Modern technology has revolutionized laser resurfacing treatments, offering effective solutions to enhance and rejuvenate the skin. Laser skin treatments use focused beams of light energy to address various skin concerns, including acne, aging, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, scars, or poor skin health. Laser resurfacing treatments are safe and efficient, requiring little downtime to provide effective results.
Gentler than dermabrasion and chemical peels, laser treatments remove damage and rejuvenate the skin's appearance. Most patients seek treatment for the face, although lasers can also be useful on other parts of the body.
Reasons for Laser Resurfacing
Patients choose laser resurfacing to improve skin health and appearance, including:
- Decrease or eliminate wrinkles or stretchmarks
- Diminish the appearance of scars
- Rejuvenate non-responsive skin after a facelift
- Remove age spots or spider veins
- Repair sun-damaged skin
- Improve skin tone due to melasma or other causes
- Remove warts or birthmarks
- Decrease the size of enlarged pores
- Remove tattoos
Types of Laser Resurfacing
There are two basic types of laser resurfacing treatments: ablative and non-ablative.
Ablative Laser Resurfacing
Ablative laser treatments, which penetrate more deeply, cause a wound since they remove a layer of skin. Since ablative resurfacing vaporizes a layer of the skin, it provides more dramatic results and requires fewer sessions but a longer healing period.
Non-Ablative Resurfacing
Non-ablative treatments do not burn away skin tissue but use laser energy to stimulate collagen growth and tighten underlying skin. Non-ablative resurfacing is gentler than ablative and requires less downtime but may necessitate more treatment sessions and yield less dramatic results.
Patients generally choose non-ablative laser treatments when the repair needed is less extensive. Non-ablative treatments are also ideal for people with darker skin tones, as ablative resurfacing may be more likely to cause unnatural changes in pigmentation.
A form of ablative resurfacing known as fractional ablative laser is also an option. This procedure targets more specific regions so that laser microbeams pinpoint and peel away smaller areas of skin. No visible wounds are caused during fractional laser surfacing, so although results are more noticeable, less downtime is necessary than conventional ablative treatments. For some individuals, fractional ablative laser resurfacing represents the best of both worlds.
The Laser Resurfacing Procedure
Providers perform laser resurfacing treatments in-office with topical anesthesia. Procedures typically take 30-90 minutes, depending on the size and location of the treatment area. While some individuals will notice significant results after just one treatment, particularly with ablative procedures, many will require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results. Patients may also need additional touch-up treatments in the future.
Risks of Laser Resurfacing
Although laser skin treatment is safe with no long-term complications, certain risks are associated with any medical procedure. Although rare, risks may include:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Redness
- Pigmentation changes
- Acne
- Milia, tiny white bumps on the skin
Choosing a qualified provider ensures optimal safety and minimizes risks.
Recovery from Laser Resurfacing
Recovery from laser resurfacing procedures varies according to the procedure and the patient's skin type. In all cases, however, patients should avoid sun exposure wherever possible.
Recovery from Non-ablative Laser Resurfacing
After treatment, patients may experience redness and peeling at the treated site as the skin heals. The duration of these side effects varies but is commonly several days. Ice packs may ease discomfort and improve appearance. Most can resume normal activities during healing and apply makeup to camouflage any unwanted evidence of treatment.
Recovery from Ablative Laser Resurfacing
After ablative laser resurfacing, the skin will temporarily be raw, swollen, crusty, and itchy. After treatment, patients will apply a thick ointment, such as petroleum jelly, and a watertight dressing to the affected area. If treatment was on the face, the patient may need to keep the head elevated at night. Ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers can relieve symptoms. Avoid scarring by not picking at crusts or pieces of skin. Visible healing may take a week or two.
Patients should avoid strenuous activities while recovering from ablative laser resurfacing and regularly clean the area with water, saline, or dilute acetic acid. Some patients may prefer to remain at home until healing is well underway. Once the new skin covers the treated area, patients can apply cosmetics to conceal any residual redness, which may persist for a few months. When healing is complete, the skin will appear dramatically improved in tone, texture, and tightness.
Rejuvenate Your Skin for a Youthful, Radiant Appearance
Laser skin resurfacing is a powerful treatment that can rejuvenate your skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and uneven texture. Whether you want to refresh your complexion or address specific skin concerns, this advanced procedure offers noticeable, long-lasting results. To find out if laser skin resurfacing is right for you, schedule a consultation with an experienced provider and take the first step toward a more youthful, glowing complexion.