Ablative Skin Resurfacing
Ablative Skin Resurfacing Procedures in Kansas City
Do you have skin-damaged skin from spending years in the sun or a tanning bed? Now there’s a safe and effective way to improve your skin with the use of ablative skin resurfacing. It works by delivering intense wavelengths of light to your skin, removing the outer layers of damaged or aged skin. Simultaneously, the lasers stimulate your underlying skin, coercing it to produce collagen, which improves wrinkles, and promotes the healthy growth of new, younger-looking skin. If you have sun-damaged or dry, weathered skin, ablative skin resurfacing by Kansas City Wellness Center might be right for you. Call us today to schedule an appointment with our helpful staff, and we’ll discuss your options.
What Can I Treat with Ablative Skin Resurfacing?
The expert staff at Kansas City Wellness Center utilize ablative skin resurfacing to treat sun-damaged skin, fine and moderate wrinkles, liver and age spots, unequally pigmented skin tones, and acne and chickenpox scars. However, ablative skin resurfacing is not effective in treating sagging skin or deep wrinkles, in which case we can gladly recommend other treatments available at our facility.
- Sun-damaged skin
- Fine and moderate wrinkles
- Liver and age spots
- Uneven skin tone
- Acne and chickenpox scars
How Does Ablative Skin Resurfacing Work?
Ablative skin resurfacing works by directing an intense beam of light energy, (laser), to your skin, destroying the epidermis, or outer layer, and heating the dermis, or underlying skin, simultaneously. Since the outer layer of the skin is removed, collagen production and cell turnover increase, and new vibrant skin cells are grown. Collagen production is stimulated over time, which results in an enhanced skin tone and texture, and smoother, younger-looking skin.
What to Expect Before an Ablative Skin Resurfacing Procedure
Before your procedure, we’ll walk through every step in detail to ensure we’re all on the same page. We may give you antiviral medication before your treatment or instruct you to minimize excessive sun exposure before and after. Additionally, this procedure requires sedation, so you will need a friend or family member to drive you home.
What to Expect During an Ablative Skin Resurfacing Procedure
While being treated, a medical laser-either a CO2 or erbium laser– is aimed at the spot to be treated, causing the skin cells to evaporate. The laser applies pulsed or steady light beams to the treatment area to target the outer skin layers. Our highly skilled practitioner operates the precise and accurate laser, controlling the beam intensity, its movement, and the depth at which it penetrates.
What to Expect After an Ablative Skin Resurfacing Procedure
You may experience burning, oozing, and drainage for up to two weeks after your laser resurfacing. Most clients take about two to four weeks to recover fully. Your recovery time will depend on how much care you put into your skin. After that, new, healthy skin will begin to grow. This procedure also requires several follow-up visits with us to ensure you’re on the right track to recovery and thoroughly enjoying your new healthy skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I A Candidate?
If you are bothered by facial blemishes caused by aging, sun exposure, or any other skin imperfections, then laser skin resurfacing may be the perfect solution for you. Acne scars, crow’s feet, wrinkles around the eyes, sun–damaged skin, or wrinkles around the mouth can all be improved with this treatment.
How Much Does Ablative Skin Resurfacing Cost?
Cost varies depending on how extensive the treatment is and the size of the area needing to be treated.
How Long Is Each Session? How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The procedure can take from 30 minutes to two hours depending on how much of the skin is treated and the extent of the treatment. Usually, only one session is needed.
What Does The Treatment Feel Like?
When the laser touches the skin, you might experience a slight tingling sensation. Generally, this is not too painful for most of the individuals going through the procedure, though, the intensity of the sensation differs from one person to another. Anesthesia is usually used to manage any possible discomfort.
When can I wear makeup after the ablative laser?
You should avoid applying products that will irritate the skin to the treated area, such as cosmetics. Therefore, it is not advisable to apply makeup for two to four weeks, depending on when full recovery is reached.
Are There Any Side Effects?
There are minor side effects with ablative laser resurfacing, which include redness and swelling, itching, and possible infection, which can be caused by a flare-up of the dormant herpes virus, changes in skin color, and a slight risk of scarring.
When Will I See Results?
The amount of effort you put into taking care of your skin will impact the amount of time it takes to recover. Be sure to use a moisturizer and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Gradually, your skin will begin to regenerate with healthier cells and you will see smoother, more youthful-looking skin that will last several years.
Is there any downtime? What can you not do after laser resurfacing?
It usually takes about two to four weeks for the average patient to fully heal. If you take good care of your skin while healing, the recovery time may be quicker. The average time period for full recovery is approximately two to four weeks depending upon how extensive the treatment was and how large of an area was treated. The results are amazing; your skin will be smoother and younger looking, and enhanced results can last for years.