Laser Peels at the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center Medical Spa...

A Laser Peel, which is also sometimes called a "laser resurfacing" or "laser-abrasion" procedure is used to treat acne scars, wrinkles and uneven skin tone.  A Laser Peel improves the skin by creating a fresh, smooth complexion.

What is a Laser Peel?

A Laser Peel is a procedure that uses lasers to create a new, smooth skin appearance.  The laser “ablates”, or destroys, the outer layers of skin which have been damaged by age, sun, acne, wrinkles, or pigmentation problems or spots.  The destruction of the older layers of skin prompts the body to generate a new layer of skin cells which are unaffected by the previous skin condition.

Because the laser is very precise, cosmetic surgeon Dr. Summers can focus very specifically on only the problem areas in selected patients.

Because the laser is very precise, Dr. Summers can focus very specifically on only the problem areas in selected patients.

A Laser Peel is similar to photo rejuvenation but involves a much more intense laser light.  Because a Laser Peel is more aggressive, it requires a longer recovery period (usually several days) compared to "no downtime" procedures such as photo rejuvenation. Because of the intensity of the treatment, a Laser Peel is not appropriate for darker skin types.  Dr. Summers will assist you in determining which procedure will best produce your desired results.

What Can a Laser Peel Do For Me?

• If you have fine lines, they can often be temporarily eliminated through a Laser Peel.
• The appearance of deeper wrinkles can be significantly reduced with a Laser Peel.
• A Laser Peel can dramatically diminish the appearance of acne scars.
• If you have uneven skin tone, a Laser Peel can often create even pigmentation.
• A Laser Peel can significantly improve sun-damaged skin.
• Laser Peels can tighten skin that has lost elasticity due to aging.

What Does a Laser Peel Feel Like?

• You will not feel anything during the treatment because the skin will be numbed with novovaine prior to the procedure. (If large areas are going to be treated, a sedative or general anesthetic is used, in which case you would be asleep for the procedure.)
• After the procedure, you will have some discomfort that is relieved with oral medication.
• The procedure can take as little as 15 minutes or as long as 90 minutes depending upon the size of the areas being treated.

What Can I Expect After the Procedure?

• Laser resurfacing is an outpatient procedure, and you may go home the same day. If you are sedated or under general anesthetic, however, you will need someone to drive you home.
• You will probably need to stay home from work for one to two weeks while your skin is healing.
• Swelling is expected after laser resurfacing, which lasts for a few days. Cold compresses and ice packs will help to diminish swelling.
• The skin may ooze for a week after the procedure, and you will appear red similar to a sunburn.
• When the skin has ceased oozing (usually within a week or two), you will be able to wear make-up to cover any remaining redness.
• In some patients, the redness can last for a period of weeks or months.
• The ultimate outcome is often better when the redness lasts longer.
• You may need to treat the skin with an ointment and periodic clean dressings until the areas have healed.
• As the skin heels and the redness fades, you will gradually see a fresher layer of skin revealed and may continue to see improvement for up to six months.
• You may need several treatments to achieve your desired results, but treatments should be about six months apart.
• Your skin will be more vulnerable to sun damage following laser resurfacing, and special care should be taken to protect it for at least six months.
• The effects of laser resurfacing can last for years, but results are not permanent. Any wrinkles that are formed as a result of repeated facial expressions will eventually come back.

For more information about Laser Resurfacing Click Here

Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Peels:

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