A fresh start for your face
One day at the beach or one acne scar doesn’t seem like it should make much difference to the quality of your skin, but the damage your skin incurs accumulates over time, and becomes more and more evident as the years pass by. Laser skin resurfacing provides an opportunity for older, damaged skin to be replaced by new, clearer, younger-looking skin, and can be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including
Skin damaged by age or sun exposure
With age, skin naturally loses some of its elasticity and becomes prone to tearing and discoloration. Sun damage can accelerate and exacerbate these effects, as well as causing the skin to take on a rough, leathery appearance and texture. Laser skin resurfacing is often a viable treatment for this type of skin damage.
Minor wrinkles and lines on the face
As laser skin resurfacing will target the epidermis, or top layer of skin, it is not the best option for treating deep wrinkles caused by tissue loss, but can be very effective in minimizing the appearance of shallow wrinkles and lines forming at the corners of the eyes, between the eyebrows, on the forehead, or between the mouth and nose.
Warts, birthmarks, discolored patches, and scars.
It depends on the specific situation, but many unsightly marks and blemishes respond well to this type of laser treatment.
How laser skin resurfacing works
Laser skin resurfacing can be performed using either ablative or nonablative lasers. Ablative lasers work by systematically removing layers of skin by inflicting a uniform, mild injury to the skin’s surface. In this case, skin is actually removed, and it is the growth of new skin that gives it a healthier, more youthful and uniform appearance. The procedure is similar to a chemical peel or dermabrasion, but is much more precise and allows the surgeon a great deal of control over the areas treated, and the final outcome.
The use of nonablative lasers is sometimes indicated in less extreme skin damage. Nonablative lasers do not actually remove any skin, but heat the surface of it, causing minor heat damage and stimulating the growth of collagen. While the effects of ablative lasers are more immediate and dramatic, the results of nonablative laser treatment continue for several months after the procedure.
30 years of experience
A cosmetic procedure such as laser skin resurfacing requires a great deal of control and technique on the part of the plastic surgeon: any time you are deliberately inflicting damage on the skin in order to promote new, healthier growth, great care must be taken not to cause excessive damage or inhibit healing. At Sinclair Plastic Surgery, we have been helping people achieve their aesthetic goals for decades, all the while maintaining the small boutique setting that allows our patients to feel safe and comfortable.
We believe in the importance of direct communication and collaboration between patient and doctor, so when you come in for a consultation, you’ll be meeting with Dr. Sinclair himself to discuss your concerns and goals, and to find out about the various options in your individual case.
