Laser Skin Resurfacing in Phoenix

Laser skin resurfacing is a procedure that uses lasers to create a new, smooth skin appearance.  The laser “ablates”, or destroys, the outer layers of skin which have been damaged by age, sun, acne, wrinkles, or pigmentation problems or spots.  The destruction of the older layers of skin prompts the body to generate a new layer of skin cells which are unaffected by the previous skin condition.  Some lasers may be inappropriate for darker skin complexions.

Reasons for Considering Laser Skin Resurfacing in Phoenix

• Reduce or remove facial wrinkles, creases, and lines.
• Improve sun-damaged skin.
• Correct pigmentation problems and spots.
• Effectively treat scars from acne, birthmarks, moles, and tattoos.
• Tighten skin that has lost elasticity due to aging. Note: Even though there can be very effective skin tightening  and thickening with laser resurfacing, if the skin is extremely loose, another procedure such as a Facelift may be more appropriate. This would be explained by Dr. Sacks at your FREE consultation. Sometimes both a Facelift and Laser resurfacing would produce the very best results.
• Lines around the mouth and lips are very well treated by Laser resurfacing.

Technique of laser resurfacing in Phoenix

First, the face is cleansed of oils in order to prepare for the laser procedure, and then the skin is further cleansed with an antibiotic solution. The laser is then used to remove the very top layers of the skin with a computer controlled laser until the appropriate depth of skin is reached.  This procedure is commonly performed with both a local anesthetic and with sedation so that the patient is comfortable. Vaseline which is very non allergenic is applied for after the procedure and for many days afterwards. It keeps the protein 'crust' which exudes from the skin after the procedure moist, so that after a few days this 'crust' or exudate is easily removed.

Recovery Process

Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time.  Antibiotic ointment may be applied to the affected area  following surgery in order to aid with the healing process, to minimize swelling, and to control the risk of infection.  The skin will be red and may ooze.  Some discomfort should also be expected.

Any pain associated with the surgery can be treated with oral medication by Dr. Sacks. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the post-operative directions.   Recovery time varies with the extent of the resurfacing and the number of procedures completed.

Complications of Laser resurfacing

• Swelling - This will resolve after some days
• Oozing - this is a natural process when the top layers of the skin are removed. It would normally result in a crust if allowed to dry, so the 'crust is kept moist with the application of Vaseline and then naturally separates away from the skin after about a week
• Discomfort - There may be a burning sensation for a day or two and discomfort is alleviated by oral medication prescribed by Dr. Sacks
• Redness - When the 'crust' has subsided, the underlying skin will be pinkish - red which will fade over a few weeks and can be camouflaged with makeup if desired.
• Infection - The chance of this is low as Dr. Sacks will prescribe two different kinds of antibiotics starting the day before the laser resurfacing  and continuing after the procedure for a few more days. The first type of medication is for bacteria and the second type of medication is against viruses so that even if for example the patient had herpes and it was not evident, the chance of this being a problem would be avoided.
• Tightness - As the skin of the face heals a feeling of tightness may be experienced as in fact the skin is tightened. Any sense of discomfort with this will subside.
• Color change - The treated skin may be slightly paler than the adjacent non - treated skin and may not tan as well as prior to the procedure
• Blotchiness - This is unusual and is prevented by the skin treatment prescribed by Dr. Sacks  for a few weeks before the laser resurfacing and by STAYING OUT OF THE SUN after the procedure.

Cost - price of laser resurfacing in Phoenix

Watch for specials but usual cost of entire face laser resurfacing in Phoenix is $5,500