Laser Resurfacing in Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ
Laser resurfacing is a treatment designed to reduce facial wrinkles and skin irregularities, most commonly blemishes or acne scars. The technique directs small, concentrated pulsating beams of light at irregular skin, precisely removing skin layer by layer. This popular procedure is also called lasabrasion, laser peel, or laser vaporization. Generally, it is an outpatient procedure, meaning there is no overnight stay. If the procedure is targeting parts of your face, it will take about 30 to 45 minutes. A full-face treatment can take up to two hours. The areas treated usually heal in 10 to 21 days, depending on the condition that was treated.
How does it work?
The two types of lasers most commonly used in laser resurfacing are carbon dioxide (CO2) and erbium. Each laser vaporizes skin cells damaged at the surface-level. CO2 Laser Resurfacing is a method that has been used for many years to treat different skin issues, such as wrinkles, acne scars, warts, enlarged oil glands on the nose, and other conditions. The newest version of CO2 laser resurfacing uses very short pulsed light energy (known as ultrapulse) or continuous light beams that are delivered in a scanning pattern to remove thin layers of skin with minimal heat damage.
Erbium laser resurfacing is designed to remove surface-level and moderately deep lines and wrinkles on the face, hands, neck, or chest. One of the benefits of erbium laser resurfacing is minimal burning of surrounding tissue. This laser causes fewer adverse effects — such as swelling, bruising, and redness — so your recovery time should be faster than with CO2 laser resurfacing. In some cases, recovery may only take one week. If you have a darker skin tone, erbium laser resurfacing may work better for you.
Is it for me?
How do you know if laser skin resurfacing can help your skin? There are a few things you should look for on inspection of your skin, the first being wrinkles. Laser skin resurfacing will treat all wrinkles, including dynamic and static wrinkles. Examine yourself for freckles, sun spots and skin discoloration. Laser skin resurfacing will treat pigmentation that results from exposure to the sun. Look for specific types of scars you want removed. Laser skin resurfacing can treat acne scars or any other scarring that resulted in pitted or raised skin. Look for unwanted vascular conditions, such visible blood vessels.
If you are a healthy individual in the Phoenix area and you are interested in undergoing laser skin resurfacing start by scheduling your initial consult with Dr. DeVito at her Scottsdale facility to see which procedure can help you get your desired results. It is important to choose a physician, like Dr. DeVito, who has documented training and experience in laser skin resurfacing. During the initial consultation, Dr. DeVito will determine which laser treatment is best for you after considering your medical history, current health, and desired results.
