Laser Skin Resurfacing in Houston, TX

Laser skin resurfacing at MIA Plastic Surgery is a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure that uses pulsating beams of light to eliminate dead and damaged skin layers. The treatment is used for addressing facial lines and wrinkles, and for minimizing skin flaws including acne scars, pigmentation, and other issues. Also known as a laser peel, laser skin resurfacing is an ideal procedure for patients desiring a softer, clearer, younger complexion. Depending on the needs of the skin type, the laser may be adjusted accordingly. There is some downtime suggested with most laser skin resurfacing facials, which can be discussed during your assessment and consultation with Houston, TX plastic surgeon Dr. Phi P. Nguyen.

There are 3 types of laser skin resurfacing treatments that are chosen based on your skin's needs. Some are performed for milder cases of skin damage, while others are more aggressive:

• Ablative Laser Treatments
  Ablative lasers treat thin layers of skin, like a deep chemical peel or dermabrasion, with a precision that allows the technician to reduce skin damage. Ablative lasers are best for firming the skin and treating wrinkles and acne scars.
• Non-Ablative Laser Treatments
  Non-ablative lasers do not remove any skin — the light performs micro-damage to the skin to encourage natural skin healing. Non-ablative facials are great for addressing fine lines and wrinkles on patients who are able to wait 2 – 3 months for strong results.
• Fractional Laser Treatments
  Fractional lasers are both ablative and non-ablative that create small holes in the deeper layers of the skin. The skin's self-healing process creates tighter, healthier skin. Fractional lasers may also be used to treat fine lines, acne scarring, sun damage, and pigmentation issues.

There are multiple factors to think about when selecting which laser peel procedure is right for your needs. Laser skin resurfacing is ideal for people who are unhappy with their skin's appearance. If you have skin damaged by the sun, acne scars, age spots, wrinkles and fine lines, redness or pigmentation troubles, a laser peel treatment can be helpful to improve these complexion blemishes. In addition, a laser peel works great for those who have scaly patches, rough texture, or other irregularities. This treatment is not recommended if you have very dark skin or active acne. Additionally, it is important to know that there is downtime associated with these laser treatments. Some patients, depending on the condition of their skin, may need up to 2 – 3 weeks for their skin to normalize.

If you are undergoing a deeper or more intense laser peel treatment, you may be asked to use a retinoid product for a few weeks prior to your laser peel. This helps prepare the skin for more effective results. Medication will be suggested prior to the treatment to help lessen pain and for increased comfort during your session. If your skin needs mild correction, a topical anesthetic will be used to numb certain areas where the laser will target. However, for the full face or more intense laser treatments, some kind of sedation may be required. During the procedure, you will relax in our treatment chair while the laser glides over the treated skin, precisely targeting the needed surfaces for rejuvenation. You will feel the heat of the laser, followed by cold air from the built-in cooling system. The laser works to remove damaged and dead skin cells, while also stimulating new collagen production.

For light peels, a healing ointment will be applied to the skin and you can return home to recover. The skin will look red and there will be some irritation and swelling. This should subside within a couple of days and the peeling process will occur over a 3 – 5-day timeframe. If you are getting a more intense laser treatment, your recovery time will be longer. The treated areas will most likely be covered by dressings and the irritation, burning, and swelling symptoms will be stronger. Medication can be prescribed to lessen these side effects. The recovery period associated with a deeper laser treatment can be 2 – 3 weeks. All patients should minimize their sun exposure after their laser peel and apply sun protection throughout the day. For all laser peel treatments, the skin will naturally flake, crust, and peel away. It is crucial to not interfere the healing process to both avoid scarring and to protect your skin at all times from environmental exposure. Once the peeling process has been completed, your skin will feel softer while looking younger, clearer, and rejuvenated.

A laser skin resurfacing peel gives amazing results for patients who want a younger-looking complexion. If you are curious about a laser treatment and would like to learn more about them, as well as different nonsurgical procedures MIA Plastic Surgery offers, we invite you to call our office in Houston, TX today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Phi P. Nguyen.