Laser Resurfacing: Improve Your Skin, Reduce Wrinkles and Scars

Understanding Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is a popular cosmetic procedure that uses a precisely focused laser beam to remove outer layers of facial skin. It is an effective way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scars, age spots, enlarged pores, and other skin irregularities. By removing damaged outer skin, laser resurfacing allows fresh new skin to emerge for a rejuvenated, youthful appearance.

How Laser Resurfacing Improves Skin

There are two main categories of laser resurfacing: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers remove thin layers of skin through a process that vaporizes (ablates) exterior skin cells. Non-ablative lasers target the underlying skin support structure without removing surface skin. Both methods stimulate collagen production for firmer, renewed skin.

Ablative laser resurfacing provides the most dramatic results by stripping away outer skin to uncover fresh skin underneath. However, the abrasion process causes more pain and lengthy recovery than non-ablative alternatives. Non-ablative lasers do not remove skin layers, so they offer faster healing, less pain, and minimal downtime - though improvements may be more gradual.

What to Expect with Laser Resurfacing

The laser resurfacing process involves applying local or general anesthesia to numb treatment areas. For ablative resurfacing, the laser beam then precisely destroys thin sections of skin, layer by layer. Non-ablative lasers bypass surface skin to deposit light energy into underlying tissues.

Treatment sessions usually last around 30 minutes but can vary based on the extent of the resurfacing area. Most patients require between one and five sessions spaced several weeks apart to accomplish desired improvements.

Recovery Following Laser Resurfacing

Recovery time depends greatly on whether traditional fully-ablative or advanced non-ablative lasers are used. Traditionally ablated skin requires extensive healing similar to recovering from a second-degree burn.

Non-ablative laser treatment enables patients to resume normal daily activities almost immediately with only slight redness and swelling. More aggressive ablative lasers have a week or longer recovery involving pain medication, ointments, protective dressings, and gradually restored skin function.

What to Expect Before and After

Results become visible within a few weeks as treated skin exfoliates to reveal fresh skin and collagen production ramps up. Most patients see full improvements after around two to three months. Optimal results emerge after about six months as collagen regeneration continues improving skin texture, smoothness, and elasticity.

Appearance Immediately After Treatment

Reactions immediately after laser resurfacing depend on how aggressive the ablation is.

With non-ablative lasers, treated areas may exhibit slight swelling and redness resembling moderate sunburn. Cooling the skin with ice packs helps ease discomfort during the first 24 to 48 hours of healing.

Traditional ablative laser resurfacing typically causes more intense redness plus visible burned skin that develops into scabs or crusting. Severity varies based on how deep into skin layers the laser penetrates. Dressings and ointment are applied after treatment to nurture proper healing.

After The First Week

About one week after less aggressive non-ablative laser therapy, skin returns to near normal appearance with only minor redness in some cases. More affected ablated areas remain tender, crusty, swollen, and red.

Doctors change dressings and monitor the wound healing process. Significant lifestyle changes are necessary during this week to avoid contaminants and sunlight on the sensitive treatment areas.

After Several Weeks

Within two to three weeks, patients see noticeable improvements as shedding skin unveils refreshed new skin. Redness continues fading over the first month. Any colour changes, scabs, or scarring from ablative wounding steadily minimizes.

Non-ablative laser patients can return to regular activities almost immediately while avoiding direct sunlight. More aggressive ablative cases require continued wound care and protection for three or more weeks.

After Several Months

Regenerated skin continues improving in appearance and texture for six months or longer. As new collagen develops, laser-treated areas appear smoother, firmer, and healthier over time. Any residual swelling or redness gradually disappears.

Follow-up laser treatments may further enhance results. Annual touch-up sessions help sustain desired anti-aging effects. Patients can extend improvements by limiting sun exposure and keeping skin well moisturized.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Ideal laser resurfacing candidates have fair skin tones, moderate skin damage, and realistic outcome expectations. The procedure works best for aging concerns like crow’s feet, laugh lines, blotchiness, acne scars, enlarged pores, and superficial wrinkling.

Those with very light or very dark skin face higher risks for permanent skin discolouration. People prone to keloid scarring also make poor prospects since scarring could worsen post-treatment.

Best Candidates Have:

• Mild to moderate wrinkles, scars, or blemishes
• Fair skin with minimal recent tanning
• No current skin infections or conditions
• No isotretinoin acne medication use within one year
• No major dark spots or blotchiness issues
• Healthy skin with good healing abilities
• Realistic expectations for gradual improvements

Unsuitable Candidates May Have:

• Unrealistic or excessive cosmetic flaws
• Severe scarring or skin disorders
• Darker skin types prone to discolouration
• Frequent cold sore breakouts
• Blood clotting conditions
• Taking medications that impede healing

Schedule an in-depth cosmetic dermatology consultation to determine if laser skin resurfacing aligns with your needs and expectations.

How Much Does Laser Resurfacing Cost?

According to 2021 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of laser skin resurfacing is around $2,071 per treatment session. However, pricing varies dramatically based on factors like:

• Geographic location
• The clinic/provider’s credentials
• Type of laser used
• Size of treatment area
• Number of treatment sessions needed

A small facial area can cost between $500 and $1,000 or more per session. Full face laser resurfacing may range from $2,000 to over $5,000 depending on the laser technique used and the provider’s rates.

Non-Ablative Lasers Tend to Cost Less

Since non-ablative lasers usually provide subtle improvements with minimal recovery periods, pricing is generally lower than traditional ablative resurfacing. Common non-ablative laser options include:

• Fractional Non-Ablative Lasers – Approximately $1,000 to $1,500 per treatment.
• Intense Pulsed Light – Around $500 per session on average.
• Radiofrequency Devices – Average range is $1,000 to $1,400 per treatment.

Ablative Lasers Cost More Overall

Ablative lasers that remove outer skin layers have higher individual session fees plus require extended recovery. Yet a single ablative session may replace multiple non-ablative treatments.

Traditional ablative laser options range from roughly $2,000 to $5,000+ per session. Newer fractionated ablative laser techniques provide enhanced results for approximately $1,500 to $2,500 per treatment.

Consult reputable cosmetic dermatologists to learn what laser resurfacing method best suits your skin and budget parameters.

How to Choose the Right Laser Resurfacing Provider

The doctor supervising your laser resurfacing care greatly impacts your safety, comfort, and results. Carefully research and evaluate potential physicians before undergoing any cosmetic laser procedures.

Do They Have Specific Training and Experience?

Look for a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or facial plastic surgeon with specialized laser training. Ask how many laser resurfacing procedures they have personally performed and view before/after photos of actual patients with skin types and conditions similar to yours.

Beware of medi-spas offering deep laser treatments without medical doctor supervision. For maximum safety and effectiveness, choose an experienced specialist certified in laser surgery.

What Laser Technology Do They Use?

Various laser devices and brands exist with different capabilities and limitations. Your doctor should evaluate your skin closely to determine which laser best addresses your needs and desired outcome.

Customized laser selection based on detailed skin analysis signals an attentive, conscientious provider focused on achieving optimal resurfacing results for you as an individual.

Do They Employ a Care Team Approach?

Look for a physician who oversees a cohesive care team including nurses, aestheticians, and support personnel dedicated to outstanding patient experiences. Avoid solo operators who may cut corners that diminish your comfort, safety or final results.

Investing in reputable laser resurfacing yields noticeably rejuvenated, beautiful skin for years. Following expert prep and aftercare routines speeds healing and extends your youthful laser resurfacing results as long as possible.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.