Laser Skin Resurfacing with Sciton® Joule and Lumenis UltraPulse® in Jackson and Dyersburg, TN

Laser skin resurfacing with Sciton® Joule and Lumenis® UltraPulse® technologies at Nordstar Medical, Skincare & Laser Center is a noninvasive aesthetic procedure that uses pulsating beams of light to remove layers of dead and damaged skin cells. The treatment is used for correcting facial wrinkles and lines and for minimizing skin flaws, such as pigmentation, acne scars, and more. Sometimes known as a laser peel, laser skin resurfacing is considered an effective facial treatment for people desiring softer, clearer, youthful-looking skin. Depending on the condition of the patient's skin, the laser may be customized accordingly. There is little recovery time required for most laser skin resurfacing procedures. Any questions or concerns can be reviewed with Dr. Laura Dipuma in Jackson and Dyersburg, TN during the initial consultation.

Nordstar Medical, Skincare & Laser Center offers three kinds of laser resurfacing skin treatments that are chosen based on your skin's condition. Some are performed for milder cases of skin damage while others are more aggressive:

• Ablative Laser Treatments
  Ablative lasers, such as the Lumenis UltraPulse, treat thin skin layers, similar to dermabrasion or a deep chemical peel with a precision that allows the laser technician to avoid damage to the skin. Ablative lasers are best for tightening skin, as well as treating acne scars and wrinkles.
• Non-Ablative Laser Treatments
  Non-ablative laser treatments do not remove any skin — the laser light simply makes micro-damage to the skin to encourage the body's natural healing response. Non-ablative facials are great for addressing fine lines and wrinkles on those who are able to wait for 2 – 3 months to see strong results.
• Fractional Laser Treatments
  Fractional lasers, including the Sciton Joule Profractional laser, are a combination of non-ablative and ablative that make micro-damage in the deeper layers of the skin. The body's self-healing process creates tighter skin. Fractional laser treatments may also be performed to treat deep wrinkles, acne scarring, sun damage, and pigmentation issues.

You have multiple factors to take into consideration when selecting which laser peel procedure is right for your needs. Laser skin resurfacing is designed for anyone who is unhappy with their general complexion. If you see sun damage, age spots, acne scars, lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, or redness issues, this procedure can be helpful to improve these imperfections. In addition, laser skin resurfacing works well for patients who have rough texture, scaly patches, or other irregularities. A laser peel is not recommended for anyone who has very dark skin or active acne outbreaks. Additionally, it is important to understand that there is a recovery period needed after laser peels. Certain patients, based on their skin condition, may require as much as 2 – 3 weeks for recovery.

When you have a more intense or deeper laser peel treatment, you may be given a retinoid cream for a few weeks before your laser treatment. This helps prep the skin for maximum results. Medication may be given prior to the treatment to help minimize any pain for increased comfort throughout your session. If your skin needs mild improvement, topical anesthesia will be used to numb certain areas of the face. For the full complexion or more intense laser procedures, a form of sedation may be required. During the procedure, you will relax in our treatment chair while the laser glides over your skin, precisely targeting the designated areas for resurfacing. You will feel the warmth from the laser followed with cold air from the system's built-in cooling device. The laser energy is designed to destroy damaged skin cells while also prompting natural collagen production.

Following lighter peels, a healing ointment will be smoothed over the skin and you can go home for your recovery. The treated skin may look pink, and there may be some swelling and irritation. This should subside in a few days, and the skin peeling process will last over a 3 – 5-day timeframe. If you are undergoing a more intense laser treatment, your recovery time will last longer. The treated sections will most likely be covered by dressings, and the swelling, burning, and irritation symptoms will be stronger. Medication can be prescribed to lessen these symptoms. The downtime for a more intense peel can last 2 – 3 weeks. Every patient should limit their UV exposure following their treatment and use sun protection frequently. Regardless of the intensity of the peel, the skin will naturally crust, flake, and peel off. It is important to avoid interfering with the healing process to prevent scarring and to protect the treated area from UV exposure. Once the peeling process has been finished, the treated skin should feel smoother while appearing rejuvenated, clearer, and younger.

A laser skin resurfacing peel offers amazing results if you want a more youthful complexion. If you are considering a laser treatment and want to hear more about them, as well as other nonsurgical procedures Nordstar Medical, Skincare & Laser Center offers, we encourage you to contact one of our offices in Jackson and Dyersburg, TN today to make your consultation with Dr. Dipuma.