Laser skin resurfacing may make your skin look younger and healthier if ageing, acne, or too much sun exposure has left your face with blotches, scars, wrinkles, or creases. The surface layer of your skin can be carefully removed with laser resurfacing, an innovative and efficient procedure that encourages the growth of a younger, healthier layer beneath. Your skin will notice a noticeable difference since it is effective in treating a variety of skin issues.

What is laser skin resurfacing?

The cosmetic process of laser resurfacing, sometimes referred to as laser peel or lasabrasion, is used to repair facial wrinkles and skin abnormalities like acne scars or blemishes. The process precisely removes uneven skin by using short, intense laser beams on it. Both dermatologists and plastic surgeons can do laser resurfacing.

Three different types of laser skin resurfacing procedures are available:

Ablative laser resurfacing involves removing the top layer of the affected skin with a powerful laser beam. It is safe to treat sensitive parts of the face with this procedure since it gently heats the dermis. Scar visibility can be improved, and the skin can become smoother and firmer. A carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, an erbium laser, and combined systems are examples of ablative therapy.

By concentrating very small light beams on the affected skin, fractionated laser resurfacing deeply penetrates the skin, breaks down old, damaged skin cells, and promotes the formation of collagen. By promoting the growth of new collagen, fractional laser resurfacing can repair scars, blemishes, and abnormalities in the skin. Also, the procedure helps to address UV damage, uneven skin tones, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Infrared radiation is used in non-ablative laser resurfacing to heat the skin’s inner layers. This encourages the development of collagen and new skin cells. They are most effective in treating mild to moderate scars, reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and providing skin free of blemishes. A few examples include intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, erbium (Er:YAG), and pulsed dye laser.

In the 1980s, continuous wave carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers were the first to be used for laser resurfacing; however, focused-beam CO2 lasers and normal-mode erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet lasers were developed, which remove skin in a precisely controlled manner and have a low rate of side effects, such as scarring. In order to reduce risk and shorten recovery times, non-ablative and, more recently, fractional resurfacing have been developed. The prolonged 2-week recovery time and minor but significant complication risk were the driving forces behind these developments.

What is the procedure for laser skin resurfacing?

During this technique, a laser beam is utilised to gradually destroy the damaged skin tissue until the skin is uniformly smooth. The doctor can decide to treat your complete face, or else just specific problem regions like creases around the mouth or eyes.

The technique includes the following steps:

Your eyes are covered and your face is first washed with a solution.

The specific parts of your skin designated for treatment are numbed by the doctor using a topical anesthetic. The doctor will use general anesthesia if your entire face is being treated.

The affected parts of your skin are then exposed to a laser beam, which causes the collagen to contract by burning off the epidermis, the skin’s outermost covering.

Who is eligible for the therapy?

You may be a candidate for a laser resurfacing procedure if you have fine lines or wrinkles around your mouth, forehead, or eyes, acne scars that are visible, or if your skin is non-responsive after a facelift.

How to Prepare for the Procedure and What to Expect?

Your entire face may be treated by the doctor, or they may just focus on the lines around your lips, eyes, and forehead. Using a local anaesthetic and maybe sedating you, the doctor will numb the areas to be treated for minor areas. In the event that your entire face needs to be treated, general anaesthesia can be necessary.

Just a small portion of the face can be treated in 30 to 45 minutes. An entire face procedure can take up to two hours.

Following the laser procedure, the doctor will bandage the areas that were treated. To prevent scabs from forming after the treatment has been applied for 24 hours, you must clean the treated regions four to five times per day.

Following laser skin resurfacing, swelling is typical. Your doctor may prescribe steroids to treat edematous eyelids. Also, using an extra pillow while you sleep might reduce edema.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Advantages

It is both secure and efficient.

It is a minimally invasive process.

It’s a quick procedure.

It provides results that last a long time.

It works well for all skin types.

There are no harmful side effects.

Complications Associated With Laser Skin Resurfacing

In spite of the fact that it may result in minor redness, swelling, and crusting that lasts for two to five days, laser resurfacing is associated with manageable downtime.

Following some deep laser treatments, the face may exhibit temporary crust formations that give it a skinned appearance.

If clients with darker skin do not follow post-care guidelines, skin pigmentation and discoloration may result.

A laser skin resurfacing procedure cannot be used to treat acne scars if there is any active acne present.

What guidelines are applicable following the treatment?

After the procedure, you will need to adhere to a few rules:

Quit smoking for at least two weeks to prevent the healing process from being slowed down.

Wash the treated area on your face four or five times daily.

Apply ice packs to reduce swelling, apply petroleum jelly to soothe itching, put on sunscreen with a good SPF to protect your skin from ultraviolet rays.

Keep your skin moisturised, and stay away from spicy and fried foods. Moreover, be sure to take your medication as directed to avoid bacterial infections and allergy symptoms.

What is the cost of laser resurfacing treatment in India?

Depending on whether you want a partial skin treatment or a full-face laser treatment, the cost of a laser resurfacing session in India typically ranges from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 30,000.

Are the treatment’s effects long-lasting?

A therapy method for obtaining noticeable and long-lasting outcomes is laser resurfacing. Unfortunately, the results are not long-lasting, just like with any other cosmetic procedure. To guarantee long-lasting results, the person receiving laser treatment must adhere to post-treatment instructions and a regular skin care regimen.

How long will it take for a laser skin resurfacing procedure to take effect?

Recovery times for mild resurfacing procedures typically range from 4 to 7 days.

It could take two weeks or a month to recover from deeper resurfacing procedures.

Cosmetic laser skin resurfacing procedures can help in reducing the effects of acne, age, and sun exposure on the skin, revealing a healthier, younger-looking complexion. Surprisingly, affordable laser peel procedures are another benefit. Contact a reputable skin clinic to find out if laser skin resurfacing is the best option for you if you’re searching for an advanced method of treating sagging skin and scar reduction.