As we age, our skin becomes less elastic, drier, and thinner. The sun and environmental damage further contribute to the aging process by causing wrinkles, brown spots, and discoloration. Fortunately, modern technology has given us the ability to erase years of sun damage with fractional laser skin resurfacing. Let’s explore this amazing treatment, how it works, its benefits and risks, and what to expect.
About Fractional Laser Resurfacing
Fractional laser skin resurfacing is an innovative cosmetic procedure that uses a laser beam to remove the outer layer of damaged skin to reveal healthy, younger-looking skin underneath. The laser beam is fractionated, meaning that it divides the light beam into thousands of tiny beams that treat only a fraction of the skin at a time. This approach allows for a gentler, more controlled treatment and significantly reduces the risk of complications.
The procedure works by targeting the water molecules within the skin’s cells, heating them, and causing the skin to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is a protein that makes up the building blocks of our skin, giving it elasticity, resilience, and texture. As we age, our body produces less and less collagen, resulting in wrinkles and sagging skin. Fractional laser skin resurfacing can help reverse the aging process by triggering the production of new, healthy collagen.
Benefits of Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing
The benefits of fractional laser skin resurfacing are numerous. First, the treatment can improve skin texture, tone, and firmness, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Second, it can also reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks, remove age spots and sun damage, and even out skin discoloration. The treatment is minimally invasive, meaning that there are no incisions or sutures required, and it typically has a short recovery time.
Like all cosmetic procedures, fractional laser skin resurfacing comes with some risks. The most common side effects include redness, swelling, and peeling of the skin, which usually subside within a week. In rare cases, the treatment can cause hyperpigmentation, infection, scarring, or changes in skin texture. That said, the risk of complications is low when the treatment is performed by a qualified healthcare provider, such as Dr. Marc Wetherington, a board-certified plastic surgeon.
What to Expect?
Fractional laser skin resurfacing typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treated area. Before the procedure, Dr. Wetherington will apply a numbing cream or local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. You’ll be given protective eyewear to wear during the treatment. After the treatment, you may experience some redness, swelling, and peeling of the skin, which can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication and moisturizer. Dr. Wetherington will give you specific aftercare instructions to follow, such as avoiding direct sunlight and using gentle skincare products.
Is Fractional Laser Resurfacing Right for You?
Fractional laser skin resurfacing is an effective, minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that can erase years of sun damage and reverse the signs of aging. By stimulating collagen production, the treatment can improve skin texture, tone, and firmness, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, scars, and age spots. While the procedure does come with some risks, the potential benefits far outweigh the potential side effects. If you’re considering fractional laser skin resurfacing, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wetherington to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for the treatment.
If you’re ready to explore the benefits of fractional laser skin resurfacing, the team at Horizons Plastic Surgery is here to help. Dr. Wetherington is dedicated to providing personalized care and achieving the best possible results for his patients. Don’t let sun damage and signs of aging keep you from feeling confident in your skin. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward healthier, younger-looking skin. We look forward to helping you reveal your inner radiance.
