Skin resurfacing allows people concerned with their skin health and/or wrinkles to enjoy younger looking skin using a minimally invasive method. This method of skin care is usually performed with a laser – one that is defined as ablative or non-ablative, depending on the procedure.

When an ablative laser is used, it is designed to wound the skin to remove the skin’s outer layer and heat the underlying layer so collagen can grow. Types of ablative lasers used for skin resurfacing include the erbium laser and CO2 laser. Non-ablative lasers will not wound the skin but still encourage the growth of collagen., such as picosecond fractional lasers or intense pulsed light (IPL) device. This type of skin resurfacing technique is gentler than when an ablative method of resurfacing is used.

Most people have laser skin resurfacing done to decrease the look of fine lines and wrinkles and to remove scarring or sun damage. You cannot use this type of skin care treatment to remove deep wrinkles or to treat skin that is noticeably lax. In these cases, you should consult with a surgeon about getting a brow lift or face lift.

FAQ

How can laser skin resurfacing improve the looks of my skin?

Laser skin resurfacing minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, treats discolorations, redness, and freckles, and encourages collagen production. It also tightens the skin and removes surgical scars and acne, or unwanted facial or body hair.

How do ablative lasers work?

Ablative lasers, basically, remove the epidermis so new skin can heal in its place. The depth of the laser light depends on the type of wavelength. In our clinic we have both, fully ablative and fractional lasers to better serve your needs.

How to non-ablative lasers work?

Remember – a laser light that penetrates the surface of the skin is ablative while a non-ablative laser does not break the skin’s surface. Non-ablative lasers only heat up the dermis (second layer) beneath the skin to encourage collagen growth. Therefore, these lasers are often used in skin resurfacing to improve firmness and tone. Usually, you will need to undergo more treatments, as non-ablative skin resurfacing is gentler and therefore more gradual.

What is the primary laser skin resurfacing season?

Skin resurfacing is often done in the fall or winter. That is because laser-treated skin can be hypersensitive to the sun. Therefore, many cosmetic surgeons encourage patients to have laser skin resurfacing performed during the autumn, when the days are shorter and the patient will spend more time indoors. Even if the patient does spend time inside, they should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen, preferably with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30.

What are my laser skin resurfacing options?

You can choose from one of various laser skin resurfacing options, including the following:

CO2 and Erbium lasers are usually used for ablative skin resurfacing treatments, specifically for removing scars, warts, wrinkles, or deeper dermatological flaws.
Pulsed-dye lasers are non-ablative lasers that are designed to heat the skin to absorb pigments. Therefore, hyperpigmentation, redness, rosacea, and broken capillaries can be treated.
Fractional picosecond laser. They are made so the laser energy breaks up into thousands of small beams, thereby treating only a fraction of the skin. These lasers reduce downtime and can be used to treat a variety of age-related skin conditions.
IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy is not technically a laser treatment, but still is used for skin resurfacing to treat laser-related skin conditions, including rosacea, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and acne. This type of treatment is considered non-ablative.

How do I choose the best skin resurfacing treatment for me?

While it helps to know the kinds of devices used for laser skin resurfacing, our physicians will recommend the best treatment for you, based on the condition of your skin, the tone, and color. In some cases, he or she may suggest an alternative to laser treatment if he or she feels your skin’s texture and tone may benefit more from another type of treatment.

Is laser skin resurfacing safe for darker skin types?

While it has been found that some lasers do pose a greater risk for discoloration or cell damage in darker skin types, some skin resurfacing options, such as radiofrequency (RF) treatments or micro-needling may be considered instead.

What other types of skin resurfacing treatments can I choose from besides laser skin resurfacing?

Besides laser skin resurfacing, skin resurfacing can also be performed by the use of chemical peels, microdermabrasion, microneedling, IPL photo-rejuvenation, and dermabrasion. However, most people who refer to skin resurfacing generally are speaking of laser or IPL therapy.

Laser Skin Resurfacing – What Is It & What Is It Used For?

Most people experience some form of imperfection in their skin, especially on the face, at some point in their lifetime. Sometimes it’s temporary. But, other times, it’s not. Throughout the years there have been many treatments that have come and gone, and some still remain. One that has been around for several years is laser resurfacing. This procedure was created to smooth out the skin and its imperfections, and has been quite successful.

What is Laser Resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing is a procedure that works by renovating the skin by vaporizing microscopic layers in a fractional or fully ablative mode. New fresh layers will then be generated to improve the skin’s texture and provide a more youthful, smooth, and clear appearance. In addition the heat involved in the procedure help remodel collagen and elastin and tighten the skin.

Skin Resurfacing