Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure that precisely removes the outer layers of skin and heats the underlying tissue to stimulate new collagen production. Also known as lasabrasion, laser peel, or laser vaporisation, this treatment helps improve skin texture, tone, and overall appearance.

At Skin DNA, advanced laser resurfacing treatments are performed by Dr. Mayuri Jain, offering individuals a reliable solution for achieving smoother, more youthful-looking skin.

Why is laser resurfacing performed?

Laser resurfacing can be done to improve skin appearance by addressing any of the following skin concerns:

  • Age spots or liver spots
  • Sun-damaged skin
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Uneven tone or texture of the skin
  • Mild to moderate acne scars or chickenpox scars
  • Enlarged sebaceous glands
  • Birthmarks
  • Warts.

What are the different types of laser resurfacing and how do they work?

Broadly, there are two kinds of laser resurfacing, based on the type of laser used: Ablative and Non-ablative. Ablative laser resurfacing involves the use of a carbon dioxide laser or erbium laser while non-ablative laser resurfacing uses Neodymium YAG Laser or pulsed dye laser.

Generally, ablative lasers work to thermally destroy and remove the superficial skin while stimulating the fibroblasts in the dermis for new collagen and elastin production. On the flip side, non-ablative lasers help promote collagen growth by heating the dermis without causing physical injury to the skin surface. At last, the new, smoother, and firmer skin appears. For more details, one can get in touch with a dermatologist for laser treatment for the face.

  • Carbon dioxide laser- This type of laser skin resurfacing has been in use for treating wrinkles, scars, and benign skin growths. Its advanced version is a fractional CO2 laser. It creates several narrow columns of holes deep into the skin, while the surrounding skin remains intact and untreated to deliver ultra-pulsed light or continuous light beam in a scanning pattern for precise removal of thin skin layers.
     
  • Erbium laser- It is preferred for people with dark skin tones having superficial or moderate lines and wrinkles.
     
  • Neodymium YAG laser- It is best for people having darker skin tones and wanting a tattoo or birthmark removal, vascular reduction, or treatment of hyperpigmentation or inflammatory acne.
     
  • Pulsed dye laser- It is a popular type of laser treatment for the face and is used to treat skin concerns related to blood vessels like rosacea, broken capillaries, and hyperpigmentation.

How is laser resurfacing done?

A laser resurfacing session typically involves the following steps:

  1. First, the laser treatment doctor thoroughly cleanses the patient’s skin and ensures that there are no remains of dirt, extra sebum, or makeup.
  2. Then, the dermatologist may apply a numbing cream on the treatment site.
  3. They also perform a patch test by passing a laser over a small area to check the laser settings.
  4. The dermatologist then adjusts the laser settings (its fluency and number of passes) as per the patient's skin needs, the skin type, and the severity of skin concern and focuses the laser beam onto the targeted skin.
  5. At the end of the session, the dermatologist applies soothing cream and sunblock.

How should I prepare for laser skin resurfacing?

Before going ahead with laser skin resurfacing, the patient should:

  • Avoid intake of blood thinning medications or supplements as well as medications that cause photosensitivity
  • Avoid smoking
  • Take prescription antibiotics to avoid infection and antiviral if prone to fever blisters or cold sores
  • Sun-protect the skin with sunscreen and sun-protective clothing
  • Apply vitamin- A derivative cream on the skin for about 4 weeks before the treatment.

What aftercare should I follow after my laser skin resurfacing treatment?

Following ablative laser resurfacing, the treated skin will be inflamed, raw, and itchy. Apply a thick ointment to the treated skin and cover it with watertight and airtight sterile dressing. If pain or discomfort, take a pain reliever and apply ice packs. For 1-2 weeks or until when new skin covers the area, avoid using any skin-irritating or harsh products. Moreover, avoid any activities that could lead to delays in healing such as swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms, gym workouts, and strenuous activities. Always sun protect the skin.

If one has undertaken non-ablative laser resurfacing, they will have a shorter recovery and there is only mild swelling that lasts for a few hours. Ice packs can be used, if needed for comfort. Rest, one can immediately go back to normal daily life activities and skincare routine.

Who can go for laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing is suitable for any healthy adult wanting to see improvement in their skin appearance and holding realistic expectations from their treatment outcome. Good candidates are even those who show commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and strictly follow a good skincare routine.

Non-suitable candidates include:

  • People with active acne, deep wrinkles, severe hyperpigmentation, or excessive/ sagging skin
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • People having dark skin tone
  • People who have weakened immune system.

To know candidacy for laser skin treatment, consult a dermatologist before the treatment.

What are the side effects and risks of undergoing laser skin resurfacing?

Ablative laser resurfacing often causes more side effects than non-ablative laser resurfacing. The latter causes milder side effects.
 
The potential risks of laser skin resurfacing are:

  • Scarring
  • Swelling
  • Reactivation of herpes cold sores.

FAQs Around Laser Skin Resurfacing

+What is the cost of laser skin resurfacing?

+Does laser skin resurfacing hurt?

+How long does it take to heal following laser skin resurfacing?

+Is laser skin resurfacing permanent?

+How many laser resurfacing sessions are required to get the desired skin improvement?

+What body areas can be targeted with laser skin resurfacing?

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