Look Younger and Rejuvenated With Laser Skin Resurfacing

The idea of using a laser on your face can sound scary at first. But once you understand how useful this popular cosmetic technique is for reducing some of your most unwanted and noticeable facial concerns, you'll be excited to schedule your treatment. At Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery, laser skin resurfacing is an effective treatment for uneven skin tone, wrinkles, scarring, and sun damage. Through the use of thermal energy, lasers heat the deep layers of the skin to stimulate long-lasting changes and bring forth younger-looking skin.

The plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Reston, VA, have extensive knowledge and years of experience in performing laser skin resurfacing. Halo™ laser technology is used to deliver a controlled laser beam that penetrates the skin's surface and exfoliates dead skin cells, leaving patients with a smoother, fresher look. The lasers are highly customizable and can be adjusted to suit each patient's unique skin care needs. Halo features the latest skin resurfacing technology and is the world's first hybrid fractional laser (HFL). This state-of-the-art laser penetrates deep into the skin's layers, leaving the skin's surface intact, and reveals amazing results with less healing time. Read below to learn how laser skin resurfacing can help give your skin a younger, rejuvenated appearance.

Laser skin resurfacing explained

Lasers have been a powerful weapon in the fight to recapture beautiful, vibrant skin for decades. Today's advanced system of lasers enables the deep removal of thin layers of skin with minimal heat. Pulse by pulse, small laser beams target the skin to soften wrinkles and skin irregularities, smoothing the skin's surface. Some patients benefit from having their entire face treated, while others will want to focus on specific areas. The body's natural healing mechanism, collagen, is stimulated and awakened to reveal a healthy, tightened outer layer of skin.

Common issues laser-fixed

Laser skin resurfacing can change your skin's dull appearance into a glowing one. Our face and neck are often affected by the sun's powerful rays, which can leave their telltale marks behind. Laser skin resurfacing is a noninvasive way for women and men in Northern Virginia to eliminate layers of dead skin cells and show off new and healthier skin. It's also capable of tightening mild skin laxity, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Skin resurfacing is fantastic for individuals with the following concerns:

• Wrinkles

• Age or sun spots

• Uneven skin tone or texture

• Scarring

Preparing for laser resurfacing

To start your journey toward laser skin resurfacing, schedule a consultation with one of the plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery. One of our doctors will review your medical history and any medications you are taking. During this time, it is always a good idea to have full disclosure with our team. For patients who tend to get cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth, laser skin resurfacing could trigger an outbreak. Northern Virginia candidates will undergo a physical assessment of the proposed areas to be treated to determine realistic expectations for the changes that can be made. A person's skin thickness and tone are some of the determining factors that could predict the outcome. If you decide that laser skin resurfacing is the right choice for you, it is advised that you avoid certain medications or supplements such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or vitamin E for ten days before the procedure.

Following a laser resurfacing treatment, the new skin is very sensitive to the sun. It is highly advised that patients try to schedule their procedures in the fall or winter when swimming pool season has ended and there is less risk of sun exposure. As always, and especially important following a laser treatment, the best way to protect your skin from sun damage is to wear sunscreen every day (SPF 30 or above).

The results speak for themselves

The time it takes to recover from laser skin resurfacing can vary from patient to patient in Northern Virginia. It is reasonable to expect some redness and swelling for the first few days. After about a week, your skin will begin to dry out and peel. The estimated recovery time for full healing is from 10 – 21 days. Once your skin has healed, you may resume wearing oil-free makeup to minimize any residual redness. In time, your skin will look refreshed, tightened, and more youthful for years to come as long as you maintain a good skin care regimen and remember to wear sunscreen.

For optimal results, laser skin resurfacing needs to be performed by a trained and highly skilled expert like the plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery. A laser is a powerful tool, and it could cause undesirable results if misused on your face. Are you ready to learn more about laser skin resurfacing using Halo laser technology? If so, we invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Reston, VA, today. You will love your new look and vibrant, healthy skin.