Despite your best efforts, your skin will accumulate some damage throughout your life. From endless battles with acne, long summer days in the sun, too much time in a tanning bed, choosing sleep over taking your makeup off at the end of the night, or years of smoking – whatever caused your flaws, laser skin resurfacing can remove the evidence of even your worst skin faux pas.
This non-invasive, non-surgical treatment removes damaged skin layer by layer, encouraging new skin cells to form and resulting in a tighter, more youthful appearance. It can reduce wrinkles, remove age spots, minimize scarring, and brighten dull skin, but there are some essential things to know about laser skin resurfacing treatments. Here are five of the most crucial considerations.
1. Mild Discomfort Is Normal
Laser resurfacing treatments are non-invasive, meaning they don’t require any incisions, sutures, or scarring. However, you can expect some mild pain. Some patients compare the procedure’s feeling like a rubber band snapping against their skin – it may sting briefly, but it’s completely tolerable. The type of laser, the targeted location, and the depth needed for skin rejuvenation can all play a part in the procedure’s comfort level. If you choose, we can apply a mild topical numbing cream to help reduce discomfort.
2. It’s Not Right for Everyone
The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bryan Armijo to ensure you have no issues that could prevent you from undergoing treatment. Some of these can include a history of cold sores, psoriasis, or cystic acne, as treatment can trigger flare-ups. Also, you should mention any medications or supplements you’re currently taking in case they might interfere with the healing process.
3. Age Doesn’t Matter
Laser skin resurfacing primarily treats cosmetic concerns like wrinkles, sun damage, crow’s feet, and brown spots. You may wish to consider this procedure if you are over 18 and looking to achieve a clear complexion free of blemishes or past acne scars.
4. Fall and Winter Are the Best Times to Schedule Your Treatment
After your laser skin resurfacing treatment, your skin will be extremely sensitive to sun exposure for up to a year. Therefore, we encourage our patients to undergo a laser treatment in the fall or winter, when there is less sunlight and you spend more time indoors. If you choose to undergo a laser treatment in spring or summer, be diligent about wearing sunscreen and protective clothing like a broad-brimmed hat every time you go outside.
5. Treatments Are Customizable to Fit Your Needs
At Bryan Armijo M.D., we use carbon dioxide and erbium lasers for skin resurfacing. CO2 lasers are ideal for more pronounced skin irregularities like scars, warts, and deep wrinkles. Erbium lasers encourage collagen production and treat fine lines, skin laxity, and discoloration. They are also safe to use on darker skin tones. Depending on your skin concerns, Dr. Armijo will help determine which laser is better for you. He can also adjust the laser’s depth according to how extreme your skin damage is.
Schedule Your Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment Today
Improve your appearance with a non-invasive laser skin resurfacing treatment at Bryan S. Armijo M.D. Schedule your personalized consultation with our skin experts to determine the best laser for your concerns. Call our office at (214) 540-1434 to contact us today.