Laser skin treatments offer a quick and efficient method for improving various forms of skin imperfections, but can potentially cause unwanted side effects like infection and changes to coloration.
Ablative lasers (which remove some of the outer layers of skin) tend to cause more pain, necessitating anesthetic and sedation injections. Non-ablative lasers (which pass through without removing layers) tend to be less painful and only need numbing cream for relief.
Acne Scars
Acne scars are among the primary reasons patients visit dermatologists, and laser treatments may provide an ideal solution. Unlike harsher skincare options like chemical peels, exfoliants or punch excision, laser can target scar tissue without disturbing healthy surrounding skin – producing healthier, more even tone and reduced scar visibility as a result.
Dermatologists often turn to carbon dioxide or erbium lasers in order to treat acne scarring, as these methods involve disabling the thin outer layer of skin in order to promote collagen formation and improve texture while decreasing hyperpigmentation caused by past outbreaks. Nonablative laser or light therapies may also be effective at diminishing acne scars, stimulating new collagen formation instead. This approach often leads to shorter recovery times.
Lasers that apply heat directly to the deeper layers of skin, such as radiofrequency lasers or pixel lasers, can address hyperpigmentation that often remains after acne scarring has healed. They also target subsurface scar tissue that forms depressions of icepick or rolling acne scars – not only can laser treatments reduce or remove these scars but they can also lessen any associated redness that often comes with them.
Laser resurfacing for acne scars may result in temporary side effects like redness, swelling, crusting and red or brown spots that typically resolve within days after treatment. Milina, small white bumps that often form after laser therapy treatments for scars, may appear for several months post-treatment as part of the healing process; your doctor may also prescribe an antiviral medication two or three days prior to and post-treatment to help with healing processes.
No matter the type of laser treatment you undergo, it is vital that after each session, the skin is protected with broad spectrum sunscreen with both ultraviolet B and A ray protection. Also avoid scrubs and other products which could irritate treated areas.
Wrinkles
If fine lines and wrinkles are bothering you, laser skin treatments could provide relief. Unlike older devices that employed strong chemical peels or surgical removal of top layers of skin, laser and light-based therapies are noninvasive; leaving all lower layers intact; while their recovery times tend to be faster.
When it comes to wrinkle treatments, finding the ideal laser skin treatment depends on what kind of wrinkles are being addressed. For instance, if your aim is to diminish crow’s feet lines and wrinkles, using a hybrid fractional laser could be ideal as it offers both nonablative and ablative skin resurfacing techniques which remove layers of damaged skin while stimulating new collagen formation – ultimately reducing wrinkles while improving skin texture and tone overall.
Other uses for laser skin treatments include smoothing acne scar tissue and eliminating age spots, while lasers also can minimize pores to make makeup and skincare products easier to apply without getting stuck inside them.
Dermatologists will determine which laser or light therapy option is appropriate for you, taking into account your skin color and tone as well as any medical conditions that could impede treatment. People with darker skin are more prone to hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin) after laser skin treatments; to address this, apply bleaching cream or switch up sunscreen protection between UVA/UVB protection levels.
As part of laser skin treatments, dermatologists will cover your treatment area with a protective wrap or bandage to keep the area free from potential contamination and potential injury. You will need to change this nonstick dressing at least four or five times each day while applying an ointment such as petroleum jelly to avoid scab formation and prevent further irritation during recovery. A cool compress and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. aspirin) may help ease swelling during this phase.
To expedite recovery from laser skin treatments, it is wise to limit exposure to sunlight for two months prior to seeking laser skin treatments. Furthermore, follow all post-treatment care instructions from your dermatologist, including applying moisturizer daily and wearing broad spectrum sunscreen daily.
Sun Damage
Most people can attest to the fact that spending too much time in the sun can have detrimental effects on skin. UVA and UVB rays cause discoloration, wrinkles, and cancer – yet thanks to advances in laser technology, dermatologists can reverse some of its damaging effects by offering laser treatments designed specifically to reverse sun damage: redness reduction, uneven skin tone correction and sun spot elimination with tightening collagen stimulation for tighter skin tone.
Non-ablative skin resurfacing is one of the most effective laser treatments available to address sun damage. This procedure uses light beams to penetrate skin layers and reduce fine lines, wrinkles and scars without being too invasive; you’ll be back at work or other activities immediately afterwards.
Pulsed dye lasers and IPL treatments can also help address sun damage. Using broad spectrum light, these treatments target pigment issues like age spots, freckles and sun spots with less invasiveness than traditional laser resurfacing but won’t produce as dramatic of results.
Hybrid fractional laser resurfacing offers significant improvements in skin appearance. This treatment utilizes both non-ablative and ablative laser energies to address wrinkles and fine lines while improving texture and tone, providing significant relief from hyperpigmentation as well. Hybrid laser resurfacing can be beneficial for mild to moderate hyperpigmentation as well.
Before beginning laser resurfacing, make sure to discuss any medical conditions with your physician and understand its associated risks. Aspirin or any medications which affect clotting should also be avoided before receiving treatment, as well as smoking cessation services prior to your procedure.
After receiving laser treatment, your skin may remain pink or red for several hours afterward. In this timeframe, it’s essential that you clean the treated areas four to five times per day and apply an ointment or cream in order to avoid scab formation. Furthermore, sunscreen must be worn daily while sun exposure should be limited until skin recovery takes place; you may experience small white bumps called milia in these treated areas that should go away within one month; use broad-spectrum sunblock for continued protection!
Age Spots
Age spots – those dark marks that give away that you are past your prime – can be reduced significantly with laser skin treatments. A consultation with a licensed professional will determine which procedures will be most suitable to your needs, while it should be noted that procedures tend to work faster than creams or lotions while carrying with them increased risks of side effects.
An ablative laser works by targeting the thin outermost layer of skin known as epidermis. When treated, its heat damages this epidermis layer, leading to new, youthful cells to emerge and creating an even and attractive complexion. Ablative laser treatments tend to be safer and less painful than chemical peels.
Nonablative laser and light treatments work differently from their ablative counterparts but still stimulate collagen growth for a smoother complexion. Nonablative treatments use less powerful filtered light to penetrate skin layers more deeply while damaging melanin-producing cells in the dermis, according to Mayo Clinic research. Nonablative procedures generally have shorter recovery periods but don’t remove as much outer skin layer like an ablative laser does; nonablative laser therapies include pulsed dye, erbium, violet-blue light (VBL), and intense pulsed light (IPL).
Laser dermatologists typically apply protective eyewear when performing treatments on patients. Depending on the condition, cleaning may include using saline solution or disinfecting cream to the treatment site. Anesthesia may not always be required; however, for sensitive areas a topical anesthetic might be used; while patients typically report mild to moderate pain during procedures.
Just after undergoing the procedure, a doctor may apply a bandage to the treated area. Swelling, itching and redness usually subside within five to seven days as skin regenerates itself. To help speed the healing process and protect their skin more quickly from UVA/UVB rays exposure, patients are advised to moisturize the skin regularly as well as protect it with broad spectrum sunscreen that contains both ultraviolet B and A rays.
Common side effects of laser treatments include redness, itching and scabbing. Some individuals also experience hyperpigmentation – darker patients are particularly susceptible to this because the laser energy interacts more aggressively with epidermal melanin. To avoid such risks, board-certified medical professionals are recommended for conducting these types of procedures.
