Laser skin treatments have revolutionized the beauty and dermatology industries, giving people a safe and effective way to address skin concerns like wrinkles, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. In this article, we’ll explore what laser skin treatments are, their effectiveness, safety considerations, skin treatment healing timelines, and more.
What Are Laser Skin Treatments?
Laser skin treatments are a type of cosmetic procedure that use concentrated beams of light to target different skin concerns like acne scars, sun damage, and wrinkles. These treatments fall under two main categories: those that use ablative lasers and those that use non-ablative lasers.
Ablative Lasers
Ablative lasers remove the outer layers of the skin, encouraging the growth of new, healthy skin cells. They are typically used for deep wrinkles, scars, and other significant skin imperfections.
Non-ablative Lasers
Non-ablative lasers work beneath the skin’s surface, stimulating collagen production without removing the outer layers. These are ideal for addressing issues like mild wrinkles, pigmentation, and redness.
At the Center for Cosmetic & Laser Surgery, we use a wide range of leading edge Sciton laser systems to address the majority of skin related conditions. These include ablative resurfacing, hybrid ablative & non-ablative fractional laser resurfacing, and non-ablative fractional laser resurfacing.
What Are Common Laser Skin Treatments?
In our office, some of the most popular skin treatments include laser resurfacing, Moxi, BBL, and Halo laser treatment.
Laser Resurfacing
Erbium laser resurfacing is a type of laser therapy designed to improve fine lines and wrinkles on the face. We use brief pulses of high-energy light to tighten loose or wrinkled skin, leaving patients with a fresh, youthful appearance. Many of our patients request erbium laser resurfacing to improve the appearance of wrinkles that appear under the eyes and around the mouth, though we can also treat the full face.
Moxi
Moxi is a type of laser treatment that delivers micro pulses of energy to the skin to correct uneven pigmentation, improve skin tone and texture, and ward off visible signs of aging. At the Center for Cosmetic & Laser Surgery, our Moxi treatments are tailored to the skin type of the individual.
BBL
BBL, or BroadBand Light Therapy, is a no-downtime type of broad-spectrum light therapy used to eliminate visible signs of aging anywhere on the body. It works by applying controlled light pulses to problem areas to stimulate skin cell regeneration. This process restores your skin’s natural beauty by blending its colors and making it smoother.
Halo
The natural aging process and frequent exposure to the sun can cause fine lines, sun, spots, and a dull complexion. At the Center for Cosmetic & Laser Surgery, we use Halo laser treatments to restore our patients’ youthful glow. The treatments blend ablative and non-ablative wavelengths to simultaneously treat the skin’s surface layers and deeper layers, vaporizing damaged skin cells while stimulating deep collagen production.
Are Laser Skin Treatment Effective?
Yes, laser skin treatments are highly effective, especially for reducing wrinkles, treating acne scars, and improving skin texture. Here, we cover a few of the ways laser skin treatments can help improve the look and feel of your skin.
Reduce Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Wrinkles can begin forming as early as age 25. By stimulating collagen production, laser treatments help smooth out the skin and reduce the appearance of aging.
Treat Acne Scars
Ablative and fractional lasers can significantly reduce the appearance of acne scars by encouraging new skin cell growth.
Correct Pigmentation Issues
Skin pigmentation disorders include all issues that affect the color of your skin. Sunspots, age spots, and melasma can be treated with targeted lasers that break down excess pigment.
Improve Skin Texture
Lasers can reduce pore size, smooth rough skin, and improve overall tone.
Remove Unwanted Hair
Lasers are commonly used to remove unwanted hair from places like the face, underarms, legs, bikini line, and back. These treatments can be long lasting since they target hair follicles and prevent future growth.
Are Laser Treatments Safe for My Skin?
Yes, a large body of research has shown that laser treatments are safe when performed by a qualified professional. Side effects are generally mild and typically subside within a few days.
As with any cosmetic procedure, talk to your doctor before undergoing laser skin treatment to discuss what to expect, especially if you have pre-existing skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or a history of keloid scarring, as these could possibly increase your risk of reactions. Additionally, certain conditions like active acne or rosacea may require specific laser types to avoid aggravating the issue. Choosing a licensed laser skin treatment provider will significantly reduce the risk of complications. Similarly, it’s important to follow all aftercare instructions to promote skin treatment healing.
How Long Does It Take Skin to Heal After Treatment?
Skin treatment healing is typically straightforward, though healing times may vary slightly depending on the type of laser used and the treatment that was performed. Here, we cover a few general tips that will help aid your skin treatment healing after different types of laser therapy options.
Regardless of the type of laser, it’s important to avoid direct sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. You should also be sure to follow your provider’s aftercare instructions, which may include using specific moisturizers or avoiding certain skincare products.
Ablative Lasers
After undergoing laser skin treatment with ablative lasers, it typically takes one to two weeks for the skin to heal. Your skin may remain red or pink for several weeks post-treatment.
Non-Ablative Lasers
These treatments have minimal downtime, and most people can resume normal activities within 24 to 48 hours. Mild redness or swelling may persist for a few days.
Fractional Lasers
Healing after fractional laser treatments can range from a few days to a week, depending on the intensity of the treatment.
Learn More About Your Laser Skin Treatment Options
At the Center for Cosmetic and Laser Surgery, we offer a range of laser skin treatment options to address concerns like wrinkles, scars, and more. Whether you’re interested in improving your skin texture, treating pigmentation issues, or warding off signs of aging, our qualified professionals are here to help. Schedule a consultation to learn more about how our laser skin treatment options can transform your skin today.
