Acne, too much sun, ageing can all lead to scars, wrinkles and fine lines. Laser skin resurfacing is an effective procedure that can help your skin look healthier and younger.
What exactly is laser skin resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing is a technique of accurately peeling damaged skin utilising a laser light beam. It can improve facial imperfections like acne scars, fine lines around the mouth or sun-damaged skin or blotchy brown spot.
Can laser treatments be combined with other facial procedures?
Yes, dermal fillers and Botox can be administered as soon as the laser resurfacing procedure is finished. Treatment with a V Beam pulsed dye laser used to correct broken blood vessels can be conducted in the same treatment session, usually immediately beforehand.
Are ablative and non-ablative lasers the same?
The two procedures are different — ablative laser treatments use a unique carbon dioxide laser that eliminates the microscopic rows of deep tissue within the skin. It is more aggressive and used to correct more serious skin damage. Nowadays ablative lasers use a fractionated light beam that stores rows of healthy skin which helps in the healing process.
How long is the procedure?
A full face laser resurfacing procedure takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Generally, patients arrive an hour early for an application of topical numbing cream beforehand.
How many treatments are needed and how long will benefits last?
The non-ablative Fraxel laser normally requires at least four treatments for brown spots and sun damage and at least five treatments to correct acne scars, but it all depends on the severity of the scarring.
- Ablative laser usually is one treatment.
- Acne scar treatment results in very long-term benefit.
How long will it take to heal?
The healing process is approximately one week for ablative laser resurfacing. After that, patients can return to work and go back to wearing makeup. Fraxel laser heals within just two days with only minimal peeling or redness on the third day. Treatments are administered 3-6 weeks apart, depending on the skin type.
How much pain will I experience?
Most individuals who have laser skin resurfacing can tolerate the procedure well when administered along with a topical anaesthetic cream. Most describe the sensation felt at the end of the procedure as pricking and warm.
How do I find a practitioner who is experienced in this procedure?
Always look for an experienced and skilled skin specialist like the experts at Dr Saras & Co laser clinics; they have state-of-the-art equipment and the most-effective methods of skin revitalisation with an extensive range of skin benefits available today.
What are the side effects?
Most patients do not have any complications. For individuals with dark skin, temporary brown spots or bronzing can develop. The pigmentation often resolves in less than four weeks with the use of a prescription skin lightener.
What is the best aftercare following laser resurfacing?
After the skin has healed, daily sunscreen is a must! Individuals with concerns about brown spots are usually prescribed a skin brightener cream with Vitamin A or C and hydroquinone.