Laser resurfacing is a way to improve the look of the skin that uses laser technology. It is an increasingly common choice for those looking to diminish the appearance of fine wrinkles and cracks, improve the suppleness of their skin, and even out their skin tone.
Benefits Of Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing offers a number of benefits for individuals who are looking to improve the appearance of their skin.
- Reduces Fine Lines And Wrinkles: Laser resurfacing can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face. This is performed by removing the top layer of skin, which encourages the formation of new skin cells and collagen, resulting in a smoother, more youthful complexion.
- Improves Skin Texture: Laser resurfacing can help improve the texture of the skin by removing rough, uneven, or damaged skin. This can result in a smoother, more even skin tone.
- Reduces Acne Scars: Laser resurfacing can be used to reduce the appearance of acne scars by removing the top layer of skin and stimulating the growth of new skin cells.
- Evens Out Skin Tone: Laser resurfacing can help even out skin tone by reducing the appearance of age spots, sun damage, and other skin discolorations.
- Boosts Confidence: By improving the appearance of the skin, laser resurfacing can boost an individual’s confidence and self-esteem.
Types Of Laser Resurfacing
Ablative Laser Resurfacing
Ablative laser resurfacing is a more aggressive treatment that involves removing the top layer of skin. This type of laser resurfacing is effective in treating deeper wrinkles and scars, but it also requires a longer recovery time. Ablative laser resurfacing can be done using a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser or an erbium laser.
- Co2 Laser Resurfacing: CO2 laser resurfacing is a type of ablative laser resurfacing that uses a carbon dioxide laser to remove the top layer of skin. This type of laser resurfacing is effective in treating deep wrinkles, scars, and uneven skin tone. However, it also has a longer recovery time, and patients may experience redness, swelling, and peeling for several weeks after the treatment.
- Erbium Laser Resurfacing: Erbium laser resurfacing is a type of ablative laser resurfacing that uses an erbium laser to remove the top layer of skin. This type of laser resurfacing is less aggressive than CO2 laser resurfacing and is often used to treat fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Recovery time is usually shorter than with CO2 laser resurfacing, and patients may experience redness and swelling for a few days after the treatment.
Non-Ablative Laser Resurfacing
This type of laser resurfacing is effective in treating fine lines, wrinkles, and minor skin discolorations. Non-ablative laser resurfacing can be done using a variety of lasers, including pulsed dye lasers, fractional lasers, and intense pulsed light (IPL) devices.
- Pulsed Dye Laser Resurfacing: Pulsed dye laser resurfacing is a type of non-ablative laser resurfacing that uses a pulsed dye laser to stimulate the growth of new collagen. This type of laser resurfacing is effective in treating fine lines, wrinkles, and minor skin discolorations. Recovery time is usually minimal, and patients may experience redness and swelling for a few hours after the treatment.
- Fractional Laser Resurfacing: It is a type of non-ablative laser resurfacing in which tiny wounds are made in the skin using a laser. By encouraging the synthesis of new collagen, this can minimise the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and minor skin discolorations. Recovery time is usually minimal, and patients may experience redness and swelling for a few days after the treatment.
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Resurfacing: IPL resurfacing is a type of non-ablative laser resurfacing that uses intense pulses of light to improve the appearance of the skin. IPL can be effective in treating minor skin discolorations, such as age spots and sun damage. Recovery time is usually minimal, and patients may experience redness and swelling for a few hours after the treatment.
What To Expect During The Treatment?
The procedure for laser resurfacing varies depending on the type of laser used and the area being treated.
- Consultation: Before receiving treatment, the patient will meet with the doctor or technician to discuss their treatment objectives and expectations. The doctor or technician will also assess the patient’s skin and determine if laser resurfacing is a good option for them.
- Preparation: Before the treatment, the patient’s skin will be cleansed and may be numbed with a topical anesthetic or injected with a local anesthetic. The patient may also be given eye protection to shield their eyes from the laser.
- Treatment: Depending on the sort of laser and the location to be treated, the laser will be applied to the epidermis in a series of passes. During treatment, the patient may feel a little scorching or stinging sensation.
- Post-Treatment Care: After the treatment, the patient’s skin may be red and swollen, and they may experience some peeling or flaking for a few days or weeks. The doctor or technician may recommend using moisturizers and avoiding direct sunlight for a period of time after the treatment.