Laser skin resurfacing in Bellevue is one of the fastest-growing trends in anti-aging and cosmetic treatment because it shows dramatic results with less discomfort and shorter recovery time than traditional treatments. Millions of men and women have used laser skin resurfacing to treat a wide variety of conditions.
A small area can be treated in minutes, and even large areas rarely take more than an hour. Upon arrival, you will be shown into our private laser suite. If necessary, the treatment area will be shaved (you can also shave it yourself prior to arrival). The esthetician will provide you with eye protection and will apply a cold gel to the area that will be treated, and your laser procedure will begin.
Pain is minimal. You will feel a sensation like a small rubber band being snapped against your skin, followed by a gentle, warm sensation.
As skin ages, the collagen fibers become damaged and tangled, resulting in wrinkles and loose skin. The goal of Bellevue laser resurfacing is not simply to “burn away” blemishes but to restore the skin’s natural elasticity and tone.
The CO2 laser is a short but intense pulse of light that creates microthermal zones: small areas of intense heat just under the skin. These microthermal zones selectively destroy dead and damaged skin cells. This effectively jump-starts your body’s natural healing process.
New skin cells are produced, which push up and replace the dead skin cells. With these new cells comes new collagen. The appearance of wrinkles, lines, and scars is dramatically improved, and the results are lasting because they come from the body’s own healthy collagen.
Your doctor and estheticians in Bellevue will discuss laser resurfacing as part of your skin consultation. Our goal will be to understand your desired outcome and provide you with clear expectations around the details of the treatment and the results you can expect. Your Newvue team will let you know the approximate duration and number of treatments it will take to achieve your goals based on your skin type, the nature of your skin condition, and the size of the affected area. Certain skin types, such as deeply tanned or black skin, may be noticeably lightened and require 6-9 months to regain normal skin pigmentation. Your esthetician will also advise you of certain conditions that may prevent you from getting certain treatments or prevent them from being optimally effective, such as:
The AcuPulse by Lumenis is FDA-approved for all skin types. Dr. Min and his staff in Bellevue have years of experience performing laser skin resurfacing, and patient safety is always our number one priority. However, we want to ensure that our patients are fully apprised of the potential risks and side effects that can result from this procedure:
You will want to shave the treatment area a day in advance of your laser skin resurfacing appointment in Bellevue to minimize any discomfort, and you should avoid intense sun exposure or tanning 4 weeks prior.
You will wake up in the recovery room with a bandage on your face that should be worn for the first 24 hours. You will be given detailed instructions for postoperative care, which will include regular cleaning and application of an ointment such as petroleum jelly. Treated areas generally heal completely within 2-3 weeks. It is normal to have swelling after laser skin resurfacing, which Dr. Min may manage with steroids. Ice packs can also help reduce swelling, which generally peaks 48 hours after surgery. You may feel itching or stinging for 12 to 72 hours after the procedure, and your skin will likely peel. It is important to avoid scratching or picking scabs and to avoid makeup until the skin heals. The most important parts of your recovery involve avoiding sun exposure (wear hats and use sunscreen) and keeping the new skin moisturized. You can expect all redness to resolve after 2-4 months.
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