This article goes over the basics of laser skin resurfacing. Included are topics on different types of lasers and their uses, as well as what is involved in laser skin treatments, how to find a qualified doctor, and what types of results you can expect. After reading this article you should be able to make an informed decision on whether laser skin resurfacing is right for you.
Introduction
If you are beginning to lose the battle with the clock and are starting to notice wrinkles and age spots more and more, then you might want to consider laser resurfacing to rejuvenate your skin. Laser skin resurfacing is a good option to reduce the appearance of wrinkles because it not only exfoliates the top layers of skin, but it also acts as a tightening agent of the underlying collagen fibers. However, before you go to the plastic surgeon for laser treatment there are some things that you need to know about the procedure.
What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser Skin Resurfacing is a skin treatment that involves the use of one or more of several different types of lasers. Each type of laser has its own pros and cons, and it is designed to target a specific layer of skin.
The first type of laser is a Carbon Dioxide laser. It is the most powerful laser, and it is used in the treatment of deep wrinkles. The advantage of this laser is its power, and its ability to treat even the deepest of wrinkles. However, this power is also its drawback as it is easier to be burned by this laser. Because of the burning drawback of the CO2 laser, it should not be used if you have had an eye lift, or if you have had silicone injections.
The second type of laser is the Erbium: YAG laser. It is intended to treat shallow wrinkles, however, skilled surgeons are able to target even deep tissue issues with this laser and produce results on par with those generated by the CO2 laser. The most important advantage of this laser is that your doctor can more accurately treat specific areas of tissue that needs treatment. The second advantage of this laser is that it has a shorter recovery period associated with it because it is not as intense. Like all other laser treatments, the Erbium: YAG laser does have the risk of permanently damaging skin structures and burning the patient.
Lastly there is the Nlite (non-abrasive laser resurfacing) laser. This laser treatment, also known as Photorejuvenation, utilizes the energy projected by this laser to actually encourage the body’s own collagen cells to grow and produce more collagen and thereby naturally rejuvenate the skin. The advantage of this gentler procedure is that it causes less irritation, and therefore it can be used in more sensitive areas like the eyes and the neck. The drawback to this procedure is that it doesn’t have the power to exfoliate as aggressively as the other types of laser treatments.