Laser Resurfacing in Orlando, Florida
If you’ve noticed sun damage on your face, fine lines around your lips, or acne scars on your cheeks that bother you, then laser skin resurfacing might be of interest to you. Although there are a number of categories of lasers, most patients can be safely treated with a fractional ablative laser. This is a kindler, gentler approach than the old “fully-ablative” laser treatments, yet it’s still very effective.
The basic idea behind fractional laser resurfacing is to make a “polka-dot” pattern of laser dots on the skin, leaving untreated skin in-between to jump-start the healing process. Since only a fraction of the skin is treated, healing is more rapid, recovery is quicker and easier, and complications are less than with the older methods. Useful lasers include the CO2, the erbium and the YSGG powered fractional ablative lasers, and all 3 types can be effective. We usually use the CO2 machine, as there is significantly less bleeding during treatment, and a more effective skin tightening effect.
Recovery
There will initially be some mild swelling. The polka dot pattern of laser dots will initially look like white spots in a grid formation. After a few days, these will turn brown, then flake off around the 4th or 5th day. There may be some blistering or crusting – this usually resolves by 10 days or so, if present. The healed skin will look smoother and will be pink in color for a few weeks.
If you have a job where you are “in the public eye”, you may wish to wait until healing is complete – about 10-14 days. With lighter laser treatments, people often return to work in 5-7 days or less.