Laser skin resurfacing is a non-surgical treatment that uses laser light to target and heat up the skin’s superficial and/or outer, lower layers. As the epidermis is removed using concentrated, precise pulsating light beams, the damaged and unwanted skin is removed, and the skin is triggered to regenerate. Due to the action of the dermis/ underlying skin being heated, the skin’s collagen fiber production is stimulated. When the treated area has fully healed, the new skin that forms is smoother and firmer.

Laser skin resurfacing can help men and women who have a variety of skin concerns, including:

• Leathery, sun damaged skin

• Fine lines, or wrinkles around face, chest, and hands

• Blotchy, brown spots

• Acne scars

• Certain types of precancerous growths

• Enlarged pores

• Dull complexion

• Pigmentation

Laser skin resurfacing is a precise treatment that uses the body’s natural healing process to improve skin texture and elasticity. The laser precisely targets and ablates the epidermis, causing the skin’s outermost layer to reveal new, fresh, undamaged, and youthful-looking cells. The laser also stimulates collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in firmer, tighter, and more beautiful skin. Local anesthetics or mild sedatives are frequently administered to patients to help keep comfortable and relaxed.

There are numerous laser skin resurfacing treatment technologies available. Laser skin resurfacing treatments include, but are not limited to:

• CO2 Laser – This laser treats a wide range of skin disorders and aging issues all at once. A carbon dioxide ultra-pulse beam is directed at the top layers of the skin, removing aged and damaged skin. New collagen production is stimulated, and the blood vessels and nerve endings in the new layer of skin will tighten while healing, resulting in a firmer and brighter complexion.

• Halo – This laser treatment combines the best features of both non-ablative and ablative fractional lasers. The different wavelengths target the top and bottom layers of the skin. Tissues beneath the skin regenerate as part of the body’s natural healing process, and the growth of new cells and collagen gives the skin a more youthful appearance.

• Fractional Erbium Laser or Ipixel Laser – The erbium laser beam targets the tissue through tiny perforations, allowing for faster healing and optimal collagen stimulation.

Depending on the type of laser used and the complexity of the procedure, the length of a laser skin resurfacing treatment can range from a few minutes to an hour.

There is minimal downtime with laser skin resurfacing. Swelling, redness, and itching are common after the procedure and should subside within a few days. Laser skin resurfacing causes the skin to crust and peel for about a week, and the skin will fall off with each cleansing. It is critical that you follow the recommendations of your preferred medical provider after treatment.

Due to the variety of laser skin resurfacing techniques, each method offers a different result and recovery period. Patients typically see initial results as soon as two weeks after beginning treatment and continue to see improvement in their skin over the course of a few months. A single laser skin resurfacing session may be sufficient, but patients with extensive damage may require more than one session to achieve the best results.

Although the results are considered long-term, new wrinkles and expression lines are likely to form over time.

The cost of laser skin resurfacing will vary depending on factors such as the type of laser used, the number of treatments required, and other key factors. In Canada, the average cost of a laser skin resurfacing treatment ranges from $1,200 to $4,000.

As with any cosmetic procedure, laser skin resurfacing has potential risks and side effects, including but not limited to:

• Formation of blisters, burns, or infection

• Scarring

• Hyper – and hypo – pigmentation

• Redness

• Bruising

• Swelling

183/211 people who have received laser skin resurfacing rated the treatment “Worth It” (87%).

• Source – Realself.com