Laser Resurfacing
HELPING YOU LIVE LIFE MORE BEAUTIFULLYHeadingWhen sun damage, aging, acne scars, or other blemishes cause unwanted changes in the appearance of your skin, laser resurfacing is often the ideal treatment option. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Quenby Erickson is proud to offer laser resurfacing in Chicago to help patients achieve a smoother, clearer, and more vibrant complexion.
What Is Laser Resurfacing?
Laser resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure that is used to improve skin texture and tone. There are several different types of laser resurfacing procedures that can be performed to correct a variety of skin concerns.
Laser skin treatments can be ablative or non-ablative. The main difference between the two is that ablative laser procedures involve vaporizing the outer layer of the skin, which causes the skin to be open and oozing while healing.
In contrast, non-ablative lasers heat the skin which causes the collagen to be denatured and then replaced by fresh collagen. Ablative lasers are more invasive and are associated with more downtime but more dramatic results.
You may also hear the terms fractional laser resurfacing and hybrid laser resurfacing. These treatments modify or combine ablative and non-ablative lasers to maximize results with less downtime.
What Is the Best Laser Skin Treatment for Me?
The best laser skin treatment for you will depend on factors like your skin type, skin tone, and treatment goals. Some of the most popular laser resurfacing procedures at Erickson Cosmetic Dermatology & Lifestyle Medicine in Chicago include:
Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Resurfacing?
Men and women of many ages and skin types can be good candidates for laser skin resurfacing. Patients who want to improve the appearance of their skin due to one or more of the following issues should contact Erickson Cosmetic Dermatology & Lifestyle Medicine to schedule a consultation with Dr. Erickson:
- Photodamage
- Acne scars
- Fine lines
- Dull complexion
- Age spots
- Uneven skin tone
What Can I Expect during Consultation?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Erickson will perform a thorough physical examination of the skin you would like to treat, so she can identify the optimal laser skin resurfacing device for your needs.
If laser resurfacing is not the ideal approach for you, Dr. Erickson may recommend one of the following modalities, which can effectively treat many common skin concerns, including wrinkles, dyschromia, age spots, and more:
- ClearSilk®
- BBL
- IPL
- Ultherapy®
- Sofwave™
- Secret™ RF
How Much Does Laser Resurfacing Cost?
The price of laser resurfacing varies based on the skin concerns being treated, the type of laser used, and the number of treatment sessions needed. You will be provided with complete cost information for your laser skin treatment during your consultation.
Laser Resurfacing Recovery and Aftercare
Your recovery time and aftercare instructions will reflect the specific laser resurfacing treatment you undergo. However, all laser resurfacing patients will be advised to protect the treated skin from direct sunlight, as the skin will be especially sensitive and susceptible to sun damage as it heals.
Non-ablative laser resurfacing can require little-to-no recovery time. Patients can typically get back to their normal routine immediately following these gentler laser treatments.
Ablative laser resurfacing recovery involves post-treatment symptoms like swelling, redness, and oozing at the treatment site(s). Though a new layer of skin will regenerate in one to two weeks, healing continues below the surface for months post-treatment.
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Firmer, brighter, and more radiant skin is possible with laser resurfacing. To learn more about how laser skin treatments can refresh and revitalize your complexion, contact us today to arrange a consultation.