Laser Skin Resurfacing

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Riverton UT Laser Skin Resurfacing by Dr. Derrick Gale

Skin Rejuvenation in Salt Lake City

Skin discoloration, mild scarring, wrinkles, and loose skin – all signs of an active, outdoor lifestyle enjoyed to the fullest. As we expose ourselves to the elements, in combination with gravity and daily life, the signs of skin aging are inevitable.  

Laser skin resurfacing is an effective treatment for this. By removing outer layers of skin and stimulating collagen production, laser skin resurfacing in Riverton Utah restores youthful texture and even skin tone to damaged, aged skin.

Dr. Derrick Gale underwent fellowship training at Texas Center of Facial Plastic and Laser Surgery and uses his expertise as a reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgeon to apply laser skin resurfacing with the utmost precision and care. He delivers exquisite results to the highest safety standards. 

This page offers a thorough background on laser skin resurfacing. If, after reading through the information here, you still have unanswered questions or wish to book a consultation, please call us on 801-506-6344 or visit us online

Meet Dr. Derrick Gale, MD

Customized Consultations, Individualized Results

With a focus on improving both form and function, Dr. Gale applies experienced aesthetic judgment and surgical expertise to achieve each patient’s individual cosmetic and functional goals. While delivering the highest level of care and expertise, Dr. Gale and his team maintain a down-to-earth and comfortable atmosphere to put you at ease. 

What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

 Laser skin resurfacing is a non-surgical, rejuvenating skincare procedure. The procedure uses lasers to remove damaged layers of skin and encourage the body to generate new collagen and surface skin cells, which is essential to good skin health, a glowing complexion, and a more youthful appearance.

What are the Benefits of Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing treats:

Wrinkles
Sun-damaged skin
Sun and age spots
Uneven skin tone
Mild scars

Generally, our face, neck, chest, and hands are the parts of our body that receive the most exposure to the elements. As such, it is in these areas that the signs of aging become most apparent.

Laser skin resurfacing can target these specific problem areas of the body and effectively combat the signs of sun exposure and age.

Gale Laser Skin Resurfacing Utah

How does the Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure Work?

Laser skin resurfacing is done using different types of lasers. Depending on your needs, Dr. Gale will recommend either an ablative or a non-ablative laser. 

Ablative Laser

Ablative lasers are lasers that remove layers of the skin surface and precise small amounts of dermis, which is the deeper layer of skin.  Ablative laser treatments are among the most robust options to reduce the appearance of scars, warts, deep wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin textures. There are even some benefits to abnormal pigmentation.

Non-ablative laser

 Non-ablative lasers do not remove any skin. Instead, they penetrate the skin tissue to stimulate collagen growth and restructuring of the collagen matrix, thus making the skin tighter and more firm. 

What does the Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure Involve?

If you and Dr. Gale decide ablative laser resurfacing is the best option for your needs, you will be treated on an outpatient basis. 

First, we will numb the skin of the treatment area using a local anesthetic unless you require more extensive treatment, in which case you will be administered general anesthesia. 

Next, your skin will be cleaned to remove excess dirt, oil, and bacteria. The laser treatment is focused light energy that will vaporize precise amounts of the outer layer of skin and heat or remove very small channels of underlying skin, thus removing aged skin and promoting new skin growth. 

The procedure generally takes from thirty minutes to two hours, depending on the size of the treatment area.

Non-ablative laser resurfacing is done in the office. An anesthetic cream is applied to numb the skin, and if the treatment is to be performed on your face, you will wear eye protectors. 

After skin cleaning, a water-based gel is then applied to your skin to shield the outer layer before the laser is used to superheat underlying skin tissue. This promotes collagen remodeling and production.

There are also specific wavelengths of light that can be used to target different pigmentation issues to create an overall more even skin tone.

A typical non-ablative laser treatment appointment lasts from fifteen to ninety minutes.

What can I Expect During My Recovery from Laser Skin Resurfacing?

The wounding nature of ablative skin resurfacing demands a more extended recovery period than non-ablative laser treatment. 

After ablative resurfacing, your doctor will use a thick ointment to cover the area and apply a dressing. You should follow your doctor’s specific instructions on healing. You will likely require over-the-counter pain medication and a week to two weeks of reduced activity to allow your skin to heal correctly.  Staying out of the sun is a must.

Non-ablative skin resurfacing generally won’t require any pain medication, but you may experience some redness and swelling for a few days afterward. You can resume normal activities straight after the procedure, with sun avoidance or protection, and use cosmetics to conceal any redness.

Am I a Suitable Candidate for Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Most people are suitable candidates for laser skin resurfacing. If you suffer from active acne breakouts or have particularly saggy skin, alternative or complementary treatments such as Botox or dermal fillers may suit your needs. 

Skin tone also plays a factor in determining which type of laser resurfacing is best suited to you. However, all kinds of skin can be treated with some form of laser resurfacing.

Salt Lake City Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQS

Results appear once the new skin has healed sufficiently and stabilized. After ablative resurfacing, this can take up to three weeks after the procedure. Non-ablative treatment generally heals rapidly. However, results appear gradually as the new collagen begins to restructure and firm up the skin tissue.   

While they may take some time to become fully apparent, the results from laser skin resurfacing can last for years.

Ablative treatments generally require a single visit, whereas non-ablative procedures may require multiple visits to achieve optimal results. You can discuss this with Dr. Gale during your initial consultation to get an exact idea of how many treatments you will require.

Both procedures require the use of anesthetics. Ablative laser treatment uses either a local or general anesthetic, and non-ablative treatment only necessitates a topical numbing cream. After this, you will feel minimal to zero discomfort during your procedure. 

Patients say that during the healing process, the sensation is akin to a modest sunburn.

With the wrong types of laser, darker skin tones or patients with melasma are indeed more susceptible to hyperpigmentation (discoloration). However, a particular type of ablative laser resurfacing is exceptionally safe and highly useful for those with darker skin tones. Dr. Gale can advise as to which variety of laser treatment is best suited to your type of skin.

Some side effects that may accompany the procedure include redness, swelling, and itching. This heals with time. 

In some cases of a poorly executed treatment, patients may experience infection and scarring. However, if you choose a trained and experienced doctor, this risk is minimal. 

It is also a good idea to undergo laser resurfacing treatment during the fall or winter, as sun exposure during these times is minimal.

Although outcome duration varies with each patient, laser skin resurfacing benefits are long-lasting, typically enduring between 3-5 years.

Dr. Gale performs the procedure year-round, and there is no advantage to which season you have the treatment done.

Although it doesn’t require a medical degree to perform laser skin resurfacing, we suggest seeking only the most qualified medical professionals for the treatment. Board-certified plastic surgeons are highly-skilled clinicians held to the highest standards in medicine, including ethical conduct.

Simply contact Gale Facial Plastics to schedule your consultation. You can call 801-506-6344 to get started or make an appointment online

The price of laser resurfacing treatments depends on factors such as:

  • The size of the treatment area
  • The skill of your provider
  • How long the process takes
  • If you have any additional procedures performed concurrently

The best way to see how much laser skin resurfacing will cost is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gale. We will provide you with a detailed cost breakdown once you have met with Dr. Gale and been evaluated.

Laser Skin Resurfacing in Riverton UT and Salt Lake City, UT

Laser skin resurfacing offers a long-lasting, highly effective countermeasure to mild to moderate signs of sun exposure and aging. Dr. Gale’s vastly experienced and trained team at the Ear Nose and Throat Center of Utah provides the highest standard of customer service and satisfaction. To discuss the procedure further or book a consultation, please call 801-506-6344  or visit our contact form.