Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a well-liked cosmetic process that can help revitalize the skin and decrease the belongings of the sun, aging, and some facial skin disorders. Treatments are safe, effective, and expedient. Also, the cost of cosmetic laser skin resurfacing is minimal compared to many other treatment options. Learn more about how laser skin rejuvenation, or laser peel as it is often called, removes damaged outer layers of skin and stimulates the production of collagen and new skin cells in the underlying layers, bringing about smoother, younger, healthier-looking skin.

What Is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Cosmetic laser skin resurfacing is a method for diminishing the appearance of imperfections on the skin’s surface. During the laser skin resurfacing procedure a laser is used to dissolve the molecular bonds of the damaged skin cells layer by layer until a smoother, more uniform skin appearance is achieved. The procedure may also be referred to as laser skin rejuvenation because of its anti-aging benefits, or laser peel because the damaged layers of skin are peeled away.

Laser Types – CO2 Lasers

The CO2 laser is the highest intensity laser treatment currently available. After being treated with the CO2 laser, the surface of the skin appears tighter and smoother because the laser uses heat to restrict the collagen bands found in the lower dermis. The CO2 laser can eliminate or diminish the appearance of most wrinkles, scars, warts, and birthmarks. It has even been used to treat skin cancer in its earliest stages.

Laser Types – Erbium Lasers

Erbium lasers are able to remove thinner layers of skin than the more powerful, but less precise CO2 laser. Erbium lasers are often a better choice for patients with dark skin because there is less risk of permanent changes to skin pigmentation. With a shorter healing, they are also better for patients with generally healthy skin who wish to treat only minimal fine lines and wrinkles.

The Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure

The laser skin resurfacing procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. During the laser peel, the patient is placed under local anesthesia and sedative medications, and the patient’s eyes are covered to protect them from the laser light. The length of the procedure depends upon the size of the area the patient wishes to have treated. A partial facial skin resurfacing can take as little as half an hour; a full resurfacing can take up to two hours.

Risks and Benefits of Laser Skin Resurfacing

As with any medical procedure, there are both cosmetic laser skin resurfacing risks and benefits. Some of the risks include infection, permanent changes to skin pigmentation, and laser scarring. Possible benefits to your skin include new collagen production and tighter, smoother skin, as well as a diminished appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin coloration, sun damage, scars, and other facial imperfections.