About laser skin resurfacing
What is laser skin resurfacing?
Reduce facial wrinkles, scars, and blemishes with laser skin resurfacing, sometimes referred to as a laser peel, laser vaporisation, and lasabrasion. Your plastic surgeon may now regulate the laser surfacing process at a new level, enabling exceptional precision, especially in delicate areas.
What can be enhanced by laser skin resurfacing
- Your mouth, forehead, or eyes may have fine lines or wrinkles.
- Scars left by chicken pox or acne
- After a facelift, unresponsive skin
- Wrinkled or sun-damaged skin
- Hepatic spots
- If you have yellow or greyish skin, try to improve your complexion.
- Warts
- Birthmarks like nevi with linear epidermis
- On the nose, enlarged oil glands
How does laser skin resurfacing work?
It's all about using light beams. Short, focused pulses of light are directed at the uneven skin by your surgeon using the laser. This precisely eliminates damaged, undesirable skin one layer at a time.
For procedures like laser acne scar removal, there are less issues with hypopigmentation, or a whitening of the skin, thanks to laser skin resurfacing's tailored approach.
Your epidermis, or outermost layer of skin, will be removed by the laser beam utilised in laser resurfacing. The dermis, the layer of skin beneath the epidermis, is heated concurrently. New collagen fibres are stimulated to grow as a result of this process. The newly formed skin is smoother and firmer when the treated region recovers.
Who is a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing?
If you have: You might not be a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing.
- current acne
- super-dark skin
- deep creases
- Having too much or sagging skin
Patients with darker skin tones are more likely to heal with darker pigmentation (hyperpigmentation). Use of a bleaching chemical following laser skin resurfacing may also help to reduce this.
Laser resurfacing should only be used by trained professionals; amateurs run the risk of injury. Make sure the surgeon has particular experience with this kind of procedure in addition to finding a doctor who is trained and competent in facial cosmetic surgery. Even though a different healthcare provider may finally provide the laser therapy in the surgeon's office, it will be done under the surgeon's watchful supervision.
What are the risks of laser skin resurfacing?
What is laser skin resurfacing? Laser skin resurfacing, also known as a laser peel, laser vaporization and lasabrasion, can reduce facial wrinkles, scars and blemishes. Newer laser technologies give your plastic surgeon a new level of control in laser surfacing, permitting extreme precision, especially in delicate areas. What laser skin resurfacing can improve Fine lines or wrinkles around or under your eyes, forehead or mouth Scars from acne or chickenpox Non-responsive skin after a facelift Aged or sun-damaged skin Liver spots Improve your complexion if you have yellowish or grayish skin tones Warts Birthmarks such as linear epidermal nevi Enlarged oil glands on the nose How does laser skin resurfacing work? It's all about using beams of light. Your surgeon uses the laser to send short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at irregular skin. This removes unwanted, damaged skin in a very precise manner one layer at a time. Laser skin resurfacing's targeted approach means there are fewer problems with hypopigmentation, or a lightening of skin, for procedures such as laser acne scar removal. The laser beam used in laser resurfacing will remove your outer layer of skin, called the epidermis. It simultaneously heats the underlying skin, called the dermis. This action works to stimulate growth of new collagen fibers. As the treated area heals, the new skin that forms is smoother and firmer. Next: Candidates
What should I expect during my recovery?
Different reactions of the skin to laser resurfacing may occur. However, it usually feels similar to a light sunburn. You'll experience some swelling and redness. For a few days following the treatment, you can also suffer stinging or itching.
Some people may experience what appears to be a severe sunburn depending on the treatment. Raw, oozing, and possibly blistering skin will be present. It's possible for treated regions to exude yellow liquid that crusts over. Avoid picking or scratching at crusts since this can leave scars.
Your skin will typically get dry and peel five to seven days following laser skin resurfacing.
Follow these steps during your laser skin resurfacing recovery
- As instructed by your plastic surgeon, wash the treated regions two to five times a day with saline or a diluted vinegar solution.
- To aid in the healing of your skin, use the protective skin care products that your doctor has prescribed.
- After your wound has healed, you must wear sunscreen, preferably one designed specifically for the delicate, newly restored skin on your face. each day. All rules apply! To protect your treated areas the best, your plastic surgeon will assist you in making the right sunscreen selection.
- Apply ample amounts of moisturiser to your new skin every day, as instructed by your plastic surgeon.
Peeling is to be anticipated in the treated region. The new, revitalised skin will then be pink, but it will progressively become paler over the course of two to three months. The pinkness might not go away for up to a year. During this healing period, it is crucial to protect your skin. Blondes and redheads tend to have redness that lasts longer.
Around six weeks following laser resurfacing, or as your doctor may instruct, you can start using Retin-A and/or glycolic acid products again.
Complications of laser skin resurfacing
- Acne worsens. Your physician will suggest a treatment plan.
- infection with bacteria. Your doctor could advise taking an antibiotic both before and after the procedure.
- recurrence of a cold sore. If you have laser resurfacing done near your mouth, this could happen. Be sure to let your doctor know if you've ever had cold sores (herpes). By taking an antiviral drug both before and after the procedure, you can stop the reactivation.
- Hyperpigmentation. It's possible that the treated region will tone down. A bleaching solution might be suggested by your doctor. Hypopigmentation, or a lightening of the skin tone, occurs less frequently.
- Milia. These tiny white lumps could develop while the body heals. By using a washcloth gently, you can get rid of them.
- persistent redness. The redness simply takes longer to go away for some folks.
- Scarring. Though uncommon, it is conceivable.
- Swelling. Your doctor could recommend oral steroids to treat this swelling if you are having laser skin resurfacing around your eyes.
Advice for a quicker recovery
- Use an additional pillow at night to raise your head.
- To reduce swelling and discomfort during the first several days, apply an ice pack.
- Give up smoking. The healing process will be hampered by tobacco smoke.
Recovery times will vary depending on your treatment
Resurfacing with CO2 laser: typically two weeks or more.
One complete week for erbium laser resurfacing.
Camouflage the pink or red skin
Makeup can be used to lighten the colour after your treated areas have healed. To balance red tone, try using a green-based cosmetic. Make careful to choose an oil-free cosmetic.
What results should I expect after laser skin resurfacing?
After laser skin resurfacing, it's conceivable that your skin will continue to be red or pink for up to several months. For up to a year, you can also be more sensitive to sunlight. Make an effort to limit your time in the sun and apply sunscreen liberally every day.
Following laser resurfacing, some patients could notice an instant improvement in the skin's condition. Up until a year from now, that will get better yet. While the results of laser resurfacing can remain for many years, wrinkles and expression lines will eventually return due to the natural ageing process. If more laser resurfacing is required, you can do so.