Laser skin resurfacing has changed the “face” of skin rejuvenation, smoothing signs of aging and restoring damaged skin after acne or facial injury. These technologies offer dramatic results in less time than other non-surgical treatments, such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion. November is National Healthy Skin Month, and our medical staff wishes to highlight how laser treatment can improve your skin health and complexion.
Athena Plastic Surgery uses state-of-the-art laser technology to revitalize your face, neck, decolletage, and other body areas. Our medical staff have extensive training and experience with these treatments and can match you with the laser that can address your unique concerns.
1. Laser-Controlled Tissue Injury Jumpstarts Your Natural Healing Response
Lasers harness light and heat to improve skin tone and texture. Controlled tissue injury stimulates your body’s healing response, sending new collagen and other proteins to the treated area. These technologies address multiple skin concerns at once, but their intensity and recovery vary. Ablative lasers remove the surface layer of skin for transformative results in a single appointment. Non-ablative lasers create channels in the skin for selective tissue damage over a series of treatments. Ablative laser treatment requires a longer recovery than non-ablative.
Athena Plastic Surgery uses the Cutera Xeo laser system with several treatment modalities and attachments for customized laser treatments. The Laser Genesis™ non-ablative attachment is one interchangeable feature used to tighten and brighten skin with light energy that penetrates the deep skin tissues. This device can reduce wrinkles, sunspots, redness, age spots, stretch marks, scarring, and other aesthetic flaws.
Pearl Fractional Laser Full-Face and Ablative Resurfacing uses another attachment. The Pearl fractional laser offers powerful facial rejuvenation for mild to severe wrinkles, discoloration, and uneven texture. The heat from the laser stimulates natural healing.
IPL Limelight Photofacial Rejuvenation also uses the Cutera Xeo laser system to remove or lighten skin discoloration, such as redness and age spots. Intense pulsed light (IPL) uses light wavelengths to target melanin (pigment) and hemoglobin and shrink the discolored spots that rise to the skin’s surface where it sheds off.
2. Lasers Increase Collagen and Promote Skin Remodeling
Skin remodeling with lasers triggers the growth of newer, healthier tissues with additional collagen for younger, beautiful skin. A 2020 assessment published in the Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences found that laser treatment introduces beneficial anti-aging proteins in the treated area, including fibroblasts that help form connective tissues and secrete collagen proteins for a stronger, firmer skin structure. Collagen is the “fountain of youth” protein that gives your skin its strength and youthful glow, but your body produces less and less collagen as you age. Laser treatment also rapidly increases keratinocytes that hydrate and protect your skin from UV exposure and bacteria.
3. Lasers Offer Long-Term Improvements in Skin Tone and Texture
Laser skin resurfacing strengthens your skin quickly and effectively for longer-lasting outcomes than other non-surgical treatments. However, your skin is ever-changing as epithelial cells turn over, and you’ll need future appointments to maintain results.
IPL Limelight treatment may last up to a year before retreatment is necessary, but follow-up treatments are recommended every six to 12 months. Non-ablative laser treatment with Laser Genesis™ lasts 12 months up to five years, and ablative treatment with the Pearl laser may offer results for three to five years. Maintenance sessions are recommended to touch up or maintain your youthful look as your skin ages.
Celebrate National Healthy Skin Month with a consultation at Athena Plastic Surgery to discuss your skin concerns and treatment options. Contact our offices in Stuart and West Palm Beach, Florida, at (772) 266-5003.