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What Can You Expect from Laser Skin Resurfacing?

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Contrary to popular belief, there are other procedures besides the facelift that can be used to help reduce the signs of aging as well as restore beautiful skin.

Laser skin resurfacing involves using a carbon dioxide (CO2) or Erbium:YAG laser to remove the dead outermost layers of skin. During the healing process, new, healthy skin is regenerated in its place. If you aren’t sure you’re ready for a facelift, laser skin resurfacing may be for you.

What you want to change

Laser skin resurfacing is utilized in a number of ways. The procedure is commonly performed to reduce signs of aging like crow’s feet, smile lines, and general wrinkles of the skin. Laser skin resurfacing is also used to diminish acne scarring as well as combat rhinophyma, a skin disorder sometimes caused by extreme rosacea. Overall, most seekers of laser skin resurfacing desire the smooth skin that the once had.

Candidates for laser skin resurfacing

A consultation with Dr. Paik should be scheduled beforehand to address your goals for the procedure. This meeting will be focused on if laser skin resurfacing is right for you. Some of the typical signs qualifying you as a candidate for the procedure include those characteristics listed above as well as: skin discoloration, chicken pox scars, facial scars sustained from an injury, skin damaged by the sun, as well as general wrinkles ranging from soft to deep.

Expectations of surgery

Although the results from laser skin resurfacing are generally well-received, not everyone’s skin heals the same way. Due to this inconsistency, results can vary depending on the patient. It is also important to remember that you will not really be able to see your results until your face fully heals, so patience is key. Although your skin will become smoother, there is also a chance that the area affected by the procedure can become lighter in pigmentation, which is a permanent change.

After the procedure

It is important that you give yourself adequate time to heal before returning to work or the public view. Due to the nature of the surgery, your skin will be red and swollen, and very sensitive as the new layers of skin regenerate. To insure proper healing, a few precautions need to be taken. Some people apply makeup to cover up some of the redness. However, make sure that you wait until the new layer of skin fully forms before using any makeup. Additionally, try to avoid sunlight until your skin has healed; the UV rays can severely damage your regenerating skin. Discomfort can be alleviated with mild medication and won’t last long, but redness in the face may take a few months to completely disappear. Most patients return to work in 10-14 days.

Am I covered?

As with most cosmetic procedures, laser skin resurfacing is not typically covered by insurance companies. However, in some instances, an insurance company may pay for part of the procedure if it is used to treat a facial injury scar or to remove a precancerous growth from the face. Dr. Paik will discuss the best type of treatment for your specific situation and will be able to provide an accurate price that reflects the goals you wish to achieve with the procedure.

If you’re not sure if this procedure is right for you, there are also other forms of non-surgical operations that can be utilized. You can schedule a no-obligation consultation with Dr. Paik by calling 812-469-3434.

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