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Laser Skin Resurfacing
Lengthy, invasive, multi-visit procedures are a turn-off for many people wishing to treat mild wrinkles and photodamaged skin. Laser skin resurfacing is one of the growing fields of the aesthetic industry offering patients an alternative to traditional invasive procedures. Newer laser resurfacing machines developed in the past 8 years offer a range of settings to treat a variety of skin conditions in as little as one treatment. Laser resurfacing treatments offer patients an effective and minimal downtime procedure to treat fine lines, wrinkles, acne and chicken pox scars, large pores, and other effects of the ageing process. The laser skin resurfacing procedure helps to restore the skin to a healthy state, similar to a skin that has not experienced sun damage or scarring, as well as treating clogged pores, comedones and some pigmentation problems.
Laser resurfacing is a relatively quick procedure. Due to its rapid scanning ability, Dr. Rodriguez can treat the whole face in about 20 minutes. Most lasers used are carbon dioxide lasers or Erbium:YAG lasers, which both operate on wavelengths attracted to the water molecules contained in the skin. The laser resurfacing is performed using a beam of laser energy that vaporizes the skin’s surface layers. As the new cells begin to form during the healing process, a tighter, smoother younger-looking skin appears due to the stimulation of new collagen formation underneath the skin. The laser itself does not penetrate deeper than the epidermal layer of the skin. One type of resurfacing, called fractional resurfacing, leaves untreated, intact and undamaged skin around the small fraction of the ablated or vaporized skin to act as a barrier and a reservoir of epidermal cells for faster healing.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure
Dr. Rodriguez will recommend some form of pre-treatment prior to laser resurfacing to assist in the preparation of the skin. This may include glycolic peels, alpha hydroxy-based products, or special prescription bleaching cream to improve the condition of the skin. Dr. Rodriguez may also prescribe a cold sore medication prior to the treatment, as the incidence of cold sores flare-ups is high in laser treatments due to the stimulation of the skin. The procedure is usually carried out with a topical anesthetic that is applied to the skin an hour before the treatment commences. For larger surface areas, mild sedation may be recommended, but most patients find that a topical anesthetic is sufficient.
The laser beam is transmitted to the skin using a hand held probe that emits a loud cracking noise as the skin is treated. During the treatment the patient can expect to feel a deep heating sensation under the skin while a cool mist on the surface ensures the laser does not overheat the tissues and cause damage to the skin. The treatment time can be anywhere between 15 to 20 minutes for crows’ feet, small forehead lines and mild signs of photo ageing to 1 hour for a full face and neck or larger skin areas.
Areas for Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is most commonly used on the face, but it can be used anywhere on the body to treat changes in pigmentation and other effects of photoageing. Laser skin resurfacing has been successfully used with patients to treat blemishes and scars all over the body including the back, chest and arm areas. It can be used to rejuvenate ageing hands, correcting “liver” spots, loss of skin tone (laxity), wrinkles, and poor texture. Laser resurfacing can also make sun damaged, bald scalp skin healthy again.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Recovery
Following carbon dioxide (CO2) laser treatment, a clear plastic dressing is applied to assist in the healing process for the first week after treatment. Downtime for the procedure is between 7-10 days during which time any pinkness from the skin will begin to disappear. Some patients’ skin can appear quite red for a couple of weeks as the skin renewal process continues, depending upon individual sensitivity. Occasionally, any abrasions may weep or ooze as they are healing and feel tender to the touch.
Erbium:YAG laser treatments give similar benefits , but with much faster recovery—much like recovering from sunburn. No dressings are necessary, but you must keep the skin heavily moisturized with a protective ointment. High quality mineral make-up can be applied after two days. A series of four treatments, spaced 4-6 weeks apart, are recommended for best results. Most patients find that Erbium:YAG treatments cause less interruption in their lifestyle.
All resurfacing patients are advised to avoid sun exposure and to use a 30+ sun protection factor (SPF) to avoid damage to the skin during and after the skin healing process. Some patients may require a mild over the counter painkiller during the first few days following treatment.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Risks
Side effects are usually limited with laser skin resurfacing, with mild crusting and slight redness affecting area. There may be some noticeable pigmentation changes to darker skin that is temporary and will return to normal as the skin heals completely. Pigmentation problems are more common with a carbon dioxide laser and do not often occur with the erbium laser treatment. Infection is rare. Topical antibiotics may be prescribed, along with special post laser products to help with skin itchiness or dryness.
Cost of Laser Skin Resurfacing
Like most non-invasive cosmetic procedures laser-resurfacing costs can vary depending on the size and location of the area for treatment, degree of the problem to be treated and the expertise of the doctor or laser practitioner. The cost will also vary dependent upon what type of laser the individual practice uses. Carbon dioxide lasers are the most expensive. The average cost for a full-face treatment with a carbon dioxide laser is $4000 and an erbium laser series is $3200. Partial face and single areas can start as low as $595.
For any individual concerned with the aging process and looking for a solution to fine lines, wrinkles and scarring, laser skin resurfacing can offer a renewed and rejuvenated skin in as little as one treatment. Depending upon the patient’s desired outcome and severity of problem, more than one laser resurfacing treatment may be necessary, with down time required between appointments to allow the skin time to heal and renew itself completely. Progress can be noticed after the initial treatment, and the skin should continue to improve for several months after the treatment as the new skin cells begin to emerge and the stimulated collagen grows and remodels.
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