CO2 laser resurfacing has been the "gold-standard" for skin rejuvenation for the past 10 years remaining one of our most powerful tool for treating acne scars, advanced sun-damage and wrinkles. Less vigorous Erbium laser resurfacing can be performed in the office with topical anesthesia for moderately wrinkled and sun-damaged skin with excellent results and short healing times.

Who is a candidate for Laser Skin Resurfacing

If you have tiny wrinkles, acne scars and other minor skin imperfections, then laser resurfacing can help you. It can improve sun damaged and acne scarred skin which often causes concern to both men and women. The C02 laser will produce mild permanent change in skin texture and tone, so generally it is used for the entire face.

The CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure

The CO2 laser, is a beam of light capable of removing unwanted tissue. Dr. Popham directs the laser beam toward the patient's skin imperfection. The laser quickly and accurately vaporizes layers of skin just four or five cells in thickness one layer at a time without bleeding, while the underlying skin tissue is preserved. As a result of this treatment, the patient is left with more natural looking skin. The surgery is done under anesthesia so when the procedure is completed your face will be covered with a dressing that you will leave on for 3-5 days.

After your laser skin treatment, there will be an initial redness, which will fade in a few weeks to a light pink. The color can be camouflaged with cosmetics. The discoloration (hyperpigmentation) may appear 3-6 weeks after the procedure but with skin creams will eventually disappear in 1-3 months.

The Erbium Laser Resurfacing Procedure

The laser light is absorbed by the water in your skin cells. The absorption in turn causes the instantaneous vaporization of the cell. As your physician passes the laser light over your skin, a mere 30 millionths of an inch of tissue is removed at a time. This incredible control allows Dr. Popham to treat only as deeply as needed, from removing wrinkles to refreshing your overall skin appearance. After the damaged skin is removed, new skin quickly re-grows in its place.

Noticeable results are typically seen in a few days, with complete healing in only a few weeks. Light resurfacing around the eyes and lips in general takes only a few days. A deep full facial resurfacing may take longer before you feel esthetically comfortable to return to your normal activities.