What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Laser Skin Resurfacing | St Paul MN | Woodbury MNWhat is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser Skin Resurfacing is also known as Laser Peel. As we age, the effects of sun damage and environmental pollutants take their toll on our skin, creating wrinkles and pigment irregularities, especially on our faces. A Laser Peel can be very successful at reducing or eliminating these conditions, and in fact it is the best way to address the problematic lines that occur around the mouth and eyes.

How does Laser Skin Resurfacing or Laser Peel work?
The laser safely removes a layer of skin to a depth determined by Dr. Thao. The depth of the treatment will depend on the skin condition, your desired outcome and expectation for downtime. Because the laser machine can affect tissue with micron precision, Dr. Thao can treat your skin with the exact amount of energy needed – no more, no less. Treating skin with a laser stimulates the growth of new collagen, which improves the skin’s thickness and resilience. The skin surface will also re-grow with fresh, healthy cells, which will give your skin a younger rejuvenated appearance.

What conditions can be treated with Laser Skin Resurfacing or Laser Peel?

  • Mild to deep wrinkles (even in difficult to treat areas like around the mouth and eyes)
  • Acne scars
  • Sun damage skin
  • Keratosis
  • Pigment irregularities
  • Poor skin tone/texture

What areas of the body can be treated?
Most skin areas can be treated. Popular treatment areas are the face and neck, though some people also treat the chest and hands. Laser skin peels are often combined with traditional plastic surgery procedures to further improve results. You should discuss your needs with Dr. Thao.

How many treatments will I need?
Excellent results can be obtained in just one treatment, however the number of treatments needed may vary from patient to patient. Dr. Thao can personalize a plan based on your specific needs and may choose to combine the Laser Peel with other aesthetic procedures to further personalize your treatment.

How long will it take to recover?
Complete healing will depend largely on the depth of treatment. Healing times for light peels are typically 3-4 days before patients resume normal activities. For deeper treatments, you should discuss realistic expectations for recovery with Dr. Thao.

When should I expect results?
For light peels, most patients notice an obvious improvement in tone, texture and color evenness once the skin heals in approximately 3-4 days. For the deeper laser peels, the top skin layer will re-grow and can be covered with makeup in about 1 week, at which time you will see noticeable improvements in your skin’s texture, tone and wrinkle appearance. Deeper laser treatments also stimulate the growth of new collagen over the next 4 to 6 months. During this time, the skin may show increasing improvements in tightness and resilience.

Your Consultation - Laser Skin Resurfacing or Laser Peel
An initial consultation is required for all laser and IPL procedures. We invite you to schedule a private consultation with Dr. David Thao, one of Minnesota's top board certified plastic surgeon, to explore your Laser and IPL treatment options. During the consultation all aspects of your proposed treatment will be discussed including preparation, relative risks, recovery, range of fees, and financing options. Woodbury Plastic Surgery in Minnesota is committed to caring for the whole person by educating, nurturing and comforting our patients in a safe, professional environment.

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