How Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?
People say that beauty is only skin deep, but they often fail to consider just how deep skin really is. Our skin is actually a single large organ, with its own complex underlying structure, so keeping it healthy and youthful-looking requires much more than just superficial attention. That’s why the experienced staff and board-certified plastic surgeons at Atlanta Plastic Surgery perform a variety of non-surgical facial rejuvenation techniques in addition to the more traditional facial plastic surgery procedures. One of the most popular and versatile of those techniques is laser skin resurfacing, which work by treating the skin in two distinct ways.
In order to understand how laser skin resurfacing works, you need to first understand that the skin is composed of several layers and that the part we can see is actually the least significant. This outermost layer, called the epidermis, is really little more than a layer of dead, hardened skin cells that protect the body from outside elements. Beneath the smooth, dry surface lies the actively growing layer, called the dermis, which contains, among other elements, a network of flexible fibers that give the skin elasticity. As we get older and our metabolism slows, the rate at which new skin cells are produced decreases as well. This means that the living dermis layer grows thinner while the dead skin cells that make us the epidermis gradually build up. Because the cells that make up the epidermis are far less flexible and less able to hold on to moisture, the surface of the skin starts to take on a dry, cracked appearance and ultimately becomes more susceptible to sagging and wrinkles.
Laser skin resurfacing can help slow and in some cases even reverse these symptoms of aging because it can affect the skin in two different ways. Ablative laser skin resurfacing, performed at Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. with the Sciton® Erbium Laser, works on the skin’s surface like a chemical peel, sloughing off dead and damaged skin cells and exposing the newer, more vital cells underneath. It is excellent for treating keratosis, uneven pigmentation, and long-term sun damage. Some of our Atlanta Plastic Surgery plastic surgeons even use this form of skin treatment to help reduce scarring from facial plastic surgery procedures. On the other hand, non-ablative laser skin rejuvenation (performed with the Sciton® Broadband Light™ Laser) uses a higher-frequency, lower intensity beam of light that passes harmlessly through the skin’s upper layers to heat the deeper tissues of the dermis underneath. This stimulates new collagen growth and tightens the skin from within, making it ideal for treating acne, skin discoloration, and even unwanted hair, as well as for generally improving the skin’s overall tone and texture.
Laser skin resurfacing is not necessarily appropriate for all skin conditions, and should not be used on certain skin types or skin issues, but at Atlanta Plastic Surgery we use some of the most advanced skin rejuvenation and non-surgical body contouring technology available. We know that every patient has their own areas of concern and individual health requirements, and can help you find a treatment option that will give you the results you desire. If you are interested in learning more about the many things that a surgical or non-surgical cosmetic procedure might be able to do for you, please feel free to contact Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. at one of our Atlanta, Alpharetta or Cumming offices to schedule a consultation, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic surgery news.
