Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing involves using beams of light to remove unwanted, damaged or irregular skin. As outer layers of the skin are removed, new collagen fibers start to grow in the layers underneath, regenerating newer, healthier skin. That newly uncovered skin is smoother and firmer.
Novant Health Appel Plastic Surgery offers the revolutionary Active FX laser. This fractional laser procedure treats only a portion of the skin's surface. By leaving small areas of untouched skin interspersed with treated skin, you achieve excellent results but heal faster than after a traditional laser treatment.
What is laser skin resurfacing good for?
Laser skin resurfacing is good for reducing the appearance of or removing:
- Fine lines or wrinkles on the face
- Acne scars
- Sun-damaged skin
- Liver spots
- Yellowing or graying skin tones
- Warts
- Certain types of birthmarks
Call Novant Health Appel Plastic Surgery at 704-316-5025 to schedule an appointment to see if laser skin resurfacing is right for you.
What happens before and during laser skin resurfacing?
Before laser skin resurfacing, you might have skin treatments to prepare your skin so the resurfacing can achieve the best results possible. These treatments depend on the condition of your skin and the problem to be treated.
Dr. James Appel performs laser skin resurfacing procedures the following hospitals in Charlotte, Matthews and Huntersville:
- Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center
- Novant Health Matthews Medical Center
- Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center
- Novant Health Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital
- Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center
- Atrium Helath Mercy, a facility of Carolinas Medical Center
- Atrium Health - University City
Laser skin resurfacing is often performed as an outpatient procedure, but could require an overnight stay if done in combination with other procedures.
What is recovery like after laser skin resurfacing?
Recovery after Active FX laser skin resurfacing is much shorter than with a traditional laser. Since a much smaller percentage of the skin is touched by the laser, healing in many cases is limited to just a few days.
After resurfacing, Dr. Appel will use a special dressing to protect the treated skin. Your skin might feel or appear sunburnt, and you might have redness, swelling, itching or stinging for a few days after the procedure. To prevent scarring, do not scratch or pick at treated skin! After a few days, your skin will become dry and peel.
Other potential but rare side effects of laser skin resurfacing include acne, infections, hyper- or hypo pigmentation, scarring or swelling. Elevating your head at night and using an ice pack on the treated area in the days after surgery can help reduce or prevent these side effects.
You will be instructed on how to clean and protect the treated area. This includes daily sunscreen. Your skin might appear pinker than normal for up to a few months. You will be left with more youthful, firmer skin!
How can I make laser skin resurfacing results last longer?
Laser skin resurfacing unveils new, undamaged skin. It's up to you to take care of that new skin to maintain the more youthful, firmer appearance. One of the best ways to make your laser skin resurfacing results last longer is to use sunscreen every day! This will protect your newly-revealed skin layers from sun damage.
Medical-grade skin care products available in our office can also help keep your skin cleansed, moisturized and protected. Our registered esthetician, Alyson Lowe Betzold, can help you find the perfect skin care regimen for you. Call 704-316-5025 to make an appointment at our office near Uptown Charlotte.