LASER REFURNISHING OF THE SKIN AND FACE
What is laser skin resurfacing. What are its pros and cons. Reviews of professionals.
INNA CODRU , JUNE 26, 2021
Laser resurfacing, also called lasabrasion, laser peeling, or laser vaporization, is a skin peel that can help with a number of skin conditions, including removing those pesky blemishes and wrinkles. Lasers essentially vaporize skin cells that have been damaged on the surface, targeting your outer layers while heating the underlying layers to promote collagen production. New collagen fibers reproduce new skin that is smoother, fresher and firmer.
Sounds great, right? If you're thinking about laser resurfacing, here's what you need to know.
TYPES AND BENEFITS
There are several different types of treatments and lasers, and one of the most popular options is erbium lasers, which can target superficial to moderately deep wrinkles on the face, arms, neck, and chest.
Erbium lasers are gentler and less invasive than other options and help exfoliate and renew the outer layers of your skin. It also allows you to have a faster skin recovery time. Erbium resurfacing is also ideal for anti-aging, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and is often more effective for darker skin tones.
Another common laser type is CO2, which is more abrasive. This method removes skin layers with an ablative laser, which requires fewer treatment sessions but has more side effects and requires a longer recovery time. CO2 lasers can treat wrinkles, scars, warts, swollen sebaceous glands on the nose, and other skin conditions.
There are also pulsed organic dye lasers (PDLs) that are non-ablative and heat the skin to absorb pigments and reduce redness and hyperpigmentation. Another type is fractional lasers, which split the energy into tiny beams to treat small areas of the skin.
You should consult with your doctor to find out which treatment option is best for you.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Before you go for treatment, talk to a dermatologist to see if your skin is suitable for the procedure. Be sure to state if you have cold sores or skin sores and refrain from taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or vitamin E for 10 days prior to your scheduled procedure.
Before starting the procedure, you will be asked to follow a skin care regimen, and on the same day, the doctor will apply a local anesthetic to the area so that you do not feel any pain. The skin will then be cleansed and the procedure will begin. At the end of the procedure, your skin will be protected by a special film.
SKIN RECOVERY TIME
With an erbium laser, you can expect a shorter recovery time because the lasers do not penetrate deep into the skin. Recovery usually takes about a week. On the other hand, CO2 laser resurfacing removes thin layers of skin, so recovery can usually take up to two weeks.
During your recovery, your skin may be more sensitive than usual, so you need to make sure you have the right protection. In the meantime, avoid exposure to direct sunlight, avoid wearing makeup for a few days, and make sure you use high SPF protection if you need to go outside.
LASER REFURBISHING - ARE THERE RISKS?
As with any cosmetic treatment, there are always risks. However, this is rare. Risks and side effects may include:
- Burns from lasers
- scars
- Changes in skin pigmentation
- reactivated herpes
- bacterial infection
- Milia and white bumps on the treated area (treatable)
COST OF LASER GRINDING
On average, laser resurfacing can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 per procedure, however this depends on the type of treatment you receive, the areas you treat, and the clinic you do it at.
The good news is that laser resurfacing is a long-term investment and while it doesn't stop your skin from aging, it does make you look younger for longer.