You have likely heard all about the wonderful benefits of laser skin resurfacing. It is great for reducing wrinkles, erasing blemishes and tightening the skin, but do you know how to choose the best laser skin resurfacing treatment in Tampa? If you have done any research at all, you already know that there are several different types of lasers used for resurfacing and many different providers that offer the service. So how do you choose which is the best? Unfortunately, not all the options are equal and there are some real reasons to do some investigative work before you allow just anyone to work on your face.
Who should do your Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure?
There are actually several distinct medical specialists that can perform a laser skin resurfacing procedure and it is also offered by 
nurse practitioners and physicians assistants. Many companies and professionals can purchase laser equipment including any type of doctor, nurse, aesthetician, or spa owner. This does not mean that they are necessarily qualified to operate one. There are far too many non-experts that advertise laser resurfacing in the Tampa area so it is critical to do some research before undergoing a procedure.
If you are seeking to treat wrinkles, blemishes or tighten facial tissue, the best advice would be to look for a facial specialist such as a facial plastic surgeon, plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Request to see the doctor’s credentials, ask about their training and how long they have been performing laser skin resurfacing procedures. The chosen doctor should be a member of a respected medical organization such as the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery or American Board of Otolaryngology. Plus you can also ask to look at before and after photos and get references from former patients. Skin resurfacing is safe when done by a licensed and trained medical professional but can be dangerous or damaging when done by someone who is unqualified. It is also highly recommended that you select a doctor that works in an accredited medical facility. If there are any worries during the procedure, a surgeon in an accredited office has the proper equipment and staff to respond.
Ask about the Laser used for Laser Skin Resurfacing
There are a few different types of lasers that are used for laser skin resurfacing and not all are equally effective. When you start to read about the process, you will find many terms describing laser treatments. There are CO2 lasers, fractional, ablative, Erbium-YAG, Thermage, N-lite, Cool-touch, Smoothbeam, Foto-Facial and many more. So for patients, it can be extremely difficult to make a decision on which works best.
According to facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Dominic M. Castellano, the oldest form of laser therapy was done mostly by CO2 lasers. “These CO2 lasers can reduce wrinkles, spots and sun damage but had drawbacks in the lengthy healing time required and the problems with hypopigmentation. Hypopigmentation means skin color lightening and with a CO2 laser, the treated area would often be noticeably lighter even up to a year past the treatment.”
Erbium-YAG Laser is Preferred for Effective Laser Skin Resurfacing
Dr. Dominic, of Elite Facial Plastic Surgery, has had many years of experience with laser skin resurfacing and says that he prefers the Erbium-YAG laser for the most effective remedy for reducing wrinkles and erasing age spots, as well as providing overall skin tightening and improvement. “The Erbium-YAG laser allows the skin to heal faster with far less redness than the CO2 laser, but is far more effective than the newer, but far less penetrating lasers that are being touted today by med-spas and nurse practitioners.” The newer and often less expensive laser treatments are generally used in non-medical offices and the lasers sport clever marketing names. However these laser are less efficient and do not deliver the long term results that most patients desire.
As in all cases, the best recommendation is to set up an appointment with a well-qualified and board-certified surgeon to determine the best treatment plan to for your skin type and skin condition. Elite Facial Plastic Surgery offers complimentary consultations to allow patients to learn more about Laser Skin Resurfacing and other facial treatments so that they can make a more informed decision prior to booking a procedure. Elite Facial Plastic Surgery is a fully accredited medical facility located in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Dominic Castellano is double-board certified and is a highly respected and experienced plastic surgeon. Call (813)975-3223 today to schedule your complimentary visit.
