If you have scars, wrinkles, flaws, or lines on your skin due to age, acne, or spending too much time in the sun, laser skin resurfacing can help you feel and look healthier and younger. The process eliminates skin layer by layer with exquisite accuracy. New skin cells grow throughout the healing process, giving the skin a younger, tighter appearance. The process can be performed independently or in conjunction with other facial cosmetic surgery. However, because lasers can do so much and have such a wide range of effects on the skins, it isn’t easy to know where to begin when looking for treatment since even a cursory search shows many competing approaches and devices.
What exactly is laser resurfacing?
A physician or dermatologist performs laser resurfacing, a sort of skin treatment therapy. According to healthline.com, it entails using lasers to help enhance the texture and appearance of the skin. Depending on your specific requirements, your dermatologist may propose either ablative or non-ablative lasers. Carbon dioxide CO2 and Erbium are examples of ablative lasers. Doctors can remove warts, deep wrinkles, and scars with CO2 laser resurfacing treatments. At the same time, Erbium is used to treat wrinkles and fine lines, and other minor skin issues. Both methods of ablative lasers eliminate the skin’s outer layers. Non-ablative lasers, however, don’t remove any layers of the skin. Fractional lasers, pulsed-dye lasers, and pulsed light are examples of non-ablative lasers. Acne-related skin issues, spider veins, and rosacea can all be treated with non-ablative lasers.
Getting Ready for Laser Resurfacing.
According to webmd.com, consult a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon first to determine if you are ready for laser resurfacing. If you are prone to fever, blisters, or cold sores around your mouth, see a doctor since laser resurfacing can trigger breakouts. However, if you decide to proceed with the procedure, your doctor will advise you to stop taking any anti-clogging drugs or supplements ten days prior to the laser skin surgery. Additionally, if you smoke, you should abstain from doing so for two weeks before and after the treatment. Smoking might slow down the healing process. Also, if you are prone to fever blisters, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug or antibiotics to protect you from bacterial infections.
What to Expect Before, during, and After the Surgery
The procedure is an outpatient treatment; therefore, you will not have to remain overnight. According to https://www.plasticsurgery.org/, it involves the use of light beams. Your surgeon uses the laser to target uneven skin with brief, intense pulsing pulses of light. This method eliminates undesirable, damaged skin one layer at a time in a highly exact manner. The surgeon may treat particular wrinkles around your eyes, forehead or lips, or the whole face. The doctor will use a local anesthetic to numb the regions to be treated and possibly sedate you. If your entire face is being treated, you may need general anesthesia. It takes roughly thirty to forty minutes to repair certain areas of the face and up to 2 hours for a whole face treatment. The doctor will bandage the treated regions after the laser process. During the first 24 hours, clean the affected regions four to five times a day and use an ointment like petroleum jelly to avoid scab formation.
Swelling is common following laser resurfacing; therefore, your doctor might prescribe steroids. An additional pillow might also help reduce the swelling. Also, after surgery, you’ll probably notice that your skin is lighter for a short period. During that period, according to webmd.com, it’s crucial to protect your skin with a wide range of sunscreen that blocks both Ultraviolet A and UV B rays. Look for a sunscreen with a zinc oxide concentration of 7% or higher and an SPF of 30 or higher. Dress in protective gear like long-sleeved shirts and a hat, especially when spending too much time in the sun. Additionally, reapply your sunscreen more frequently when you are out and about.
What is the price of Laser Resurfacing?
Since it is considered a cosmetic procedure, medical insurance does not cover laser resurfacing. The price of a laser varies depending on the type of laser employed. Non-ablative laser treatments cost around $1031 each session, whereas ablative laser treatments cost over $2330 per session, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons ASPS. The total cost is also determined by the number of sessions required and the treatment area. Certain dermatologists with more excellent experience may charge extra per session. You’ll probably need many laser resurfacing treatments to get the results you want. However, if you have the surgery to alter scars or remove precancerous growths on your skin, you may be eligible for an exemption. Thus, before the treatment, talk to your doctor and insurance provider about the expenses and inquire if there’s anything the insurance would cover. The majority of doctors provide financing solutions.
Who is the best candidate for this treatment?
If you have age-related, sun-related, or acne-related skin issues that aren’t curable with over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, you might want to try this surgery. Also, your natural skin might help you decide if this surgery is right for you. Individuals with lighter skin tones are frequently suitable candidates since hyperpigmentation is less likely in them. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgeons (ABCS) claims that it is a myth that laser resurfacing is exclusively for light skin. Consulting with a dermatologist or doctor who understands which lasers are appropriate for darker skin tones is crucial. People with active acne outbreaks or sagging skin may not be a good candidate for this surgery.
What can you expect from the outcome?
Ablative lasers might resolve your issues in only one session. With non-ablative lasers, on the other hand, you might require many sessions to get the results you want. Outcomes differ individually, depending on the severity of the initial problem addressed. Once you’ve completed your treatment sessions, you can expect the results to persist for several years. The results, however, aren’t lasting. You might need to redo the procedure in the future.
It’s critical to deal with a skilled dermatologist because this process is so sensitive. Instead of going with the first dermatologist you come across. You should interview several different surgeons and pick one that suits your needs. This technique is also recommended by ABCS to be performed in the fall or winter. This might help you avoid overexposure to the sun, which can harm your skin.