Laser Peel

A laser peel skin resurfacing is a quick and effective treatment that uses a special laser to address conditions on the top layer of your skin. The treatment removes a thin layer of damaged skin to improve texture and provide a more youthful appearance. It provides superior results because it can be administered with great precision of depth.

The procedure is performed in our office and can be custom tailored to your specific skin conditions and desired outcome. Most skin areas can be treated. Popular treatment areas are the face and neck, though some people also treat the chest and hands.The following conditions can be treated with a light skin resurfacing:

• Mild wrinkles
• Scars
• Keratosis
• Sun damage (e.g., freckles)
• Pigment irregularities

HOW IT WORKS

The specialized laser beam is scanned over a treatment area to precisely ablate (vaporize) a very thin layer of skin, removing old, damaged tissue. Removing the top layer eliminates damaged cells that can give skin a tired, aged look. As the skin heals, fresh cells grow and resurface the treated area. The result is healthier-looking skin, often with fewer wrinkles and improved color evenness. Patients often say that it looks as if their skin went from looking tired to vibrant.

DURING TREATMENT

Your skin will be cleaned in the treatment area and your eyes will be protected with safety shields. Your Aesthetic Laser Technician will position the laser handpiece above the skin, and hold it in place as the computer-guided scanner moves the laser beam around the treatment area. Depending on the size of the area being treated, the procedure usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes.

One of the primary advantages of laser peel treatment is that it causes little pain because it does not penetrate very deep into the skin. At its most shallow settings, most people can tolerate treatment with no anesthetic at all. At deeper settings, a topical numbing cream is typically used. Excellent results can be obtained in just one treatment, but the number of treatments needed varies from patient to patient. Aesthetic Laser Technician can personalize a plan based on your specific needs.

AFTER TREATMENT

Immediately after the treatment you will notice that your skin has a “frosty” appearance. This is the dehydrated skin that will peel away within next few days. You may experience some skin redness and a sunburn-like sensation, as well as mild swelling.

You may be given skin care products and instructions on how to use them. Your skin will be sensitive to ultraviolet light after the procedure, so you must avoid direct sun exposure until fully healed. It is recommended that you always use some level of solar protection to avoid sun damage and premature aging of your skin.

Depending on how deep the treatment goes, most patients often feel comfortable enough to return to work within three to four days, one of the reasons laser peel skin resurfacing has earned the nickname “the weekend peel.”

Because only the outer layer of skin is treated, most patients notice an obvious improvement in tone, texture and color evenness once the skin heals in approximately three to four days.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

For more information about a laser peel, call (210) 822-5548 to schedule a consultation with San Antonio's leading laser center, Skin Rejuvenation Clinique.