Laser Skin Resurfacing Chicago

What is laser resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing is used to improve cosmetic flaws, such as wrinkles, acne scars, and aging and sun-damaged skin. Undesired skin cells and wrinkles disappear in a puff of mist and are replaced by fresh skin cells. One of the laser’s most significant advantages over traditional techniques for skin resurfacing is that treatment is relatively bloodless. The procedure also offers more control in the depth of penetration of the skin’s surface, allowing an increased degree of precision and safety in treating delicate areas.

What can laser resurfacing treat?

Laser resurfacing is performed in the dermasurgeon’s office to help:

• Erase fine lines and wrinkles of the face
• Smooth and tighten eyelid skin
• Improve crow’s feet around the eyes
• Soften pucker marks and frown lines
• Remove brown spots and splotchy, uneven skin color
• Improve and flatten scars
• Repair smoker’s lines
• Improve skin tone and texture

What can be expected?

Discomfort is usually minor during the procedure, and your dermasurgeon can discuss the administration of any pain medication prior to treatment.

Following skin resurfacing, the treated areas usually are kept moist with ointment or surgical bandages for the first few days. The skin is typically red or pink and may be covered with a fine crust. The treated sites must be protected from sunlight after the procedure. Once healing is completed, sunblock lotion should be applied. In some cases, a pink surface color may remain for several days to several months. Make-up can be worn after about 7-14 days.

Are there any side effects?

Each year thousands of laser resurfacing procedures are performed successfully. Significant complications are rare, and the risk of scarring is low. Some patients may be at risk for varying degrees of pigmentation loss, particularly with the CO2 laser. Common minor side effects may include crusting, mild swelling, redness or brown discoloration at the treatment sites. These are usually minimized by surgical techniques and pre- and post-operative regimens.