Laser Skin Resurfacing in Dallas, TX

Laser skin resurfacing at Highland Park Plastic Surgery Center is a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure that can be performed for reducing facial lines and wrinkles and for diminishing skin irregularities, such as acne scars, pigmentation, and other flaws.  Laser skin resurfacing is an effective treatment for patients desiring softer, clearer, youthful-looking skin. Depending on the condition of the skin, the laser can be adjusted accordingly. There is some downtime associated with most laser skin resurfacing treatments. Any concerns or questions can be discussed with Dallas, TX board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. George A. Toledo and his experienced team during the initial consultation.

There are several types of laser skin resurfacing treatments that are chosen based on your skin's needs. Some are performed for milder cases of skin damage while others are more aggressive:

• Non-Ablative Laser Treatments
  Non-ablative lasers do not remove any skin  — the light therapy simply creates micro-damage to the skin to promote natural healing. Non-ablative treatments are best for treating sun damage, pigmented lesions, and vascular lesions.
• Ablative Laser Treatments
  Ablative lasers remove thin layers of skin, like a deep chemical peel or dermabrasion, with a precision that allows the technician to minimize skin damage. Ablative lasers are best for improving the appearance of wrinkles, pigment irregularities and scarring.
  • Laser Peel: This is a mild treatment that removes the outermost layers of skin to improve texture, tone, and overall appearance. 
• Fractional Laser Treatments
  Fractional lasers are both ablative and non-ablative that create tiny holes in the deep layers of the skin. The skin's natural healing process creates tighter skin. Fractional lasers may also be used for fine lines, deep wrinkles, acne scarring, sun damage, and uneven pigmentation.
  • Fractionated Laser: This treatment removes pinpoint columns of skin while leaving surrounding skin intact to promote rapid healing and collagen stimulation. By stimulating the body’s wound healing response, this fractionated laser treatment has the ability to effectively treat a wide variety of conditions with minimal downtime.

There are many factors to consider when deciding which laser resurfacing treatment is right for you and your skin goals. Laser skin resurfacing is geared toward patients who are unhappy with their overall complexion. If you have sun-damaged skin, acne scars, age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, or pigmentation issues, laser resurfacing can help correct these imperfections. In addition, it works well if you have scaly patches, rough texture, or other irregularities. Laser treatments may not be recommended if you have very dark skin or active acne. In addition, it is important to understand that there is often downtime associated with these laser therapies. On average, patients need about 48 hours to recover.  Some patients, depending on the condition of their skin and intensity of the treatment, may need up to 1 – 2 weeks to recover.

Medication may be given prior to the treatment to help reduce pain so you can relax during your session. If your skin needs mild correction, a topical anesthetic will be used to numb certain areas where the laser will target. For more intense laser treatments, some type of sedation may be necessary. During the procedure, you will relax in our treatment chair while the laser glides over the skin, precisely targeting the designated areas for improvement.  After your procedure, a post-laser ointment or sunscreen will be applied to the treated area, depending on wether the treatment was ablative or non-ablative.  

For non-ablative laser treatments there is virtually no downtime. In most cases, you can apply makeup and resume normal activities immediately. For ablative and fractional laser treatments, a healing ointment will be applied to the skin and you can return home to recover. The skin will appear red, and there will be some irritation and swelling. This should subside within a couple of days and the peeling process will last over a 3 – 5-day timeframe. If you are undergoing a more intense laser treatment, your downtime will last longer. Medication can be prescribed to help reduce these side effects. The downtime associated with a deeper treatment can last 1 – 2 weeks. All patients should limit their sun exposure after their laser treatment and apply sun protection regularly.  It is important to avoid interfering with the healing process to evade scarring and to protect your face from sun exposure. Once the healing process has been completed, your skin will feel softer while looking clearer, younger, and rejuvenated.

How much does laser skin resurfacing cost?
Laser skin resurfacing costs vary based on the type of treatment you select. In your consultation, we will listen to your concerns and goals before explaining the different types of resurfacing treatments. Then, we can help you choose your treatment and discuss costs. Highland Park Plastic Surgery Center often runs treatment specials and discounted packages so be sure to ask during your consultation.

What is the best type of resurfacing for me?
During your consultation, our aesthetic team will help you decide which laser resurfacing treatment is best for your needs and goals during your consultation. The best treatment for you will depend on the health and condition of your skin, your skin concerns, and how deep you want your treatment to go. How long you are willing to give your recovery may also be a deciding factor when choosing your treatment type. When in doubt, it is best to start with a lighter treatment to see how you like your results and adjust as needed for your next treatment.

How can I help my skin recover after a resurfacing treatment?
A member of our team will talk to you about how you can help your skin heal after a laser resurfacing treatment. The most important rule is to not pick or peel your skin. This could cause lasting damage, including scars. You should skip all hair removal methods in the treatment area, which means no shaving, waxing, or depilatory creams. We will recommend an ointment to help soothe and heal your skin.

Should I get laser skin resurfacing, a chemical peel, or dermabrasion?
After listening to your skin concerns, we will help you decide if laser skin resurfacing, a chemical peel, or a dermabrasion treatment is best for you. While they all improve the surface of the skin, each has its own benefits and drawbacks. During your consultation, we can explain each option and make a recommendation for your treatment.

How often should I get laser resurfacing treatments?
Depending on the resurfacing type selected for your treatment, you may need to wait weeks or even months between appointments. Deeper treatments will provide longer-lasting results but will require a longer recovery period. You should talk to us about how often you are willing to come back for treatments so we can take this into account when recommending a type of resurfacing treatment during your consultation.

Laser skin resurfacing treatments offer outstanding results if you want a younger-looking complexion. If you are considering a laser treatment and would like to learn more about them, as well as other nonsurgical options Highland Park Plastic Surgery Center offers, we invite you to call our office in Dallas, TX today to schedule your consultation.