Anti Aging Lasers

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing procedures are used in order to improve your skin's appearance, and to treat minor facial flaws. Laser resurfacing can be done with two different types of lasers: an ablative laser that removes thin layers of skin, and a non-ablative laser, which stimulates the collagen growth and tightens the underlying tissues. With laser resurfacing, you can decrease the appearance of fine lines, as well as treat your skin tone and improve your complexion, especially if you have any sun damage or scarring.

• Sun Damaged Skin
• Wrinkles
• Liver/Sun Spots
• Uneven Skin Tone
• Scars

Ablative Laser Skin Resurfacing

This often offers dramatic results in a single treatment, but may require 4-10 days off of work for healing. As with most treatments, there is a potential for side effects.

• Acne – It is common that you will develop tiny white bumps after your treatment. For this reason, it is best to avoid applying thick layers of creams and bandages to your face after your treatments. Doing this can make acne worse, making your laser treatment less effective.
• Infections – This treatment can lead to bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. The most common infection experienced is the herpes virus, since this virus is already present, but is dormant in your skin.
• Itching and Redness – Once your treatment is over, your skin can start to itch and swell. While these side effects will not last very long, the redness will depend on the depth of the resurfacing treatment. This redness may last for up to a couple of months.
• Skin Color Changes – Ablative treatments can cause hyperpigmentation, causing your skin color to become lighter or darker than normal.
• Scarring – The risk of permanent scarring is very slim.

Non-Ablative Laser Skin Resurfacing

Non- ablative laser treatments are often a series of treatments scheduled every few months. These lasers offer gradual results that afford less (often no) time off of work.

• Skin Color Changes – With this type of treatment, your skin color may change and become darker.
• Infections – With non-ablative treatments, the herpes virus has the potential to flare-up, causing a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.
• Mild Swelling and Redness – This will typically only last for a few hours or days.
• Scarring – While this rarely happens with non-ablative laser resurfacing treatments, these treatments can cause blistering or scarring.

Laser skin resurfacing is not for everyone. Be sure to talk with your doctor in order to determine what your options are, and the best treatment for you and your needs. Patients that are experiencing any of the following may not be advised to receive laser skin resurfacing treatments:

• Pregnant or breast feeding
• Taking the acne medication isotretinoin
• Has diabetes, a weak immune system, or has an autoimmune disease.

Please schedule a consultation at DSI to discuss whether either of these types of laser treatments would benefit your skin condition.

Call Dermatology Specialists of Illinois at (844) 307-7546 to schedule a consultation.