Non-Surgical Procedures
LASER SKIN REJUVENATION
LASER SKIN REJUVENATION
Laser skin rejuvenation enhances the appearance and texture of the skin. Typically laser rejuvenation eradicates layers of dead skin and stimulates fresh, healthy skin.
Procedure
Laser skin rejuvenation is a skin resurfacing procedure that uses a laser to improve the appearance of the skin, sun-damaged skin, scars caused by acne, chickenpox or injuries or to treat minor facial flaws. This treatment also decreases the appearance of fine lines around the eyes, mouth, and cheeks. Laser resurfacing can also treat loss of skin tone and improve your complexion if you have scars or sun damage. It can be done with two types of lasers:
- An ablative laser removes thin layers of skin and a non-ablative laser, stimulates collagen growth and tightens underlying skin. It is essential to point out that this treatment cannot eliminate excessive or sagging skin (jowls).
- An intense beam of light energy (laser) is directed at your skin. The laser beam destroys the outer layer of skin (epidermis). At the same time, the laser heats the underlying skin (dermis), which causes collagen fibres to shrink.
Laser skin rejuvenation takes between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the technique used, and the size of the area treated.
A topical anaesthetic can be used for enhanced patient comfort.
Outpatient procedure.
Itching, swelling, redness, acne, infection, changes in skin colour, scarring, lower eyelids turning outward (ectropion), mild swelling and redness.
Applying thick creams and bandages to your face after treatment can worsen acne or cause you to temporarily develop tiny white bumps (milia) on the treated skin. Increased or decreased skin colouring (hyper-or hypopigmentation). Non-ablative laser resurfacing can cause a flare-up of the herpes virus.
Avoid unprotected sun exposure. After ablative laser resurfacing, the treated skin will be raw, swollen and itchy. When recovering from ablative laser resurfacing, regularly clean the treated area with water, saline or acetic acid and apply thick, protective ointments. Strenuous activities can usually be resumed after one or two weeks. Cosmetics can be used to conceal any redness.
Effects can last for years. Improvements after non-ablative laser resurfacing tend to be gradual and progressive, rather than immediate and dramatic.
WHEN YOU CHOOSE A DOCTOR WHO IS A MEMBER OF APRASSA, YOU CAN BE ASSURED THAT YOUR SURGEON IS QUALIFIED IN ALL ASPECTS OF COSMETIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY.
Find a Surgeon
The Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons of Southern Africa was formed in 1956. It currently has over 169 members from all around South Africa. All our members are fully qualified Plastic surgeons that have been approved for APRASSA membership and will endeavour to provide you with excellent care throughout your plastic surgery journey.
