LASER SKIN RESURFACING

LASER SKIN RESURFACING

Laser Skin Resurfacing in Calgary, Alberta

Years of sun, stress, or even just the passage of time can leave their mark on your skin. If you’re looking in the mirror and seeing lines, scars, or uneven texture that doesn’t reflect how you feel inside, laser skin resurfacing offers a powerful path to rejuvenation.

Right here in Calgary, at Lethbridge Plastic Surgery, we use state-of-the-art laser technology to gently and effectively restore your skin’s natural beauty, helping you rediscover a smoother, more youthful complexion.

How Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?

Laser resurfacing is a facial rejuvenation procedure that uses a laser to significantly improve the skin’s overall appearance and treat minor facial flaws.

Laser skin resurfacing uses focused beams of light to precisely remove damaged outer layers of skin, stimulating the body’s natural healing process and promoting the growth of new, healthy skin cells.

Laser resurfacing can also decrease the appearance of fine lines in the face as well as improve your complexion if you have scars or sun damage. Laser resurfacing cannot eliminate excessive or sagging skin.

The length of the procedure varies depending on the treatment area and the type of laser used, typically ranging from 30 minutes to two hours. Anesthetics are generally administered for patient comfort, ranging from topical numbing creams to local anesthesia or sedation, depending on the intensity of the treatment. While some patients may experience mild discomfort or a warm sensation during the procedure, it is generally well-tolerated.

If you’re thinking about laser resurfacing, it’s important to consider all of your options before making a commitment to one particular laser treatment. In general, laser resurfacing treatments fall under one of two categories: ablative lasers and non-ablative lasers. Both ablative and non-ablative resurfacing can give you dramatic improvements, but they do differ significantly in the final results they produce. In order to deliver the most optimal results for all our patient’s treatment goals, Lethbridge Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics offers both types of lasers. 

Should I get Ablative or Non-Ablative Laser Resurfacing?

 All laser treatments use energy to penetrate through various layers of the skin to repair the appearance of wrinkles, discolorations, acne scars and other signs of aging. Ablative lasers penetrate deeper, making them a great option for treating mild to moderate wrinkles, facial scarring and skin discoloration. Non-ablative lasers are best at improving skin texture and tone.

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Ablative VS. Non- Ablative

When used correctly, ablative and non-ablative laser resurfacing are both effective rejuvenation tools for the skin.

Am I a Good Candidate?

At LPSA we tailor our treatments based on your unique skin type and needs.

Ablative laser treatments are ideal for patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I-III, generally including individuals with very fair to medium skin tones that tend to burn easily or tan minimally. Additionally, those with light to olive complexions, as well as individuals who have any skin texture or appearance concerns, make great candidates for these treatments.

However, patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV and above, which encompass medium to deeper skin tones, should approach laser skin resurfacing with caution. While non-ablative lasers are less invasive than ablative options, there remains a risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring.

At Lethbridge Plastic Surgery, our team is here to help you determine if laser skin resurfacing is the right choice for you. We provide personalized consultations to evaluate your skin type and concerns, ensuring you receive the most effective and safe treatment tailored to your individual needs.

Laser surfacing might NOT be recommended if you:
  • Have taken the acne medication isotretinoin (Claravis, Myorisan, Zenatane) during the previous year
  • Have an autoimmune disease or a weak immune system
  • Have a tendency to form scars
  • Have had radiation therapy to the face
  • Are prone to cold sores or have had a recent outbreak of cold sores or herpes virus
  • Have a darker skin tone
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding

Our Skin Resurfacing Lasers

CO2 ABLATIVE LASER

CO2

Ablative lasers are more invasive than other lasers, but produce the best clinical results. This is a wounding laser that removes the thin outer layer of skin (epidermis) and heats the underlying skin (dermis), which stimulates the growth of new collagen fibers. As the epidermis heals and regrows, the treated area appears smoother and tighter. Lethbridge Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics offers the carbon dioxide (CO2) ablative laser. The CO2 ablative laser is great for treating visible signs of aging and the results generally last for 1 to 5 years. It is important to note however, that ablative lasers present a longer recovery than non-ablative lasers. Most patients require 1 to 2 weeks of recovery time.

ICON 2940 LASER

ICON 2940

The Icon 2940 Laser treats fine lines, deep wrinkles, skin lesions, as well as surgical and acne scars with more power than non-ablative treatments. The 2940 laser works by delivering micro-fractional laser columns to the skin which results in brand new skin, stimulating the body's natural collagen building response. Fractional lasers treat micro columns of skin, allowing your body to recover faster than our CO2 laser (generally 5-7 days) while still giving significant results with only 1 or 2 treatments.
Skin Resurfacing Improves the Appearance of:
  • FINE LINES
  • DEEP WRINKLES
  • SUN DAMAGE
  • ACNE SCARS
  • OTHER TYPES OF SCARRING
  • PIGMENTATION IRREGULARITIES
  • LESIONS
  • SKIN TEXTURE

Other Services:

In addition to laser skin resurfacing, LPSA offers many other treatments and medical grade skin care products at our Lethbridge, Alberta office. View a complete list of our aesthetic service to see how we can help you meet your skin care goals.
AESTHETIC SERVICES
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The Fitzpatrick Scale Explained:

The Fitzpatrick scale is a skin typing test developed to estimate the response of different skin types to the sun. In aesthetics, it is used to help us determine your response to certain procedures, such as laser rejuvenation therapy and medical grade peels. Below you will see an example of each Fitzpatrick skin type 1-6.

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Anesthesia Offered?

Yes, you will be offered numbing cream.

After Treatment

Results: Although this procedure is intense, the results are significant. An ablative laser will result in new skin with results lasting up to five years. 

Lasts: Up to 5 years.

Maintenance: The results may be extended beyond 5 years with ongoing maintenance treatments such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion. Post treatment it is essential that you use a physical block sunscreen and avoid sun exposure.

**Each client is unique, and these are general treatment guidelines.

Length of Procedure?

120 Minutes

Discomfort Level?

Moderate

Recovery Time?

CO2 Laser= 1-2 weeks 

2940 Laser = 5-7 days

Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQs

How long does laser skin resurfacing last?

Results vary from person to person, but many patients enjoy long-lasting improvements for several years. Your skin type, age, and overall skin care routine play a significant role in determining how long the effects last. Maintaining a proper skincare regimen and protecting your skin from sun damage can significantly extend the duration of your results.

How often can you do laser skin resurfacing?

For non-ablative lasers, patients might schedule sessions every 4-6 weeks, while those opting for ablative treatments may need 6-12 months between sessions to allow full healing and assess the outcomes. A consultation with our team can help tailor a personalized treatment plan that fits your goals.

Who is not a good candidate for laser resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing may not be recommended if you:

  • Have taken the acne medication isotretinoin (Claravis, Myorisan, Zenatane) during the previous year
  • Have an autoimmune disease or a weak immune system
  • Have a tendency to form scars
  • Have had radiation therapy to the face
  • Are prone to cold sores, or have had a recent outbreak of cold sores or herpes virus
  • Have a darker skin tone
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding

What will my face look like after laser resurfacing?

Following laser resurfacing, it’s common to experience some redness, swelling, and peeling, which varies based on the laser type used. For ablative treatments, your skin may appear similar to a sunburn and take longer to heal, revealing smoother skin underneath.

Non-ablative treatments usually have milder side effects, allowing for quicker recovery, and you can expect noticeable skin texture and tone improvements shortly after.

Is laser resurfacing good for the skin?

It is! Laser resurfacing can significantly enhance skin texture, tone, and overall appearance. It is an excellent option for those dealing with fine lines, scarring, or sun damage, as it promotes collagen production and stimulates skin rejuvenation.

To make sure that laser resurfacing is suitable for your skin type, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team—we're happy to assess your unique skin concerns and guide you through the best treatment options for you.

What does the recovery process look like?

Recovery time will look different depending on the laser type. For CO2 laser treatments, which offer more dramatic results, expect a recovery period of 1-2 weeks. During this time, you may experience redness, swelling, and peeling.
The 2940 laser, a gentler option, typically requires 5-7 days of recovery, with less intense side effects. After treatment, regardless of the laser used, it's crucial to follow post-treatment care instructions, including diligent sun protection, to optimize healing and results.

What is the laser skin resurfacing cost?

To get the most accurate and personalized pricing, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us. During this meeting, we can conduct a detailed assessment of your skin and discuss your goals, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the costs involved, which is vital for making an informed decision about your skin rejuvenation journey.

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Do Something Today That Your Future Self Will Thank You For!

Request a Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment Today

Are you ready to embrace a fresh, revitalized look? At Lethbridge Plastic Surgery, we’re excited to help you achieve the radiant, youthful complexion you desire!

Schedule a consultation today to discuss your unique skin concerns and explore the treatment options available to enhance your natural beauty.

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