Laser skin resurfacing reduces signs of aging, sun damage, and minor skin flaws to help men and women reach their personal cosmetic goals. It’s a type of treatment that uses laser energy to deliver dramatic results quickly. Facial plastic surgeon Dr. Will Thompson customizes skin resurfacing treatments to suit each patient’s skin type and individual goals at his practice in Denver, CO.
Why Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Genetics, age, environmental toxins, and sun exposure can lead to various skin conditions, including brown spots, pigmented lesions, poor texture, wrinkles, fine lines, and skin laxity. Dr. Thompson customizes treatments with laser technology to provide a variety of benefits. Laser treatments can treat:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Skin laxity
- Hyperpigmentation
- Brown spots
- Large pores
- Acne scars
- General skin imperfections
How Skin Resurfacing Works
Several different types of lasers may be used for skin rejuvenation. They work in different ways, although all create a controlled, superficial injury in the skin using laser light. This triggers the production of collagen, and as the skin heals, the new skin that forms is smoother and tighter. The immediate result is the removal and reduction of unwanted age spots, wrinkles, fine lines, and scars from acne.
Dramatic early results will occur after an ablative skin resurfacing treatment, but longer recovery time is also necessary compared to non-ablative treatment options. Only one treatment is typically needed, but Dr. Thompson may recommend a second treatment in certain situations.
Laser Resurfacing for Different Skin Types
Dr. Thompson recommends the best resurfacing option for each patient’s skin condition and skin type. There are safe and effective resurfacing options for multiple skin tones and colors. However, some treatments have been known to create pigment irregularities in dark skin.
In certain situations, Dr. Thompson may recommend a different treatment for patients with darker skin tones. He has experience working with every skin type and recommends the safest and most effective treatment options for each patient.
Skin Resurfacing Candidates
Ideal skin resurfacing candidates are healthy adult men and women who are nonsmokers and want to improve the appearance of their skin. The best candidates are proactive and diligent with their post-treatment skincare and have realistic expectations. Skin resurfacing allows individuals to address various skin concerns, including discoloration, wrinkles, acne scarring, and damage from the sun.
Skin resurfacing is designed to reduce signs of aging and promote younger-looking skin. The treatment addresses near-surface and deeper imperfections, stimulating a brighter, clearer, and more beautiful complexion.
Skin Resurfacing Consultation
There are many skin resurfacing treatment options available. During a private consultation with Dr. Thompson in Denver, CO, patients can share their concerns and desires. The doctor then reviews their medical history and examines their skin to determine the best treatment options for clearer, brighter, younger-looking skin.
Patients who want quicker, more dramatic results may benefit from resurfacing the deeper layers of the skin. Patients who require shorter recovery time and are willing to wait for progressive improvement may benefit from gentler resurfacing treatments instead. Dr. Thompson creates a plan based on the results the patient wants to achieve and the skin problems they want to address.
Preparing for a Skin Resurfacing procedure
Patients should avoid sun exposure before the treatment and wear broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher daily to protect their skin. Patients who have a history of cold sores will need to begin taking medication the day before the resurfacing procedure.
Strong skin products, such as retinoids, should be stopped before the treatment, and self-tanning lotions must be exfoliated away the week before the procedure. Dr. Thompson provides each patient with a full list of pre-care instructions, which may vary based on the treatment plan.
Skin Resurfacing Treatment
The treatment process varies somewhat based on the specific goals of the procedure. Dr. Thompson uses local or general anesthesia when needed to make the treatment comfortable and safe.
More powerful treatments penetrate deeper to remove the outer layers of the skin and result in more dramatic results. Each treatment is adjusted according to the sensitivity of the skin in the target area. Treatment areas can include areas of wrinkled skin and fine lines around the mouth, bags under the eyes, age spots, surface scars, and more. During the months following the treatment, the body promotes collagen growth to improve the skin’s texture and fill in lines. Lighter treatments provide significant benefits with less recovery but typically require multiple procedures to achieve optimal results.
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Skin Resurfacing Recovery
Laser resurfacing treatment recovery time varies depending on several different factors. Non-ablative treatments may not require any downtime, but ablative lasers involve a longer healing process depending on the depth of the procedure.
Dr. Thompson provides each patient with laser aftercare instructions. Depending on the treatment, daily care may include the application of cool compresses, ice packs, healing ointment, skin soaks, avoiding heavy exercise, medication to relieve discomfort, and antihistamines to calm itching.
Keeping the skin moist will encourage healing. Patients are not restricted to bed rest, but their skin may be red or scabbed initially, depending on the details of the treatment. Patients are to avoid makeup, sunblock, or other products besides those listed in the aftercare instructions until the doctor sees them for their follow-up appointment. Many patients modify their activities to avoid certain social situations until their skin begins to show improvement and the redness has faded or can be concealed with makeup.
Why Choose Dr. Thompson
- Obtained his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
- Completed his head and neck surgical repair training at LSU Health Sciences Center
- Trained under the guidance of Dr. Frederick Stucker, world-renowned rhinoplasty surgeon and past president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS)
- The AAFPRS accepted Dr. Will Thompson as one of 49 surgeons to receive a sponsored Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship.
- Dr. Thompson completed his fellowship with Dr. Stephen Smith at Smith Facial Plastics and The Ohio State University
- Board Certified by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQs
The cost of laser resurfacing varies widely, depending on the resurfacing procedure, the number of treatment sites, and the patient’s goals.
Ablative laser resurfacing uses light energy to eliminate the upper reaches of the skin and can lead to unwelcome consequences such as redness, itching, and swelling. There are risks associated with the procedure, which may include bleeding, infection, changes in skin color, and scarring. Non-ablative laser resurfacing, which does not remove the outer layers of the skin, can also cause side effects, including skin color changes, mild swelling, and redness.
Individuals with an autoimmune disease, a tendency to form scars, or a history of cold sores, as well as those with a darker skin tone, are pregnant or are breastfeeding, might not be the best candidates for laser skin resurfacing. However, there are other effective treatment options that you can discuss with Dr. Thompson.
Reducing signs of aging and improving your skin’s youthful appearance can be achieved through laser skin treatments. However, the natural aging process will continue after treatment, and you may develop new lines or pigmentation over time. Proper sun protection will help preserve results over a longer period of time. During your private consultation, Dr. Thompson will explain the anticipated results and the aftercare requirements.
If you live near Denver, CO, Thompson Facial Plastics offers Laser Skin Resurfacing among its services and is conveniently located at 3150 E. 3rd Ave Ste. 200 Denver, CO 80206
Schedule Your Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment in Denver Today
Dr. Thompson, in Denver, CO, is a facial plastic surgeon specializing in facial rejuvenation and laser resurfacing. If you want to improve your skin’s condition, lighten scars from acne, or reduce lines and deep wrinkles, please call to request a laser skin resurfacing consultation with Dr. Thompson today!
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