Laser Skin Resurfacing for Acne Scars and Facial Wrinkles

Many of our San Francisco plastic surgery patients desire to rejuvenate their appearance, but are reluctant to undergo an invasive procedure to do so. Laser skin resurfacing is a minimally invasive procedure with a recovery phase lasting only a couple of weeks in most cases. With laser skin resurfacing, it is possible to achieve a more youthful, more energized, and smoother complexion. Laser skin resurfacing removes the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) with concentrated pulsating beams of light while at the same time heating the underlying skin (the dermis). This is done in a very careful manner, one layer at a time. Laser skin resurfacing stimulates the growth of new collagen fibers, which creates smoother, firmer skin. With new advances in laser technology, there is now more control of the laser than ever before. This enables San Francisco plastic surgeon Kimberly Henry to deliver precise and dramatic results with less risk, especially in delicate facial areas.

Laser Skin Resurfacing: Revitalize and Rejuvenate Your Appearance

Many times our patients find themselves desiring an appearance free of scars and wrinkles, but are unsure of which treatment is best suited for their unique contours. During your consultation, a treatment plan will be tailored to your personal needs and goals. Laser skin resurfacing can be combined with other procedures, such as rhinoplasty and facelift surgery, to fully enhance and revitalize your appearance. Laser skin resurfacing is a revolutionary treatment used for the correction of facial imperfections, including:

• Scars from acne
• Scars from chickenpox
• Sun-damaged skin
• Age spots, sun spots
• Birthmarks
• Facial wrinkles and fine lines around the nose, mouth, and forehead

Laser Skin Resurfacing Side Effects and Risks

Laser skin resurfacing is an excellent treatment for the removal of acne scars and facial wrinkles for many of our San Francisco cosmetic facial surgery patients, but not every patient will be an ideal candidate. Patients who may benefit from treatments other than laser skin resurfacing include those with very dark skin, active acne, deep wrinkles, and skin with excessive sagging.

There are few side effects and risks associated with laser skin resurfacing, with most being temporary. Some of these side effects and risks are:

• Redness: lasting six to eight weeks after treatment for most patients, but may last up to six months
• Swelling, itching, tenderness of the skin
• Pigment changes in the skin: the treated area of the skin becomes darker than the surrounding skin (more commonly experienced by patients with darker skin tones)
• Skin irritation
• Acne flare-ups (especially true in patients with a history of acne)
• Infections, including bacterial, viral, and fungal
• Scarring: this is very rare, and may be improved with medications

After the Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure

Realistic expectations concerning the outcome of the laser skin resurfacing treatment itself and the recovery process are essential to achieve the results you desire. Skin will appear sunburnt immediately after the treatment. For some patients, the skin will appear severely sunburnt. The treated skin will be raw and may ooze or blister. Oozing skin may crust over. If crusted skin is picked at, it may cause scarring. It is important to follow our after-care instructions diligently to ensure proper healing of the treated skin and to avoid infection.

Arrange a Consultation with Dr. Kimberly Henry Today

To learn more about how laser skin resurfacing can rejuvenate your appearance, please contact Dr. Kimberly Henry today.