrinkles, facial scarring, and skin discoloration. Although dramatic improvements can be seen after one treatment, most patients require two weeks of recovery and protection from the sun. It is common for patients to experience some swelling and redness during this time.
Non-ablative laser treatments
Non-ablative lasers are less invasive than ablative layers, heating up the underlying skin tissue so the body will produce new collagen. Since non-ablative laser treatment does not remove any skin, this treatment is best for patients who would like to improve texture and tone with far less downtime. Based on your skin condition, Dr. Lawrence may recommend separate treatments to see significant results. Recovery time in between appointments is generally mild, which means most people can return to their activities as normal following treatment.
Fractional laser treatments
It may be surprising to learn that fractional laser treatment is both ablative and non-ablative, working at both the epidermal and dermal layers of skin. Fractional treatments create very small holes in the deep layers of the skin, which stimulates the body’s natural healing process. Once the skin heals, individuals will notice the growth of healthy new tissue. Fractional lasers may be used to treat many problems at once, such as fine lines, acne scars, and sun damage. Although recovery time is minimal, patients may observe redness or warmth. At Marisa Lawrence Plastic Surgery, we will explain the recovery process in full.
Preparing for your appointment
Individuals who are in good general health and have realistic expectations are most likely good candidates for any laser procedure. Before the treatment begins, you may be asked to use a retinoid product to prepare beforehand. Medication may also be suggested for increased comfort during the session. For mild treatment, Marisa Lawrence Plastic Surgery may use a topical anesthetic to numb certain areas. A more intense procedure may require some kind of sedation. Rest assured that our staff will do everything possible to help you feel comfortable and at ease during treatment.
Learn more about laser treatments
Ablative laser treatments, non-ablative laser treatments, and fractional laser treatments are ideal for people who are not quite ready for cosmetic surgery but want to treat the most common signs of aging on the face. Dr. Marisa Lawrence is known as a highly skilled specialist with a great eye for detail. At our facility, we stay up-to-date on the latest technologies, such as the Fractional 2940 Ablative Laser, so patients can look and feel great again. Contact Marisa Lawrence Plastic Surgery to explore laser skin resurfacing treatments in Atlanta, GA.