As we age, we begin to notice the effects of aging on our skin, especially on the face. While this may not seem too important to some people, if it is for others who want to get a younger look. There are a variety of procedures to assist in this matter, as well as surgical facelifts.
Many patients wish to avoid incisions and downtime associated with more invasive procedures. One of the options available to these people can be laser skin resurfacing. This procedure can also be known as ”laser peel”, this procedure can reduce wrinkles and is usually performed around the eyes and mouth.
The laser skin resurfacing is one of the newest cosmetic procedures and its popularity is increasing among the population. Much of this acceptance is due to the facial laser resurfacing has some advantages over other methods of skin rejuvenation as less bleeding, bruising and discomfort. Also this method requires a shorter period of recovery thanks to modern lasers are safer and smoother than they were in the past.
Benefits of Laser Resurfacing
The benefits surrounding facial rejuvenation laser focus on the less invasive nature of the procedure. The skin problems such as moderate or severe acne, crow’s feet and wrinkles in general may be diminished because lasers because they eliminate the skin tissue, layer by layer. With the procedure, blood vessels are sealed, therefore, the risks of bruising, bleeding and discomfort is reduced during the recovery period.
Patient characteristics
The ideal patients for facial laser resurfacing are those who want to improve their appearance through a relatively quick procedure, with a limited period of inactivity. Other reasons to love each subject to treatment can be increased self – confidence thanks to the results as better physical appearance.
Eventually, patients undergoing treatment lose their shyness and are no longer self – conscious because they have a smoother skin and a more youthful appearance. However, their goals must always be realistic and must understand from the outset that the procedure is designed to improve their physical appearance, not to achieve perfection. During the first visit with your doctor, you should discuss your reasons for wanting to submit to this procedure and explain your expectations about the expected results.
You should be aware that the facial laser resurfacing is not suitable for all skin types. For those with darker skin, it may require six to nine months to regain normal pigmentation of the skin after application of the procedure. Also, if you’re medicating with a substance that increases scarring or skin disorders suffer will not be a good candidate for this treatment. These issues should be evaluated by a dermatologist before starting any procedure.
Laser Skin ResurfacingProcedure
This procedure can be performed in the doctor’s office, at an outpatient facility or at a local hospital. In most cases, the procedure can be performed in a relatively short period of time. This period can last from a few minutes to just over an hour. Once the procedure is completed, the patient will be allowed to go home the same day.
In the treatment of laser resurfacing intense laser light that vaporizes the upper layers of the skin of the specific damaged areas it is used. The physician is moving the laser on the skin until it reaches a layer where scars or wrinkles are not so visible. The new skin will eventually replace the old skin and this process will significantly reduce scarring and wrinkles.
Once the procedure is completed, the treated areas may apply a protective cream or ointment to promote the healing process.
The procedure, in most cases performed under local, except anesthesia in cases where scarring is wider. In such cases, the doctor may provide a general anesthesia to keep you asleep during the process. Once the procedure is completed may occur discomfort or swelling in the treated area, then the surgeon can address the problem by administering prescription and applying ice packs painkillers.
Alternatives to laser facial resurfacing
There are other methods available to improve the appearance of our skin. Among the most common alternatives we can find:
The Chemical peels : This procedure is able to eliminate the causes age spots or sun spots that may appear on the hands and face. In a procedure estre chemicals that dissolve the skin upper layers, thus reducing the occurrence of surface irregularities apply.
The microdermabrasion : This procedure can be used to remove surface blemishes. This is a procedure slightly invasive chemical peeling as it involves the use of tiny crystals of sand intended to remove the top layer of skin.
Recovery period
The patient will need a week to recover, After the procedure. As a result of treatment, it is normal that the skin remains a pinkish or sometimes red, over the coming weeks, which is why some patients apply makeup to cover those changes color. However, during the first week, it should not makeup on the treated areas are applied. Once spent the first week, the patient is free to apply this makeup to cover reddened skin until it returns to its natural color. Similarly, you should consult your doctor this. Usually the doctor to perform the treatment after surgery, will explain specific guidelines you must follow. You should never start the scabs that form because of the treatment, as this can cause scarring in the area.
Risks associated with laser skin resurfacing
In all surgical procedures, the patient is exposed to a certain risk. Patients should be aware that although the facial laser resurfacing risks are minimal, there may always be some changes in pigmentation in some cases, even permanent, scars and burns caused by the laser. The surgeon can also cause skin damage if done too deep procedure. In this treatment, the infection is very rare. In other possible complications, which are usually temporary we can name tenderness or sensitivity of the treated skin and light pigmentation changes.
Price Laser Resurfacing
The total cost not only depends on the cost of the surgeon, but may vary depending on many other factors. Among these various factors we can find many expenses like anesthesia, facility fees, etc. We should note that the cost of the procedure may also vary depending on the country or the city where performed. When you go to visit with your surgeon first you must leave with a clear budget, know the total cost of the procedure and all expenses included therein.
The extent of your treatment will also affect costs. It is possible that a patient with localized imperfections in the deep layers of the skin has to stay in hospital to perform the procedure. If this is the case, surely the surgeon wants you administer general anesthesia. All this will significantly increase costs, because instead of performing the procedure in an outpatient or in a doctor ‘s office under local anesthesia, the procedure should be performed in a hospital under general anesthesia. It is important to review your complete treatment your doctor before beginning any procedure.
Most mutual not cover such procedures as they are designed for aesthetic purposes. For this reason, medical centers where these procedures are performed usually offer financing plans in order to facilitate patient payment. Although this issue you should consult your doctor because each school is different.
Issues you can deal with your doctor during the first visit
On the first visit with the doctor, it must introduce a treatment plan and answer any questions or concerns you have regarding treatment and recovery period, the benefits and you can have realistic expectations about the results.
Some of your questions might be:
- Which method is the best treatment in my case and why?
- Reasonably, What results can I expect and what the policies are regarding repetition or correction procedures that do not meet the agreed expectations?
- How and where will perform the procedure? Is it an accredited facility?
- What are my anesthesia options?
- What is the recovery period?
- What is the experience level of the surgeon (how many procedures has made over the past year)?
- What percentage of patients suffer complications during treatment and what were these complications?
You could ask for referrals of patients treated and contact any of them to know firsthand their level of satisfaction with the procedure that you have practiced. In addition, this first visit you should inform your doctor about any medical conditions, allergies or medications you’re taking.