Laser Skin Resurfacing in West Bloomfield, MI

Laser skin resurfacing at Bloomfield Plastic Surgery is a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure that uses pulsating beams of CO2 laser energy to exfoliate damaged surface skin one layer at a time. The treatment is great for correcting facial lines and wrinkles and for improving skin blemishes, like acne scars, pigmentation, and more. Also called a laser peel, laser skin resurfacing is a great facial treatment for patients desiring softer, clearer, youthful-looking skin. Depending on the condition of the complexion, the CO2 laser will be adjusted accordingly. There is some downtime needed with most laser skin resurfacing procedures. Any concerns or questions can be discussed with West Bloomfield, MI plastic surgeon Dr. Julio Sosa during the consultation.

CO2 laser skin resurfacing is a fantastic option for those in the West Bloomfield, MI area who want to improve their skin’s look, minimize abnormalities, and remove blemishes. Laser skin resurfacing at Bloomfield Plastic Surgery offers many potential practical and cosmetic benefits, including:

• Refreshing the complexion
• Lessening the appearance of wrinkles and lines
• Balancing rough texture and tone
• Minimizing skin damage and scarring
• Reducing skin discoloration
• Treating visible or enlarged pores

CO2 laser skin resurfacing is designed for anyone who is unhappy with their general complexion. If you have sun damage, acne scars, age spots, lines and wrinkles, redness, or pigmentation concerns, laser skin resurfacing treatment can be used to reduce and improve these cosmetic flaws. In addition, laser skin resurfacing works well for patients who have scaly patches, rough texture, or other irregularities. This treatment is not recommended if you have very dark skin or active acne. Also, it is important to be aware that there is downtime associated with these laser peels. Some patients, depending on the condition of their skin, may need up to 2 – 3 weeks for recovery.

You may be asked to use a retinoid cream for a few weeks before your laser procedure. This helps prepare the skin for better results. Medication will be prescribed prior to the treatment to help minimize pain for greater relaxation during your session. For the full face or more intense laser treatments, some form of sedation may be used. This procedure is performed in a hospital setting. You will feel the warmth from the laser followed by cold bursts of air from the built-in cooling system. The CO2 laser works to eliminate dead and damaged skin cells while also stimulating natural collagen production.

A healing ointment will be applied to the skin following treatment, and you will be released to return home and 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. As every patient reacts to treatment differently, your recovery period could last longer than others. The treated areas will most likely be covered by dressings and the swelling, burning, and irritation side effects will be more intense. Medication can be prescribed to minimize these side effects. The recovery time associated with a deeper laser peel can last 2 – 3 weeks. All patients should reduce their sun exposure after their treatment and apply sun protection frequently. It is vital that you avoid interfering with the healing process by peeling the skin, which could cause scarring. You should also be sure to protect the treated area against UV exposure. Once the peeling process has been completed, your skin will feel softer while looking clearer, rejuvenated, and younger.

How can I help my skin recover after a resurfacing treatment?
Dr. Sosa or a member of his team will discuss how you can help your skin heal after a laser resurfacing treatment. The number one rule is to avoid picking or peeling your skin. This could lead to 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.

How often should I get laser resurfacing treatments?
Deeper treatments will provide longer-lasting results but will require more time for recovery. You should talk to Dr. Sosa about how often you are willing to come back for treatments so he can take this into account when suggesting a type of resurfacing during your consultation.

Can I combine laser skin resurfacing with other procedures?
Absolutely! As a matter of fact, Dr. Sosa often creates a custom treatment plan that addresses each of your cosmetic concerns and could include injectables, skin care treatments, laser procedures, and more. If you wish to address more than just your complexion, be sure to be candid with Dr. Sosa so that your treatment plan can be tailored to meet each of your goals.

Is laser skin resurfacing painful?
While laser skin resurfacing is generally well-tolerated, some patients in West Bloomfield, MI may experience mild discomfort or a sensation of heat during the procedure. Topical numbing cream or local anesthesia is often applied to minimize any discomfort. After the procedure, patients may experience redness, swelling, or a sunburn-like sensation, which can be managed with ice packs and prescribed medications.

How many treatments are needed to see results?
The number of treatments needed varies depending on the individual's skin concerns, the type of laser used, and the desired outcomes. Some patients may see improvement after a single treatment, while others may require multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart to achieve optimal results. Our team at Bloomfield Plastic Surgery will recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.

Are the results of laser skin resurfacing permanent?
While laser skin resurfacing can produce long-lasting results, the natural aging process, and environmental factors can impact the skin over time. To maintain the results, patients may benefit from periodic maintenance treatments and a consistent skin care regimen that includes sun protection and hydration.

A laser skin resurfacing peel offers excellent results if you want a younger-looking complexion. If you are thinking about a laser resurfacing treatment and would like to learn more about them, as well as other nonsurgical treatments Bloomfield Plastic Surgery offers, we invite you to call our office in West Bloomfield, MI today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Sosa.