An Overview of Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing has become one of the most popular cosmetic dermatology treatments for reducing signs of facial aging and skin damage. Also referred to as laser peel, laser vaporization and lasabrasion, it involves using concentrated beams of light to remove outer layers of skin.
But what should you know before choosing laser resurfacing for your face? This article provides an in-depth look at how it works, what to expect during and after the procedure, typical before and after results, and guidance on choosing the right laser practitioner.
What Issues Can Laser Resurfacing Address?
Some of the most common reasons people seek laser skin resurfacing include:
- Reducing wrinkles, especially around the mouth and eyes
- Softening vertical lip lines
- Minimizing acne marks or surgical scars
- Improving skin tone and texture
- Tightening loose or sagging areas of facial skin
- Removing pre-cancerous skin lesions
How Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?
Laser resurfacing essentially burns away the outer layer of facial skin, called the epidermis. Removing damaged skin allows new cells to form and tighten in its place.
The laser procedure is carefully targeted at problem areas to avoid harming surrounding healthy skin. A topical anesthetic is applied beforehand to minimize discomfort.
There are three main types of lasers used:
- Ablative lasers - Wavelengths of CO2 or Erbium lasers penetrate deeper to remove thin sections of skin layers
- Fractional lasers - These non-ablative lasers penetrate below skin’s surface to stimulate collagen in small pinpoint areas, leaving surrounding tissue intact
- Combined fractional lasers - Uses both ablative and non-ablative wavelengths for more significant resurfacing with quicker healing time
What to Expect Before the Laser Procedure
The initial consultation visit is crucial for deciding if laser skin resurfacing is right for you, determining the optimal laser type, and properly preparing.
Evaluating Your Skin
The practitioner will first assess your skin’s condition, especially thickness and elasticity. Thinner or looser facial skin won’t reshape as well after deep resurfacing. They’ll also review your full medical history, skin care regimen, and discuss concerns to address.
Picking the Right Laser Option
Types like fractionated and lighter therapy lasers generally work best for milder wrinkling or scarring. But severe skin sagging may need a fully ablative laser. Darker skin tones risk hyperpigmentation with aggressive full laser resurfacing and benefit more from fractional treatment.
Pre-Procedure Skin Care
Getting your complexion in optimal shape before laser vaporization can mean better results and lower risks. Your dermatologist may recommend:
- A retinoid cream to boost collagen growth
- Hydroquinone to fade brown facial spots
- Antivirals if prone to cold sore outbreaks to prevent infection
- Avoiding certain medications that slow healing
- No tanning or waxing for 4-6 weeks pre-treatment
What Happens During Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Numbing and Protecting the Skin
Your clinician will first thoroughly cleanse your face to remove makeup, dirt and oils. They’ll apply a topical anesthetic cream before the procedure to minimize pain.
They may also administer nerve-blocking injections around mouth or eyes. This also reduces motion that could throw off the precision needed for best results.
Then they’ll shield your eyes with safety goggles to protect from laser exposure.
Treatment Session
With settings tailored to your skin, the practitioner aims laser pulses at targeted facial zones. You may feel a prickly heat sensation on your skin’s surface. Each pulse session typically lasts up to an hour or more, depending on the laser used and coverage area.
Your clinician may also use a focused vacuum-suction tool in tandem to remove vaporized skin tissue and guide the laser. For deeper penetration, they might opt for two treatment sessions spaced over a month or more.
Aftercare and Bandaging
Immediately after finishing laser therapy your face will likely look red, swollen and feel hot and tight. Your doctor will apply protective ointments and dressings as needed based on laser depth and severity of wounding.
Many patients also describe a painful soreness similar to a bad sunburn. Your practitioner can provide pain management advice.
Recovering from Laser Skin Resurfacing
Taking proper care while your skin heals is key for avoiding complications like infection and scarring. Follow all your doctor’s at-home instructions carefully.
The Healing Process
Here’s an overview of the recovery phases you’ll go through:
- Week 1 - Oozing, crusting and sloughing off of wounded facial skin
- Week 2 - Redness and sensitivity starts fading, swelling goes down
- Weeks 3-8 - Skin done closing up and sealing, though still pinkish. Bruising fades.
- 2-4 Months - Continued improvements in skin tightness and resurfacing for 6 months up to a year.
Follow-up Appointments
Your laser skin specialist will schedule weekly check-ins at first to monitor the healing response and identify any problems early. This also gives them the chance for laser touch-ups on spots needing more work.
Proper Facial Care at Home
Caring for your skin properly after laser therapy is critical for best results and preventing infection. Tips for follow-up home care include:
- Avoid picking or scrubbing wounds
- Use prescribed antibiotic creams if needed
- Keep treated areas moist to avoid scabs
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
- Sleep face-up on your back initially
- Cleanse very gently. No makeup yet.
- Always apply sunscreen going forward
Watch for Complications
Make sure to call your clinician right away if you notice signs of the following:
- Extreme pain, oozing, or foul odor signalling infection
- Allergic reaction with hives, swelling, or breathing issues
- Abnormal changes in vision
- Fever over 101°F
What Results Can You Expect After Healing?
Once swelling and redness resolve over 6 or so weeks, the full impact of treatment starts to emerge. While individual results vary, you’ll begin noticing:
- Up to 50% reduction in wrinkle depth and severity
- Lessening of age spots, acne marks and dull skin tone
- Smoother skin texture and tighter feeling
- Pores appear noticeably smaller
- Eyelid, neck, and chest skin shows similar rejuvenation too
But your new skin remains sensitive to sun damage. Be vigilant about wearing broad spectrum sunscreen daily and avoiding tanning to maintain results.
Most patients enjoy several years of vastly improved skin before considering a touch-up treatment. But natural aging eventually diminishes laser resurfacing benefits over the next decade or so.
Combining with Other Facial Procedures
For longer lasting, more complete facial rejuvenation, many dermatologists pair laser skin resurfacing with other treatments like:
- Dermal fillers - Restore youthful facial plumpness
- Neuromodulators - Address wrinkle-causing muscle contractions
- Skin peels - Lightly control surface skin cell turnover
- Micro-needling - Reduce acne scars' appearance
Your practitioner can advise on the ideal laser and procedure mixes customized for your aesthetic goals.
How to Choose the Right Laser Clinician
The skill and experience of the person operating your laser instrument plays a substantial role in your resurfacing results.
Board Certified Dermatologists Offer Extensive Expertise
Look for a board certified dermatologist who regularly performs laser therapy procedures. Check credentials like:
- Board certification from the American Board of Dermatology
- Member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
- Graduate of an accredited residency in dermatology or plastic surgery
Ask to see before and after photos and what percentage of their patients opted for second treatments.
A Reputable Facility Needs Proper Laser Machines
The equipment your clinician uses also matters greatly. An authorized facility will properly maintain lasers suited for facial rejuvenation like Erbium or CO2 systems.
Treatment rooms must adhere to electrical, laser safety, and infection control standards too.
Inquire About Contingency Plans
Before committing, understand what contingency options they offer should you need follow-ups or experience complications.
Are touch-up appointments accessible and affordable? Do they handle emergency off-hours questions? Find out upfront.
The Takeaway on Laser Skin Resurfacing
When performed by a qualified provider using appropriate laser technology, light based facial resurfacing offers significant aesthetic enhancement for older, damaged skin. But ensure you find an experienced, reputable specialist and set realistic expectations regarding the process, recovery period and longevity of results.
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.
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