Laser Skin Resurfacing Benefits: Smooth and Renewed Skin
Why Choose Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing is a cosmetic surgery procedure that resurfaces the facial skin in order to improve the appearance of wrinkles, crow’s feet, acne scarring, and sun damage. Laser skin resurfacing utilizes a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser device that instantly vaporizes the top layer of skin, resulting in a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. At Donath Facial Plastic Surgery, we use the Lumenis Ultrapulse fractionated CO2 laser, which is the gold standard for laser resurfacing. Because it is a fractionated laser, it treats a selected fraction of the skin surface, rather than the entire surface, to help preserve skin cells to help with healing and return of natural pigment. The result is a safer procedure with less downtime than traditional CO2 lasers.
Skin Laser Resurfacing Consultation
During your initial consultation, Dr. Donath will consider such factors as skin texture, type and color, ethnicity, age, and medical history to determine if the procedure is right for you.
He will address any skin concerns that you may have and go over procedural information like the technique, the number of treatment sessions, the anesthesia, the risks, and the costs.
Candidates for Laser Treatment
Individuals who are looking to improve the appearance of facial wrinkles, sun damage, uneven pigmentation, and/or acne scars may be good candidates for laser skin resurfacing. As with all forms of cosmetic surgery, good health and realistic expectations are essential. Patients must understand that the goal of the treatment is to improve healthy skin as much as possible rather than produce perfect skin.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Before & Afters
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure
Laser skin resurfacing is performed on an outpatient basis and requires no hospitalization or general anesthesia compared to surgical procedures.
Local anesthesia and sedation may be used for the procedure. During treatment, the laser device is passed over the damaged skin, allowing the high laser energy, amplified light waves to vaporize the top layer of skin. The laser resurfacing technology also stimulates collagen production under the surface of the skin, resulting in improvement in tone, texture, color, and younger-looking skin.
Depending on the number and size of areas being treated, the procedure may take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour to complete. More than one session may be required.
Why choose Dr. Donath — Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
- Internationally renowned facial plastic surgeon–has lectured around the world and is published in leading medical journals.
- Patients travel from across the US and internationally for Dr. Donath’s expertise.
- Graduated summa cum laude (highest honors) from Ohio University where he was a scholarship recipient and was inducted into the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa national honor society.
- He then completed medical school at the University of Cincinnati, widely recognized as one of the top medical centers in the country, where he was President of the school’s American Medical Student Association.
- Completing a rigorous five-year residency training program in all aspects of Head and Neck Surgery at St. Louis University.
- He additionally spent time studying at Harvard Medical School.
- He has been nominated as a Top Doctor in Cincinnati Magazine and by Castle Connolly for many consecutive years — more than a decade.
- Is a national trainer of other physicians for both Galderma (Dysport®, Restylane®) and Allergan (Botox®, Juvederm®), and is a frequent guest on multiple media outlets to present the public with the most recent facial aesthetic techniques.
Potential Risks of Skin Laser Resurfacing
The potential risks associated with laser skin resurfacing include infections, permanent changes in pigmentation, and the formation of cold sores. At Donath Facial Plastic Surgery, we take every precaution to minimize these risks by providing a personalized treatment plan that takes into account your individual goals, medical history, and skin type. Our precise treatment settings allow us to administer controlled energy levels for safety and efficacy.
Laser Treatment Recovery
After treatment, patients can expect minimal discomfort, some redness, swelling, and crusting of the treated skin. The new skin will emerge within one to two weeks during the recovery time after treatment. As part of the natural healing process, it will appear pink and free of many wrinkles.
Redness will fade within about three to four weeks. It may be necessary to follow a soft diet for some time, and the treated skin will need to be protected against extremes in temperature and sun exposure. To help accelerate the healing process and reduce swelling, patients may use ice packs throughout their recovery period. Sun protection is also important as the treated skin will be extremely sensitive to UV rays. Sunblock with SPF 30 or higher should always be worn when outdoors; sunglasses and hats can also provide extra protection.
Most patients find that they can return to work and most other normal activities within about two weeks after undergoing laser skin resurfacing.
Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQs
What is laser skin resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure that uses a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser device to instantly vaporize the top layer of skin. It can reduce the visibility of wrinkles, crow’s feet, acne scarring, and sun damage, resulting in smoother skin.
Would laser skin resurfacing be suitable for me?
If you are looking to improve the appearance of wrinkles, crow’s feet, sun damage, and acne scarring and are physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, then laser skin resurfacing may be right for you. Patients must understand that the procedure can improve their skin appearance, but it will not leave them with perfect skin. Dr. Donath is happy to meet with you for a consultation to help you determine if the treatment can best meet your needs.
What happens at the consultation for laser skin resurfacing?
Dr. Donath will assess your skin, discuss desired outcomes, and gather medical history during your laser skin resurfacing consultation. He will consider your type and color, age, and ethnicity when determining suitability for the procedure. Any questions or concerns can be addressed, and info about the treatment plan, anesthetic, risks, and costs provided.
What anesthesia is laser skin resurfacing performed with?
Laser skin treatment may be performed with local anesthesia and sedation.
What is the process of laser skin resurfacing?
Once the anesthesia is administered, a laser device is passed over the skin. The high-energy, amplified light waves are absorbed into the skin and vaporize the top layer. Patients require more than one session to achieve optimum results.
What is the estimated duration of a laser skin resurfacing treatment?
Laser skin resurfacing may take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour to perform, depending on the area being treated.
Does laser skin resurfacing involve much pain?
Some minor discomfort may occur after the laser resurfacing treatment, though this can be managed with prescription pain medication if necessary.
What is the expected recovery process following laser skin resurfacing?
Any discomfort that patients experience after laser skin resurfacing is usually minor and can be controlled with medication. Some redness, swelling, and crusting of the skin can be expected after treatment, and it may take three to four weeks for the redness to fade fully. Within one to two weeks, you will notice an improvement in skin texture. Patients may need to follow a soft diet for some time after treatment. Sun exposure and extremes in temperature will need to be avoided.
When will I be able to resume work after my laser skin resurfacing procedure?
Work and most other normal activities can usually be resumed within about two weeks after the procedure.
What laser skin resurfacing office is near me?
If you live in the states of Ohio or Kentucky, Cincinnati Facial Plastic Surgery offers laser skin resurfacing among its services. For a full list of services, please visit our Locations page.
