what is laser skin resurfacing?
laser skin resurfacing is a type of
skin care procedure performed by a dermatologist or physician. it involves using lasers to help improve skin texture and appearance.
depending on your individual needs, your dermatologist may recommend either ablative or non-ablative lasers. ablative lasers include carbon dioxide (co2) or erbium. co2 laser
resurfacing treatments are used to get rid of scars, warts, and deep wrinkles. erbium is used for finer lines and wrinkles, along with other superficial skin concerns. both types of ablative lasers remove outside layers of the skin.
non-ablative lasers, on the other hand, don’t remove any skin layers. these include pulsed light, pulsed-dye lasers, and
fractional lasers. non-ablative lasers may be used for
rosacea,
spider veins, and acne-related skin concerns.
who should get this procedure?
you might consider this procedure if you have age-, sun-, or acne-related
skin care concerns that aren’t treatable with over-the-counter (otc) products.
laser skin resurfacing can be used to treat one or more of the following skin concerns:
● scars
● crow’s feet
● sagging skin
● uneven skin tone
● enlarged oil glands
● warts
what to expect from the procedure
laser skin resurfacing targets the outer layer of your skin while simultaneously heating the lower layers in the dermis. this will promote
collagen production.
ideally, new
collagen fibers will help produce new skin that is smoother in texture and firmer to the touch.
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 prior to the procedure. the purpose is to increase your skin’s tolerance to professional treatments. it can also decrease your risk for 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 pain killers.
● 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 skin.
● finally, your doctor will dress the treatment area in wraps to help protect the skin at the end of the procedure.
what to expect from the results
non-ablative laser treatments don’t pose as great of a risk for side effects, but you may need multiple treatments to achieve your desired results. ablative lasers, on the other hand, may correct your concerns in one treatment.
individual results vary based on the extent of the initial concerns being treated. you can expect your results to last for several years once you’re done with your treatment sessions. however, the results aren’t permanent. you may need to repeat the procedure at some point.