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Salt Lake City, Utah

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Introduction

Introduction to Laser Skin Resurfacing

Over the years, as sun damage, gravity, and age take their toll, the skin will become more dull, leathery, and weathered. Deeper wrinkles, sunspots, and rough skin become more pronounced and difficult to improve with surface-level treatments.

Laser technology is one of the most exciting and innovative scientific achievements of the decade, and it is being widely utilized throughout the healthcare community. Dr. Urban at Utah Facial Surgical Arts, based in Salt Lake City, UT, uses one of the newest lasers, a fractionated carbon dioxide laser, to treat sun-damaged skin, facial wrinkles, and scars, and an Erbium YAG laser for superficial skin resurfacing. Read on to learn more about which laser skin resurfacing treatment is best for you, and schedule a consultation today!

What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

The word laser is an acronym that stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A surgical laser, such as the CO2 laser, is a beam of light capable of removing unwanted tissue, such as scarred, lined, wrinkled, and otherwise imperfect skin. The laser vaporizes skin cells by emitting bursts of radiation that are absorbed by water in these cells. Laser light penetrates to a very precise, controlled depth, making the procedure safe and predictable while reducing the risk of scarring or pigmentation problems. Laser skin resurfacing is bloodless and is performed right here in our office, under light sedation. As a result of this treatment, you are left with more natural-looking skin.

Laser resurfacing can be used as an alternative to chemical peels and dermabrasion. This technique offers less pain, a faster recovery time, and, in most cases, is also less costly.

Dr. Urban utilizes two types of ablative lasers: a Fractional CO2 laser and an Erbium YAG laser. The CO2 laser can be used for deep resurfacing, while the Erbium YAG laser is used for superficial rejuvenation.

  • CO2 — The carbon dioxide (CO2) laser uses infrared light to vaporize the surface layer of the skin, prompting the cells to regenerate and replenish the surface layer with healthy, new skin. The fractionated CO2 laser is capable of treating mild to moderate wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, sun damage, skin texture irregularities, and pigmented lesions. The CO2 laser will direct a grid pattern of tiny pulses of light at the skin. Each pulse delivers a column of energy that can reach the skin’s dermal layer. Unlike 100% ablated CO2 lasers, a fractionated laser only resurfaces a predetermined portion (25-85%) of the skin surface. CO2 laser skin treatment stimulates a natural renewal process of the body’s own collagen. Also, because the laser beam has been fractionalized, small areas of untreated skin will be left between the treated spots. The healing process is accelerated by strategically performing the procedure in this manner.

 

  • ER YAG Laser — The Erbium YAG laser (ER-YAG) emits a beam at 2490 nm, which is absorbed more readily by water present in the skin, allowing for less heat damage to the surrounding tissue. The ER-YAG does not penetrate the skin as deeply as the CO2 laser, but it allows for gentler, more precise collagen targeting. The Erbium YAG laser is capable of treating atrophic acne scars, photo-damaged skin lesions, mild to moderate facial wrinkles, and uneven pigment seborrheic keratosis. During the treatment, epidermal cells are removed while the dermal tissue receives gentle healing to stimulate collagen renewal. Extended ablation technology’s precision and minimal residual thermal damage accelerate the re-epithelialization process, leaving no demarcation line. This allows for the treatment of small problem areas, providing a full laser facial with minimal downtime and outstanding results.
Close-up of a woman with light grayish-silver curly hair and smooth, light brown skin. She has well-defined eyebrows, light brown eyes, and wears natural, neutral-toned makeup with rosy-brown lips. She is wearing gold hoop earrings and a light brown textured garment. The background is a blurred dark bluish-gray, with soft natural lighting suggesting an outdoor or well-lit setting. - Laser Skin Resurfacing CO2 ER YAG Laser in West Jordan, UT

What Are the Benefits of Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Our patients in Salt Lake City request laser skin resurfacing at Utah Facial Surgical Arts for the following benefits:

  • Targeted treatment of damaged skin cells
  • Gradual improvement in skin texture and appearance
  • Little to no downtime for recovery
  • Customized treatment for individual needs
  • Even skin tone
  • Reduced appearance of blemishes such as acne scarring or sun spots
  • Firmer, healthier skin!

Who Are the Best Candidates For Laser Skin Resurfacing?

If you are a patient in Salt Lake City seeking to restore your skin’s youthful glow, you may be a strong candidate for a laser skin resurfacing treatment if you meet some or all of the following characteristics:

  • Struggle with fine lines and wrinkles
  • Uneven skin tone or texture
  • Sun-damaged skin
  • Leathery, dull appearance

Not all lasers suit all skin types. For instance, some lasers are unable to distinguish between darker skin pigmentation and damaged cells. If you are a patient with dark skin tones who would like to learn more about your suitability for this treatment, please schedule a consultation.

What’s the First Step?

Laser skin resurfacing can gradually disappear imperfections and leave you looking and feeling fully refreshed and reinvigorated. Please schedule a consultation at Utah Facial Surgical Arts in Salt Lake City, UT, to learn more about how this treatment can benefit your specific skin care needs. Prior to surgery, Dr. Urban and you will discuss the goals for facial improvement. After determining the appropriate procedure, we will provide a detailed description of the procedure, including the expected results and associated costs.

You will receive an evaluation of your skin condition to determine which laser will best help achieve your aesthetic goals and a customized skincare treatment plan. If you approve of this plan, you may begin your laser skin resurfacing treatment the same day or schedule it for a later, more convenient time that suits your schedule. The skin is usually pretreated prior to surgery to improve the healing time.

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What to Expect on the Day of Laser Skin Resurfacing Surgery

To receive the laser skin resurfacing treatment, you will be given protective eyegoggles to wear for the duration of the procedure. If necessary, your aesthetician may also apply a topical numbing gel to help minimize discomfort during the laser application. A local anesthetic is given to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure.

The area is then cleansed and draped. Dr. Urban directs the laser beam toward your skin imperfections. The laser quickly and accurately vaporizes the outermost layers of skin, which are just four or five cells in thickness. Treatment sensations vary from person to person. As tiny pulses of energy are delivered into the skin, most patients will experience a warm, sharp feeling and an immediate tightening of the skin. Most patients look and feel like they have a mild sunburn for a few days after the treatment. Anesthetic ointments and cooling devices may be used to reduce any discomfort during and after the procedure. Depending on the extent of the treatment, this may take anywhere from twenty minutes to thirty minutes.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Recovery

The laser skin resurfacing treatment may leave your face feeling raw, tender, or sensitive to the touch. After the treatment, you will be given aloe vera or an ice pack to help soothe the skin. Following all after-care instructions and avoiding sun exposure is important, as it could reverse the benefits or even further damage the skin following the treatment. In general, laser skin resurfacing treatments require minimal downtime for recovery, allowing you to return to your regular schedule shortly after your appointment.

  • Day 1: Immediately after the treatment, the skin will be pink and have a sensation similar to a mild sunburn.
  • Day 2: The skin will be pink or red; make-up can be applied
  • Days 3 & 4: The skin will begin to exfoliate as new skin cells replace the dry, dead ones.
  • Days 5-7: All signs of the procedure will have vanished, leaving your newly revealed skin looking and feeling tighter, younger, and naturally healthy.

In most cases, only one to three treatments are needed. The initial redness fades in a few days to a light pink, which can be concealed with makeup. The discoloration usually disappears in a few days. Fractionated laser resurfacing aims to enhance facial appearance with minimal recovery or complications. Expectations by the patient must be realistic, and results should be anticipated as improvements rather than total corrections. The results of the surgery depend on many factors, such as the size, shape, and location of the imperfection and the patient’s heredity, age, and general skin condition. Please inform Dr. Urban of any skin disorders or history of skin viral diseases.

How Much Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Cost in Salt Lake City, UT?

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The cost of Laser Skin Resurfacing in the greater Salt Lake City area will be based on the type of laser used in the treatment, the extent of the treatment required, and facility fees. You will receive a comprehensive breakdown of the costs for your laser skin resurfacing treatment at the time of your consultation.

For your convenience, we accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Lending USA, and CareCredit (call for details). We deliver the finest care at the most reasonable cost to our patients. Therefore, payment is due at the time service is rendered unless other arrangements have been made in advance. If you have questions regarding your account, please contact us at 801-282-5363. Often, a simple telephone call can clear up any misunderstandings.

If you reschedule or cancel your surgery less than 48 hours before it, you will be charged a fee of $500 to $1000.

Please remember you are fully responsible for all fees charged by this office, regardless of your insurance coverage.

We will send you a monthly statement. Most insurance companies respond within four to six weeks. Please call our office if your statement does not accurately reflect your insurance payment within the specified time frame. You are responsible for any remaining balance after your insurance has been paid. Your prompt remittance is appreciated. We can arrange a monthly payment plan, but that must be implemented before the actual procedure.

Why Choose Dr. Urban?

Scott D. Urban, MD, DMD, FAACS, specializes in Facial Cosmetic Surgery and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery. He received his doctoral degrees from Harvard University (DMD) and Mayo Clinic School of Medicine (MD) and completed a general surgery internship and an oral & maxillofacial surgery residency at the renowned Mayo Clinic. Afterward, Dr. Urban completed an American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery-accredited Facial Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham under the tutelage of Dr. Peter Waite, the Past President of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Urban is triple board-certified in facial surgery by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery, and the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Urban is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Dr. Urban loves the practice of healing, helping, and serving. His hobbies include bicycle riding, mountain biking, snow skiing, waterskiing, hiking, reading, and spending time with his family.

Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQs

Patient Reviews

  • I went home today and literally was blown away by how good my procedure looks! This is why you come to Dr. Urban and his team. I pulled out my license photo when I was 39 and I look just like that again. It’s amazing. Feel free to ask for before and after photos at the the office.

    You will not be disappointed!

    View Results – S.V.

  • Best experience! If you’re looking for a great result and great treatment, this is the place for you!

     

    View Results R.C.

  • Mini facelift and I am loving it! The Drs follow up was beyond expectations. I feel so much more confident when meeting new people. I would do it again but only with Dr Urban.

    View Results C.C.

Schedule Your Consultation

To schedule a consultation for a skin resurfacing treatment, please call Utah Facial Surgical Arts at (801) 282- 363 or complete our online booking form. There is no pressure to select one laser treatment over another. We want you to be completely satisfied with your procedure and the results, and we take pride in our work. Call us today to take the first step towards healthy, glowing skin!

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