Everyone has resolutions for 2015, but what if yours involves looking and feeling better? Facial resurfacing can help you achieve that “fresh face” look that you’ve dreamed of all of your life. You’re a good candidate for this procedure if you have fine lines or wrinkles around your eyes or mouth. Shallow scars from acne or non-responsive skin after a facelift would also make you a good candidate for the procedure.
At Spa Black in San Antonio, we offer facial resurfacing treatments to help you get that youthful, glowing skin for 2015. Now is a great time to consider treating yourself to get the New Year started out right. To find out if facial resurfacing is right for you, contact Spa Black today.
Know the Process of Laser Skin Resurfacing
There are two types of lasers used in laser resurfacing. The most common two are C02 and erbium – at Spa Black we use Fractional C02 lasers. Both types of lasers will vaporize the damaged skin cells at the surface-level. C02 resurfacing will treat all types of skin issues including eliminating wrinkles, warts, scars, and enlarged oil glands on the nose. The latest in C02 resurfacing uses fractionated C02, which uses short pulsed light energy or continuous light beams that are designed to remove thin layers of skin. Recovery for this process may take up to two weeks.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
Laser resurfacing can be performed right in our Spa Black Medical Spa as an outpatient procedure. During the procedure, your may treat the wrinkles around your eyes, forehead and mouth. Your entire face may also be treated. A full face treatment will take up to two hours. Treating only parts of the face may take between 30 and 45 minutes.
Twenty-four hours after the procedure, the treated area should be cleaned four to five times per day. You can then apply an ointment to prevent scabs from forming. Swelling after laser skin resurfacing is normal. To manage the swelling, you may be prescribed steroids around your eyes. Some experts recommend sleeping with an extra pillow to alleviate some of the discomfort.
How to Prepare for Laser Resurfacing
You need to check your body for cold sores, fever blisters, or any other lesions around your mouth. The resurfacing process can irritate these areas and cause more breakouts. Your physician will tell you if you need to discontinue any additional medications or supplements before undergoing the procedure. Common discontinued medications include aspirin, vitamin E or ibuprofen. These medications can affect your blood’s ability to clot for 10 days before surgery.
You should also discontinue smoking for up to two weeks before and after the procedure. Smoking can increase healing times, which is why physicians recommend that you stop. Antibiotic medication may be prescribed to prevent bacterial infections.