Laser Skin Resurfacing in Sugar Land, TX

Skin resurfacing with a laser at Timeless Plastic Surgery is a noninvasive aesthetic treatment that utilizes pulsating beams of energy to eliminate dead and damaged skin cells. The procedure is used for addressing facial wrinkles and lines and for minimizing skin flaws including pigmentation, acne scars, and other issues. Sometimes known as a laser peel, fractional skin resurfacing is considered an ideal procedure for people who want clearer, softer, younger-looking skin. Based on the needs of the patient's skin type, the treatment may be customized for best results. There is little recovery time required for most laser skin resurfacing facials. Any questions or concerns may be reviewed with Houston, TX plastic surgeon Dr. Peter Chang during your assessment and consultation.

Timeless Plastic Surgery offers three kinds of laser resurfacing skin procedures that are selected depending on your skin goals. Some are performed for milder cases of skin damage, while others are more aggressive:

• Ablative Laser Treatments
  Ablative lasers treat thin skin layers, similar to dermabrasion or a deep chemical peel, with a high level of control that permits the laser technician to reduce damage to the skin. Ablative lasers are ideal for firming the skin, as well as treating acne scars and wrinkles.
• Non-Ablative Laser Treatments
  Non-ablative laser treatments don't remove the skin — the laser light simply makes micro-injuries to the skin cells to encourage natural skin healing. Non-ablative facials are great for addressing wrinkles and fine lines on those who are willing to wait 2 – 3 months to see strong results.
• Fractional Laser Treatments
  Fractional laser treatments are a combination of non-ablative and ablative that make small holes in the deeper skin layers. The body's self-healing process leads to tighter, healthier skin. Fractional laser treatments can also be used to treat fine lines, sun damage, acne scars, and pigmentation issues.

You have multiple factors to think about when selecting which laser peel procedure is best for your needs. Laser skin resurfacing is ideal for people who are unsatisfied with their skin's appearance. If you see skin damaged by the sun, age spots, acne scars, wrinkles and fine lines, pigmentation, or redness troubles, a laser peel procedure may be helpful to improve these complexion blemishes. Also, a laser peel is wonderful for those who have rough texture, scaly patches, or other skin surface problems. A laser peel isn't suggested for anyone who has very dark skin tones or active acne outbreaks. Additionally, it's important to know that there is a recovery period needed after laser treatments. Certain patients, based on their skin condition, may require as much as 2 – 3 weeks for their skin to normalize.

Before you are scheduled for a more intense or deeper laser peel treatment, you may be given a retinoid product for 2 – 3 weeks before your laser peel. The retinoid helps prep the skin for more effective results. Medication may be suggested prior to the procedure to help lessen any pain for increased comfort throughout your appointment. If your complexion only needs mild improvement, a local anesthesia may be applied to numb treated areas of the face. For the whole complexion or deeper laser procedures, a kind of sedation may be required. Throughout the procedure, you can relax in our special treatment chair while the laser handpiece passes over your skin, directly targeting the needed surfaces for rejuvenation. You may feel the heat of the laser followed with cold air from the system's built-in cooling device. The laser energy is designed to remove damaged and dead skin cells while also prompting new collagen production.

Following light peels, an ointment will be smoothed over the treated skin and you can go home for your recovery. The treated skin may look pink and there may be some swelling and irritation. These symptoms subside in a few days and the skin peeling process will occur over a 3 – 5-day period. For those who are getting a deeper laser peel, your recovery time will take longer. The treatment sections may be protected with dressings and the irritation, burning, and swelling symptoms may be stronger. Pain medication can be prescribed to lessen these symptoms. The recovery period for a more intense laser treatment may last several weeks. Every patient needs to minimize their UV exposure following their laser peel and use sun protection throughout the day. For all laser peel treatments, the treated skin will naturally crust, flake, and peel off. It's crucial to avoid accelerating the recovery process to prevent scarring and to shield your skin from environmental exposure. After the peeling is finished, the treated skin should feel smoother while also appearing younger, clearer, and rejuvenated.

How much does laser skin resurfacing cost?
Your laser resurfacing cost will depend on the treatment you get. During your initial consultation, we will ask about your skin problems and wants before reviewing the types of laser resurfacing available. After this, we will help you decide on your resurfacing method and talk to you about costs. Timeless Plastic Surgery regularly offers skin treatment specials and packages, so ask about current specials during your appointment.

What's the best type of resurfacing for me?
We can help you choose which resurfacing option will best meet your concerns and goals in your initial consultation. What treatment is best for you will depend on the condition of your skin, any skin issues, and the skin depth you want your treatment to reach. The length of recovery time might also be an important consideration when you create a treatment plan. If you are unsure, it is better to select a milder treatment then assess your outcomes and decide if you want something stronger for your second appointment.

How can I help my skin recover after a resurfacing treatment?
We will explain ways to speed skin healing following your treatment. The key is to not peel or pick off flaking skin. Doing this can create long-term damage like scars. You need to forgo all hair removal methods on the treated skin, which includes waxing, shaving, or depilatory creams. We can suggest cream to help soothe treated areas.

Benefits of laser skin resurfacing?
There are many benefits to laser skin resurfacing including the noninvasive nature of the treatment. If you have tired or dull-looking skin and are interested in refreshing your complexion, then this procedure may be right for you. During your consult, we can go over all your cosmetic goals to create a customized treatment plan.

How often should I get laser resurfacing treatments?
Based on the laser resurfacing options you choose for your procedure, you might need to wait several weeks or even a few months between treatments. Deep laser treatments will give you results that last a long time; however, this means a longer recovery period. You should let us know how frequently you want to return for appointments so we can consider this when choosing a treatment plan in your initial consultation.

Your treatment with laser skin resurfacing provides amazing results if you are looking to get a more youthful appearance. If you are curious about a laser treatment and want to hear more information about their benefits, and about additional nonsurgical procedures Timeless Plastic Surgery performs, we encourage you to contact our office in Sugar Land, TX today to make your appointment.