Laser resurfacing is a growing segment of the plastic surgery industry, and it’s not a surprise. Laser treatments can help with many different signs of aging and skin problems. For many years, the standard for laser treatments was the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. However, there were many drawbacks to the treatment, most notably the long and arduous recovery process. Because laser treatments have been growing in popularity so rapidly, there are many more options available today for lasers that can be used in skin rejuvenation. While CO2 lasers are still used in some cases, there are now gentler options for patients, such as the Whisper-3G Erbium laser for refreshing and anti-aging.
Sound too good to be true? Here are the facts about this effective, yet minimally invasive treatment.
How it Works
As with other laser treatments, Whisper-3G Erbium laser works by targeting the outer layers of skin with a precise beam of light. These layers are the aged and sun-damaged part of the skin, and by removing them, younger, healthier skin is revealed beneath. In addition, the laser stimulates the skin to produce more collagen, a structural protein that gives skin many of its youthful qualities, such as firmness and smoothness. Following treatment, patients can expect to see improvement in wrinkling, age spots and overall dullness of the complexion.
A Gentler Procedure
The procedure can be done in an office setting, and the most that may be required to keep the patient comfortable is a topical anesthesia. In addition to being more comfortable for the patient than traditional options, the lack of anesthesia cuts down on facility and anesthesiologist’s fees, making the procedure more cost-effective. Many patients want great results without the discomfort and anesthesia, making the Whisper-3G Erbium laser an ideal choice.
Recovery
Older methods of laser peels involved extensive downtime, which usually meant weeks of staying at home with peeling, uncomfortable skin. Whisper-3G Erbium takes the recovery process down to almost nothing, and it is up to the patient as to what they are comfortable with. Following treatment, the skin will be red and flaky, but there is no reason patients cannot return to work the day after treatment if they feel comfortable. Makeup can even be worn on the day after treatment to minimize the appearance of side effects during the healing process, which takes about 3-4 days on average. Patients will still need to take care of and protect the skin in order to promote good results and avoid any potential complications.
Repeat Procedures
Because the Whisper-3G Erbium laser treatment is so gentle, it cannot produce the dramatic results of the CO2 lasers in one treatment. Many patients find that undergoing multiple rounds of treatment is their best bet for getting the results they want. These treatments are spaced over the course of a few months to allow the skin to heal between sessions and optimize results. This treatment plan is great for people with a busy lifestyle because the procedure involves little downtime, and each treatment lasts only thirty to forty-five minutes.
Learn More
If you would like to discuss your interest in Whisper-3G Erbium laser with an expert plastic surgeon, then come to Buckingham Center and meet with esteemed, board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Edward Buckingham. Dr. Buckingham emphasizes gentle procedures that produce beautiful, natural-looking anti-aging treatments. Ready to discuss your goals with Dr. Buckingham, call Buckingham Center in Austin today at 512.401.2501 to schedule your consultation.