Laser skin resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a popular cosmetic surgery that can promote rejuvenation. the Skin and reduce the effects of sunlight, aging, and certain facial skin diseases. The treatments are safe, effective, and convenient. In addition, compared with many other treatment options, laser cosmetic skin resurfacing has the lowest cost. Learn more about how laser skin resurfacing, or laser peeling, as it is often called, removes the damaged outer layers of the skin and stimulates the production of collagen and new skin cells in the underlying layers, resulting in smoother, younger, and healthier-looking skin.

What is laser skin resurfacing?

Cosmetic laser skin resurfacing is a method of diminishing the appearance of blemishes on the skin’s surface. During the laser resurfacing process, use the laser to dissolve bonds of damaged skin cells layer by layer for a smoother, more even skin appearance. The procedure may also be called laser skin resurfacing because of its anti-aging benefits, or laser peeling because damaged layers of skin peel off.
 

Candidates

For some patients, the laser skin resurfacing procedure does an excellent job of diminishing the appearance of lines and wrinkles, scars, and uneven skin pigmentation. However, patients with certain skin types, skin tones, and medical conditions may be at higher risk of developing unpleasant side effects. Laser skin resurfacing can, in fact, worsen the facial appearance of such a patient. See a dermatologist find out if you are a good candidate for treatment.

The ideal candidate for laser resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is an effective method for people with fine lines, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, etc. superficial facial scars, such as acne scars, that do not respond to milder treatments. The ideal candidate for laser skin resurfacing has non-greasy, elastic skin that is not prone to scarring after a minor injury. It is best to have laser skin resurfacing performed on a person who does not have any medical considerations, including prescription drugs and existing health conditions that may cause unnecessary risk during the procedure or recovery period.

A good candidate would be someone who has realistic expectations about the results of the laser skin resurfacing procedure. A person seeking laser skin resurfacing should educate themselves in advance about the benefits and limitations of the procedure. People with lighter skin tones are better candidates for this particular procedure than people with darker skin before tone because it reduces the risk of accidental side effects such as permanent skin discoloration.

Who is not suitable for laser skin resurfacing?

People with mild skin blemishes are often not good candidates for laser skin resurfacing. Many aesthetic medicine professionals consider laser skin resurfacing to be a surgical procedure. As with any surgery, the side effects of laser skin resurfacing procedures tend to last at least a week and often longer. For mild skin blemishes, gentler alternative treatments are available.

People with very dark skin may not meet the conditions for laser skin resurfacing. During laser skin resurfacing, the pigment in the target skin cell absorbs highly energetic laser light and produces intense heat, resulting in cell destruction. 

Any excess laser light is harmlessly diffused or absorbed by the undirected surrounding skin cells. In a person with dark skin, there is more pigment in the skin, so there is a greater risk of excess laser energy being absorbed than in a person with a lighter skin tone. This involuntary absorption can lead to side effects such as skin discoloration and even blisters. A Fraxel® laser or erbium laser procedure presents a slightly lower risk of skin discoloration than CO2 laser treatment. However, an experienced dermatologist can take steps to decrease the risk of damage to surrounding cells; You should consult a dermatologist who is experienced in performing the procedure on patients of your skin type for associated risks prior to performing the procedure.

For those who are not eligible for laser skin resurfacing, alternatives to laser skin resurfacing may be helpful. These gentler treatments can also be done to reduce the effects of sun damage, as well as the appearance of lines and uneven skin coloration.
 

Medical considerations

Due to the invasive nature of the procedure, particularly when performed with a CO2 laser, laser skin resurfacing is considered by many physicians to be a surgical procedure even though it does not involve incisions. The healing process after any surgery can be quite exhausting for the patient. Therefore, recovery from laser skin resurfacing will be very difficult for a patient suffering from an immune system disorder. Patients who heal easily should also not attempt the procedure for primarily cosmetic reasons. Connective tissue disorders, such as lupus erythematosus or Sjogren’s syndrome, also pose an increased risk of complications and are a valid reason to forgo treatment.

Although the laser skin resurfacing procedure can be used to treat acne scars, the active presence of acne can increase the risk of infection. Those who experience regular breakouts should consult a dermatologist before undergoing the procedure. The presence of other skin infections like cold sores and herpes simplex also increases the risk of complications during the healing process.

Studies have linked the prescription acne treatment, Accutane®, to decreased healing ability in the skin. If you’ve used Accutane® in the past 18 months, many doctors ask you to refrain from undergoing laser skin resurfacing procedures.

Alternative to laser skin resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is not a monopoly to reduce the manifestations of age-related skin damage. Before deciding that your deteriorating skin condition requires cosmetic treatment, you can try incorporating prescription skincare products into your morning routine to improve the health of your skin. Available from your local dermatologist, many of these products contain powerful blends of vitamins and other nutrients along with other skin-lightening solutions to improve the feel and appearance of your skin.