Laser Skin Resurfacing - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Contour?
2. What is laser skin resurfacing?
3. How does laser skin resurfacing work?
4. Why choose laser skin resurfacing?
5. What conditions can be treated with Contour?
6. What will the Contour laser do?
7. What areas can be treated?
8. What will happen during the procedure?
9. What aftercare will I need?
10. How long will it take me to recover?
11. What should I expect after treatment?
12. Is the procedure painful?
13. Are there the risks or side effects?
14. How soon will I see results?
15. How much does it cost?

1. What is Contour?

The Sciton Contour laser is the new gold standard for skin peel. This advanced laser allows us to precisely vary the depth of peel for maximum results and faster recovery times. What makes the Sciton resurfacing laser truly unique among other resurfacing lasers is TRL technology, which provides independent control over the depth of ablation and coagulation with micron precision.

2. What is laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing is one of the leading cosmetic procedures in the United States. The process utilizes a laser to minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles, as well as improve the overall texture of the skin.

3. How does laser skin resurfacing work?

Lasers work by emitting a specialized light that passes through the skin and is preferentially absorbed by water in the damaged collagen of your skin. This action allows the laser light to ablate (evaporate) very fine layers of skin, diminishing the look of the wrinkle and other unwanted textures. The older skin is remodeled into newer skin. As new cells form in the healing process, the skin becomes smoother and softer. Several lasers and light sources are available today for skin resurfacing.

4. Why choose laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing offers patients many benefits. The procedure is truly "incisionless," provides consistent results, and offers the surgeon precise control. Its faster recovery time means that it can also delay or eliminate the need for the more invasive face-lift surgery.

5. What conditions can be treated with Contour?

For skin resurfacing and applications requiring ablation, vaporization and coagulation of soft tissue which includes: Wrinkles, Epidermal Nevi, Acne Scars, Solar lentigines, Actinic Keratoses, Hypertrophic Scars, Syringoma, Surgical Scars

6. What will the Contour laser do?

We use Contour to remove thin layers of your skin's surface, which will be replaced by younger skin growth. Only Contour has the ability to provide a treatment that is optimized to your skin condition. Your wrinkles will soften and become less noticeable, some will disappear, and pigmented lesions will greatly improve.

7. What areas can be treated?

All skin areas can be treated. Popular areas are the face, neck, chest and hands.

8. What will happen during the procedure?

We will administer anesthesia after discussing the options with you. Your eyes will be protected with safety shields or glasses. Contour's laser beam will be delivered through a computer-controlled device that automatically scans the area of your skin being treated. You may hear a snapping or popping noise as the laser gently removes the outer skin cells. Your procedure may take a few minutes to half an hour depending on the size of the area to be treated and the depth of your peel.

9. What aftercare will I need?

It is important to follow all instructions. You will be given some skin care products and instructions on how to use them. This will minimize your risk for infection and ensure the shortest healing time. The top layer of your skin will re-grow and be covered with make-up in about one week. Your new skin will be very sensitive to ultra-violet light and you must avoid sun exposure until fully healed. You need to cover your skin, wear a hat and use a good sun screen if your have to go outdoors.

10. How long will it take me to recover?

Your healing time will depend upon your actual treatment depth, and you may experience erythema (redness) which may last several weeks. Healing time does vary among individuals. We can answer questions about temporary changes to your skin appearance and how it may be camoflaged.

11. What should I expect after treatment?

It will take a few days to replace the surface of your skin. Redness is common and swelling may be present in the areas treated, however, this should subside in a few hours. We will instruct you how best to care for your healing skin. Your skin will have a residual pink or red color that will dissolve over time.

12. Is the procedure painful

The amount of discomfort varies from patient to patient. We will discuss your anesthesia options to properly manage any discomfort from the treatment. You will be given either a topical or local anesthetic during the procedure. Sedation can also be provided. Most patients describe the post-procedure feeling as a bad sunburn; this feeling will subside in a few days. Cold compresses will also help subdue the discomfort.

13. Are there the risks or side effects?

Following the correct aftercare procedures will reduce the risk of infection. You will return to us for follow-up visits to ensure excellent healing. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and side-effects associated with laser skin resurfacing. Your doctor will review with you in detail any risks involved in the procedure.

14. How soon will I see results?

Because your skin will heal over a period of several weeks, you may not see the final results until then. As your skin heals, and as new collagen regenerates and fills in the lines and wrinkles, your results will continue to improve. Results will continue to improve for months.

15. How much does it cost?

Initial Treatment is $2500.

Confidential consultations about Laser Skin Resurfacing can usually be arranged within two or three weeks simply by calling us at (336) 659-2663 or our special toll free BOTOX® Cosmetic line at 1-877-WE BOTOX (932-6869). Treatment or a skin test can be done the same day as the consultation, if you wish.

No referral is needed for Laser Skin Resurfacing.

Schedule a consultation or call us now at 877 WE BOTOX or 336.659.2663!
Saturday appointments available.

*All prices for treatments or products are subject to change without notice

Dr Anne L. White, Carolina Laser and Cosmetic Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has trained internationally in the latest techniques of non-invasive, no downtime cosmetic and dermatology treatments.

Dr. White is one of the most experienced physicians in Winston-Salem for dermal fillers and injectables including Botox, Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, Evolence, Dysport, Artefill, and Sculptra.

She is an expert in laser treatments including laser liposuction, laser hair removal, laser tattoo removal, microlaserpeel, Limelight Photofacial, Laser Genesis, laser skin rejuvenation , laser skin resurfacing, laser treatment for age spots, sun damage and pigmentation, laser treatment for spider veins and varicose veins, as well as the procedures Fraxel, Thermage and Ultherapy.

Dr. White also specializes in tumescent liposuction and sclerotherapy for varicose veins.

Learn more about Laser Skin Resurfacing

Listen to "Thermage: The Oprah Way"
Listen to "Summer Skin Care"
Listen to "Spooky Spots & Spiders"
Listen to "The Magic of Fillers"
Listen to "Fillers: Needle vs Knife"
Listen to "Enchanting Eyes"
Listen to "Skin Care"

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Carolina Laser and Cosmetic Center   |   3000 Bethesda Place, Suites 601-602   |   Winston Salem, NC 27103   |   877-WE BOTOX (932-6869)   |   (336) 659-2663   |   Email Us