Would laser resurfacing resolve stretched and drooping skin from previous swelling? (photo)

Question

After I had my buccal far removal I ended up having a very bad swelling and fluid formation on one side of my check and that really has caused the skin to stretch a lot and get droopy. One side of my face seems to be very bad .. I was thinking of getting a laser resurfacing expecting that it might look better . Your thoughts?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.  
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Laser resurfacing can be an effective treatment for improving skin texture and elasticity, but whether it will address the stretched and drooping skin resulting from previous swelling and fluid formation depends on several factors.

Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

Type of Laser: There are different types of laser resurfacing treatments, including ablative and non-ablative lasers. Ablative lasers (like CO2 and Erbium) remove the outer layers of skin and can stimulate collagen production, which might help tighten and improve the appearance of droopy skin. Non-ablative lasers are less invasive and focus more on stimulating collagen without removing skin layers, but they may offer more subtle results.

Extent of Skin Laxity: The degree of skin laxity will influence how effective laser resurfacing might be. If the sagging is significant, a combination of treatments or more invasive procedures might be necessary to achieve the desired results.

Consultation with a Specialist: It's crucial to have a thorough consultation with a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon who can assess your specific situation. They can evaluate the skin’s condition, the extent of the damage, and recommend the most appropriate treatment options.

Alternative or Complementary Treatments: Depending on the assessment, other treatments such as radiofrequency skin tightening, ultrasound therapy, or even surgical options might be considered in combination with or instead of laser resurfacing.

Recovery and Expectations: Discuss the recovery process and set realistic expectations for the outcomes. Laser resurfacing can improve skin texture and tightness, but the results can vary based on individual skin characteristics and the type of laser used.

Overall, while laser resurfacing could potentially help improve the appearance of your skin, it's important to have a personalized treatment plan developed by a qualified professional to ensure the best results for your specific needs.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Only one post photo to make a determination but most likely will need a combination of invasive and noninvasive options. My thoughts are a mini face lift with SAS tightening more on one side than the other combined with Endo treatment and nano crafting. Feed $10,000-$16,000 best of virtual consult with.

Would laser resurfacing resolve stretched and drooping skin from previous swelling? (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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Would laser resurfacing resolve stretched and drooping skin from previous swelling? (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.