What is laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing is the perfect anti-aging treatment designed to address the visible signs of aging, sun damage, pigmentation issues and acne scarring. It works by targeting and vaporizing fractions of the outer most layer of the skin to reveal healthy new skin by stimulating the growth of new skin cells to improve skin quality, tone and texture. Treatments also promote the production of new collagen for long-term tissue remodeling to restore firmness, and smooth, even-toned skin. 

Why is it done?

With age and sun damage the skin eventually shows wear and tear. Winkles form, scars develop, discolorations and age spots appear. In addition to stimulating the growth of fresh new skin to replace the damaged skin, new collagen production is a key to combatting the signs of aging because we lose collagen and elastin at a rate of about 1% per year after age 20 which contributes to the development of wrinkles, scarring and sagging, along with photoaging.

Resurfacing is designed to reverse the sign of photoaging and aging for a heathier, more youthful appearance.

What can be treated with laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing can effectively treat scars, wrinkles and blemishes on the face, neck, chest, arms and the tops of the hands to renew and revitalize the skin with minimal downtime.

• dull rough skin
• uneven skin tone and texture
• Minimize sun damage
• Precancerous lesions
• hyperpigmentation including Brown spots, age spots, liver spots
• Crepey Texture
• Sagging skin
• Acne Scars and other scars
• Fine lines and Wrinkles
• Rosacea
• on the face, neck, chest, arms and top of the hands

How does the procedure work?

Ablative resurfacing lasers include CO2 lasers to treat various skin conditions, and Erbium lasers to remove deep lines and wrinkles, sun damage, and scars. Laser skin resurfacing uses pulses of light energy to generate heat which deeply penetrates into the skin layers and stimulates a healing response.

Using controlled heat, the laser removes fractions of damaged skin, leaving columns of surrounding skin which facilitates healing. During the healing process new healthy skin is formed. Additionally, the heat creates thermal zones under the skin that stimulate repair and the growth of new collagen for firmer, smoother skin. Fractional lasers are a safer and more predictable way to deliver dramatic results with shorter recovery time than was previously possible.

After treatment you will feel like you have a sunburn. There will be swelling and redness and depending on the depth of your treatment your skin may ooze, itch and sting. About 5 day after treatment the treated skin will dry out and peel, revealing new healthy skin. Recovery takes about ten days to two weeks. During recovery it is essential to avoid sun exposure. Collagen rebuilding takes time.

Am I a good candidate?

The best way to learn if you are a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swetha Kandula. She will examine and evaluate your skin to assess skin damage, collagen degeneration and determine your skin type.  Some skin types are at greater risk of pigmentation problems from laser skin resurfacing. Generally, you are a good candidate if you are healthy, and have sun damage, rough skin, uneven tone and texture, lines and wrinkles, scarring and skin laxity.

Risks of the procedure include triggering a herpes outbreak. To reduce the risk Dr. Kandula will prescribe an antiviral drug is you have this problem. Acne and eczema can flareup. There is also a risk of bacterial infection and Dr. Kandula may prescribe antibiotics to minimize the risk.

Laser skin resurfacing is a procedure that should only be performed by a board -certified dermatologist with significant experience. Dr. Swetha Kandula is double board-certified in internal medicine and dermatology. She is also an author of peer- reviewed journal articles and book chapters. Dr. Kandula has been a dermatology instructor and has the skills and experience to provide optimal cosmetic dermatology solutions. Contact her at her new office, Dermatology and Skin Arts in Parsippany, New Jersey to schedule a consultation today.