Laser Skin Resurfacing
As a highly advanced laser treatment, laser skin resurfacing can be used to address a wide range of cosmetic skin concerns. Goodman Dermatology, operating out of convenient locations in Roswell, Marietta / East Cobb, Woodstock and Dawsonville, GA, offers this treatment to help patients improve skin health and appearance.
What is laser skin resurfacing?
Lasers focus light energy on the skin to resurface, repair, and rejuvenate facial skin. Photo aging from exposure to ultraviolet light, smile or laugh lines (such as crow’s feet), pigmentation, or acne scars can be reduced or removed with this method. Amplification of light beams through the laser removes the skin’s top layer almost instantly. Goodman Dermatology in Roswell, GA attract patients from Atlanta as well as Alpharetta, Cumming, Johns Creek, Suwanne, Sandy Springs, Marietta / East Cobb, and Milton because of their excellent results in fractional laser treatment.
Why should I consider laser skin resurfacing?
This procedure uses laser technology and focuses light on the patient’s skin. Goodman Dermatology and providers, can actually vaporize damaged, pigmented, or scarring related to acne or burns. Underlying new skin cells are revealed, and skin looks younger. Laser treatments also encourage the body’s production of collagen and elastin fibers. These materials improve the skin’s firmness and elasticity and promote thicker dermal cells. Many patients use this procedure to treat the face, neck, decollete, or chest, and hands.
What is a fractional C02 laser treatment?
Goodman Dermatology in Roswell, GA uses the SmartXide DOT, the most technically advanced fractional C02 system available. This is the ultimate in skin rejuvenation and takes only one hour for most treatments. DOT Therapy is ideal for the treatment of sun damage, brown spots, fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, texture and acne scars. Not only does the DOT offer amazing results, but it does so safely and quickly with little downtime.
This treatment powerfully and precisely resurfaces the skin. Fractional C02 laser treatment is different from the C02 lasers of the past. With fractional C02, the laser works by applying a pattern of tiny scanned pulses of laser energy to your skin with a controlled laser. The DOT procedure is customized to your skin by your doctor. The doctor can adjust the laser’s setting to tailor treatment and obtain the best results for you. Adjustments can be made throughout the procedure to more accurately treat specific areas such as acne scars on the cheeks or fine lines around the mouth.
The DOT Therapy laser precisely creates thousands of microscopic holes in your skin, which induce immediate skin tightening and stimulate new collagen growth. This new form of fractional laser treatment has been found to be as effective as the old C02 which ablated the entire skin surface. The other big benefit from this fractional laser treatment is less downtime because there is less skin surface to heal. Untreated skin isn’t affected or irritated by the procedure. This therapy also allows the dermatologist to treat deeper skin conditions or issues.
Carbon dioxide is used in laser skin resurfacing therapies. The outer skin layer and some of the underlying dermal cells are almost instantly removed. The dermatologist can work on deeper layers of skin to remove or soften wrinkles, furrows, and lines. This type of laser treatment simultaneously heats and shrinks the treatment area to tighten and rejuvenate skin. Many patients prefer this treatment to dermabrasion, a kind of manual sanding and planning of the skin. Both remove the outer layers of the skin but the fractional C02 laser treatment goes much deeper for superior results.
Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
Goodman Dermatology takes the patient’s full medical history and discusses his or her objectives for therapy during an office consultation appointment. Goodman Dermatology and providers will advise the patient about the suitability of this treatment in achieving his or her skin health goals. There is a wide range of treatment options for many patients in search of skin rejuvenation. Some patients benefit from one or more procedures or complementary therapies. It’s important to ask questions about the treatment relating to realistic and achievable health goals. Patients should inform the staff at Goodman Dermatology about any medicines or over-the-counter supplements they take.
I have brown spots, also known as age spots, on my face. Can laser resurfacing remove these?
It’s important to have a board-certified dermatologist evaluate and diagnose the pigmented areas of the skin first. Arrange a consultation with Goodman Dermatology and providers, to discuss your concerns about your facial skin.
Is this procedure painful? Will I need to schedule downtime?
Ask the doctor about anesthetics used prior to treatment. Goodman Dermatology uses best treatment practices to maintain the patient’s comfort. There is no real pain after the procedure. It feels like a sunburn and may be uncomfortable. Some patients experience skin itch after the procedure or as the skin heals. It’s important to keep the skin clean and moist using a product like Aquaphor. Most important, follow all provided instructions for after-care. The patient will need to schedule downtime. For most patients it’s about a week.
What are the instructions for after-care?
Goodman Dermatology and providers will provide the patient with specific after-care instructions. Rest is needed during the recovery period. The patient must not drive immediately after this treatment.
Prescription medicines for itch or discomfort are recommended after the procedure. Treatment moisturizers are also necessary to reduce irritation and keep skin hydrated. Recommended treatment products help the skin to heal. Sun avoidance is best practice after this procedure. The patient should plan to wear prescription high SPF sunscreen each day to prevent discoloration and new UV light damage. The patient should wear clothes that protect him or her from sunlight on an ongoing basis to keep the benefits from the procedure.
Is this treatment safe?
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) must approve medical laser products before providers can use them to treat patients. Only licensed medical professionals such as board-certified dermatologists should perform laser skin resurfacing treatments. Each state has specific laws about the importance of the provider’s skill, licensure, and experience when delivering sophisticated medical, surgical, and cosmetic procedures.
Is this treatment permanent?
This procedure is used to rejuvenate and repair the skin. The aging process continues after the procedure is performed. However, many patients believe this treatment greatly improves the skin’s appearance, elasticity, and overall health. An ongoing treatment plan can assist the patient in maintaining skin health and preventing disease associated with heredity, sun damage, or other factors.
I’ve heard about other laser treatments that have little or no downtime. Would these work well for me?
According to Harvard University School of Medicine researchers, C02 lasers offer more effective results than milder laser treatment options, chemical peels, or manual resurfacing treatments like dermabrasion. Doctors usually recommend C02 laser treatments for patients who desire skin rejuvenation. Patients with darker skin may not be good candidates for this procedure because discoloration (lighter or darker) has occasionally happened.
Conclusion
Rejuvenating the skin can improve appearance and outlook on life. Finding an experienced board-certified dermatologist is the most important component of achieving healthier, more beautiful skin. Achieving skin’s natural radiance is the goal of the professional dermatology practice. Patients in and around Roswell, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Marietta / East Cobb, Woodstock, Holly Springs, Canton, Cumming and greater Atlanta, Georgia should call Goodman Dermatology and providers now at (770) 754-0787.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation at Goodman Dermatology and get started with your laser skin resurfacing treatment. We welcome patients from Canton, Jasper and Johns Creek, Georgia, as well as those living in the surrounding areas of North Atlanta.