Laser facial treatments offer effective solutions to numerous skin issues. A laser facial can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, fade freckles, improve complexion, tighten aging skin and tighten loose skin – just to name a few benefits.
Laser energy penetrates your skin’s surface and stimulates new collagen formation, helping your face heal itself while also diminishing deeper scars.
How Long Does It Take?
Many laser treatments only last a few minutes, though total treatment time for laser hair removal varies according to size and number of areas being targeted – treating an entire back may take over an hour.
If you opt for laser skin resurfacing treatments, your physician will apply a topical anesthetic prior to beginning. This should reduce discomfort during the procedure; however, some skin sensitivity may still occur following treatments; it’s therefore wise to wear broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen regularly for maximum protection after any laser treatments.
Laser resurfacing can effectively treat fine lines and wrinkles associated with age. It also lightens discoloration and shrinks pores to improve the look and health of skin, and make it appear younger. Furthermore, laser treatments help delay future signs of aging by stimulating collagen production for firm and taut skin.
Your dermatologist will suggest the optimal number of sessions to achieve maximum laser resurfacing results, depending on both your specific dermatological condition and type of laser used. A non-ablative laser such as Excel V+ may treat redness, stains and acne scars effectively with three monthly treatments; while non-ablative lasers such as VBeam and Fraxel typically require three to six treatments to address sun damage or other discolorations issues.
Resurfacing lasers remove damaged skin layers while stimulating collagen growth to produce smoother, younger-looking complexions with improved tone and texture. While traditional Co2 lasers were fully ablative – meaning they removed all outer layers – newer technologies such as fractional Co2 lasers or Erbium YAG (Er:YAG) lasers produce similar results while significantly reducing recovery times and downtime.
Lasers and light therapies might seem like the ideal acne cure; all it takes is one bright beam to illuminate a problematic area for it to dissipate – but Devgan cautions that darker skin tones needing additional pigment could actually increase side effects, including more blotchiness or brown spots on their skin tone. Before proceeding with any treatments it is crucial to discuss Fitzpatrick skin-tone scale with your dermatologist first.
What Are the Side Effects?
Laser treatments work by inducing micro injuries into the skin, prompting it to respond with its own healing mechanisms and strengthening existing collagen fibers while stimulating new production for lifting and plumping effects on skin tone. Not only can laser procedures help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, they may also improve scars or dark spots.
However, it is important to keep in mind that laser treatments don’t produce instant results; rather they usually take three or six sessions before you can see their full impact. Also avoid tanning beds and excessive sun exposure prior to laser treatment to lower risk of pigmentation changes.
If you are considering laser treatment, it is wise to schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic skincare. At your consultation appointment, the dermatologist will collect information regarding your unique medical history and goals for facial rejuvenation as well as discuss available treatment options with you. She will physically evaluate your face to ascertain which laser type would be most beneficial.
Laser treatments often lead to itching and swelling; areas around the eyes often experience this side effect. To alleviate it, place a cold compress on your face for 15 minutes every hour as needed – any itchy feeling should diminish once your face has fully recovered from treatments.
Laser treatments may cause other possible side effects, including red patches, itching, and minor infections. While infections are rare with laser therapy treatments, heat from laser therapy could potentially stimulate herpes simplex (which causes cold sores) viruses.
Milia are small white bumps that may appear after laser treatment to the skin, usually during healing process. Milia usually resolve on their own but if you have herpes infection and want treatment, consult with your dermatologist about antiviral medication as soon as possible. It is a good idea to use broad spectrum sunscreen during recovery as this may reduce future infections as well. Furthermore, avoid over-the-counter acne creams that cause photosensitivity as this could exacerbate it further.
How Much Will It Cost?
Cost of facial laser treatments varies based on the area being treated, type of laser used and number of treatment sessions necessary. Be sure to discuss costs with a Facial Plastic Surgeon prior to scheduling treatment sessions as they can provide insight into any available insurance coverage that might help cover some or all costs involved with your procedure.
Laser resurfacing treatments can be extremely cost-effective depending on the dermatological issue being addressed. Non-ablative lasers such as the VBeam and Fraxellaser can treat conditions like rosacea or red stretch marks with just six sessions; CO2 laser skin resurfacing provides deeper wrinkle treatments by physically peeling away layers of epidermis to expose more collagen for healing.
If you plan on undergoing laser skin resurfacing, it is crucial that you avoid direct sun exposure for at least two months prior to receiving your treatment. This will increase the odds that your results will last and prevent any possible changes to the color of your skin.
Laser treatments are also highly effective at reducing unwanted hair. Patients have reported this being one of the most permanent solutions to eliminating unsightly fuzz; many also report reduced folliculitis, hyperpigmentation, or any other issues related to shaving or waxing.
Laser treatments can also be used to eliminate vascular lesions, such as broken blood vessels or spider veins, which typically appear on the face and legs but may also appear elsewhere on the body. Although such lesions can be difficult to treat through traditional means, laser resurfacing usually provides quick and efficient results that offer relief.
Laser skin resurfacing can be performed alone or combined with other procedures, such as dermal filler injections. This combination has become particularly popular among those looking for non-surgical facelift solutions – Thermage skin tightening combined with laser skin resurfacing allows patients to achieve a more youthful appearance without incurring downtime and recovery periods associated with surgery.
When Should I Start?
Laser treatment is a great way to restore firmness or elasticity to skin, but you must choose an experienced practitioner. According to Dr. Frank Devgan, non-specialized practitioners won’t provide you with the desired results – instead it’s best to seek a medically supervised clinic that employs board-certified physicians with multiple laser devices at their disposal.
At an individual consultation, a physician can help you select the optimal laser device. You’ll also gain more insight into any risks or limitations of this technology; and your skin will be assessed to see what goals can be reached as well as any effects from age or previous sun damage.
Laser treatments may provide relief for minor skin concerns such as acne scarring or uneven tone, often as an outpatient procedure in a clinic. Multiple sessions may be required depending on the severity of the issue; patients with more significant skin concerns, like wrinkles or discolorations may benefit from having regular maintenance treatments done every year.
Laser treatments not only resurface the surface skin layers but also stimulate production of new collagen and elastin in deeper layers, helping maintain firm, plump appearance as well as protect from future damage.
Start laser treatment as soon as you are young to ensure the greatest chance of keeping your skin looking youthful for as long as possible. Research indicates that after 30 years old produce one percent less collagen annually and starting laser treatments early can slow the effects of aging on your skin. Furthermore, laser treatments are noninvasive and serve double duty by treating current concerns while delaying future fine lines and wrinkles from appearing.
