If you’ve ever wondered about laser skin resurfacing and whether it could be the answer to refreshing your complexion, keep reading. Lasers have been used for treating common skin issues since 1963, with breakthroughs in cosmetic laser technology continuing into the 1980s.
So, what are the benefits of laser skin resurfacing, and how do you know if you’re a good candidate? Below, we’ll discuss this popular skin treatment in more detail so you can decide if it’s the best option for your skin woes.
What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
In general, lasers used for cosmetic purposes are broken down into two separate categories depending on their intensity and intended treatment.
Ablative lasers can remove the skin’s outer layers and heat up the skin’s surface to promote collagen and treat more extensive skin issues like acne scarring, more extensive sun damage, and deeper wrinkles. Besides being a preventive measure for aging, lasers can also be used to reduce the appearance of large pores and uneven texture.
A common type of ablative laser is a CO2 laser, which produces an intense beam of light to penetrate the surface and help new skin form as the old skin peels off, revealing a smoother skin surface thanks to increased collagen production. The recovery process with ablative lasers takes more time, generally about two weeks or more) and it can look like a sunburn until the redness and inflammation calm down. The great thing about ablative lasers is that the effects generally last a long time, and results can dramatically transform a patient’s appearance.
Non-ablative lasers are also quite popular because they tend to have less downtime and focus on the deeper layers of skin without dissolving the outer layer. Results will appear more gradually, as this method usually requires more downtime and more sessions to get the desired results. Patients can experience temporary redness and swelling, but they’re usually able to return to their normal schedule and activities much faster.
One important thing to remember with any laser resurfacing treatment is sunscreen. Sunscreen must be worn after any laser treatment, regardless of the time of year, because the skin is more fragile and susceptible to burning and sun damage immediately after laser resurfacing. In the first few days after laser resurfacing, keeping the skin moist is also crucial, along with avoiding harsh scrubs, chemical peels, and other exfoliants.
What Are the Most Common Laser Resurfacing Treatments?
Similar to brand-name neuromodulators like Botox®, lasers used in the aesthetic world also have different brand names and purposes. Fraxel is a commonly used brand of laser for skin resurfacing. Another common resurfacing laser is Clear + Brilliant, which is a gentler method used to fight early signs of aging.
Pixel lasers like those used in the Pixel Perfect laser resurfacing treatment use a fractional laser to create microchannels in the skin to stimulate collagen and improve the skin’s overall appearance and texture. Recovery can take up to two weeks, with a sunburn-like effect, along with peeling, but once the healing process is complete, patients can enjoy smoother, more evenly textured skin with a reduction in pore size and improved fine lines.
The CoolPeel CO2 laser is a good bet for those wanting the same results of an ablative CO2 laser resurfacing treatment without the extended downtime. Treatments last only about 5 to 15 minutes, and redness typically subsides within 24 to 48 hours, making it easier for patients to return to normal activities much sooner.
Am I A Good Candidate for Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser resurfacing is generally recognized as a safe, non-surgical aesthetic treatment, but there are certain health conditions and medications that make the procedure riskier or unadvisable for some patients. Those with autoimmune disorders should avoid laser skin treatments as well as those with acne breakouts, live cold sores, rosacea, individuals prone to keloids, darker-skinned patients, diabetics, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, anyone who’s had skin cancer, and anyone who has taken Accutane within a year.
The good news is that, for those who must avoid laser skin resurfacing, there are alternative options that can help treat the skin in other ways. Microneedling (with or without radiofrequency) is a very popular alternative, as well as chemical peels and microdermabrasion. In addition, HydraFacials can be a safer alternative for exfoliating the skin and imparting a natural glow. Microneedling can be highly effective, especially when combined with radiofrequency, and it poses less risk for darker skin tones.
If you’re ready to enhance your natural beauty by targeting skin texture, wrinkles, or sun damage (or all three), laser resurfacing makes achieving beautiful skin possible.
Dr. John Zinsser is a board-certified plastic surgeon in the Richmond, VA area. He specializes in body contouring procedures and works in tandem with his talented team of aesthetic professionals to provide non-surgical beauty solutions like laser resurfacing, fillers, and other treatments. Increase your confidence and restore your youthful glow by contacting our team for a consultation.
Give us a call at (804) 474-9805, or fill out the patient contact form, and a member of our team will reach out to you for next steps.