Dr. Schmidt and her team offer Ablative Laser Resurfacing, which is an efficient treatment for wrinkles and stretch marks, for patients in the Houston area. It is a surgery-free, non-invasive procedure. Ablative Laser Resurfacing uses a laser to remove the thin outer layer of skin (epidermis). It heats the layer of skin underneath (dermis) and stimulates growth of new collagen. As the epidermis begins to heal, the affected area will diminish wrinkles and stretch marks. This will give the appearance of smoother, tighter and younger skin!

Dr. Schmidt and her team use the Juliet laser with the MicroSpot handpiece, which is specially designed for resurfacing. The Juliet laser targets the area with a controlled thermal delivery to the tissue, using the correct combination of ablation and coagulation to give you the results you desire with limited side effects.

What are the benefits?

Ablative Laser Resurfacing can treat the following:

  • Fine wrinkles
  • Striae gravidarum or stretch marks
  • Age spots
  • Skin tone
  • Skin texture
  • Sun-damaged skin
  • Acne Scars
  • Chickenpox scars
  • Pore size
  • Vascular conditions
  • Loose skin

Ablative Laser Resurfacing usually produces fabulous, long-lasting results.

Is Ablative Laser Resurfacing painful?

These treatments are surgery-free and non-invasive. Depending on the depth of your treatment, Dr. Schmidt and her team will determine if you require anesthesia, numbing ointment or sedation. The treated area may feel tender after the treatment. Many patients report a “pins and needles” feeling during the treatment.

Does this treatment help reduce pore size?

Yes! This treatment will help promote collagen growth, which will help minimize the size of pores.

Does Ablative Laser Resurfacing promote collagen growth?

Yes! Collagen production will continue to grow for many months. Dr. Schmidt and her team will help you determine a treatment plan and regimen to meet your cosmetic goals.

Does this treatment prevent acne?

Yes! This treatment exfoliates your skin and will remove dead skin, so your pores will not get clogged as frequently.

Does this treatment diminish acne scars?

Yes! This treatment will help diminish the appearance and pigmentation of acne scars.

Does this treatment diminish stretch marks?

Yes! The treatment will help minimize the appearance and pigmentation of stretch marks due to pregnancy and/or weight gain.

Does Ablative Laser Resurfacing diminish wrinkles?

Yes! This treatment helps plumps the skin to remove fine lines and wrinkles. It also removes the dead skin. Dead skin emphasizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How should I prepare for my initial appointment?

Take note of your medical history, including cosmetic procedures, chemical peels, wrinkle treatments and plastic surgery, and medication history. Be prepared to discuss your motivations, expectations, areas you would like to be treated and the risks. Dr. Schmidt and her team will conduct a physical exam to determine what treatment will help you get the results you desire.

What do I need to do before the treatment?

Sun Exposure

You should avoid direct sun exposure. It is important to wear sunscreen in the sun. If you get too much sun within two months prior to your treatment, it can cause permanent irregular pigmentation in the treated area. Direct sun can also reactivate the herpes virus or cold sores in some. You can discuss this with Dr. Schmidt and her team prior to treatment.

Smoking

Smoking can keep your body from healing properly. You should try to quit smoking two weeks prior to your treatment until two weeks after your treatment. Smoking can increase the risk of complications.

Antiviral Medications

Depending on your medical history, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to help prevent a viral infection from occurring after your treatment.

Is there any downtime?

This treatment is non-surgical. After your treatment, your skin may be red, slightly swollen and mildly tender for a few days. It may then begin to look dry for a few days. Some patients recover in as little as 4 days. Most patients return to work after 7-10 days of recovery time. It is very important to have a skilled, experienced healthcare worker conduct this service because it is a laser that removes a layer of skin. Dr. Schmidt and her team are experienced and can help you get your moxie back – safely!

How quickly will I see results?

Patients usually see results within 7-30 days. You will discuss your goals with Dr. Schmidt and her team to determine which areas you would like treated and the recovery time. As you continue to age, you will get lines from facial expressions and may need additional treatments.

You should continue to avoid direct, unprotected sun exposure for one year after treatment. Sum damage can also reverse the results of your treatment. Dr. Schmidt and her team will discuss this with you.

Am I candidate for this treatment?

It may not be suitable if you have the following:

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have darker skin tone
  • Currently taking acne medication with isotretinoin or have taking within the previous year
  • Have a week immune system or autoimmune disease
  • Tendency to form scars easily
  • Had radiation therapy to the face
  • Prone to cold sores or recent outbreak of herpes virus or cold sores

This treatment is safe for most skin types, but Dr. Schmidt and her team will discuss your goals to determine if you are a candidate for Ablative Laser Resurfacing.

Give us a call at (713) 463-4044 to schedule an appointment to find out if Ablative Laser Resurfacing can help you get your moxie back!

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