Question:
I’m in my early 40s with a fair complexion. I’ve always taken care of myself and avoided too much sun exposure, so I’m happy with my looks and the overall condition of my skin. However, I would still like to target the wrinkles and fine lines that are starting to develop on my face. The high-end moisturizers and serums I use help, but they’re not quite giving me the results I’d like. I don’t know that much about laser skin resurfacing but I like the idea because it doesn’t involve chemicals or injecting a foreign substance into my body. Is this procedure an option for me and the issues I’d like to address? Are there any potential complications I should know about?
Answer:
Laser resurfacing is a very useful procedure to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and may be appropriate for you. A consultation would be necessary to determine that answer. We approach fine lines and wrinkles from multiple aspects beginning with skin care. While there are several good skin care lines available, we find that many of our patients are using over-the-counter skin care that is quite expensive, but doesn’t have medical science to support it. The first step in treating wrinkles is to be sure that the appropriate skin care products are being used. We prefer PCA skin care and our patients have tremendous results by just switching to this product line. Skin care is essential to improve the skin and also to maintain the results after skin resurfacing. Regarding resurfacing we have a variety of methods from light chemical peels to light lasers to deep lasers and peels. We match the technique to the degree of correction required and the patient’s tolerance for recovery time. In general these procedures are safe. The risk of complication is related to the type and intensity of treatment. The deeper treatments carry more risk although it is still small. The risks include, scarring, infection, increase or decrease in pigmentation and other less troublesome temporary conditions. All of the risks are rare and can usually be treated effectively
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
