Laser Skin Resurfacing
WICHITA FALLS, TX

During your consultation, Dr. Stephan will go over all of the non-surgical procedure options available to you, and will collaborate with you to create a customized treatment plan to bring about the fruition of your aesthetic goals.

As we age, our skin begins to change as a result of several different life factors. The natural collagen within the skin begins to diminish and skin may sag and droop. Smoking, alcohol consumption, sun exposure, nutrition and more can also lead to the development of wrinkles and fine lines within the skin. Other skin conditions such as acne, brown spots and chicken pox can leave unattractive blemishes on the skin.

Laser skin resurfacing is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and other skin irregularities. It offers patients many advantages over traditional resurfacing procedures such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion, as it practically eliminates side effects such as discomfort, bleeding and bruising.

Although laser skin resurfacing uses the same basic principles of other procedures and treats aging, damaged skin by removing a layer of skin, it does so through a noninvasive procedure that uses laser energy to remove as much skin as needed. This allows for a much deeper removal through more precise and less invasive techniques.

THE STEPHAN GALLERY

Procedure

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia in Dr. Stephan’s office. Treatment takes about 30 minutes to complete, depending on the size and location of the treated area. Some patients may choose to have individual areas of the face treated, while others seek treatment for the entire face.

After anesthesia is applied to the treatment area, the laser energy is applied to the targeted area. The damaged skin is safely removed with little to no damage to the surrounding area, and allowing new, younger-looking skin to develop underneath.

Recovery and Results

After treatment, patients may experience swelling and redness. The skin may appear similar to having a mild sunburn. After about five to seven days, a new layer of skin will form and makeup can be applied to cover any remaining side effects. Pain after this procedure is minimal, and results are visible as the skin heals. Most patients return to work after a week, although when you return is up to you.

Some patients may experience a mild breakout as new skin develops, along with scabbing, peeling and flaking. These side effects are considered normal and usually go away on their own within two weeks.

Once the healing process is complete, patients often experience improvements to the appearance of their skin, including:

  • Reduced scarring
  • Eliminated areas of pigmentation
  • Tightened skin
  • Improved skin tone and texture
  • Improved appearance of wrinkles and fine lines

Patients should avoid direct sun exposure and be sure to wear sunscreen after the laser treatment, as the new skin is highly sensitive. Most patients are highly satisfied with the results of their procedure and can enjoy rejuvenated skin that can be maintained as long as proper skin care techniques are practiced.

Safety

Laser skin resurfacing is considered safe for most patients, and can be used on any skin type or color. However, patients with darker skin may not be able to be treated with such aggressive settings, because of an increased risk of pigmentation after treatment.

Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have taken Accutane® within the last six months are generally not advised to undergo this treatment, and should talk to Dr. Stephan before doing so.

If you are interested in learning more about laser skin resurfacing, and to find out if this procedure is right for you, please call us today to schedule a consultation.