Laser treatments can be one of the best ways to increase collagen production and smooth out skin, but how many sessions you require depends on your unique concerns and desired results.
Permanent acne scar removal treatments such as this one help eliminate existing scars while also helping prevent new ones from forming, but you may need touch up treatments occasionally to maintain a flawless appearance.
How many sessions do I need?
Laser treatments can help diminish fine lines, acne scarring, uneven skin tone, dark spots and other flaws in a short amount of time. Although multiple sessions may be necessary to see significant results; your plastic surgeon or dermatologist can work together on developing an individualized treatment plan designed around your unique goals and needs during an in-person consultation appointment.
Your number of sessions depends on both your skin tone and severity of concerns. As more melanin accumulates on darker skin tones and sun damage occurs, more treatments may be required to achieve your desired appearance. High-powered laser treatments like CO2 and Erbium YAG lasers may fade blemishes and scarring in just one treatment session, though more severe scarring will require multiple sessions in order to visibly diminish them.
Some ablative lasers remove the outermost layer of skin while others stimulate new cell production to tighten and smooth skin, tighten the face and tighten facial features. Since these types of lasers may cause discomfort during treatment sessions, multiple sessions may be needed for maximum effects.
Non-ablative lasers use different technology, targeting specific fibroblast cells to promote collagen production and cell turnover. While noticeable results may appear after just one session, most patients require at least three for optimal benefits to become apparent.
BroadBrand Light (BBL), an energy-based treatment using photo rejuvenation to improve skin tone and texture by stimulating new cells and resurfacing the skin, is ideal for treating rosacea, uneven pigmentation, hyperpigmentation, redness as well as hair removal and tightening of the skin.
Lasers target melanin, so they tend to work best on lighter hair colors while gray or white hair may require different strategies for treatment. While advances have been made in laser technology to treat all skin tones effectively, it’s always wise to be honest when determining your frequency of treatments based on skin tone; Marisa Lawrence Plastic Surgery’s team can assess your complexion and recommend which laser or light treatments would be most suitable.
What is the procedure like?
After your procedure, it is normal to experience pink and red spots similar to sunburn. Over time, new skin cells will form and cover any wounded areas. It is wise to limit sun exposure after laser face treatments; use sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection as well as moisturizer for added healing benefits.
Your cosmetic surgeon will prescribe antiviral medication to prevent herpes virus (cold sore) infection in the area you have treated with makeup until the wound has completely healed, using broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 protection or higher as part of your skincare regime.
Nonablative lasers are less aggressive than their ablative counterpart and designed to treat fine lines, wrinkles, scars, acne scarring and discoloration by penetrating your top layer of skin to stimulate collagen production and renew it. According to Mayo Clinic research this laser type may be better suited for individuals with darker complexions because it poses less of a risk for hyper- and hypopigmentation.
Ablative lasers are more aggressive than their nonablative counterparts and can remove excess fat and skin to improve facial tone and texture, according to the American Society for Plastic Surgery. Accordingly, this type of laser may reduce wrinkles, scars, enlarged oil glands on the nose, warts as well as treat stretch marks and acne scars.
CO2 laser treatment was the go-to laser method in the 1990s and 2000s, and is still employed occasionally today. It works by dissolving epidermal layers while overheating dermis layers to produce collagen production resurfacing cells, leading to tighter facial skin with firmer contours.
Pulsed dye lasers are an innovative vascular laser solution for targeting broken blood vessels and redness. According to Harvard Health Publishing, these lasers emit yellow light which gently heats up skin tissues without harming nearby tissue – perfect for targeting Rosacea, Sun-Induced Freckles or general Redness without risk. Each pulse emits by this vascular laser is preceded by cooling with Dynamic Cooling Device for added comfort during treatment.
How long will I be out of work?
Laser treatments are fast, noninvasive, and nonsurgical options for improving appearance that can be performed quickly at either a doctor’s office or outpatient surgery center. Your dermatologist will first cleanse and apply numbing gel as necessary before having a laser technician use a series of short, concentrated pulses of light toward the target area to destroy or disable tissue and create healing responses in your body that replace damaged areas with healthy new cells – improving both appearance and reducing flaws in no time at all!
Most laser treatments cause mild swelling, redness or sensitivity for two weeks after laser treatment depending on the type of laser used. You may be prescribed oral steroids or use an ice pack on the area to alleviate pain and swelling. When going outdoors during this time period it is also important to use sunscreen with sunblock protection to protect yourself from sun exposure.
Laser skin resurfacing procedures typically last less than 30 minutes and involve providing you with eye shields to shield them from laser light. You may experience brief sensations similar to warm pinpricks or rubber band snapping against your skin during the procedure; your doctor will monitor closely during and provide post-care instructions as part of this service.
Laser treatments have evolved considerably over time and can now treat more skin tones; however, lighter hair types seem to respond best. Therefore, it may be prudent to begin laser treatments during fall or winter so as to give yourself enough time to complete them before sunnier weather returns.
How long will my recovery take?
Laser treatment can be an excellent way to restore youthful-looking skin, although results won’t appear immediately and multiple treatments are likely needed before any noticeable improvements become evident. To maximize results, it is crucial that you visit a dermatologist or aesthetician with experience performing laser procedures, while it’s best to avoid too much sun during the months leading up to your procedure as too much UV exposure may impact how your body reacts and therefore your final outcome.
Laser treatments can be painful, so it’s essential that you select a dermatologist or aesthetician with a gentle touch. Your provider should provide topical anesthetic prior to the procedure so that there will be no discomfort felt by you during it. Prior to receiving any laser treatments, be sure to discuss your medical history as well as any medications taken; additionally it is also important to inform them if there are cold sores or skin conditions which might interfere with healing processes.
A good dermatologist or aesthetician will be able to recommend the appropriate laser treatment for your skin tone and type, while providing insight into how each laser treatment works and its potential results. They might suggest fractional laser over ablative, as ablative lasers remove skin’s surface while fractional ones create microchannels to stimulate cell growth and renewal in your face surface.
Recovering from facial laser rejuvenation treatments may take several days or weeks depending on which laser type is used; you should plan to take some time off work or other activities while your face heals. Your skin may become sensitive and red following treatment; in order to keep it moist you should apply a soothing cream or ointment containing moisturising properties; within days your skin should begin peeling away and renew itself, giving way to radiant new skin!
Laser resurfacing treatments often cause itching, redness and swelling after treatment, which should also lead to changes in pigment. Therefore, it’s essential that a daily broad spectrum (UVA and UVB protection) sunscreen be worn.
