Resurfacing Laser Treatment

Overview

Laser skin resurfacing, also known as a laser peel, laser vaporization, and lasabrasion, can help to eliminate wrinkles, scars, and blemishes on the face. Newer laser technologies provide your plastic surgeon greater control over laser surfacing, allowing for extraordinary precision, particularly in sensitive places.

What is laser skin resurfacing?

laser skin resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a tried and true method for reducing wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, and other blemishes, tightening skin, and balancing tone. But, because lasers can accomplish so much and vary so much in how they affect on your skin, it's difficult to know where to begin when investigating treatment—even a cursory search shows a flood of competing devices and approaches.

When should I have laser skin resurfacing?

laser-treated skin

Did you know that fall is referred to be "laser season"? Because laser-treated skin is hypersensitive to sun exposure for up to a year after some treatments, many cosmetic surgeons advise having laser resurfacing done in the fall or winter months, when daylight hours are shorter and you spend most of your time indoors.

Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen everyday and reapply as needed, regardless of the time of year you have your laser operation. This not only helps to keep your results looking good, but it also protects against skin cancer and prevents premature aging.

Who is a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing?

laser skin resurfacing

You may not be a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing if you have:

Active acne
Very dark skin
Deep wrinkles
Excessive or sagging skin

Patients with darker skin tones are more likely to recover with darker pigmentation (hyperpigmentation). This can be reduced by using a whitening agent following laser skin resurfacing.

Laser resurfacing might be harmful in the incorrect or untrained hands. Make sure the doctor has specialized experience with this sort of operation in addition to being trained and competent in facial cosmetic surgery. Even if the laser therapy is eventually provided by another healthcare worker in the surgeon's office, it will be closely supervised by the surgeon.

How does laser skin resurfacing work?

laser skin resurfacing work

It's all about utilizing light beams. Your surgeon will use the laser to direct brief, intense pulsing light beams to uneven skin. This precisely eliminates undesirable, damaged skin one layer at a time.

Because of the focused method of laser skin resurfacing, there are less issues with hypopigmentation, or skin whitening, for operations such as laser acne scar removal.

The laser beam utilized in laser resurfacing will eliminate your epidermis, or outer layer of skin. It also warms the underlying skin, known as the dermis. This activity promotes the formation of new collagen fibers. The new skin that emerges when the treated area heals is smoother and firmer.

What are the steps of laser skin resurfacing procedure?

laser skin resurfacing procedure

It's all about utilizing light beams. Your surgeon will use the laser to direct brief, intense pulsing light beams to uneven skin. This precisely eliminates undesirable, damaged skin one layer at a time.

Because of the focused method of laser skin resurfacing, there are less issues with hypopigmentation, or skin whitening, for operations such as laser acne scar removal.

The laser beam utilized in laser resurfacing will eliminate your epidermis, or outer layer of skin. It also warms the underlying skin, known as the dermis. This activity promotes the formation of new collagen fibers. The new skin that emerges when the treated area heals is smoother and firmer.

Managing your discomfort:

Laser skin resurfacing may be excruciatingly painful. This is why your doctor may use local anesthetics to numb the skin. You may also be given a sedative to aid with your relaxation. If you choose substantial resurfacing or additional cosmetic operations at the same time, your surgeon may use a general anesthesia. Following that, the doctor will give you pain relievers to keep you comfortable. Your face will be properly cleansed in preparation, and you may be provided eye protection.

Laser Resurfacing – The options

Laser Resurfacing

Laser treatments are classified into two types: ablative and non-ablative. Non-ablative lasers do not harm the top layer of skin and instead penetrate beneath to induce new cell growth, whereas ablative lasers do. Your doctor will prescribe the best laser therapy for you based on your specific needs. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Erbium lasers are examples of ablative lasers. Scars, warts, and deep wrinkles can all be removed or reduced using CO2 laser resurfacing treatments. Fraxel is used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, as well as other superficial skin issues.

Erbium Yag

Because it does not penetrate deep into the skin, the Erbium Yag laser is best suited for superficial skin issues such as small wrinkles. This laser resurfacing is gentler than other laser treatments and requires less recovery time.

Fraxel®

The Fraxel® laser features two treatment modes: one for deeper wrinkles, scars, and acne scarring, and another for pigmentation, uneven skin tone, and surface symptoms of aging. The Fraxel® laser also only treats a section of the tissue at a time, leaving the surrounding tissue unaffected, promoting quick recovery. Fraxel® therapy is not recommended for persons with skin types 4–6.

CO2RE

The CO2RE laser is a Carbon Dioxide laser that has four therapy modes. CO2RE treatments range from smoothing the look of acne scars to minimizing the appearance of pores on the top layer of your skin. Whatever your issue is, CO2RE can assist, especially if you need a thorough resurfacing treatment.

After the procedure

Following the completion of laser resurfacing, your plastic surgeon will apply specialized dressing to preserve the affected tissues. Additional dressing changes or specific topical treatments may be required to promote recovery.

Preparing for laser resurfacing

Before your operation, you will meet with your surgeon. They will examine your skin type and the regions of skin that are being treated. They'll notice your wrinkles and how thick they are. This will assist them in determining the sort of laser resurfacing to utilize.

Your doctor will tell you if you need to do anything extra before your operation, such as apply any particular lotions to your skin.

Laser resurfacing is often performed as an outpatient operation in a clinic or hospital. This implies you'll get the surgery and be able to go home the same day. If you're getting general anaesthesia, you won't be able to eat or drink anything for many hours before the treatment. Your doctor will give you precise instructions.

Your surgeon will go over what will happen before, during, and after your operation with you. If you have any questions, don't be hesitant to ask. There is no such thing as a silly question. It is critical that you be completely informed so that you can give your consent for the procedure to proceed. This will be accomplished by signing a permission form.

What results should I expect after laser skin resurfacing?

after laser skin resurfacing

It is likely that your skin will remain red or pink for several months following laser skin resurfacing. For up to a year, you may also be unusually sensitive to sunlight. Make an effort to limit your sun exposure and use sunscreen liberally every day.

Some persons who get laser resurfacing may see an instant improvement in their skin. This will continue to improve for at least another year. While the results of laser resurfacing might persist for many years, wrinkles and expression lines can reappear as we age. Laser resurfacing can be repeated as needed.

What should I expect during my laser skin resurfacing recovery?

laser skin resurfacing recovery

Skin that has been treated with laser resurfacing may behave differently. Most of the time, though, it will feel like a light sunburn. There will be some redness and swelling. Itching or stinging may also occur for a few days following the treatment.

Some people may experience what seems to be a severe sunburn depending on the therapy. The skin will be raw, leaking, and sometimes blistering. A yellow liquid that forms a crust may leak from treated regions. Scratching or picking at crusts might result in scars. Your skin will often get dry and peel five to seven days following laser skin resurfacing.

Follow these steps during your laser skin resurfacing recovery:

As advised by your plastic surgeon, clean the treated areas two to five times each day with saline or a diluted vinegar solution.
To assist your skin's healing, use protective skin care procedures advised by your doctor.
After you've healed, you'll need to wear sunscreen, preferably one designed specifically for the delicate, regenerated skin on your face. Every single day. There are no exceptions! Your plastic surgeon will advise you on the finest sunscreen to use to protect your treated areas.
Use a generous amount of moisturizer on your new skin every day if instructed by your plastic surgeon.

It is normal for the treated region to peel. Following that, the new, revitalized skin will be pink, but it will progressively lighten over the next two to three months. It might take up to a year for the pinkness to go. It is critical to safeguard your skin during the healing process. Blondes and redheads have redness that lasts longer.

You can continue using Retin-A and/or glycolic acid products six weeks following laser resurfacing, or as advised by your doctor.

Complications of laser skin resurfacing

Laser resurfacing can cause some complications:

Intense redness that lasts a long period. Your skin will most certainly be red following laser resurfacing, however this may be harsher or continue longer than you anticipated. It can irritate you more than the reason you got the operation in the first place (for example, noticeable wrinkles). The redness should fade with time. You may find that camouflage make-up helps to conceal it.
An infection. You may develop an infection if your skin becomes really painful a day or two after your operation. It is critical to notify your doctor. Antibiotics or antifungal medications can be used to treat an infection.
Changes to your skin colour – If you have dark complexion, this is more probable. If your skin becomes darker, it may fade on its own or be treated by your doctor. Some people report that their skin lightens following the operation.
Scarring – Scarring from a surgery or an illness is uncommon, although it can occur. Some factors might increase your chances of scarring following laser resurfacing. These include recent radiation in the same location, a proclivity for keloid scars (overgrown scar tissue), and recent use of the acne medication isotretinoin.
Cold sores – If you are prone to cold sores, you may experience them following the treatment. To prevent this from happening, your surgeon may advise you to take aciclovir.

Can laser resurfacing treat my acne?

Active acne cannot be treated with ablative laser resurfacing (that is, when your acne is causing lots of spots and making your skin red and inflamed). It will also not assist with deep acne scars. However, it can aid in the reduction of superficial acne scars. Acne scars and some varieties of acne may be treatable using non-ablative laser treatments.

You will not be allowed to have ablative laser resurfacing if you are using or have used the acne medication isotretinoin in the last two years. This is because isotretinoin increases the likelihood of scarring following the surgery.

If you have acne, your pharmacist or doctor can advise you and propose the best therapy for you. There are several treatments available, including as creams, lotions, and antibiotics, to manage any infection and prevent new spots from growing.

What is non-ablative laser resurfacing?

Non-ablative laser resurfacing is comparable to ablative laser resurfacing, however it does not harm your skin's top layer (the epidermis). It employs a variety of laser methods and kinds.

Non-ablative laser resurfacing is less effective than ablative laser resurfacing, and the changes to your skin may be less obvious. However, your skin will heal more rapidly. For example, your skin may seem red for a few days following this surgery.

Non-ablative resurfacing is frequently preferable for younger people who wish to improve the appearance and feel of their skin. If you have darker complexion, this may be a better alternative.

How much does laser skin resurfacing cost?

According to 2020 figures from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of laser skin resurfacing is $2,509 for ablative and $1,445 for non-ablative. This average cost is simply a portion of the entire price; it does not include any additional costs. To calculate your total charge, please contact your cosmetic surgeon's office.

The cost of laser skin resurfacing will be determined by the competence and credentials of the person doing the process, the kind of technique employed, the time and effort required for the treatment, and the geographic location of the clinic.

Most health insurance policies do not cover cosmetic surgery or its repercussions; however, many plastic surgeons offer patient financing schemes; be sure to inquire.

Laser skin resurfacing costs may include:

Surgical facility costs
Anesthesia fees
Prescriptions for medication

Inquire with your surgeon about the charges associated with your treatment. Your pleasure entails more than just a charge. When selecting a cosmetic surgeon for laser skin resurfacing, keep in mind that the surgeon's experience and your comfort level with him or her are just as crucial as the procedure's ultimate cost.

What are the alternatives to laser resurfacing?

alternatives to laser resurfacing

Other treatments may be recommended instead of or in addition to laser resurfacing by your doctor.

Chemical peels – these use acid to remove layers of your skin.
Dermabrasion – in this procedure, your surgeon will remove the top layer of your skin using a rotating surgical instrument.
Microdermabrasion – abrasive substances such as crystals are directed onto your face to treat wrinkles and sun-damaged skin.

If you have severe wrinkles or drooping skin, your doctor may advise you to get a facelift instead of laser resurfacing. A plastic surgeon will go over your alternatives with you.

Conclusion

Laser skin resurfacing works by removing the outer layers of the skin to stimulate the development of new collagen and skin cells. It can, among other things, minimize the appearance of scars, wrinkles, age spots, and sun damage. As with any cosmetic operation, it is critical to select a qualified, experienced healthcare expert, get images of outcomes, and learn about treatment risks and advantages. If a person uses laser resurfacing for scar therapy, the effects will usually last several years and can even be permanent.