It is usual for the skin to develop wrinkles as you advance in age or sometimes suffer the effects of extensive sun exposure. The results, which can be wrinkles and sunspots, are often undesirable since they alter one’s facial outlook. While skincare regimens like cleansing, toning, and moisturizing help keep your skin in good condition, they may not eliminate such irregularities. Fortunately, facial rejuvenation procedures like laser resurfacing can help you regain a youthful appearance. A discussion with your specialist, Jennifer Addy RN, enables you to understand whether you are a good candidate for the procedure.
What is laser skin resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure that stimulates collagen production to minimize the appearance of minor facial flaws such as fine lines, sun damage, scars, and hyperpigmentation. It uses different types of lasers – ablative and non-ablative. An ablative laser causes wounding since it removes your skin’s outer layer (epidermis) and sends heat to your epidermis to stimulate collagen and elastin production. As the treated area heals, new skin, which is usually smoother and firmer, grows back. The common types of ablative lasers include erbium, CO2, or a combination of the two.
Non-ablative laser is a mild treatment form that does not involve the removal of the epidermis. It can improve skin laxity and is ideal for patients who do not mind multiple treatment sessions. It uses lasers such as intense pulsed light devices.
How do I prepare for treatment?
Preparation involves a consultation with your specialist to understand essential things such as what treatment involves, its risks, and whether you are a good candidate for the process. A discussion with your dermatologist may involve evaluating your medical history and giving your specialist insight into your past and current medical conditions. Here is also when your doctor examines your skin to determine what issues can and cannot be resolved and how factors such as your skin thickness influence results. Be open to discussing your motivation and expectations with your specialist during the consultation.
What are the risks involved with the procedure?
It is usual for patients to experience side effects such as swelling after treatment, which is usually temporary. However, you need to know other possible risks such as:
- Infection. Ablative lasers expose your skin to bacteria, fungi, and viruses. For this reason, patients can quickly develop a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. The flare-up of the herpes virus is the most common infection, and in most cases, the victims usually have the virus present in their skin but in a dormant state.
- Milia or small white bumps can develop on the treatment sites, and thick creams can worsen acne. However, you can use a washcloth to remove the white bumps on the affected area.
- Hyperpigmentation. The treated area can become shades darker or lighter than it was before. While these changes are often temporary, people with dark skin tones risk having permanent changes.
- Laser-treated areas can develop scars, especially for patients who used the ablative treatment approach.
How your skin looks determines how you feel about yourself. Book a session with your dermatologist at Ideal MedSpas for laser treatment to get rid of minor skin flaws.
