Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser Skin Resurfacing
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.
Who Should Get This Procedure?
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.
This procedure may not be suitable for people with active acne breakouts or excessive sagging skin. It is also recommended to get this procedure done during fall or winter. This can help decrease sun exposure, which can damage delicate skin.
Who Should Get This Procedure?
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.
This procedure may not be suitable for people with active acne breakouts or excessive sagging skin. It is also recommended to get this procedure done during fall or winter. This can help decrease sun exposure, which can damage delicate skin.
Also recommends getting this procedure done during fall or winter. This can help decrease sun exposure, which can damage delicate skin.How Much Does It Cost?
Laser skin resurfacing is considered a cosmetic procedure, so it's not covered by medical insurance. Costs vary between the types of lasers used. Your overall cost also depends on how many sessions you need, as well as the area being treated. You will likely need multiple sessions of laser resurfacing until you achieve your desired results.
Here are some cost estimates for different types of laser skin resurfacing:
- CO2 laser treatments: Typically cost between $2,000 and $4,000 per session.
- Erbium laser treatments: Generally range from $1,000 to $3,000 per session.
- Non-ablative laser treatments: These can cost between $1,000 and $2,500 per session.
It is important to consult with your dermatologist or physician to get a personalized cost estimate based on your specific needs and goals.
What to Expect from the Procedure
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:
- Preparation: 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.
- Topical Anesthetic: 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 painkillers.
- Cleansing: Next, the skin is cleansed to remove any excess oil, dirt, and bacteria.
- Treatment: Your doctor begins the treatment, using the selected laser. The laser is moved slowly around the designated area of skin.
- Post-Treatment Care: Finally, your doctor will dress the treatment area in wraps to help protect the skin at the end of the procedure.
Possible Side Effects and Risks
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 doctor 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.
It is recommended 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.
What to Expect from Aftercare and Recovery
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. 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.
What to Expect from the Results
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.