Superficial treatments last 6 months, but deeper treatments can have permanent results.
Laser Skin Resurfacing in Traverse City
Smoothing the skin through advanced technology
Procedure Time:
0.5-1 hour
Recovery Time:
10-14 days
Results In:
1-6 months
Downtime:
3-7 days
What it Treats:
Laser Skin Resurfacing In Northern Michigan
What Is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Utilizing a laser to eliminate damaged or wrinkled skin, this procedure works to enhance the overall quality of the skin.
Our physicians are experienced in reducing fine lines near the mouth and eyes through laser skin resurfacing in Traverse City. Additionally, it effectively targets facial scars and uneven pigmentation and can be applied to the entire face or specific areas, depending on your needs.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure
Before laser skin resurfacing, your plastic surgeon may initiate skin treatments up to six weeks prior to the procedure to prepare the treatment areas.
To start, a local anesthetic is administered to ensure comfort during the procedure. Laser skin resurfacing usually lasts between thirty minutes and one hour, depending on the treatment’s extent. The laser targets and vaporizes damaged skin cells, eliminating the outer layer (epidermis) while simultaneously heating the underlying layer (dermis) to encourage collagen fiber growth. The outcome is firmer and smoother skin.
“Fractionated” resurfacing treats a smaller area by making microscopic holes in the skin. This heals faster because normal skin is preserved nearby.
Before & Afters
Related Procedures
Ready to get started?
Interested in learning more about getting laser skin resurfacing in Traverse City? Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment at Copper Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery by calling 231-929-7700.
Frequently Asked Questions
Laser skin resurfacing is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home on the same day. It’s common to experience some redness and swelling afterward, with many patients likening the sensation to a mild sunburn.
The treated areas of the skin may appear raw and, in some cases, may develop blisters. It’s crucial to refrain from scratching or picking at the skin to avoid potential scarring. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe a topical treatment to aid in the healing process. Additionally, you may be advised to use sunscreen and/or moisturizer to protect the delicate skin as it heals.
Within about a week of the procedure, the treated skin will begin to dry and peel, revealing smoother skin with reduced blemishes or wrinkles. The deeper the laser treatment, the more downtime and healing and the more significant the outcome.
Ablative lasers vaporize the skin layers while non-ablative heat the tissue deeper in the skin layers without affecting the surface.
The potential risks of laser skin resurfacing are uncommon and typically minor, although complications can occur with any procedure. These risks may include:
- Infection
- Acne breakout
- Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
- Prolonged redness
- Unfavorable scarring
At Copper Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery, we prioritize safety and employ the most advanced techniques to minimize these risks. You can further reduce the likelihood of complications by following all instructions provided by your plastic surgeon diligently, both before and after the procedure.
Timeless Beauty, Personalized Artistry
Experience the best in plastic surgery procedures with the dedicated team at Copper Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Christopher C. Jeffries, along with our skilled staff, is committed to helping you achieve your beauty goals while providing the highest quality care in plastic or reconstructive surgery. We are proud to be Traverse City and Northern Michigan’s leading experts in this field.