Glowing skin is the holy grail for many of us. It can make you look more vital, youthful and robust. Just think about how you feel after a great workout. Your hair may be a mess. You’re hopefully sweaty, but my guess is that when you look in the mirror, you feel attractive because your skin will have that rosy flush that just screams “good health”. Age and certain lifestyle choices such as time spent in the sun can really diminish your skin’s natural vitality which is why, in aesthetics, we are constantly looking for new techniques to revitalize your tissues and restore your inner glow. A laser is an energy based procedure that can noticeably rejuvenate your skin and tissues. Depending on which laser treatment is right for your needs, the downtime could be negligible. Furthermore, January in Boston is a great time to have a laser procedure as it’s important to avoid the sun afterwards. Here are 3 benefits of a laser skin procedure.
Laser Skin Resurfacing is Effective
The thing that I love most about lasers is that they work, addressing the full-range of a person’s skin issues. Of course, it is critical that you get the right laser for your goals which is why I encourage you to schedule an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist in your area. While there are many qualified non-surgeons who can perform a laser procedure, I always recommend seeing a plastic surgeon, such as myself, or a dermatologist, as aging is multifactorial. When you see someone who cannot administer the full range of aesthetic options, you may be convinced to have a procedure that isn’t ideal for your needs. Furthermore, with a board-certified plastic surgeon, you can develop a relationship that will see you through a lifetime of aging.
During your consultation, I will ask you what bothers you about your appearance. We will discuss your medical history, family history, lifestyle choices and desired outcome. I will ask about any prior procedures and how your body reacted. Then, I will examine your skin in detail to assess the degree and location of:
- Fine lines & wrinkles
- Sun spots
- Hyperpigmentation
- Redness
- Broken blood vessels
- “Crepey” uneven skin texture
- Contour irregularities
Together, we will come up with a treatment plan that suits your anatomy, goals, lifestyle and tolerance for downtime.
Laser Skin Procedure is Fast in Boston
Another huge benefit for my Boston area patients of a laser procedure is that it is fast. For many, time has become a precious commodity. A laser procedure is nonsurgical so there are no incisions and no anesthesia. I perform them in the office and, generally, you will be in and out in under an hour. Furthermore, many of the lasers that I use have minimal downtime. The exception is an ablative laser procedure such as:
- CO2
- Erbium
This type of laser, as opposed to a non-ablative option, removes a portion of the skin’s surface and requires about 10-12 days of downtime with scabbing, then swelling and then redness. However, it may also be the best option for improving the appearance of serious sun damage and fine lines. I am always honest about what you can expect in terms of recovery so that you can make the right choice for you. For some patients, this means choosing a less aggressive laser that won’t deliver as “wow” of a result, but which requires less time for recovery.
Versatility of Lasers = Good for All Patients
Another quality that helps to make lasers one of my go-to procedures for skin rejuvenation is their versatility. There is a laser to address almost any of your skin’s needs. These include:
- Clear + Brilliant
- 1540 nm
- CO2
- Erbium
- IPL (Intense Pulse Light)
Assuming that you do not have a skin condition such as a cold sore, a laser procedure is good for any man or woman of any age or skin type who is in good overall health. I can also treat almost anywhere on your body where your skin and tissues may be making you look older than you feel. This includes the:
- Face
- Neck
- Hands
- Arms
A laser procedure can also allow me to improve the appearance of a raised scar, and/or reduce the possibility of an unsightly incision line following a surgical procedure such as a breast lift. In short, a laser procedure is a skin care work horse! To find out more about a laser skin procedure, or any other surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Sean Doherty at his Boston or Brookline office, contact us today or call (617) 450-0070 to schedule a consultation.