Are acne scars, wrinkles, sun damage, or other skin irregularities keeping you from putting your best face forward while out and about in Metro Atlanta?

If so, the latest advancement of Laser Skin Resurfacing may be the solution you’ve been searching for. Using the cutting-edge technology of precision laser beams, Laser Skin Resurfacing removes the damaged outer layers of skin to reveal the brighter, healthier layers underneath.

This treatment offers an alternative to more invasive options (like surgical facelifts) and can be performed on individual areas of the face or the entire face. So if you’re concerned about wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, or fine lines, you may be a candidate for this revolutionary procedure. A consultation with a licensed provider is your first step in finding out for sure if it is your best bet.

If it turns out that it is indeed right for you, here are a few things you can expect from your Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment in the Atlanta area.

Before being treated, your provider will want to know what medications you’re on and if you smoke as these can affect your outcome. Specifically, over-the-counter medications or supplements like aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E can affect clotting and should be avoided at least 10 days prior to treatment. Smoking should be stopped at least two weeks before and after treatment as it prolongs the healing process.

During the outpatient procedure, precision laser beams target the outer layers of the dermis in the treatment area to precisely remove micro patterns of skin at a time, leaving small bridges of intact skin in between to facilitate healing and the skin’s own natural collagen production. A combination of topical and local anesthetic might be used depending on the size of the treatment area. These may even be combined with relaxation or IV sedation if the entire face is being treated.

Depending on the area being resurfaced with the laser, treatment can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes for specific areas. A full-face treatment may take up to two hours.

The healing process takes place in about 3-7 days. During this time, it’s crucial you keep the treated area properly moisturized to help the healing. Your provider will go over with you the best way to do this.

For a few weeks, it may look like you have a mild sunburn, but this can usually be covered with makeup. Redness diminishes as the treated area continues to heal, but it is recommended to limit sun exposure for several weeks after treatment (6-12 weeks) and broad-spectrum sunscreen should be worn every day you plan to be outside. You may feel itching or stinging for 12 to 72 hours after the procedure.

As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks involved. These may include:

• Burns from the heat of the laser
• Scarring
• Changes in skin pigmentation, including areas of darker or lighter skin
• Reactivation of cold sores
• Bacterial infection

Your provider will discuss any risks with you prior to your treatment, as well as take any necessary precautions to minimize their potential. But most likely, after all is said and done, you can expect smoother, tighter, and younger-looking skin in the weeks following your treatment. Be sure and talk with your provider to get all your questions answered and find out if Laser Skin Resurfacing is right for you.