Laser skin resurfacing treatments are non-invasive procedures using concentrated heat and light waves to improve skin tone, coloration, and texture while diminishing skin imperfections like dark spots and acne scars. They’re an ideal means of achieving more youthful skin with minimal downtime.
If this is your first time hearing about this kind of treatment, Patti Cox and the rest of the Original Skin team are here to give you a better idea of how this all works.
How Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?
The laser beam’s interaction with skin tissue stimulates the body’s healing response. After treatment, the skin sloughs off damaged cells and generates new, healthier replacements. As the old cells disappear, flaws like dullness, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation are reduced or eliminated.
The new skin that emerges is firmer, smoother, and more elastic due to new collagen growth. Whatever your skin type, laser treatments can help improve your skin quality.
Types of Laser Skin Treatments
Two types of lasers are used in facial rejuvenation. Ablative lasers like carbon dioxide (CO2) and erbium lasers remove the topmost layer of skin while heating the deeper layers of the dermis to stimulate collagen growth.
Noticeable improvements in skin tone and texture, as well as wrinkle, scar, and dark spot reduction, can be seen after one treatment, and these changes can last for years with proper care. Although the procedure is non-invasive, it can be somewhat aggressive and involve significant downtime and aftercare.
Nonablative lasers like pulsed-dye lasers or doped erbium (Er:YAG) lasers heat deeper layers of skin to stimulate collagen growth without removing the skin’s surface layer. This type of procedure is gentler, but the effects are less dramatic. Improvements in fine lines, pigmentation, skin tone, and texture are gradual, and it usually takes three to six treatments scheduled over a few weeks to achieve ideal results.
Both ablative and non-ablative laser resurfacing treatments can be performed using a fractional laser, reducing the risk of side effects and shortening your recovery time.
Which Type of Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment is Right for You?
While lasers can effectively rejuvenate the skin, they must be appropriately selected and applied to suit your skin type, skin tone, and aesthetic goals. Both ablative and non-ablative skin resurfacing treatments can safely improve the condition of your skin when they are administered by a qualified practitioner.
Typically, ablative lasers are appropriate for patients who:
- Are exhibiting moderate to advanced signs of aging
- Have significant acne scarring
- Have moderately deep facial lines and wrinkles
- Can take time off to recover at home
Non-ablative lasers are ideal for patients who are:
- Exhibiting early signs of aging.
- Relatively youthful and have resilient skin.
- Willing to undergo a series of treatments to achieve their desired result over time.
After any laser resurfacing treatment, you must always use sun protection because new sun exposure can damage your skin and reverse your results.
Laser skin resurfacing is one of the most versatile cosmetic procedures available for scar, dark spot, and wrinkle reduction and is a great way to refresh your appearance.
Schedule a Consultation to Learn More
Not sure which type of laser treatment suits you best? Trust our team at Original Skin to recommend the perfect solution tailored to your skin type, tone, and personal goals. Whether ablative or non-ablative, we ensure safe and effective rejuvenation for every patient.