Laser skin treatment can be used to treat wrinkles, acne scars, age spots, and other skin imperfections. It can also help tighten skin and balance skin tone. However, lasers have so many different capabilities and ways they can work on your skin that it can be hard to know where and how to look for treatment. Even a basic search will show a variety of devices and methods.
We want you informed, and not overwhelmed. We suggest that you stop wasting your time on Google and take a look at these key facts about laser skin resurfacing.
- When Should Laser Skin Resurfacing Be Performed?
Did you know that autumn has been called the “laser season”? Laser-treated skin can become hypersensitive to sunlight for up to a whole year following certain procedures. Most cosmetic surgeons recommend laser treatment during fall or winter when daylight hours are shorter and your time indoors is most productive.
- Treatments Can Be Painful, or They May Not
The sensations experienced by patients and doctors during laser treatments are often compared to a rubber band pressing against the skin. It all depends on how the laser is used and what the area and depth of the treatment are. Also, one’s pain tolerance.
In order to make a patient feel comfortable, deep ablative laser treatments (where some outer layers are removed from the skin) may require local injections of anesthetic or intravenous Sedation. CO2 lasers are two examples of ablative rays.
- Laser Resurfacing May Not Be Possible For You If Your Skin Is Darker
One common misconception about laser resurfacing is that it is only safe for individuals with light skin. Some lasers may be more damaging to darker skin than others, but there are safe and effective ways to resurface. Patients with darker skin color, such as black or brown skin, may be interested in other skin treatments like micro-needling or radio-frequency.
- It Does Not Matter Who Performs Your Skin Resurfacing Laser Treatments
Laser resurfacing can make your skin look dramatically better if performed by a trained professional. Lasers can be dangerous and ineffective when used by untrained individuals. Look at the qualifications, experience, and training of any laser resurfacing provider. Do not make your choice based only on the price or if they have a well-respected laser platform.
- Laser Treatment May Not Be Suitable For Everyone
Always be honest with your provider about any medical history or medication you are taking. Laser treatments may lead to breakouts if, for example, you have a tendency to develop cold sores or fever blisters. Acne medication that contains isotretinoin or Accutane may cause poor healing and scarring from laser skin resurfacing. Common medications such as aspirin, which can increase bleeding risks, can also lead to poor healing.
- Multiple Treatments Are Possible
Although one single laser treatment may suffice in some cases to address patient concerns, the majority of non-ablative treatments require a series. This is a trade-off, as there is no downtime. However, once the series of treatments is completed, the results are lasting.
- You May Need Some Downtime Depending Upon The Laser Treatment
Laser treatments are usually considered non-surgical. However, not all laser treatments are completely painless. The laser resurfacing process recovery time depends on the type of treatment used as well as individual health and healing rate.
