Laser Resurfacing for a Flawless and Youthful Skin
Laser resurfacing is a procedure which uses a laser to improve the appearance of the skin and make it look more youthful. It can either be ablative (wounding) or non-ablative (non-wounding). Ablative laser resurfacing involves a removal of a thin layer of skin, while non-ablative laser resurfacing works by stimulating collagen formation. The latter is less invasive procedure but it does not achieve the same effect as ablative laser resurfacing.
Laser can be used to reduce or eliminate a number of skin flaws including:
- age spots
- wrinkles
- scars due to acne, injury or burns
- uneven skin tone
Both ablative and non-ablative laser resurfacing are safe but both can cause various side effects such as:
- Swelling, redness and itching. Mild to moderate itching and swelling are common after both ablative or non-ablative laser resurfacing. But while the mentioned side effects typically go away within a few hours after non-ablative laser resurfacing, patients who underwent ablative laser resurfacing may have red skin for months after the procedure. The intensity and duration of these unwanted side effects depend on the thickness of the skin layer removed.
- Darkening or lightening of the skin. Laser resurfacing can cause the skin to get darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation) than normal. Fortunately, the mentioned changes of the skin colour are only temporary.
- Infection. Since ablative laser resurfacing involves removal of a thin layer of skin, the patient is at increased risk of infection – bacterial, fungal or viral. Most infections after laser resurfacing, however, are caused by herpes simplex virus causing cold sores. But in most patients, the virus was present before the procedure rather than newly acquired.
- Worsening of acne. Bandages and thick creams which are applied after ablative laser resurfacing to promote skin regeneration can cause worsening of acne or milia, small white bumps.
- Scarring. Although laser resurfacing is often done to remove scars, it poses a risk of skin scarring. Such cases, however, are rare.
Laser resurfacing is a simple and relatively short procedure. It lasts 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the procedure used and the size of the skin surface treated. It is a painless procedure because the skin is numbed with a local anaesthetic, while the patients who undergo an extensive resurfacing are sedated. The results of laser resurfacing are more obvious in patients who underwent ablative resurfacing than in patients who had a non-ablative resurfacing. Also, improvement of the skin’s appearance after non-ablative laser resurfacing typically takes place gradually over a longer period of time. However, neither ablative or non-ablative laser resurfacing provides permanent results but the repetition of the procedure may not be needed for years.
Laser resurfacing is the fastest and most effective way to improve the skin’s appearance but it is not advisable for people with certain medical conditions such as diabetes and illnesses that affect the immune system, and pregnant women. It is recommended to consult a physician before scheduling a laser resurfacing skin treatment.