Laser Skin Resurfacing: 10 Things You Need To Know

We all want that glorious skin we see on our favorite celebrities. Laser procedures are the best treatment for skin resurfacing. The procedure uses pulsed light from lasers to remove damaged or old cells in the outer layer of your skin using different wavelengths for different treatment areas. It can flatten scars and increase collagen production for those who need help with wrinkles and fine lines. Discover important basic facts you need to know to get impressive results and avoid serious side effects.

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1. Choose a Knowledgeable, Experienced Specialist

Before you make any decisions, you should seek the advice of a certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist who can demonstrate past results and happy clients. Don’t just type laser skin resurfacing near me into your search bar. Instead, find out what kind of certification or training they offer. Be sure to ask as many questions as you need to in order to ensure you can trust their expertise.

2. Laser Skin Resurfacing Isn’t Right for Everyone

There are many determining factors as to whether laser skin resurfacing treatments are right for you. For instance, you could be at greater risk of side effects if you have delicate skin or a weakened immune system. Also, the extent of your scars or imperfections will likely influence how effective the procedure will be.

3. Come to Your Consultation Armed With Questions

When you meet with your surgeon, you’ll want to be sure to ask questions. It is important to know what the procedure involves, how long it will take, the risks involved, how much it will hurt, and any possible side effects. Once you have all those answers and are comfortable with what you are required to do, it’s time to decide.

During the medical consultation, be sure to inform your dermatologist if you have any of the following:

• Allergies or sensitivities to topical medications or cosmetic sprays
• History of heart disease or blood clots
• Current medications or supplements

4. Sun Protection Is Crucial Before and After Laser Treatment

The laser light affects your skin’s natural collagen and elastin fibers, so it’s best to avoid sun exposure as much as possible. Again, the procedure is more effective and safer when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist with multiple years of experience.

5. You May Need Multiple Laser Treatments for Optimal Results

Like other cosmetic procedures, laser skin resurfacing may require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results. It depends on the condition of your skin and what you’re trying to achieve. Ask about the recommended number of treatments in your initial consultation. These may vary depending on the severity of your condition.

6. Smoking Can Affect the Way Your Skin Heals From Laser Treatments

Smoking can reduce the blood flow to your skin, which can delay healing or cause infections. You should avoid smoking at least two weeks before your treatment and wait until your skin has healed completely before resuming.

7. If You Have a Dark Skin Tone, Approach Lasers With Caution

If you have dark skin, you’re at greater risk of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation if the procedure isn’t performed properly. If your dermatologist has any questions about your ethnic background, give them as much information as possible.

8. Lasers Aren’t Good for Active Acne

Skin resurfacing treatments and acne don’t mix well. The procedure can irritate active acne and even cause scarring in some cases. You’ll want to opt for treatment with blue or blue-red light instead.

9. Results Take Time to Appear

Laser skin resurfacing isn’t a quick fix, so don’t expect your perfect skin to appear instantly. You can see some results within a couple of days, but it takes about three months for the final results to appear. You should wait at least six months before starting any new treatments.

10. Understand That Maintaining Your Results Is in Your Hands

After your procedure, your dermatologist can tell you more about aftercare. Remember, laser skin resurfacing can make the skin more sensitive, so follow all instructions carefully.

What is laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing is a type of skin care procedure performed by a dermatologist or physician. It involves using lasers to help improve skin texture and appearance.

Depending on your individual needs, your dermatologist may recommend either ablative or non-ablative lasers. Ablative lasers include carbon dioxide (CO2) or Erbium. CO2 laser resurfacing treatments are used to get rid of scars, warts, and deep wrinkles. Erbium is used for finer lines and wrinkles, along with other superficial skin concerns. Both types of ablative lasers remove outside layers of the skin.

Non-ablative lasers, on the other hand, don’t remove any skin layers. These include pulsed light, pulsed-dye lasers, and fractional lasers. Non-ablative lasers may be used for rosacea, spider veins, and acne-related skin concerns.

Keep reading to learn more about how the procedure works, why it’s done, possible side effects, and more.

You might consider this procedure if you have age-, sun-, or acne-related skin care concerns that aren’t treatable with over-the-counter (OTC) products.

Laser skin resurfacing can be used to treat one or more of the following skin concerns:

• age spots
• scars
• acne scars
• fine lines and wrinkles
• crow’s feet
• sagging skin
• uneven skin tone
• enlarged oil glands
• warts

Your natural skin tone can also determine whether this is the best type of cosmetic procedure for you. People with lighter skin tones are often good candidates because they carry a reduced risk for hyperpigmentation.

However, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgeons (ABCS) says that it’s a misconception that laser skin resurfacing is for light skin only. The key is working with a dermatologist or physician who knows which types of lasers work best for darker skin tones (e.g., Erbium lasers).

This procedure may not be suitable for people with active acne breakouts or excessive sagging skin.

ABCS also recommends getting this procedure done during fall or winter. This can help decrease sun exposure, which can damage delicate skin.

Laser skin resurfacing is considered a cosmetic procedure, so it’s not covered by medical insurance.

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Costs vary between the types of lasers used. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), non-ablative laser treatments cost about $1,031 per session, while ablative treatments are about $2,330 per session.

Your overall cost also depends on how many sessions you need, as well as the area being treated. Some more experienced dermatologists might also charge more per session. You will likely need multiple sessions of laser resurfacing until you achieve your desired results.

Laser skin resurfacing targets the outer layer of your skin while simultaneously heating the lower layers in the dermis. This will promote collagen production.

Ideally, new collagen fibers will help produce new skin that is smoother in texture and firmer to the touch.

The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Before laser skin resurfacing, your skin needs to be prepared. This involves a series of treatments done several weeks prior to the procedure. The purpose is to increase your skin’s tolerance to professional treatments. It can also decrease your risk for side effects.
2. On the day of the procedure, your doctor will apply a topical anesthetic to the area being treated. This is used to reduce pain and make you more comfortable during the procedure. If a large area of skin is being treated, your doctor may suggest a sedative or pain killers.
3. Next, the skin is cleansed to remove any excess oil, dirt, and bacteria.
4. Your doctor begins the treatment, using the selected laser. The laser is moved slowly around the designated area of skin.
5. Finally, your doctor will dress the treatment area in wraps to help protect the skin at the end of the procedure.

Like other cosmetic procedures, laser skin resurfacing does pose the risk for side effects.

These include:

• burning
• bumps
• rash
• swelling
• infection
• hyperpigmentation
• scars
• redness

By following your doctor’s pre-care and post-care instructions, you may reduce your risk for these types of complications. Depending on your medical history, you may be prescribed a precautionary antibiotic or antiviral medication.

Taking acne medications, such as isotretinoin (Accutane), may increase your risk for scars. You should talk to your dermatologist about any medical conditions you have, as well as all medications you take — including OTCs. Aspirin, for example, can affect post-laser treatment recovery by increasing your bleeding risk.

ABCS recommends that you quit smoking for at least two weeks prior to this procedure. Smoking after laser resurfacing can also increase your risk for side effects.

Although some dermatologic surgeons perform laser resurfacing, these procedures aren’t classified as surgeries. You can leave your doctor’s office immediately following the procedure.

Still, downtime and recovery are necessary to make sure your skin heals properly. This reduces your risk for side effects and helps you achieve the desired results.

Side effects and duration

Healing usually takes between 3 and 10 days. As a general rule, the bigger the treatment area and the deeper the laser, the longer the recovery time. Recovery from ablative laser treatment, for example, may take up to three weeks.

During recovery, your skin may be extremely red and scab over. Slight peeling will occur. You can use ice packs to help reduce any swelling.

While you don’t need to be at home during the entire recovery process, you’ll want to avoid known areas of germs — such as the gym — that could increase your risk of infection.

Cleansing

You’ll also need to adjust your daily skin care routine. According to the ASPS, you’ll need to clean the treated area two to five times per day. Instead of your usual cleanser, you’ll use a saline or vinegar-based solution recommended by your doctor.

You’ll also need to use new dressings to ensure your skin stays clean.

A daily moisturizer can also help with the healing process, but be sure to run this by your doctor first.

Protection

Your skin may be sun sensitive for up to one year following each laser skin resurfacing procedure. Wearing sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 can help reduce your risk for sunburn and sun damage.

You should apply sunscreen every morning (even when it’s cloudy) to protect your skin. Make sure to reapply as needed throughout the day.

Non-ablative laser treatments don’t pose as great of a risk for side effects, but you may need multiple treatments to achieve your desired results. Ablative lasers, on the other hand, may correct your concerns in one treatment.

Individual results vary based on the extent of the initial concerns being treated. You can expect your results to last for several years once you’re done with your treatment sessions. However, the results aren’t permanent. You may need to repeat the procedure at some point.

Before booking a laser skin treatment, ask your dermatologist the following questions:

• What experience do you have with laser skin resurfacing?
• What is your experience with my skin tone and specific skin concerns?
• Do you have a portfolio with before-and-after pictures from your clients?
• How might my health affect the results? Is there anything I need to do ahead of time?
• What can I expect during recovery?
• How many sessions do you think I will need?

It’s also important to find a dermatologist who is board-certified. This certification may be with the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery or with the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Board certification ensures that you are working with a dermatologist who has extensive training and practice.

Are you interested in learning more about Skin Laser Equipment(pt,ja,sv)? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!