Looking for a total skin refresh? Consider laser facial resurfacing. Laser skin treatments address a wide array of skin imperfections and can zap away pigment, improve uneven texture and tone, lessen the common signs of aging, and so much more. Sure, laser skin peels provide dramatic results, but there is plenty to know about the treatment to make the most out of one. Here, we share the ins and outs of laser skin rejuvenating treatments, so consider this the ultimate guide.
What's Included In A Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment?
Laser skin treatments vary slightly from device to device, but the underlying principle is the same. Laser skin resurfacing procedures use laser technology to improve the health and appearance of the skin. The specific details of a laser skin resurfacing treatment can vary depending on the type of laser used and the patient’s individual needs. However, a laser skin resurfacing treatment may be either non-ablative or ablative. Ablative lasers are aggressive and refresh the skin by removing the outer layers of the skin. They treat more severe wrinkles, sun damage, and pigmentation. Ablative laser treatments stimulate collagen in the deeper layers of the skin for smoother, firmer, more youthful-looking skin. But, they come with a more extended recovery period and a higher risk of side effects.
On the other hand, non-ablative lasers keep the outer layers of the skin intact. Therefore, they are typically less aggressive and require less downtime than ablative lasers. However, non-ablative lasers can address mild to moderate wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, and uneven skin tone.
All laser skin treatments require a consultation to determine the best laser for you. Your treatment may also benefit from specialized skincare, so it’s best to consider it if recommended.
How Long Does Skin Resurfacing Last?
The results of a laser facial treatment last for an extended period, but they are not permanent. Several factors can influence the results, including your skincare routine, lifestyle habits, natural aging, and sun exposure.
Deep laser facial treatments are more aggressive resurfacing and can produce dramatic results. The outermost layer of skin is removed with deeper laser treatments, stimulating collagen production so that the effects can last for several years with proper skin care and sun protection.
What Treatment Is Best For Resurfacing Skin?
The best skin resurfacing laser for you is the one that will tackle your specific skin concerns and work for your schedule and budget. Laser facial resurfacing is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, and many variables need to be considered to get the best results from the treatment. Therefore, we always recommend a consultation with our expert staff to determine the best laser skin peel for you.
At Charette Cosmetics, we offer different laser skin rejuvenation treatments, including:
- Carbon Laser Facial to improve oily skin while brightening and rejuvenating the complexion
- Celebrity Laser Facial relies on a laser to gently and safely heat the skin to stimulate collagen production and new skin cells
- CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing removes damaged skin from the surface, which works best on moderate to severely damaged skin.
- IPL Laser Facial, a quick, effective treatment helps even out the effects of too much time spent in the sun—think spots, fine lines and wrinkles, and texture issues
What Improvements Will I See In My Skin With a Face Laser Treatment?
There are several benefits of laser skin resurfacing, and some of the most significant ones include the following:
- Minimizes the appearance of scars
- Lightens hyperpigmentation
- Removes sun damage
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Tightens loose skin
No matter which laser type is used, the idea is all the same: to create a micro-injury in the skin, which produces fresh, healthy, new skin.
Do I Need to Prep My Skin Before Laser Resurfacing?
Depending on what you are trying to address with laser resurfacing dictates if you need to prep your skin beforehand. In most cases, proactive skin care will produce better results. It’s essential to wear sunscreen daily to help prepare the skin. Laser resurfacing on the face also does well when the skin is treated with vitamin C serums in the weeks and months leading up to the face laser treatment since vitamin C helps encourage the production of elasticity and collagen and promotes healthy healing. Other helpful skincare ingredients include retinoids, growth factors, and peptides to aid in better collagen production from the face laser resurfacing treatment.
What Should I Expect to Feel During A Face Laser Resurfacing Treatment?
The length of your laser skin treatments, the pain level varies from machine to machine, and the issues at hand you wish to treat. Some skin concerns require a dialed-up approach and more potent energy to eradicate the problem. Stronger, ablative lasers are more painful than non-ablative ones. With deeper lasers, topical anesthesia and sometimes nerve blocks are used, while numbing cream is usually sufficient with less ablative treatments. Still, no matter which type of laser you choose to undergo, as long as you are adequately numbed, you should feel little during the treatment.
Are There Any Risks To Laser Skin Rejuvenation?
Laser resurfacing comes with potential risks and side effects like any aesthetic procedure and treatment. To ensure that you don’t experience these, proper precautions and care are paramount to minimize these risks.
With laser skin resurfacing, the skin can become red and swollen, which is typical. This usually subsides within a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the intensity of the treatment. There may also be some discomfort after the procedure. Changes in skin pigmentation are more serious since some laser treatments can cause changes in skin pigmentation, especially when using an inappropriate laser on darker skin tones.
Laser resurfacing for the face can potentially, although rare, lead to scarring, infections, and skin texture changes. And if you are prone to cold sores, laser treatments in the mouth area can trigger a reactivation.
At What Age Should I Start Doing Laser Skin Treatments?
There’s no hard and fast rule about when you need to start laser skin treatments or that you have to do them by a certain age. The decision to have laser treatment for skin should focus more on correcting a concern and less on a chronological number.
However, starting laser skin treatments while the skin is still healthy with minimal signs of aging can help prolong its appearance. In addition, since laser skin treatments stimulate collagen and elastin, treating the skin to them is beneficial if preserving the integrity of your skin is a top priority.
