Laser Skin Resurfacing Mobile, AL

Patients who wish to refresh their skin and reduce signs of aging often turn to Dr. Randy Proffitt for laser skin resurfacing treatments in Mobile. Using light-based therapy, outer damaged layers of skin are removed to unveil clear, fresh skin cells and the skin’s natural collagen production is kick-started.

Collagen is an important component of your skin as it gives the skin volume and youthfulness. As an added benefit, the treatment may encourage some tightening of the skin, as well.

Laser skin resurfacing can treat skin on the face, but may also be used on the neck, chest and hands. It can also treat common skin issues such as:

• signs of sun damage
• age spots
• lines and wrinkle removal
• acne scars
• blemish removal
• laser assisted blepharoplasty
• lower eyelid surgery with transonjunctivital (eliminates risk of scarring that causes “slceral show”)

Dr. Proffitt also prefers to use the Coherent CO2 Laser as a part of blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery. By incorporating the laser into this procedure, Dr. Proffitt is able to minimize bruising and swelling that can be associated with the surgery. Additionally, by performing eyelid surgery through the inside of the lower lid, Dr. Proffitt can minimize post-surgery scarring.

Who’s the Right Candidate for Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing treatments can be performed on many skin types and ages. Because of the nature of this advanced technology, laser skin resurfacing treatments can be targeted to an individual patient’s needs and skin condition.

The Treatment: How Laser Skin Resurfacing Works

Prior to beginning your treatment with the laser, the skin at the treatment site will be cleansed. As your treatment begins, the laser handpiece will be set to the appropriate parameters for your skin condition. It will then be uniformly passed over the surface of your skin. Here, the light will penetrate your skin, heating the collagen. At the same time, outer layers of skin will begin to be shed, beginning the rejuvenation process.

How Will I Look and Feel After Laser Skin Resurfacing?

After completion of your laser skin resurfacing treatment, it’s not uncommon for your skin to be reddish and for you to experience some swelling. These side effects could last for a few days, at which point the benefits of your treatment will become obvious. Your skin will be extremely sensitive for a few days after treatment, so you will need to take care to shield it from sun exposure. You should also apply a daily SPF or an ointment, as prescribed by Dr. Proffitt.

When the healing process has been completed, your skin will look refreshed, smoother and with a more even tone. Scars will be greatly diminished and may even become unnoticeable. Others may even start noticing your younger appearance.

More information about Laser Skin Resurfacing – by Dr. Randy Proffitt

Laser skin resurfacing is a popular procedure for removing fine wrinkles, sun damaged blemishes of the skin, and pre cancerous lesions of the face. Laser skin resurfacing has undergone many evolutions over the years. It started approximately 20 years ago with the advent of a CO2 laser. This laser is also used in surgical procedures inside the body. The CO2 laser that I’ve used for approximately 15 years will remove the outer layer of skin in a quantifiable manner. This is similar to what chemical peels and dermabrasion will do only with more precision. The end result is that the patient is left with smoother, tighter, and more youthful skin without the wrinkles and blemishes that were present before resurfacing. However it is not intended to tighten large areas of skin which have signs of aging. Usually this problem is more amenable to face or neck lifting. The procedure is done as an outpatient either under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. The entire face can be treated or just smaller areas such as around the eyes or mouth. Resurfacing the entire face takes approximately 1 hour. Afterward, a generous amount of antibiotic ointment is applied over the skin. The patient can wash the skin on a daily basis with a light, gentle soap. I recommend Johnsons Baby Shampoo. An ointment or moisturizer can be applied to the skin on a regular basis to keep the skin moist. Usually within 7-10 days the new layer of skin has grown over the surface and at that point in time the patient can transfer to their regular facial moisturizer.

Prior to the procedure I like to have the patient on a combination of Retin A cream to prepare the skin as well as a bleaching agent called hydroquinone. The hydroquinone helps to prevent blotchiness or irregular pigmentation after the procedure. The Retin A helps to increase vascularity and exfoliate the skin. These are generally started 1 month prior to the procedure. There is some redness that will persist for sometimes 2 to 3 months after the procedure but a specific makeup can be used to help hide this redness and camouflage it during that period of time. Also patients are advised that if they have had ever had fever blisters they should use antiviral medicines prophylacticly prior to the procedure. Although it looks painful, the procedure and the recovery period are actually almost painless. Pain medicine is prescribed for the discomfort. Overall this is an excellent procedure for someone with aged or sun damaged skin with fine wrinkling and in particular for those with lipstick bleed lines around the mouth.

To learn more about laser skin resurfacing treatments, we encourage you to contact our Mobile plastic surgery practice, where Dr. Proffitt and his staff are eager to hear from you. If you would like to learn about upcoming specials on laser skin resurfacing in Mobile, Alabama, please join our mailing list.