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How It Works

As skin ages, the collagen fibers become damaged and tangled, resulting in wrinkles and loose skin. The goal of Bellevue laser resurfacing is not simply to “burn away” blemishes but to restore the skin’s natural elasticity and tone.

The CO2 laser is a short but intense pulse of light that creates microthermal zones: small areas of intense heat just under the skin. These microthermal zones selectively destroy dead and damaged skin cells. This effectively jump-starts your body’s natural healing process.

New skin cells are produced, which push up and replace the dead skin cells. With these new cells comes new collagen. The appearance of wrinkles, lines, and scars is dramatically improved, and the results are lasting because they come from the body’s own healthy collagen.

Safety & Risks of Laser Skin Resurfacing

The AcuPulse by Lumenis is FDA-approved for all skin types. Dr. Min and his staff in Bellevue have years of experience performing laser skin resurfacing, and patient safety is always our number one priority. However, we want to ensure that our patients are fully apprised of the potential risks and side effects that can result from this procedure:

  • Burns or other injuries from the laser’s heat
  • Scarring
  • Changes in the skin’s pigmentation, including areas of darker or lighter skin
  • Reactivating herpes cold sores
  • Bacterial infection

Prior to Your Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure

You will want to shave the treatment area a day in advance of your laser skin resurfacing appointment in Bellevue to minimize any discomfort, and you should avoid intense sun exposure or tanning 4 weeks prior.

After Your Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure

You will wake up in the recovery room with a bandage on your face that should be worn for the first 24 hours. You will be given detailed instructions for postoperative care, which will include regular cleaning and application of an ointment such as petroleum jelly. Treated areas generally heal completely within 2-3 weeks. It is normal to have swelling after laser skin resurfacing, which Dr. Min may manage with steroids. Ice packs can also help reduce swelling, which generally peaks 48 hours after surgery. You may feel itching or stinging for 12 to 72 hours after the procedure, and your skin will likely peel. It is important to avoid scratching or picking scabs and to avoid makeup until the skin heals. The most important parts of your recovery involve avoiding sun exposure (wear hats and use sunscreen) and keeping the new skin moisturized. You can expect all redness to resolve after 2-4 months.