Laser Resurfacing

There never seems to be a day that passes anymore without people knowing or hearing about new breakthroughs and advances when it comes to looking beautiful and maintaining youthfulness. And yet, many people seem to be on a never-ending search to find a method that is simple and yet sophisticated, one that would effectively address the problem of skin aging.

One of the few technological advances that has caught the interest, perhaps, frenzy of the public is laser resurfacing. Laser resurfacing is yet an addition to the many methods that aim to rectify the same skin problems – wrinkles, sagging skin, age spots, blotches, acne scars and weathering – problems which, since time immemorial, people have looked solutions for. This method comes along with other resurfacing techniques such as chemical peels, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion.

A good majority of people may still not be familiar with laser resurfacing since it has only been recently introduced. However, there have been clear documentations of this procedure running minimal risk of bleeding and other post-treatment side effects as seen in other resurfacing methods.

Since this technique uses laser, skin color is a key determinant in finding out whether you would be ideal for a laser skin resurfacing. Those with black or oriental skin may be at risk for possible pigmentation changes. Those who have also taken accutane in the past 2 years may not be qualified to undergo laser resurfacing. Your medical history is an added factor as well.

Also called laser peel, laser skin resurfacing uses a laser energy beam made of carbon dioxide (CO2), to remove, layer by layer, problem skin caused by aging and sun damage. It vaporizes the upper layers of the skin in controlled variations which, in the process, strips away old, damaged skin and stimulates the production of new skin cells. In effect, skin becomes smoother, tighter and rejuvenated. This procedure is usually performed under anesthesia and patient sedation to give you a relaxed feeling and reduced discomfort. The duration of the procedure usually takes not more than two hours but will vary depending on how large the area is going to be treated. Moreover, deep imperfections may require another resurfacing stage.

After treatment, protective medications may be applied to your skin to speed up the healing process. A bandage may also be put on the treated areas to protect the skin as it heals and will resolve for about two weeks. You may also experience pain, discomfort and swelling but these can be assuaged by applying medications and using ice pack. Crusting is more likely to occur a week after the treatment so take care not to pick on or manipulate the crusts off the treated area as it might lead to scarring. For hygiene purposes, remember to change into a new one every two days if you had a bandage applied on you post-treatment. Take care not pick on or manipulate the crusts off your treated area as it may cause scarring.

A good thing about laser resurfacing is that it is versatile enough to be performed not only for cosmetic purposes but can also be used to treat pre-cancerous conditions. It is bloodless and can be set with controlled specifications to ensure precise tissue removal at a predictable depth. Its effects are even better and long lasting compared with chemical peels and dermabrasion.

However, it also comes with certain downsides. Apart from the high of acquisition and maintenance of the equipment, patients may also experience long healing period depending on the extent of the treatment. Cost of laser resurfacing may also be off putting since not a lot of doctors are adept at laser resurfacing.

But if you think the price to looking beautiful is worth the risk, the choice is, and will always be yours; but with careful and calculated considerations, of course.