Laser skin resurfacing, known as a laser peel, can help reduce facial wrinkles, scars, and blemishes. Lasers are beams of light that vaporize the outer layers of your skin and promote the growth of new collagen fibers. This can help your skin look younger and healthier, by removing layer by layer with precision.
What is laser skin resurfacing?
This laser technique directs short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at irregular skin. Laser skin resurfacing removes skin layer-by-layer, which will reduce the appearance of wrinkles and scars, to even out skin coloring, tighten skin and remove lesions. The lasers stimulate the growth of new collagen fibers resulting in a new skin that is smoother and firmer. Laser resurfacing can be done with:
Ablative laser: This laser will remove the thin outer layer of skin as well as heat the underlying skin, which will stimulate the growth of collagen. As the epidermis heals and regrows, the treated area appears smoother and tighter.
Non-ablative laser or light source: This approach also stimulates collagen growth. As a less aggressive approach, it has a shorter recovery time. But the results are less noticeable.
Both methods can be done with a fractional laser, leaning microscopic columns of untreated tissue throughout the treatment area. While laser resurfacing can treat loss of skin tone and improve the complexion, it cannot eliminate excessive or sagging skin.
Laser skin resurfacing risks and benefits
Some of the benefits of laser skin resurfacing are:
Producing more dramatic results than non-ablative laser treatments, which do not remove any skin layers.
Stimulating the growth of new skin cells and the production of collagen, a protein that gives skin its structure.
Treating a variety of skin issues, such as age spots, scars, acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, warts, some types of birthmarks, large pores, and sun damage.
Enhancing your skin's appearance and boosting your confidence.
Some of the risks of laser skin resurfacing are:
Causing side effects, such as pain, swelling, redness, itching, infection, scarring, changes in skin color, and sensitivity to sunlight.
Requiring a longer recovery time than non-ablative laser treatments, as it takes time for the skin to heal and regenerate.
It can be unsuitable for some people, such as those with active acne breakouts, excessive sagging skin, or darker skin tones, as they may have a higher risk of complications or uneven results.
Laser skin resurfacing can be a safe and effective way to improve your skin's condition and appearance, but it is not a miracle cure and it requires proper preparation, care, and patience. You should consult with a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who can evaluate your skin type, condition, and goals, and recommend the best type of laser and the appropriate settings for your case.
How should I prepare for laser skin resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure that uses a laser to improve the appearance and texture of the skin. It can help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, scars, sun damage, and other skin concerns. However, before undergoing laser skin resurfacing, there are some important steps that you need to take to prepare for the treatment and ensure optimal results.
First, you need to consult with a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who can evaluate your skin type, condition, and goals. They can recommend the best type of laser and the appropriate settings for your case. They can also inform you of the risks, benefits, and expectations of the procedure.
You may need to follow pre-treatment instructions given by your doctor. These may include:
Stopping smoking at least two weeks before the procedure, as smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications.
Avoid sun exposure and tanning at least four weeks before the procedure, as sunburned or tanned skin can cause uneven results and increase the risk of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.
Discontinuing any medications or supplements that can thin the blood, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, or fish oil, at least 10 days before the procedure, can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
Stopping any topical products that can irritate the skin, at least one week before the procedure, as they can interfere with the laser treatment and cause damage to the skin.
Apply a topical antibiotic cream or ointment to the treatment area as directed by your doctor, usually starting a few days before the procedure, to prevent infection.
Filling any prescriptions for painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or antiviral drugs that your doctor may prescribe for you, and take them as instructed before and after the procedure.
Laser skin resurfacing can be a safe and effective way to enhance your skin's appearance and boost your confidence. However, it is important to remember that it is not a miracle cure and that it requires proper preparation, care, and patience.
How is laser skin resurfacing done?
Laser skin resurfacing is done with beams of light. The laser will send short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at irregular skin. By doing so, the unwanted, damaged skin is removed one layer at a time. The laser beam used in laser resurfacing will remove your outer layer of skin, called the epidermis. It simultaneously heats the underlying skin, called the dermis. By stimulating the growth of new collagen fibers, the new skin will form smoother and firmer.
What are the risks of laser skin resurfacing?
Redness, swelling, itching, and pain
Acne
Infection
Changes in skin color
Scarring
What happens during the procedure?
Laser resurfacing is done as an outpatient procedure. Your skin will be numbed by medication. During the procedure, an intense beam of light will be directed at your skin. As the laser destroys the epidermis, it heats the dermis, which will stimulate collagen production. The laser resurfacing will take between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the technique used and the size of the area treated. This approach usually needs only one treatment. Most patients will need 1-3 treatments over weeks or months to reach their goal result. The procedure involves the following steps:
Before laser skin resurfacing, your skin needs to be prepared. This involves a series of treatments done several weeks before the procedure. The purpose is to increase your skin’s tolerance to professional treatments. It can also decrease your risk of side effects.
On the day of the procedure, your doctor will apply a topical anesthetic to the area being treated. This is used to reduce pain and make you more comfortable during the procedure. If a large area of skin is being treated, your doctor may suggest a sedative or painkillers.
Next, the skin is cleansed to remove any excess oil, dirt, and bacteria.
Your doctor begins the treatment, using the selected laser. The laser is moved slowly around the designated area of the skin.
Finally, your doctor will dress the treatment area in wraps to help protect the skin at the end of the procedure.
What outcome can I expect after laser skin resurfacing?
Patients see an immediate difference in their treated skin. Depending on the type of treatment, the skin may stay pink or red for a few months. The results may improve up to a year and the improvements may last for several years. Although aging will lead to new wrinkles, laser resurfacing can be done again. But you should avoid direct sunlight and apply sunscreen every day.
Laser skin resurfacing recovery
Laser skin resurfacing recovery is the process of healing and restoring your skin after a cosmetic procedure that uses a laser to improve its appearance and texture. The recovery time and the steps you need to take depend on the type and depth of the laser treatment you received. Generally, there are two types of laser skin resurfacing: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers remove the outer layers of the skin, while non-ablative lasers heat the lower layers of the skin without removing any skin.
Ablative laser skin resurfacing recovery usually takes longer and requires more care than non-ablative laser skin resurfacing recovery. It can take up to three weeks for your skin to heal and regenerate. During this time, you may experience some side effects, such as pain, swelling, redness, itching, infection, scarring, or changes in skin color. To minimize these side effects and prevent complications, you need to follow the post-treatment instructions given by your doctor. These may include:
Cleaning the treated areas with saline or a diluted vinegar solution two to five times a day.
Apply protective skin care products, such as moisturizers, sunscreens, and antibiotic creams, as recommended by your doctor.
Avoiding sun exposure, tanning, smoking, alcohol, and any products or activities that can irritate your skin.
Take painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or antiviral drugs as prescribed by your doctor.
Non-ablative laser skin resurfacing recovery is usually faster and easier than ablative laser skin resurfacing recovery. It can take from 24 hours to two weeks for your skin to heal. You may still experience some mild side effects, such as redness, swelling, or peeling, but they are usually temporary and less severe than those of ablative laser skin resurfacing. To speed up your recovery and enhance your results, you need to follow the post-treatment instructions given by your doctor. These may include:
Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the treated areas to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Moisturizing your skin regularly with a gentle, fragrance-free lotion or cream.
Protecting your skin from the sun with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30.
Avoid picking, scratching, or rubbing the treated areas, as this can cause scarring or infection.
Laser skin resurfacing can be a great way to address various skin issues and enhance your appearance and confidence. However, it is important to remember that it is not a one-time solution and that it requires proper preparation, care, and patience.
Conclusion
Laser skin resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure that uses a laser to address various skin issues and improve the appearance and texture of the skin. It can help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, scars, sun damage, and other skin concerns. However, it also has some risks and benefits that you should be aware of before deciding to undergo it. Laser skin resurfacing can be classified into two types: ablative and non-ablative. You should consult with a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who can evaluate your skin type, condition, and goals, and recommend the best type of laser and the appropriate settings for your case.
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