Laser resurfacing treatments work through an emission of energetic light, which is absorbed by the water content within the facial tissue, Dr. Merrick said. This absorption heats the water, leading to vaporization of the tissue — layer by layer.

The process becomes a gradual, controlled effort to eliminate wrinkles by refreshing the skin until an even surface is achieved.

Dr. Merrick will often use a relatable analogy — the county fair — to explain this cosmetic treatment to new patients, a setting familiar and well-loved by us Midwesterners. He prompts patients to imagine a fair sketch artist drawing a portrait of them — often capturing every line on their face — which might make them realize, “I didn’t realize I looked this old.”

“You might want to take that artists’ pencil, turn it around and use the eraser to go over the lines; brush over those wrinkles that have been drawn on by the artist,” Dr. Merrick said.

A laser resurfacing procedure fuctions much like this eraser, but on real facial tissue around the mouth. Just as one could erase lines to soften them, the laser works layer by layer to remove wrinkles until they are softened or disappear entirely.

Dr. Merrick shared that his practice remains the sole servicer in the upper Midwest to perform these procedures and have achieved positive results for aging patients across the Chippewa Valley.

Many patients arrive at his practice with concerns of sun damage and environmental pollutants which take their toll on their skin — expediting the natural wrinkling process.

Deeper laser resurfacing through Merrick Plastic & Hand Surgery has shown to be the most effective treatment to deep wrinkles around the mouth — a problem which can’t always be addressed with facelifts or more conservative procedures.

“We just go layer by layer to get to an endpoint where those wrinkles are gone,” Dr. Merrick said. “The results are a permanent change to the skin barring future aging.”

One patient — after trying other clinics without success — has continued to return to Dr. Merrick for their laser resurfacing treatments and the welcoming environment his clinic offers for returning patients.

“I am so pleased with the result – my wrinkles have disappeared,” the patient shared. “Dr. Merrick’s clinical experience in this field is unsurpassed. His manner is kind and warmhearted; this is reflected in the ambiance of his clinic.”

The one-hour procedure only requires a brief, one- to two-week recovery period for patients. Most importantly, laser resurfacing helps to eliminate personal insecurities and build confidence.

“One of the things that really haunts people about their aging face is the lines around their mouth — it’s a focus of people’s attention,” Dr. Merrick said to describe the central call-to-action for this work. “To be able to take a problem that is at the forefront of patients’ minds — to have the technology to take care of it and to be getting the results that we’re getting — that’s really what is so exciting about it.”

To schedule a consultation with Merrick Plastic & Hand Surgery or book an appointment for laser resurfacing, visit merrickplasticsurgery.com or call (715) 514-2550.