Men and women want to look young for as long as possible. Laser resurfacing can be of help in achieving that goal, as it helps reduce wrinkles, acne scars, and other skin imperfections. It does so using concentrated pulsating light beams that remove the client’s skin one layer at a time. Cosmetic surgeons may refer to this procedure as a laser peel, laser vaporization, or lasabrasion, but all are the same thing. What does a person need to know when determining whether this treatment is right for their needs?
Good Candidates for Laser Resurfacing
Individuals with fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, eyes, and forehead benefit from lasabrasion. The same holds for anyone suffering from shallow acne scars. Any skin that didn’t respond following a facelift will also benefit from the procedure.
However, anyone struggling with acne, and those who have very dark skin, should consider other options. In addition, the procedure does not help the appearance of stretch marks. A person should sit down with Cosmetic Surgeons Near Me to learn whether they should consider a laser peel or if another option would produce better results.
How Does It Work?
Cosmetic surgeons choose from several types of lasers when performing the procedure. The two most common types are erbium and carbon dioxide, and both devices work to vaporize damaged skin cells on the surface. CO2 laser resurfacing treats different skin issues, and new devices use ultrapure or continuous light beams to remove thin layers of the skin. Clients experience very little heat damage, and the recovery process takes approximately two weeks.
Resurfacing with an erbium laser involves the removal of moderately deep wrinkles and lines along with those on the surface. Surrounding tissue experiences minimal burning, and the procedure comes with few side effects. This allows the person to recover in a week, in most cases. Clients with dark skin find erbium laser resurfacing better meets their needs.
Other laser types include pulse-dye lasers, fractional lasers, and intense pulsed light lasers. Pulse-dye lasers benefit men and women suffering from skin issues associated with blood vessels, while fractional lasers address age-related blemishes, acne scars, and more. Intense pulse light treatments don’t actually make use of a laser but address many of the same skin issues. They remain the preferred choice for stretch marks when it comes to laser treatments.
What to Expect
Clients find they can undergo laser resurfacing and return home the same day. The doctor determines which anesthesia will be used based on the area to be treated and will provide this medication before starting any work. Expect to be in the office for up to two hours.
Upon completion of the treatment, the doctor bandages the area. The client needs to wait 24 hours and then begin cleaning the area four or five times each day. After cleaning the treatment site, they apply an ointment to prevent the development of scabs. Most clients find they heal completely within 21 days.
Side Effects
Expect swelling following the procedure, and use an extra pillow when sleeping to keep this swelling to a minimum. An ice pack is helpful during the first 48 hours after treatment, and clients may notice their skintingles or stings starting 12 to 72 hours following the procedure.
Five to seven days after the treatment, the skin begins to peel. Individuals need to avoid makeup that contains oils to reduce the redness of the skin. This redness persists for up to three months following the laser resurfacing.
The skin tends to be lighter following lasabrasion. Men and women need to wear sunscreen at all times to prevent damage to the skin. Furthermore, keep the skin moisturized, but avoid products containing glycolic acid or Retin A for roughly six weeks following the treatment. The doctor will determine when it is safe to begin using those products again.
Speak to your doctor to see if laser resurfacing is the best treatment option for the skin conditions you are experiencing. Many people find it is ideal for their needs. You won’t know if that is the case until you speak to your doctor, so make an appointment today.
