These facial treatments, also called laser resurfacing, can remove old, damaged skin and boostcollagenproduction.
The result is often plumper, firmer, more even skin.
There are manylaser resurfacingoptions.
Photo Illustration by Amelia Manley for Verywell Health; Getty Images.
The company encourages clients to buy a monthly membership and return for multiple visits.
But the more intense clinical procedures typically require just one treatment and the results can last for years.
People generally do it once and then do maintenance as needed depending on the security of sun damage.
They also penetrate deeper into the dermis, where it stimulates collagen formation.
Gentler nonablative lasers reach the underlying skin tissue without damaging the surface.
Ablative lasers tend to be more effective, while nonablative options allow for quicker healing.
Fractional lasers can be either ablative or nonablative.
Fractional lasers are the most popular for enhancing collagen production and each comes with a different level of intensity.
However, CO2 lasers also carry a greater risk of causing pigmentation.
Harmon said most laser treatments will cost between $500 and $6,000.
Fractional laser blasts short bursts of light into the skin, causing small, targeted injuries.
Youre stimulating the production of collagen by creating a very controlled injury.
And the healing process of that injury is really what gives the rejuvenation, Harmon said.
Skin contraction is part of the wound-healing process.
That skin-tightening pulls the fine lines out of the skin, Harmon said.
As collagen regenerates, it can also smooth discoloration and acne scarring.
Nonablative laser treatment may take just a couple days to heal.
Superficial laser resurfacing can take five to seven days, while deep laser resurfacing can take a few weeks.
These typically go away within a few days or weeks, Harmon said.
The treated area of the skin can become discolored with exposure to the sun.
Harmon recommends staying out of the sun until the redness has disappeared.
Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen will help protect the skin and ensure it heals correctly.
Because the procedure involves ablating tissue, it can sometimes leave a patient with scars.
Im not saying that its an absolute contraindication, because its not.
Gentle, nonablative lasers are likely the best choice for most patients, she added.
Some surgeons will give a consultation before the procedure and share which products to use and how to prepare.
They may recommend their patients stop using active skincare ingredients like retinol and vitamin C before the laser treatment.
They can prescribe antibiotics or antivirals to ward off such infections.
Additionally, people who smoke or take blood thinners can experience excess bruising and slower recovery from the procedure.
Badreshia recommends patients stop smoking and taking these medications 10 days in advance.
Any kind of laser treatment can have adverse events if given by the wrong provider.
you’re free to verify if a provider is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeryhere.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Laser skin resurfacing.
2012;26(3):109-116. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1329413
