Laser Skin Resurfacing in Minneapolis

One of the most popular anti-aging treatments out there is laser skin resurfacing, which reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scars and hyperpigmentation (discolored areas of the skin). According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2008, 400,262 laser skin resurfacing procedures were performed in the US, up a whopping 134 percent from 2000.

Laser skin resurfacing is primarily administered to areas around the eyes and mouth. It can also be used to treat large areas of the face. Laser skin resurfacing holds advantages over other types of anti-aging treatments, which can cause discomfort, bleeding, and bruising. The side effects of laser skin resurfacing are minimal and the recovery time is shorter. What's more, today's lasers are gentler and safer than ever before.

All anti-aging skin treatments work in a similar manner. They remove a layer of skin so that the new skin can flourish and smooth out wrinkles and crevices. Until recently, the only options for treating damaged skin were chemical peels and dermabrasion, which are invasive and far less gentle than laser skin resurfacing. During dermabrasion, your doctor uses a wire brush or diamond wheel with rough edges to remove the outer layers of the skin, which wounds it and causes it to bleed. As the wound heals, new skin grows to replace the damaged skin. These anti-aging treatments produce glowing skin, reduce wrinkles, and decrease areas of skin discoloration with minimal scarring, but they do not produce predictable results. By contrast, laser skin resurfacing uses laser light to target both superficial and deep layers of the skin.

There are many different types of lasers used to reduce acne scars, wrinkles, and age-related skin discoloration. Ablative lasers vaporize the skin, which can result in substantial downtime. Examples of ablative lasers include the CO2 and Er:YAG lasers. In 2008, 103,394 of the laser skin resurfacing techniques performed were ablative. That same year, 296, 868 of the laser procedures performed were non-ablative or fractionated.

Non-ablative lasers require multiple treatments for optimal results whereas ablative lasers usually require only one treatment to have a significant effect. However, non-ablative lasers are superior to ablative lasers because they do not burn off the skin’s surface. Instead, they target the tissue under the skin and stimulate new collagen growth. Furthermore, there is less downtime with non-ablative laser treatment.

Fractionated lasers, such as the Fraxel, target small areas of the skin where damage has occurred, leaving the surrounding skin untouched and better able to contribute to the healing process. Intense pulsed light (IPL) is not a laser per se, as it uses broad-spectrum pulses of light which are absorbed by the skin. IPL treatment eliminates enlarged blood vessels and brown marks. It also decreases pore size and minimizes fine wrinkles by stimulating collagen production.

A variety of options are available for the improvement of skin through photo rejuvenation, which refers the process of improving the skin’s appearance with an energy-based device. For example, Thermage uses radio-frequency energy to tighten and lift skin with minimal downtime. Thermage is FDA-approved for the treatment of sagging skin and facial lines.

Each type of laser is suitable for treating unique skin problems. During your consultation at Hogue Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Hogue will assist you in selecting the right laser and/or photo rejuvenation device for your particular skin type and problem. The Fraxel and other fractionated lasers are effective in treating wrinkles around the eye, while the CO2 and Er:YAG lasers are better suited for treating acne scars. IPL is helpful for treating vascular lesions and improving the skin’s texture and color.

Not everyone is a candidate for laser skin resurfacing. It can take six to nine months for people with olive, tan, or dark skin to regain their normal pigmentation after treatment. Others who do not make good candidates include those who are prone to scarring, are taking certain medications, or have a skin disorder. Your dermatologist will evaluate your skin type and condition to determine if you are a candidate for laser skin resurfacing.

In the weeks preceding treatment, Dr. Hogue may suggest that you apply special creams, lotions, or gels to prepare your skin for the procedure. You may also be given certain oral medications to take before your treatment such as antiviral, antibacterial, and/or anti-yeast medication to prevent complications.

At Hogue Cosmetic Surgery, laser skin resurfacing treatments are performed in the office as outpatient procedures. Typically, patients receive topical anesthesia, local anesthesia, or intravenous sedation so that they are conscious, but not fully aware. Some patients may receive general anesthesia for treatment of deeper layers of the skin. The type of anesthesia used is based on the laser that is administered as well as the intensity of treatment.

Treatment times for laser skin resurfacing range from a few minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the amount of resurfacing required. The laser is moved precisely over the treatment area. Depending on the depth of the wrinkle, scar, or area of discoloration, the laser may be moved over the treatment area repeatedly.

The laser penetrates the outer layers of the skin to uncover the layer of skin that is unaffected by imperfections. During the procedure, it feels like a rubber band is being gently snapped against your skin. Once that underlying layer of skin is exposed, the healing process begins in order to rebuild new skin that is youthful and free of imperfections.

The procedure may have to be performed in two or more sessions to penetrate deeper layers of the skin and achieve the desired results, but usually, one treatment session is sufficient. Multiple lasers may be used at the same time, depending on your skin’s condition.

You may experience some temporary side effects, including swelling and mild discomfort. These side effects can be controlled with ice packs and medications prescribed by your surgeon. Bleeding during laser skin resurfacing treatment is rare.

Arrange to have someone drive you home from the plastic surgery facility after the procedure is completed. You may also need someone to assist you for a day or two after the procedure if your treatment is aggressive and requires general anesthesia. A red crust may develop on the treated area for three to ten days. Do not pick at the crust because scarring can develop.

Your skin may have a bright pink hue for weeks. Avoid sun exposure until your skin color has returned to normal. Apply plenty of sun block with a sun protection factor of 30 or more if you must go outside. You are usually allowed to wear makeup again in one to two weeks after treatment.

None of these rules are set in stone. You may receive different instructions based on your skin type, your choice of laser, and how your skin reacts to the treatment. After the procedure, petroleum jelly or another protective ointment will be applied to the treatment area. Sometimes, dressings, tape, or a bandage may also be used. If a bandage is used, it may need to be replaced with a fresh one in one to three days. After the bandage is removed, a thin layer of ointment may be applied to the treatment area. At this stage, you will be provided with instructions on how to gently wash and care for your healing skin.

No laser skin resurfacing procedure is risk-free. The risks of laser skin resurfacing include burns and other injuries caused by the laser's heat, such as scarring, abnormal pigmentation, and infection. In rare cases, dormant viruses, such as herpes, may be triggered by the laser treatment.