Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing, which is also known as laser vaporization, laser peel, and lasabrasion can reduce facial wrinkles, scars, and blemishes. Laser resurfacing is one of the most effective techniques for treating various skin conditions. The minimally invasive treatment method works by ablating the outer surface of the skin, which stimulates the body’s natural healing process. This regeneration process helps eliminate dull, damaged skin cells and can promote a healthier, more vibrant-looking complexion.
Laser skin resurfacing can improve:
- Fine lines or wrinkles.
- Improve your skin complexion if you have yellowish or greyish skin tones.
- Scars due to acne or chickenpox.
- Non-responsive skin after a facelift.
- Aged or sun-damaged skin.
- Liver spots.
- Warts.
- Birthmarks such as linear epidermal nevi.
- Enlarged oil glands on the nose.
Laser skin resurfacing utilizes light beams. Your surgeon will use the laser to direct pulsating, short, concentrated beams of light at irregular skin. This method removes unwanted, damaged skin one layer at a time. The laser beam used in laser skin resurfacing will remove your epidermis or outer layer of skin. It also heats the underlying skin, known as the dermis. This action promotes the formation of new collagen fibers. The new skin that forms as the treated area heals is smoother and firmer.
Types of laser skin resurfacing
There are mainly two types of laser skin resurfacing – ablative and non-ablative.
- Ablative laser resurfacing removes the superficial layer of the skin(epidermis). This exposes the deeper layer of the skin (dermis). The heat from the laser causes your skin tissue to tighten, causing new collagen fibers to grow. Collagen is a long fibrous protein that gives structure and strength to your skin. As the wound heals, you'll develop new skin that is softer and less wrinkled or scarred.
- The top layer of your skin is not removed during non-ablative laser resurfacing. Instead, it heats the dermis to stimulate new skin growth and collagen production. Non-ablative laser resurfacing is gentler on the skin than ablative laser resurfacing, but the results aren't as noticeable.
Procedure
Before the Procedure
Your surgeon will provide you with pre treatment instructions and take your medical history to determine your fitness for cosmetic surgery.
Your surgeon may ask you to:
- Stop smoking before having surgery to promote faster healing.
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and some herbal medications that may cause increased bleeding.
- Hydrate yourself before and after surgery for safe recovery.
- Follow a pretreatment plan during which you will apply special creams, lotions or gels to your skin for a few weeks or longer (depending on the depth of your laser skin resurfacing treatment).
- Take a prescription antiviral medication before and after your treatment to prevent a viral infection (if you have a history of herpes infection around your mouth).
- Avoid unprotected sun exposure. Excessive sun exposure up to two months before the procedure can result in permanent irregular pigmentation in the treated areas.
- Discontinue topical skincare products that might increase the risk of complications from the laser.
Laser skin resurfacing is usually an outpatient treatment. Make someone drive you home after the procedure.
During the Procedure
- Before the treatment begins, your surgeon will give you an eye shield to protect your eyes from the laser.
- During laser skin resurfacing, your surgeon passes a wand over your skin and the resurfacing laser emits a very brief pulse of high-intensity light that penetrates the upper layers of your skin.
- When your treatment is complete, your surgeon may cover your resurfaced skin with petroleum jelly or another protective ointment. In some cases, your surgeon will apply dressings, tape, or a bandage.
- As your skin heals, healthier, younger-looking tissue emerges.
After the Procedure
- Skin treated with laser resurfacing may react differently. Most of the time, however, it will feel like a mild sunburn.There will be some redness and swelling. Itching or stinging may also occur for a few days following the procedure.
- Some people may have severe sunburn depending on the treatment. The skin will be raw, oozing, and possibly blistering. A yellow liquid that forms a crust may ooze from treated areas. Do not scratch or pick at crusts, as it can result in scarring.
- Typically, your skin will become dry and peel within five to seven days after laser skin resurfacing.
Benefits
Laser skin resurfacing utilizes laser technology to improve the appearance of the skin. The procedure can be used to treat a wide variety of skin conditions, including fine lines and wrinkles, scars, age spots, and uneven skin texture. Some of the benefits include:
Improved skin texture
Laser skin resurfacing helps to improve the skin texture of the skin by removing dead cells and promoting the growth of new, healthy skin cells.
Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
The procedure can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, which helps to plump up the skin and make it look smoother.
Reduces scars
Laser skin resurfacing can help to reduce scars, including acne scars and surgical scars.
Reduces pigmentation
The procedure can also help to reduce the appearance of pigmentation, including age spots and sun spots.
Fast recovery
Laser skin resurfacing is a non-invasive procedure that requires a minimal recovery period and patients can return to normal regular activities within a few days of the procedure.
Customizable treatment
The procedure can be customized to the patient's specific needs, allowing for targeted treatment of specific skin concerns.
Long-lasting results
Laser skin resurfacing can provide long-lasting results, with some patients seeing improvement in their skin for up to five years after the procedure.
Risks
Acne flares
Your doctor may recommend a treatment regimen.
Bacterial infection
Your doctor may advise you to take an antibiotic before and after the surgery.
Cold sore reactivation
If you have laser resurfacing around your mouth, this could happen. Inform your doctor about your history of cold sores (herpes). Take an antiviral medication prescribed by the doctor before and after the procedure to prevent reactivation.
Hyperpigmentation
It is possible that the treated area will darken in tone. Your doctor may advise you to use a bleaching solution. Rarely, you may experience hypopigmentation or skin lightening.
Milia
These small white bumps can appear during the healing process. They can be removed with a gentle cleanser using a washcloth.
Prolonged redness
For some people, the redness simply takes longer to fade.
Scarring
This is rare but possible.
Swelling
Your doctor may prescribe an oral steroids to reduce swelling if laser skin resurfacing is performed around your eyes.
Care at Medicover
We have an expert team of dermatologists and plastic surgeons to perform laser skin resurfacing and ensure the most accurate and timely cosmetic procedures for all our patients. We offer the latest evidence-based treatment protocols and advanced technologies, which has made us one of the best hospitals in India. We are one of the best laser skin resurfacing procedure specialists to provide the best treatments at affordable costs.
