Skin & Esthetics


Laser Resurfacing


By H.S. (staff writer) , published on December 27, 2021



Medicine Telehealth Health


Laser resurfacing is a method for facial rejuvenation that utilizes a laser to enhance the look of the skin or to cure minor facial defects. It is possible to do this with:

 

Ablative laser

This is a wounding laser that removes the skin's thin outer layer (epidermis) and warms the deeper layer (dermis), stimulating the development of new collagen fibers. The treated region looks smoother and tighter as the epidermis recovers and regrows. The carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, erbium, and combination systems are all ablative therapies.

 

Non-ablative laser

This non-ablative laser promotes collagen formation, which helps improve skin tone and texture over time. This may be accomplished using a variety of different kinds of lasers as well as intense pulsed light (IPL) devices. Non-ablative laser resurfacing is less invasive than ablative laser resurfacing and needs shorter recovery time. However, it is less effective.

Both techniques may be used in conjunction with a fractional laser, which leaves tiny columns of untreated tissue throughout the treatment region. Fractional lasers were designed to expedite the healing process and minimize the danger of negative effects.

Laser resurfacing may help minimize the appearance of small facial wrinkles. Additionally, it may be used to cure skin discoloration and enhance your complexion if you have scars or sun damage.

Laser resurfacing is ineffective in removing extra or sagging skin. Understanding the precise processes, associated risks, and potential outcomes will assist you in determining if laser resurfacing is best for you.

 

Risks

Ablative laser resurfacing may result in a variety of adverse effects, including the following:

      Redness, swelling, and itching

Itchy, puffy, and red skin may result from Treatment. The redness may be severe and persist for many months. Redness may be caused by the exacerbation of an existing skin disorder, such as rosacea.

      Acne

Applying heavy lotions and bandages to your face after Treatment may aggravate acne or result in the development of little white bumps (milia) on the treated skin.

      Infection

Laser ablation may result in a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. The most frequent kind of infection is a herpes virus flare-up – the virus that causes cold sores. In the majority of instances, the herpes virus is already present in the skin but is latent.

      Changes in the hue of the skin

Ablative laser resurfacing may result in treated skin becoming darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation) weeks following Treatment. Permanent changes in skin color are more likely among darker-skinned individuals.

      Scarring

There is a small risk of persistent scarring with ablative laser resurfacing.

      Eyelid rotation (ectropion)

Occasionally, ablative laser resurfacing near the lower eyelid might result in the eyelid turning out and exposing the inner surface.

Nonablative laser resurfacing may also have a number of adverse consequences, including the following:

      Infection

Nonablative laser resurfacing may result in a herpes virus flare-up.

      Changes in the hue of the skin

Nonablative laser resurfacing may result in treated skin momentarily being darker than it was before to Treatment (hyperpigmentation).

      Mild edoema and flushing

Typically, swelling and redness persist just a few hours or days.

 

Conclusion

Your skin may remain red or pink for many months after ablative laser resurfacing. However, after the treated area starts to heal, you will notice an improvement in the quality and look of your skin. The consequences might extend years.

The results of nonablative laser resurfacing are often incremental and gradual. You're more likely to see improvements in the texture and pigmentation of your skin than in the appearance of wrinkles.

Avoid unprotected sun exposure for one year after laser resurfacing to avoid uneven pigmentation. Bear in mind that your results may be temporary. Squinting and smiling will continue to give you lines as you age. Additionally, new sun damage might undo your effects.

 

 

 


References

[1] Ho C, Nguyen Q, Lowe NJ, et al. Laser resurfacing in pigmented skin. Dermatologic surgery. 1995;21:1035–1037.

[2] Ward PD, Baker SR. Long-term results of carbon dioxide laser resurfacing of the face. Archives of facial plastic surgery. 2008;10:238–243.

[3] Perez MI, Bank DE, Silvers D. Skin Resurfacing of the Face with the Erbium:YAG Laser. Dermatologic Surgery. 1998;24:653–659.

[4] Alexiades-Armenakas MR, Dover JS, Arndt KA. The spectrum of laser skin resurfacing: nonablative, fractional, and ablative laser resurfacing. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2008;58:719–737.

 




Find articles related to: Medicine Telehealth Health


More articles about Skin & Esthetics

Back to the Health Tips Index