Laser Skin Therapy: A Guide to Treatment Options and Procedures

Understanding Laser Skin Therapy

Laser skin therapy is an increasingly popular treatment option for those interested in achieving healthier, younger-looking skin. Often referred to as laser resurfacing, it works by using concentrated beams of light to remove outer layers of skin. The treatment targets imperfections in the skin's texture and tone, including fine lines, wrinkles, scars, enlarged pores, uneven pigmentation, redness, and more.

How Laser Skin Therapy Works

During laser skin therapy, light energy from the laser is selectively absorbed by water in the outer layers of skin. This absorption then triggers a reaction that works to remove targeted skin cells layer by layer. The treatment usually only penetrates the epidermis and the outermost part of the dermis. As the damaged skin cells are eliminated, healthier cells from below come to the surface.

Most laser skin therapy treatments use a technique called fractional photothermolysis. This method delivers microscopic laser beams through a device containing multiple small dots. Only a "fraction" of the skin's targeted surface area is treated during each session, leaving healthy surrounding tissue intact to aid healing.

Benefits of Undergoing Laser Skin Therapy

Some key benefits of laser skin therapy include:

• Smoothing fine lines and wrinkles
• Tightening loose skin
• Reducing discoloration and blemishes
• Minimizing large pores
• Improving tone and texture
• Removing precancerous lesions
• Eliminating scars

Results are often seen within a week or two after initial treatments. Multiple sessions spaced weeks apart may be necessary for optimal effect. Although outcomes vary by patient, many enjoy improvements for upwards of several years following a laser skin therapy regimen.

Types of Lasers Used

There are many options when it comes to selecting an appropriate laser for skin therapy. Factors like the condition being treated, depth of penetration needed, downtime allowable, and patient skin type impact what will work best.

Ablative Lasers

Ablative lasers are very aggressive resurfacing tools, penetrating deeply into skin tissue. They effectively treat severe scarring, deep wrinkles and lines, and precancerous skin lesions. The two main types of ablative lasers are CO2 and Erbium lasers.

• CO2 Laser: A carbon dioxide laser that vaporizes skin while also stimulating collagen production. It goes deeper than other light-based devices, working well for improving sagging skin and deep acne scars.
• Erbium Laser: An Erbium:YAG laser with energy levels that fall between superficial resurfacing lasers and CO2 lasers. Penetration is less extreme but the heat generated can still treat deeper wrinkles and scars.

The considerable benefits of ablative lasers comes with extended recovery. Healing times often involve 1-2 weeks of redness, swelling, weeping, and scab formation. And there may be some post-treatment lightening or darkening of skin tone.

Non-Ablative Lasers

Non-ablative, or sub-surfacing, lasers are gentler with less downtime. Instead of removing outer layers of skin, they target the dermis underneath, spurring natural regeneration. These lasers use heat to stimulate collagen and elastic fiber production, reducing the appearance of fine lines, crow's feet, enlarged pores, and dull skin tone.

Some examples of non-ablative lasers used in skin therapy include:

• Nd:YAG Laser: A neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser that penetrates deep into skin's subsurface with minimal irritation. It stimulates collagen remodeling to address wrinkles and enlarged pores.
• Alexandrite Laser: An alexandrite crystal-based laser effective at treating pigment issues like age spots and other skin discoloration with energy targeting melanin.
• Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL): A pulsed dye laser using organic dyes as gain medium, often used to minimize redness and dilated capillaries seen in rosacea andStretch marks and enhance skin texture.

Given less disruption of the epidermis, non-ablative lasers require very little recovery time. Side effects like redness and swelling typically resolve within a couple days.

What to Expect During Treatment

The steps involved in a laser skin therapy session can vary based on factors like the type of laser used and customized settings. However, the process usually goes as follows:

1. The treatment area is cleaned and prep pads applied to remove makeup, dirt, oils or creams.
2. Eye protection like shields or glasses may be given to the patient.
3. Your technician customizes settings on the laser device based on your needs and treatment plan.
4. The handpiece of the laser will be positioned over your skin. As the technician activates the laser, pulses of light energy will be delivered.
5. Most areas can be treated within 30 minutes or less. Two or more passes with the laser may be performed.
6. After the treatment concludes, cooling compresses, antimicrobial creams, moisturizer, or bandages may be applied.

During the laser energy delivery, you will feel a warm pricking sensation on your skin. Your technician can adjust settings to maintain your comfort level.

Choosing a Provider

It's important to select a qualified, experienced medical professional for laser skin therapy services. While regulations on operating laser devices vary by state, licensed providers like dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and trained estheticians are best equipped to deliver safe, effective treatment.

Be sure to verify credentials and seek referrals. It can also be helpful to ask questions about the number of procedures conducted and types of lasers offered when interviewing prospective laser skin therapy providers.

Preparing for Laser Skin Therapy Sessions

Once you schedule your laser skin therapy visit, you will receive instructions on how best to prepare. Recommendations often include:

• Avoiding sun exposure, tanning beds, chemical peels, facials, and products like retinols for 2 weeks prior
• Discontinuing certain medications like aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, anticoagulants, and any photosensitizing substances beforehand
• Cleansing skin the day before for optimal treatment surface
• Applying prescribed topical creams before arriving for your appointment
• Arranging transportation, as your vision may be blurry right after treatment

Be sure to inform your laser technician of any pertinent medical history, allergies, medications, or supplements taken. This helps prevent potential contraindications.

What to Expect After Treatment

The recovery duration and related side effects you experience depends on whether you receive ablative or non-ablative laser skin therapy.

For ablative treatments, significant redness, irritation, pain, weeping, and scab formation are common during the week-plus healing process. Cold compresses, ointments, antibiotics, antivirals, and pain relievers may be recommended for dealing with discomfort during recovery.

Non-ablative laser therapy comes with minimal downtime. Some residual redness, swelling, tingling sensations, or light peeling could persist for 2-3 days at most.

To support healing it's important to gently cleanse skin and apply any prescribed topical medicines multiple times a day after laser skin therapy sessions. Avoid picking at scabs. Also limit sun exposure and exercise during recovery, as sweating and irritation can aggravate treated areas.

Maintaining Results From Laser Skin Therapy

While a series of 2-6 laser skin therapy treatments spaced 2-6 weeks apart is common, results do not last permanently. You can expect positive improvements to skin's tone, texture, fine lines, scarring, and more to persist anywhere from 6 months up to 5 years. Maintenance sessions may be recommended every 6-12 months after the initial round.

Supporting your results at home is also key. Be diligent about wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen daily along with hats and protective garments outdoors. Continue using recommended skincare products that hydrate, exfoliate to promote cell turnover, and fight glycation to maintain supple skin.

Additionally, avoiding smoking and excessive unprotected sun exposure can prevent further skin damage. Maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress levels, exercising regularly, drinking water, and getting enough sleep all also contribute to maximizing results.

Laser skin therapy can produce transformative improvements in lackluster, damaged skin. But working closely with your chosen provider and properly caring for skin post-treatment are vital for both safe, effective sessions and lasting rewards enhancing skin's tone and appearance.

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.