Is there a way to have Laser resurfacing without getting that "shiny face" look afterward?

Question

I am looking at having either fractional resurfacing or ebrium laser resurfacing. Is there a way to have resurfacing without getting that "shiny face" look afterward that I see so many women have after their treatment?

David R. Stephens, MD · Answer

Cosmetic facial rejuvenation should be transformative, but it shouldn't be scary or look weird and draw unnecessary attention. Treating the skin will result in a change in your skin and that will be smoother and translucent and sometimes in the early phase of recovery, shiny. I have noticed some women in their sixties and older who have taken amazing care of their skin by avoiding the sun and using nightly gentle cleansers, toners and moisturizers. They have younger, and as such smoother and brighter looking skin than some patients in their twenties. Their skin has no deep lines and blemishes. Taking care of and having good skin is one of the most important anti-aging things you can do for your face...... It is useful to define facial aging along two general categories: facial lines and facial sagging/deflation, but one should also consider the quality and tone of the skin, including fine lines, browns and reds. Here is the deal: all lasers, including fractionated lasers restore new looking skin by causing an injury to the skin via the heat and injury they inflict on and in the skin. In laser resurfacing, it's a matter of degree, the more the injury, the more the redness, smoothing and shinyness of the skin. The redness is the result of new blood vessels and the shinyness is the result of skin swelling as well as the formation of new healthy skin with the loss of the old dead stratum corneum which is the dead superficial skin layer that makes the skin look opaque and dull. Blood vessels can be targeted, heated and destroyed using the Sciton, BBL system ; the BBL also treats the brown spots, which are preferentially targeted and destroyed and the brown areas then slough. Fine lines can be treated with lighter, superficial micro-laser peels and fractionated lasers. They may initially leave the skin red and shiny. Deeper re-surfacing lasers, that are used for deep lines, will leave the skin shiny and red longer. This is the response to the inflammation of the laser treatment. Fractional lasers create injury to the skin through small holes that go deep into the skin and have less down time. We have two types of lasers in the office made by Sciton, the best lasers in the industry, in my opinion. There is the Pro-Fractional laser used alone or with deeper erbium laser resurfacing as well as is the micro-laser peel that does more superficial resurfacing by removing the stratum Corneum. The newest, most interesting laser is the new Sciton, HALO(R) which is a breakthrough technology in laser rejuvination. The HALO is the first hybrid laser that works by placing most of the treatment/injury and heat deep in the dermis which is the deeper structural layer below the superficial layers of the skin, The second of the hybrid laser then places microscopic holes through the superficial skin just above the first treatment. It gives a result similar to a deeper resurfacing laser but with much less downtime and shinyness. The skin is younger due to the release of growth factors that bring in new collagen and elastic fibers. The BBl " FOREVER YOUNG" treatment is the result of the amazing improvement and maintenance of youthful skin throughout the years through the application of systematic and scheduled treatments. The implications for prolonged anti-aging of the skin are profound. I invite you for a consultation with my team and I in our office to learn more about skin rejuvination, lasers, skin care and maintenance.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear seattlea,You are much less likely to experience this "shiny look" if you seek a consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon as we are most equipped to provide patients with the highest quality care and treatment available.I am not accustomed to seeing my patients endure a "shiny look" after laser resurfacing. There is a certain
amount of discomfort that is experienced with laser resurfacing. When a full
face procedure is done, twilight or mild sedation is often used. With a
regional resurfacing, around the mouth or eyes, often a local anesthetic will
be used. During the first few hours and days after the

procedure, there is
usually mild burning and discomfort, which feels much like a sunburn. Oral
painkillers and ice packs help control the discomfort.Sincerely,Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS

Raymond E. Lee, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing. CO2 fractional laser resurfacing is an excellent procedure to decrease fine lines and wrinkles and sunspots.  I am not aware of any shiny look to the skin other then the ointment used during the first week. During this 1 week acute healing phase Aquaphor, Vaseline, or a laser balm is applied while the old skin peels off.  Afterwards for the next month it is important to minimize sun exposure and use a mild moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated.  This skin care may be the shiny face you are seeing but ultimately with a fractional laser you should not have this long term.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for your question. With the use of an erbium laser for a skin rejuvenation it would be extremely unusual to have a shiny appearance after the procedure. The skin is slightly pink for several weeks followed by a healthy glow. the skin does not develop that artificial shiny appearance that you fear. It is an excellent modality to remove wrinkles, even out skin tone and improve elasticity. I hope you find this helpful.

Mariusz Sapijaszko, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Laser facial rejuvenation is great and, I think, almost everyone can benefit from these treatments. It is not about the type of laser but all about the person using the laser. Natural great results are not just possible but what great docor can deliver.Please make sure that you have a thorough consultation with physician experienced in the art of laser rejuvenation.

Is there a way to have Laser resurfacing without getting that "shiny face" look afterward?

Answers (9)

Answer: Erbium laser is a good choice

Answer: Erbium laser is a good choice

Answer: Laser facial rejuvenation

Answer: Laser facial rejuvenation

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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Is there a way to have Laser resurfacing without getting that "shiny face" look afterward?

Answers (9)

Answer: Erbium laser is a good choice

Answer: Erbium laser is a good choice

Answer: Laser facial rejuvenation

Answer: Laser facial rejuvenation

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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