Laser Skin Tightening in Dalton & Chattanooga
Also serving Calhoun & Cartersville in North Georgia
When the skin starts to show signs of aging or sun damage, many people look for a skin care treatment to hide these flaws. Fractional laser skin tightening/resurfacing with the Fraxel laser platform effectively treats lines, wrinkles and areas of loose skin. By creating microscopic injuries to the deep layers of the skin, the production of collagen is stimulated for an overall improvement in the tone and texture of the skin.
Learn more about this procedure and contact cosmetic surgeon Dr. Joel Williams to schedule a laser skin tightening consultation.
What do patients have to say about laser skin tightening?
"I want you to know that for the first time in 31 years I can almost not be called 'freckle face' or 'cute'. I still have some (spots) but the majority are so light that I finally feel like I have a pretty face. I've cried all morning. Thank you for mentioning the treatment and doing such a fab job!"
Candidates for Laser Skin Tightening
Suitable candidates for laser skin tightening near Chattanooga usually have one or more of the following:
- Lax areas of skin (e.g., in the lower eyelid area)
- Wrinkles
- Crow's feet
- Sun damaged skin
- Brown spots or areas of pigmentation
- Scars from acne or an injury
Treatment with the Fraxel Laser
During a Fraxel session at his accredited Dalton plastic surgery center, Dr. Williams directs the laser at the facial skin to send targeted beams of light. The laser is carefully calibrated at a specific wavelength to reach the deep layers of the dermis and create tiny calculated zones of treatment in a fractional or grid pattern. Because only a fraction of skin is treated, repeat treatments are required to treat the area fully. The advantage of this approach is less downtime and rapid return to normal activities. By leaving areas of unaffected skin in between the wounds, it triggers the body to start producing more collagen to repair itself. This has a tightening effect on the whole treatment area.
Laser skin tightening should not be painful. Dr. Williams may use oral or topical anesthesia to prevent discomfort and help the patient remain comfortable throughout the treatment.
Recovering from Laser Skin Tightening
Fraxel patients can return home shortly after the treatment session is complete. The skin will have a moisturizer with sunscreen on it to protect the tissue. Patients may experience swelling, redness, itching, and the skin will likely feel rough for several days to a week after the treatment. Patients will be ready for the next treatment in six to eight weeks. Dr. Williams and our staff members will recommend sun protection and moisturizing products to use while recovering from laser skin tightening.
Benefits and Risks of Laser Skin Tightening
The results of laser skin tightening usually appear quickly, and tend to improve over the course of 12 months. Repeat treatments will prolong the results.
Laser skin tightening risks include skin irritation, scarring, acne flares, infection and hyperpigmentation. Some people with a history of cold sores may find that their sores reactivate after Fraxel treatment. Those patients should inform the staff prior so that pre-treatment with antivirals can be initiated. As with using skin treatment, the results vary but can be dramatic when combined with a prescription skin care routine.
If you would like more information about laser skin tightening with the Fraxel laser platform, please contact the office of plastic surgeon Joel Williams today.