Treatments

Laser Skin Resurfacing

In addition to tightening skin and balancing tone, laser skin resurfacing has been shown to help eliminate wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, and other imperfections. But precisely because lasers can accomplish so much and vary so much in how they affect your skin, it can be difficult to know where to begin when exploring a course of action. Even a cursory search turns up a bewildering array of competing tools and techniques.

Types of Lasers Used for Skin Resurfacing

Our dermatologist may suggest either ablative or non-ablative lasers depending on your particular needs. There are two types of ablative lasers, the Erbium YAG and Carbon Dioxide (CO2). Deep wrinkles, warts, and scars can all be removed with CO2 laser resurfacing treatments. Erbium is used to treat superficial skin issues including fine lines and wrinkles. Ablative lasers of both types remove the skin’s outer layers. On the other hand, no skin layers are removed with non-ablative lasers. These consist of fractional lasers, pulsed-dye lasers, and pulsed-light lasers. Rosacea, spider veins, and acne-related skin issues can all be treated with non-ablative lasers.

How is the skin treated with a fractional CO2 laser?

Treatment with fractional function has improved in comfort and effectiveness, and the recovery period is relatively brief.

Water molecules in the tissue are affected by CO2 laser beams, causing the tissue to evaporate in 120 micron-diameter columns. At the same time, the collagen in the tissue shortens, and the intact tissue islets quickly enter the vaporized tissues into the healing process.

Collagen and elastin synthesis, two connective tissue building blocks, is boosted in developing tissues. The skin can stretch and regenerate as a result. It’s crucial to induce microthermal treatment and uniform healing tissue without obliterating the tissues that have already been used. Its recuperation period is quicker than with conventional lasers. Thanks to its fractional function.

Are you a Good Candidate?

If your skin care issues are caused by aging, exposure to the sun, or acne and cannot be resolved with over-the-counter (OTC) products, you may want to think about this procedure.

One or more of the skin issues listed below may be treated with laser skin resurfacing:

age-related scars
thin lines and wrinkles
acne scars
deep scars
warts
increased oil glands
uneven skin tone
crow’s feet
drooping skin

What to Expect

While the upper layers of your skin are the focus of laser skin resurfacing, the lowest layers of the dermis are heated. This will promote collagen production. New collagen should contribute to the growth of new skin that is firmer and silkier to the touch.

The steps in the process are as follows:

Your skin must be ready for laser skin resurfacing. This entails a sequence of therapies and completed a few weeks before the procedure. The goal is to make your skin more resistant to medical treatments. It may also lessen your vulnerability to adverse consequences.
Your doctor will apply a topical anesthetic to the treatment region the day of the operation. This helps you feel more comfortable and less painful during the operation. Your doctor might advise sedatives or painkillers if a sizable region of skin is being treated.
The skin is then washed to get rid of any extra oil, debris, or bacteria.
Your doctor starts the procedure with the chosen laser.
At the conclusion of the procedure, your doctor will wrap the treatment area to help protect the skin.

After the procedure, your skin will be bright red color. This should be anticipated. Around the third week following surgery, the redness will start to progressively subside and return to a more typical shade. But for six to twelve weeks, some lingering pink or light red color will be present. Individual differences will influence how long it takes for the skin to fully return to its usual color.

Treatments

Laser Skin Resurfacing