Me: What are the benefits of ablative skin refinishing?
Dr. Weber:
Everyone wants to look better for their age. We would all like our skin to go back to a time when it was clear, flawless, and smooth. One way to achieve younger, healthier skin is with ablative skin refinishing. This procedure can correct imperfections due to free radicals, sun damage, or the normal aging process. It can help you achieve fantastic skin texture and a brighter more youthful appearance in just your first visit.

Me: Tell me a little bit about the history of ablative skin refinishing.
Dr. Weber:
Skin rejuvenation was introduced in the 1980s with ablative techniques for resurfacing skin. In the past 38 years, the field of cosmetic surgery has undergone changes that have reduced the risk of side effects and significantly shortened recovery time. In addition, significant technological advances have made possible some highly effective non-surgical procedures to address some of the most common complaints people have about aging and damaged skin.



Me: What is Ablative Skin Refinishing?
Dr. Weber:
Ablative skin refinishing, or resurfacing, is a non-surgical procedure that treats a number of different skin issues and can correct wrinkles, folds, fine lines, dark spots, red patches, acne scars, sagging skin, enlarged pores, and more. Ablation itself works by delivering a focused wavelength of laser light to the outer layer of the skin, which strips it and removes damage and aging. Then, as the skin heals, the new surface is stimulated by the body's natural healing process to form collagen, resulting in smoother and tighter skin.

Me: What is the most popular use of ablative skin refinishing today?
Dr. Weber:
The newest type of skin refinishing procedure is called fractional resurfacing.
In fractional resurfacing, microscopic columns of thermal injury are delivered to the epidermis and upper dermis. This treatment yields dramatic and noticeable results as it allows for very precise penetration to the depth needed.

Me: How do you prepare for the procedure?
Dr. Weber:
The first step is to consult with a board-certified dermatologic surgeon to discuss your expectations. You will provide them with your medical history, including your surgical history and a list of all the medications or supplements you are currently taking. You can explain to the surgeon what your present skin care regimen is and any products you are using or have used in the past. An examination of the skin will take place, and you and your doctor will outline a plan tailored to meet your needs.

Prior to the resurfacing procedure, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication or an antibiotic. This is merely to reduce any risk of infections or skin outbreaks. Additionally, your doctor may recommend that you avoid sun exposure for a period beforehand as too much sun can cause irregular pigmentation in the areas that are being treated.



Me: What can one expect? What Happens During the Refinishing Session?
Dr. Weber:
In general, most resurfacing is performed in an outpatient setting using local anesthesia or numbing medications to minimize discomfort. You may also opt for a mild sedative to put you more at ease. Depending on what problem areas the surgeon is addressing, you can expect the appointment to last 30 minutes to 2 hours. After your procedure is completed, you may have a little bit temporary redness or sensitivity. Your doctor will explain to you how to treat your skin and give you any lotions or ointments you might need to accelerate healing. An over-the-counter pain reliever is usually all that is necessary to minimize any soreness you might experience.

Me: What type of results will one see?
Dr. Weber:
There is no doubt that ablative skin refinishing works, often remarkably.
It provides major improvements in aged and damaged skin that are visible after just one session. Patients report being able to return to work immediately and a high degree of satisfaction with the quick results. Certainly, in the days following skin refinishing, the skin continues to heal and improve, but the procedure is such that there is no waiting to take off bandages or lengthy downtime to see marked improvements. The effects are immediate. The side effects of this treatment are so minimal and the outcomes so dramatic, it has become one of the safest and most attractive methods for restoring youth and vitality. Heavy lines and scars are greatly reduced, and rosacea, acne scars, and fine lines often disappear. People will comment on the noticeable changes or just wonder what suddenly looks different about you.



Dr. Stephen Weber is a recognized Plastic Surgeon in Denver. He attended Boston University School of Medicine and Oregon Health and Science University. He is a double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon and owner of Weber Facial Plastic Surgery, PC.