Laser Treatments Specialist

What are laser treatments?

Your skin develops wrinkles, spider veins, and dark spots due to sun exposure as you age. Laser treatment restores and resurfaces your skin by removing it layer by layer, allowing new skin cells to form and produce a tighter, younger-looking surface. This option can address problem areas around your eyes, mouth, and forehead.

Laser treatments work by pixelating or fractionating the laser light to receive a small percentage of skin with each laser pulse. The microscopic treatment causes your body to produce more collagen, which results in natural skin tightening and improvement of your skin’s texture and complexion.

What are the benefits of laser treatment?

Laser treatment provides several benefits, effectively treating skin complications due to aging, sun exposure, or unwanted hair growth, such as:

• Sunspots
• Red and brown spots
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Uneven pigmentation
• Skin laxity 
• Spider veins 
• Hair removal
  
  

By eliminating or reducing dark spots and other discolorations, laser treatment can improve your skin tone and reduce wrinkles, acne scars, or surgical scars. It can also treat rosacea, a condition that causes redness and small, red bumps on your face, and can remove tattoos and unwanted facial and body hair. 

How do I prepare for my laser procedure?

To prepare for your laser treatment procedure at Wake Forest Dermatology, Dr. Matheis discusses your medical history and health complications with you. If you’re taking any medications that could interfere with your procedure, she asks you to stop taking them in preparation. 

She may also prescribe an antibiotic beforehand to prevent bacterial infections or an antiviral medication if you’re susceptible to cold sores and fever blisters. 

Once you’re ready for your procedure, Dr. Matheis uses a local anesthetic to numb the areas where you’re receiving treatment, or she may give you general anesthesia if you’re receiving treatment for your whole face. Your procedure can take anywhere from three minutes to two hours. 

Following your procedure, Dr. Matheis bandages the treated areas and requires that you consistently clean the treatment spots after 24 hours of recovery. To manage swelling, she advises sleeping on an extra pillow at night. However, if the swelling progresses, she may prescribe steroids. 

To learn more about laser treatments, call Wake Forest Dermatology or use the online booking tool today to schedule an appointment.