Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery • Dr. Raymond J. Haigney II • 9727 Northcross Center Ct. Huntersville, NC 28078 • (704) 987-3132
9727 Northcross Center Ct. Huntersville, NC 28078 • (704) 987-3132
Laser Resurfacing for Aesthetic Enhancement
Laser resurfacing is a popular nonsurgical procedure that is performed to create healthier looking skin and reduce imperfections caused by things such as heredity, aging, skin disorders, or sun damage. This procedure is especially effective in eliminating or improving a variety of skin related issues, such as wrinkles, acne scars, and/or uneven skin texture and tone. It can also be effective in removing precancerous cells and reducing uneven pigmentation or blotchiness.
Laser resurfacing creates these results by focusing bursts of laser energy that cause the targeted cells to peel away, which in turn triggers the body’s healing response to trigger. When this occurs, the body increases its production of collagen and new skin is built to heal the affected area. This healing process results in healthier, firmer, and more radiant looking skin that creates a more youthful appearance. Laser resurfacing can address a range of issues and improve several areas of the face, including the following:
- Erase wrinkles and fine lines on the face
- Improve crow’s feet, scars, texture, and skin tone
- Tighten and smooth eyelid skin
- Soften frown lines and pucker marks
- Remove uneven skin color and brown spots
- Repairs lines caused by smoking
- Diminish or remove common imperfections, such as issues with pigmentation or acne scars
At Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery, we offer a full range of oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, specializing in facial reconstruction, facial surgery, corrective jaw surgery, obstructive sleep apnea, and wisdom tooth removal. If you would like to learn more about our services, or schedule an appointment for laser resurfacing, contact us today. New patients are welcome and a referral from another doctor is not required.
The Laser Resurfacing Process
Prior to beginning your laser resurfacing procedure, you will need to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled professionals, during which we will discuss what issues you would like to address. Following this conversation, an evaluation will be performed to determine what options are available to you and which approach best aligns with your specific goals.
If it is determined that laser resurfacing is an appropriate treatment option for you, your procedure will begin with the administration of a local anesthetic, unless you are having more extensive treatment, in which case general anesthesia may be necessary. The length of the procedure will vary depending upon how large the area of treatment is, but it can generally be completed in as quickly as 30 minutes or in a few hours.
Following your procedure, you should expect to experience some mild discomfort, which can typically be mitigated with OTC pain medication. To help facilitate the healing process, it is also important to keep surgical bandages in place or put ointment over the areas that have been treated for the first few days. It is also important to keep the treated areas out of sunlight until healing is complete. Once the healing process is complete, it will still be important to use sunblock lotion.
To enhance or prolong the results of your laser skin resurfacing, you may want to consider adopting a skin care regimen or use dermal fillers or BOTOX.
Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQ
Is laser resurfacing right for me?
In general, laser skin resurfacing can be a wonderful option for patients who are looking to address imperfections of their skin, wrinkles, and/or acne scars. However, for patients who have darker skin tone, laser skin resurfacing may not be a viable treatment option, as uneven pigmentation can occur. During your physical examination, we will discuss whether or not you are a good candidate for this procedure and what type of results you can expect to achieve.
Do I need to avoid exposure to the sun following laser skin resurfacing?
Following your laser treatment, it will be essential to use sunscreen to protect the skin, although it is best to avoid the sun as much as possible while you are healing. Failure to take these precautions can result in damage to the skin and the skin’s ability to heal to become compromised.
Are there any risks associated with laser skin resurfacing?
The risks involved with laser skin resurfacing are minimal, however it is common for patients to experience tenderness and redness in the area that is treated, although this typically improves and eventually subsides by the second week. Additional risks include infection, scarring, and change to pigmentation, though these are rare.
Laser Resurfacing Aftercare
Following the procedure, a bandage will be placed over the area that has been treated to protect the skin. You will also be provided with post-procedural instructions such as replacing your bandage and administering ointments. It is common for patients to experience stinging, itching, or swelling during this recovery period, but with proper maintenance this will generally go away within the first two weeks.
Cost of Laser Resurfacing
The cost of laser resurfacing will be determined by a variety of factors, such as the areas that are treated, what equipment is used, the severity of your condition, and what type of dental insurance plan you have. Our office will file your claim, handle the paperwork, and ensure you maximize your insurance reimbursement. The remaining balance following your insurance coverage will be your responsibility.
Prior to performing the procedure, we will discuss the expected cost, as well as payment plan options that are available to you, such as Lending Club and Care Credit, which offer 6 and 12 month interest-free payment plans.
For your convenience, we accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.
Schedule Your Appointment
At Lake Norman Oral and Facial Surgery, we are committed to treating our patients the way we would expect to be treated. Because Dr. Haigney is a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, you can be confident you will receive care that implements the latest dental advancements and is informed by current research and best practices, resulting in you achieving the results you deserve.
To schedule an appointment or consultation, contact our staff at (704) 255-5888 or request an appointment online.