Laser skin resurfacing is a proven way to help reduce wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, and other blemishes in addition to tightening skin. Lasers are some of the most versatile tools in medicine and can have a number of effects on your skin. To help you make the decision to invest in laser skin resurfacing, we compiled the most important things to know about laser skin resurfacing and its ability to change the appearance of your skin.
1. Autumn is “Laser Season”
Time of the year is important when considering laser treatments. Laser treated skin can be hypersensitive to sun exposure for up to a year after treatment, which makes early fall the ideal time to begin. We suggest scheduling your treatment in the fall season because summer has just ended, and most people spend more time inside.
2. Pain is Relative
The amount of pain any treatment causes varies widely in the world of laser procedures. Some may not hurt at all because the laser does not remove any layers, such as Yag and Alexandrite lasers. Intense treatments targeting deep tissues may need a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable and offset any pain.
3. It’s Safe for Darker Skin
A common misconception about the safety of laser treatments is that they are only safe for lighter skin tones. Some lasers can cause discoloration or cell damage in darker skin, but in the hands of a seasoned physician like Dr. Austin, you can feel comfortable knowing you will get great results regardless of your skin tone.
4. Different Lasers for Different Jobs
For example, CO2 lasers are used to treat scars and deeper tissue damage, while Erbium lasers promote collagen remodeling, making them popular for fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Other types of lasers include:
- Pulsed-Dye lasers – used for broken capillaries;
- Fractional lasers – used to reduce downtime after treatments;
- Intense Pulsed Light lasers – used for sun damage and acne.
5. Medications Matter
Medications can cause unexpected results on the outcome of a laser treatment, so always be upfront with your provider about your medical history and any medications or supplements you’re on, or will be taking at the time of your treatment. For example, acne medications that have isotretinoin can cause laser treatments to induce breakouts. In addition, common over-the-counter products like aspirin can lead to post-procedure bleeding.
6. Best Doc in Town
Lastly, but certainly not least, is this all-important tip: Choosing the right professional. Picking the right laser professional is the most important step in your laser treatment.
In the hands of a well-trained professional, lasers are a safe and effective way to improve your skin. However, if handled wrong, lasers are ineffective or even dangerous. At Southeastern Aesthetic Surgery you can rely on the experience and compassion of Dr. Austin, who will ensure you walk out of our office with the results you desired.
Southeastern Aesthetic Surgery and Dr. Austin are here to help you achieve full facial rejuvenation. Do not wait, call today to schedule a consultation. We serve clients in Augusta, GA and Evans, GA.