Light and Medium Laser Resurfacing (Sciton)
Undergo Skin Laser Surfacing at Light and Medium Depth with the Innovative Sciton Laser
Laser skin resurfacing procedures are minimally invasive aesthetic treatments that reduce fine lines and wrinkles, diminish scars, improve skin color and texture, and eliminate lesions. Laser resurfacing procedures use powerful beams of laser light that vaporize the outermost layers of your skin to reveal healthier new skin beneath. They also stimulate the growth of collagen fibers and the production of elastin. At Maloney Plastic Surgery, we offer a wide range of cosmetic, aesthetic, and surgical procedures that improve overall appearance as well as enhance confidence and self-esteem. Light and medium depth laser resurfacing with our Sciton laser is a safe, effective alternative to more invasive surgical procedures. Call us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about laser resurfacing with Sciton.
What is a Sciton Skin Resurfacing Laser?
Sciton manufactures the most innovative, state-of-the-art handheld laser devices for use in aesthetic and cosmetic treatments. Sciton lasers are known for their precision and power and their ability to improve the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, scarring, enlarged pores, lax skin, and hyperpigmentation without damaging the skin or causing complications. Dr. Maloney uses the Sciton Erbium laser, which is highly advanced and offers optimal results. It creates a powerful beam of light and allows for highly controlled and precise treatment depth. Erbium laser resurfacing removes superficial and moderately deep lines and wrinkles and can be used on the face, hands, neck, and chest. There is minimal injury to the surrounding tissue, and a very low risk of side effects.
What is the Difference Between Light and Medium Depth Laser Resurfacing Treatment?
The difference between light and medium depth laser resurfacing is how deep the laser penetrates the skin. Light laser resurfacing removes the outermost layers of skin, while medium depth laser resurfacing affects deeper layers and offers more dramatic results. Dr. Maloney can make precise, controlled adjustments to the Sciton Erbium laser so that he can fully control the depth, pattern, heat input, and other factors that affect the outcome of your treatment. A light laser resurfacing treatment is considered a superficial laser treatment as it only affects the outermost area of skin and has a very short recovery time. A medium depth laser treatment offers more dramatic results but also has a longer recovery time.
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Who Should Consider Laser Face Treatments?
You should consider laser face treatments if you are in good health overall, and you want to diminish or eliminate:
- Acne scars or other scarring.
- Uneven skin tone or pigmentation.
- Birthmarks.
- Age spots or sun spots.
- Fine lines or wrinkles.
- Enlarged oil glands on your nose.
- Skin that is nonresponsive after a facelift.
You may not be a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing if you have active acne, deep wrinkles, darker skin tone, or excessive or sagging skin.
Benefits and Risks of Laser Skin Resurfacing
Benefits of laser skin resurfacing
The biggest benefit of laser skin resurfacing is that it is a less invasive alternative to surgical treatment options. Other benefits of light and medium depth skin resurfacing treatments are:
- Reduced or eliminated scarring.
- Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Fast, easy procedure with minimal downtime.
- Revitalized appearance of your skin and much more youthful looking skin.
- Restoration of healthy, supple skin.
- Gradual, progressive results that last for years.
Risks of laser skin resurfacing
Like any aesthetic or cosmetic treatment, laser skin resurfacing does have a risk of complications. Most complications are mild and go away within 24-48 hours. The most common complications are:
- Milia.
- Hyperpigmentation.
- Hypopigmentation.
- Bacterial infection.
- Swelling.
- Redness and inflammation.
- Skin irritation.
- Scarring.
What to Expect During a Consultation for Sciton Skin Resurfacing
When you come in for your initial consultation, you will meet with one of our Certified Medical Laser Technicians. Maloney Plastic Surgery is one of the only practices in Tucson, AZ to offer VECTRA 3D (three-dimensional) technology to our patients. One of the first things we will do at your consultation is use VECTRA imaging technology to take a 3D image of your face. This exciting technology will allow us to “laser resurface” your face on the 3D image so you can see what results you can expect! We are excited and proud to offer this amazing technology to our patients.
After VECTRA imaging, your Certified Medical Laser Technician will review your VECTRA photographs and examine you to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. They will discuss details of the procedure, show you before-and-after photos, and answer any questions you may have.
If you choose to have a laser resurfacing performed, you will schedule to come back for the procedure. Typically, laser procedures are not performed the same day as your initial consultation.
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How to Prepare for Laser Skin Resurfacing
You should avoid heavy sun exposure and tanning for four weeks before your treatment. You should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen when you leave the house. Do not undergo any major facial treatments like facial peels or dermabrasion for at least four weeks before your treatment.
Avoid using medication that causes photosensitivity for at least 72 hours before your treatment. Dr. Maloney may have you use a topical retinoid for four weeks before your procedure. You should quit smoking at least three weeks before the procedure. On the day of the procedure, you can take Tylenol.
You will arrive an hour before your appointment time, and your face should be free from makeup, oil, serums, gels, or any other skin care product. We will apply a numbing cream to your skin at the treatment area and let it sit for an hour. We will then wipe off the cream and use a handheld laser device to treat the targeted areas of your face, neck, or chest.
The treatment itself may take 30-45 minutes, depending on the extent of the treatment area. After the laser skin resurfacing treatment is done, we will apply cool compresses and an occlusive dressing to the treatment areas. You will wait in our recovery room for 15-20 minutes and can then go home and resume your regular activities.
What Results Can I Expect from Light and Medium Depth Laser Resurfacing?
Recovery time from Sciton Erbium laser skin resurfacing is around one week. You will leave the dressing on the treatment areas for 24 hours. When you remove the dressing, you will clean the treated areas two to five times per day with saline or a diluted vinegar solution. We recommend that you apply a heavy-duty, unscented/non-perfumed face cream or ointment like Eucerin, Vaseline, or Aquaphor moisturizing creams to prevent scab formation. Once your skin has fully healed, it may remain pink or red for two or three weeks. You can wear makeup to cover up any discoloration. Your skin will continue to improve in appearance for up to a year after laser skin resurfacing, and the results can last for several years. You should avoid being in direct sunlight as much as possible, and wear sunscreen every day.
Schedule a Consultation for Laser Skin Resurfacing in Tucson, AZ
Call us today or contact us online to schedule a consultation for laser skin resurfacing in Tucson, AZ. Dr. Maloney and his team offer highly individualized treatment plans, and will take the time to understand your skin concerns, needs, goals, and lifestyle. We offer a wide variety of cosmetic and aesthetic skin treatments that provide amazing, lasting results. We will go over the procedure for laser skin resurfacing, answer any questions you have, and discuss the risks and benefits of light and medium depth laser resurfacing procedures. Our goal is to help you address your skin concerns and improve your confidence and self-esteem.