Aging of the skin is a normal (and inescapable) part of life. Years of sun exposure, repetitive contraction of facial muscles on a daily basis, and gradual loss of skin elasticity result in the development of wrinkles, age spots, and skin dullness. These common symptoms of aging may make a person look significantly older than they actually are.
While there are many surgical procedures to address the effects of aging, one of the most effective is a minimally invasive treatment called laser skin resurfacing. Laser resurfacing can reduce wrinkles and other skin irregularities like sun damage, age spots, and acne scars, while simultaneously improving the overall tone and texture of the skin.
What is laser skin resurfacing?
Laser resurfacing (sometimes called a laser peel) uses highly concentrated microscopic beams of laser energy to remove precise amounts of skin in a controlled, targeted fashion. It vaporizes the skin surrounding wrinkles and scars, minimizing their visibility. It also removes the old, dull top layers of skin and initiates the production of new collagen and elastin, improving skin quality, texture, and firmness.
Laser resurfacing can also be much more powerful than other exfoliative skin treatments such as chemical peels or microdermabrasion, with the ability to treat more severe or advanced skin symptoms.
Who is a good candidate for laser resurfacing?
If you have fine lines and wrinkles, shallow acne scars, pigmentation issues (like uneven skin tones or age spots), or dull sun-damaged skin, you may be a great candidate for laser skin resurfacing. However, laser resurfacing may not be ideal for patients with severe acne or very dark skin tones.
