Will Laser Resurfacing Solve Your Cosmetic or Aging Woes?

In Hampstead, New Hampshire and around the country, the signs of aging and various cosmetic blemishes or skin conditions are troubling for many individuals. Wrinkles and fine lines are often one of the first things that make people feel older, and many urgently look to get rid of them. Some try creams or lotions that promise to provide younger-looking skin, while others ask their dermatologist if there is anything they can do about the wrinkles and other signs of aging. The answer they get may depend on several factors, but one procedure that has been successful is laser resurfacing.

The laser resurfacing procedure works by producing an intense beam of light. This beam of light travels in just one direction and gently ablates the skin tissue in the treatment area. This helps to eliminate wrinkles, scars, fine lines or other blemishes. This technology may also be used to get rid of visible blood vessels. A handheld device is used to deliver the laser to the skin, where it treats undesired skin cells which are replaced by fresh skin cells. The procedure is relatively bloodless compared to many other cosmetic options for treating wrinkles or fine lines.

In addition to the cosmetic application of lasers for the treatment of the skin, many other facets of the medical field put to use this technology. You might find lasers used in surgery, ophthalmology, hair removal or even tattoo removal. Lasers have become popular in the medical field because of their safety and precision, but that's not to say that risks do not exist. Interested individuals are encouraged to discuss the possible risks and complications of laser resurfacing with a knowledgeable medical professional in the Hampstead area.

Milia are small white bumps that appear on the skin, and may appear following laser resurfacing. By gently cleansing the area with a washcloth, the milia often disappear without scarring. Other possible side effects include hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation (which is excessive pigmentation and decreased pigmentation, respectively), as well as reappearance of a cold sore, especially if the area around the mouth is treated.

This procedure is not intended to be a substitute for a facelift and the procedure is not used to eliminate excessive skin. Laser resurfacing helps to tighten loose skin, however, which helps to improve many folds and creases. The procedure may even be used in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures such as dermabrasion for improved results. Before combining treatments, though, it is important to discuss the possibility with a trained professional.

A full-face treatment may take up to two hours, while partial-face treatments may take between 30 and 45 minutes. A sterile dressing is applied to the area treated for a period of 24 hours following the procedure, after which the patient will cleanse the area three times a day using a saline solution. An ointment is then applied. This care is intended to help avoid scabs and to ensure that the wound heals in a healthy manner, which usually takes between 10 days and three weeks.

Learn more about laser resurfacing in Hampstead, New Hampshire..