Our confidence is often tied to how we look. When we look our best, we often feel our best, as well. Unfortunately, aging brings a large amount of issues along with it.
Some of the most notable are neck wrinkles and fine lines. Changes in skin texture are common, as well. The good news is there are steps you can take to combat issues like these.
Laser skin resurfacing is one of the most popular, but not everybody understands how it works. Let’s explore how you can leverage it to handle neck aging.
How Does It Work?
Many people are unaware of how this procedure takes place. It involves using a laser to remove a thin layer of skin (known as the epidermis).
It heats the underlying layer (the dermis) to stimulate the growth of collagen. This is a protein that improves your skin’s texture and firmness. As the epidermis heals, it will appear firmer and tighter.
This can help someone look far younger than they are and reverse the superficial effects of aging. This procedure is most often used to treat wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and scars.
These are common on the neck, making this one of the most frequently targeted areas. Sun damage is another common issue that you can treat with laser skin resurfacing. It accumulates over time and can arise seemingly out of nowhere as we age.
Finding a Professional for Laser Skin Resurfacing
To get the best results, you’ll need to find the right professional. They’ll have the tools and resources to help you achieve your goals.
However, not all medical practitioners are created equal. It’s essential to do your due diligence before making your decision. Check online to see what other people have to say about the results they got.
Look for feedback that mentions how comfortable the patient was with the medical professional, as well. Pay attention to how they respond to criticism.
If they get aggressive or defensive, it’s best to continue your search elsewhere. Keep an eye out for fake reviews.
These are often posted in large batches and contain similar keywords. It’s best to ignore them when making your assessment so you can maintain an accurate perspective.
Are they experienced in this area of medicine? Ideally, you’ll find someone who has practiced for at least a decade.
This will help ensure they understand the nuances of your situation. Always ask about their pricing structure.
You often get what you pay for, and it’s never recommended to choose the cheapest options. This doesn’t mean you need to spend as much as possible, though.
There’s a point of diminishing returns regarding what you pay for your procedure. Instead, you should find a professional in the middle of the industry’s price range. With enough vigilance, you shouldn’t have an issue finding the right choice for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many patients have a handful of questions before scheduling their appointment. Understanding key details will help you know what to expect. Listed below are some of the most notable.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Anyone unhappy with the quality of their neck skin is a good candidate for this procedure under most circumstances. There are rare scenarios where it’s unsuitable, and your medical professional will help discern them. In general, though, you shouldn’t encounter any issues.
How Do I Prepare for the Procedure?
You need to take certain steps to ensure your treatment goes smoothly. Stop exfoliating your skin for about one week before treatment.
Otherwise, the laser procedure may cause unnecessary damage. Ask your doctor if you should avoid medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, or vitamin E. These are blood thinners and could lead to increased bruising.
It’s best to stop smoking and drinking alcohol as long as possible before the procedure. Both of these can lead to additional information. Alcohol can cause extra bruising due to its properties as a blood thinner.
How Long Does It Take?
In most situations, your treatment will last around 15 minutes. It could take longer if you require treatment for a larger surface area.
In some cases, it might take less than 15 minutes. This allows you to schedule your procedure without interrupting your regular lifestyle.
How Long Is Recovery Time?
Full recovery takes about a month. Short procedures tend to take less time to recover from. In rare cases, it can take you longer than a month to recover.
This is common for people who are particularly sensitive to this type of treatment. The same can be said for those who use resurfacing procedures on large areas of the body.
Are There Side Effects?
While laser resurfacing is fairly safe, certain complications can arise. These include scarring, hyperpigmentation, burning, and changes in skin texture.
The good news is you can prevent these by working with a reputable professional. Someone with substantial experience in administering this type of treatment can prevent problems from occurring.
If you do notice issues developing after your procedure, get in touch with a medical professional as soon as possible. This will help prevent them from evolving into something more serious.
Does Insurance Cover This Procedure?
In many situations, insurance will not cover the cost of laser skin resurfacing. This is because it’s considered a cosmetic procedure instead of one that’s medically necessary.
However, there are some scenarios where their insurance provider will cover a portion of the treatment cost. This primarily includes situations where laser skin resurfacing is used to treat precancerous skin conditions. The same can be said about improving certain types of scars.
Take Action ASAP
The sooner you take action, the better results you’ll get. It’s best to book an appointment when you begin noticing the signs that your neck is aging. From there, you’ll avoid many issues you may have otherwise encountered.
Derm Aesthetics is a state-of-the-art med spa in northern Kentucky. Dr. Bushelman prides herself on offering premier dermatology treatment options.
These include chemical peels, dermal fillers, laser skin resurfacing, and much more. You’ll learn more about the many benefits of working with her when you book an appointment today.
