Modern laser technology has proved its success in skin treatment. Laser treatments are fast becoming go to procedures for achieving younger-looking skin. It’s revolutionary for everyone who wants tighter and lighter skin.
Types of laser skin resurfacing
Two types of laser resurfacing exist. First, there are Erbium and carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers. Your skin sustains minor harm from these lasers in the treatment region to stimulate collagen. Fractionated CO2 laser therapy is the alternative type of laser resurfacing. In Fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing we drill many tiny columns of holes down into affected skin’s layers. We leave surrounding skin untouched.
1. CO2 laser resurfacing
A newer version of CO2 laser resurfacing employs brief pulsed light energy (ultra pulsed) or continuous light beams. The system delivers these bursts in a scanning pattern to get rid of tiny layers of skin. Surrounding structures remains untouched.
CO2 laser resurfacing removes wrinkles, scars, warts, birthmarks, enlarged oil glands on the nose, and other skin issues.
The recovery time for CO2 laser resurfacing is up to two weeks.
2. Erbium laser resurfacing
Erbium laser resurfacing removes deep creases and wrinkles from your face. The procedure only need a topical anesthetic. This laser works well on the hands, neck, and chest. This laser has fewer adverse effects than CO2 lasers, such as swelling, bruising, and redness, so you should recover faster.
If you have darker skin, erbium laser resurfacing might be an excellent option for you.
The recovery time for erbium laser resurfacing is one week.
3. Fractional laser resurfacing
Fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing uses tiny beams of laser light on your skin, leaving much of it untouched. The heat from the laser makes collagen shrink, which tightens your skin. This method is gentler because it damages less skin. But, since the laser goes deeper than regular ones, healing may take longer.
Fractional laser resurfacing requires a one-two week recovery period.
Your doctor will check your medical history, health, and goals to choose the best laser skin treatment for you..
4. Neodymium Yag Laser
Consider using a laser known as Neodymium Yag or Nd: YAG if your skin tone is darker (4 to 6 on the Fitzpatrick Scale). This laser has a longer wavelength which allows it to bypass melanin in the outer skin and reach deeper layers.
Some popular use cases for this laser therapy are as follows:
- Removal of body or facial hair
- Removal of tattoos
- Removal of birthmarks
- Chronic acne with hyperpigmentation
- Decrease of the arteries
5. Pulse-Dye Lasers
Pulse-dye lasers, or vascular lasers, treat skin conditions related to blood vessels. They are great for rosacea, broken capillaries, hyperpigmentation, and redness. These lasers use intense yellow light to heat the skin and absorb pigments, and they are usually non-ablative.
6. Intense pulse light
Technology of Intense pulse light is not same as lasers. Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments often treat the same skin conditions.. The method targets the hue of your skin using light energy. It repairs scarring, sun damage, stretch marks, acne, rosacea, birthmarks, and hyperpigmentation. It also removes unwanted hair.
Different Laser treatments: what are their purpose?
Laser treatments use intense light beams to target specific skin layers. Different lasers serve different purposes. Some correct pigmentation, some boost collagen, and others resurface the skin. Laser technology treats problem areas with precision and minimizes harm to surrounding skin.
1. Acne and Acne Scars
For many, acne is a long-term problem that often leaves stubborn scars. Laser treatments target active acne by reducing inflammation and killing microorganisms. CO2 Lasers and fractional lasers treat acne scars by resurfacing the skin and boosting collagen. After a few sessions, scars and acne become much less visible.
2. Pigmentation and Uneven Skin Tone
Laser therapy treats dark patches, melasma, and hyperpigmentation caused by hormones or UV damage. IPL and Q-switched lasers help even skin tone and reduce pigmentation. These lasers break down excess melanin, which the body clears over time. The result is smoother, more radiant skin.
3. Wrinkles
Aging causes fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Fractional and non-ablative lasers boost collagen and elastin to refresh the skin. This tightens skin and softens wrinkles, creating a younger, rested look. Many prefer lasers over surgery due to their minimal downtime and less invasive nature.
4. Skin Texture and Enlarged Pores
Enlarged pores and uneven texture can dull the skin’s appearance. Laser resurfacing removes damaged outer layers, promoting new, healthy skin cells. This smooths texture, shrinks pores, and enhances the skin’s glow.
5. Surgical Scars and Surgical Scars
Using topical treatments alone to heal surgical scars and stretch marks might be difficult. On the other hand, laser treatment can greatly enhance their look. By destroying scar tissue and promoting the growth of collagen and new skin cells, fractional lasers function. As a result, stretch marks and scars become less obvious over time as they shrink in size, color, and texture.
What Happens During and After the Procedure ?
Laser resurfacing rejuvenates the face by treating various skin issues without surgery. It restores skin texture and tone, helping those seeking a smoother, youthful look. With a skilled specialist and proper aftercare, results are significant and long-lasting. Laser resurfacing transforms skincare by reducing signs of aging and enhancing skin brightness.
1. Procedure
A medical evaluation is necessary before laser resurfacing to ensure safety. Sessions last 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the area treated. Anesthesia, based on the treatment size, helps manage discomfort.
The laser removes targeted skin cells and stimulates new growth. A protective bandage covers the area after treatment.
2. Recovery and aftercare
Proper post-procedure care ensures the best results and minimizes complications. After treatment, you may experience soreness, swelling, and sensitivity for a few days. Following your physician’s aftercare instructions is essential, which may include:
- using cold packs to reduce edema.
- Holding the head up.
- Put petroleum jelly on the skin to protect it.
- Use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen and stay out of the sun.
Result of laser skin resurfacing
As the treated area heals, your skin will look and feel better than before. The effects can last for years.
With non-ablative laser resurfacing, results appear gradually. Instead of smoothing wrinkles, you’ll notice improved skin texture and tone.
For noticeable results, fractional ablative and non-ablative treatments require two to four sessions. These sessions are scheduled over several weeks or months.
Squinting and smiling will cause lines to appear as you become older. Your outcomes may potentially be reversed by recent sun exposure. Always use sunscreen after laser resurfacing. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and a moisturizer every day.
- Avoid the sun by using sunscreen at all times.
- Maintain Proper Hydration: Hydration maintains healthy, luscious skin.
- A balanced diet, frequent exercise, and abstinence from smoking are all part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Follow-up Treatments: You might need to perform periodic maintenance sessions.
- Use high-quality skincare products: include lotions and serums that increase collagen.
- Tinted sunscreens with titanium dioxide and iron oxide help protect darker skin tones.
