Laser Skin Resurfacing

Modern technology provides a variety of successful laser resurfacing treatments for improving the condition of the skin. Laser skin treatments employ focused beams of light energy to counteract the effects on the skin of acne, aging, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, scars, or poor nutrition. Resurfacing laser treatments are safe and efficient, requiring little downtime to provide effective results.

Much less invasive than dermabrasion and chemical peels, laser treatments remove damaged skin and rejuvenate the patient’s appearance. Most of the time, such treatments are sought for the face, but may also be performed on other parts of the body.

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Reasons for Laser Resurfacing

Patients seek laser resurfacing for a variety of reasons, all related to discontent with their appearance. Laser resurfacing may be performed for any of the following reasons:

  • To decrease or eliminate wrinkles or stretchmarks
  • To diminish the appearance of scars
  • To rejuvenate non-responsive skin after a facelift
  • To remove age spots or spider veins
  • To repair sun-damaged skin
  • To improve skin tone due to melasma or other causes
  • To remove warts or birthmarks
  • To decrease the size of enlarged pores
  • To remove tattoos

Types of Laser Resurfacing

There are two basic types of laser resurfacing treatments: ablative and non-ablative.

Ablative Laser Resurfacing

Ablative laser treatments, which penetrate more deeply, actually cause a wound by removing a layer of skin. Since ablative resurfacing vaporizes a layer of the skin, it provides more dramatic results and requires fewer sessions, but also requires a longer healing period.

Non-Ablative Resurfacing

Non-ablative treatments do not burn away skin tissue, but use laser energy to stimulate collagen growth and tighten underlying skin. Non-ablative resurfacing is gentler than ablative and requires less downtime, but may necessitate more treatment sessions and may yield less dramatic results.

In general, non-ablative laser treatments are used when the repair needed is less extensive. Also, non-ablative treatments are recommended for people of color for whom ablative resurfacing may be more likely to cause unsightly changes in pigmentation.

A form of ablative resurfacing known as fractional ablative laser is now increasingly in use. This procedure targets more specific regions so that laser microbeams pinpoint and peel away smaller areas of skin. During fractional laser resurfacing, no visible wounds are caused, so although results are more noticeable, less downtime is necessary than after conventional ablative treatments. For some individuals, fractional ablative laser resurfacing represents the best of both worlds.

The Laser Resurfacing Procedure

Laser treatments for skin conditions are typically performed in the doctor’s office with topical anesthesia. Procedures typically take between 30 and 90 minutes depending on the size and location of the treated area. While some individuals will notice significant results after just one treatment, particularly with ablative procedures, many patients will require multiple sessions to achieve desired results. Additional touch-up treatments may also be needed in the future.

Risks of Laser Resurfacing

Although laser skin treatment is considered safe for most patients and typically has no long-term complications, certain risks exist. Though rare, these risks include:

  • Infection
  • Scarring
  • Redness
  • Pigmentation changes
  • Acne
  • Milia (tiny white bumps on the skin)

Recovery from Laser Resurfacing

Recovery varies depending on the procedure type and skin type. Patients should avoid sun exposure as much as possible during healing.

Recovery from Non-Ablative Laser Resurfacing

After treatment, redness and peeling may occur as the skin heals, typically lasting several days. Ice packs can ease discomfort and improve appearance. Normal activities may be resumed during healing, and makeup can be used to cover any visible signs of treatment.

Recovery from Ablative Laser Resurfacing

After ablative resurfacing, treated skin may be raw, swollen, and itchy, with yellowish liquid oozing that forms crusts. A thick ointment such as petroleum jelly and a watertight dressing will be applied. Patients may be instructed to keep their head elevated at night if the face was treated. Ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers can relieve symptoms.

To avoid scarring, patients should not pick at crusts or skin pieces. Visible healing can take one to two weeks. Strenuous activities should be avoided, and the treated area cleaned regularly with water, saline, or dilute acetic acid. Some patients prefer to stay home until healing is well underway. Once new skin covers the area, cosmetics may be applied to conceal redness which may persist for months.

When healing is complete, the skin’s tone, texture, and tightness will be dramatically improved.