Glass skin – what a dream, right? All of us want it; that dewy, flawless beauty and hue about our faces.
You try many things at home to remove dead skin cells with masks, scrubs, and acids such as glycolic, retinol, etc. All in the quest for glowing skin. However, you can arrive there quickly if you consider clinical resurfacing techniques. These may include chemical peels, dermabrasion, or micro-needling, which may result in some discomfort but do the job well.
But when you want a perfect solution for your skin concerns, laser for skin is an effective approach to consider.
Let’s have a detailed analysis of laser treatment for the skin. This will include everything you need to know before considering laser for face or skin laser treatment.
Table of Contents
What’s the Hype: What is Laser Treatment for Skin?
Laser treatment for skin is a non-invasive medical procedure that uses a high-intensity laser beam to treat various skin conditions. This laser beam penetrates the skin and targets specific areas such as the epidermis, dermis, or subcutaneous tissue.
Now, what’s the hype?
According to Dr. Mahvish Aftab Khan, a renowned Dermatologist with 12 years of experience, laser treatment is a non-invasive, painless procedure. It produces effective and long-lasting results.
It is less risky than traditional surgery, and there is usually no downtime or recovery period required after the procedure.
Moreover, laser treatment is customized to suit every patient’s needs. It treats a wide range of skin conditions, including acne scars, wrinkles, pigmentation, etc.
It is a popular cosmetic procedure that has become increasingly accessible and affordable in recent years, just like laser hair removal.
Types of Laser Treatments for Face and Skin!
Why are there so many options available for skin laser treatment? That’s because no single laser can effectively cater to all patient concerns and all skin needs. Cosmetic Dermatology Experts at Surgimed Hospital say they frequently combine skin treatments to provide patients with the best outcomes. For instance, a dermatologist may use a laser to repair deep acne scars on a patient, followed by a filler.
Here is a list of all the best laser skin treatments that you can consider according to your personal needs:
CO2 Laser Treatment
CO2 laser treatment is a medical procedure that uses carbon dioxide (CO2) laser technology to resurface and rejuvenate the skin. The laser emits a concentrated beam of light that vaporizes the outermost layers of skin, removing damaged skin cells and stimulating the growth of new, healthy skin.
Why Should You Go for CO2 Laser Treatment?
If you have acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, uneven skin tone or texture, CO2 laser treatment is your go-to face laser method. This kind of acne scar laser treatment is also beneficial in removing warts, moles, and other skin growths.
How Does CO2 Laser Treatment Work?
The dermatologist will start by giving you local anesthesia to numb the area. He will then direct the laser over the skin, causing a controlled injury to the skin cells. This way, the body’s natural healing process triggers. It leads to the growth of new collagen and elastin fibers, which help to plump and tighten the skin.
CO2 laser treatment is typically performed in a dermatologist’s office or medical spa and takes anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area.
Patients may experience some redness and swelling following the procedure, but this usually subsides within a few days. It is essential to follow the post-treatment care instructions provided by the healthcare provider to ensure proper healing and optimal results.
Read more about laser resurfacing.
Erbium Laser for Skin
Erbium Laser is another laser facial treatment for skin conditions like acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, sunburn, and aging spots.
How Does Erbium Laser Treatment Work?
In Erbium laser treatment, a focused beam of light removes the top layers of skin, stimulating the production of collagen in the deeper layers of the skin. During the procedure, the laser is directed at the skin to vaporize the damaged tissue, creating microscopic columns of injury that trigger the body’s natural healing response.
What is the Recovery Time for Erbium Laser Treatment?
The recovery time for erbium laser treatment is typically shorter than other laser resurfacing procedures because it is less invasive.
Most people experience redness and mild swelling for a few days after the procedure and can return to work and normal activities within a week.
IPL – Intense Pulse Light
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) laser treatment for the face is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses broad-spectrum light to improve the appearance of the skin. It is often used to treat skin conditions like sun damage, age spots, rosacea, and acne scars.
How Does IPL Laser Technology Work?
During an IPL laser treatment, a device emits high-intensity pulses of light, which penetrate the skin and target specific pigments or structures within the skin. The heat generated by the light energy helps to break down the targeted skin cells, which are then naturally absorbed and eliminated by the body.
How Long Does the IPL Procedure Take?
IPL laser treatments are usually in a series of sessions, each lasting about 30 minutes to an hour.
The number of treatments needed can vary depending on the individual’s skin condition and the severity of the problem.
Is IPL Safe for Everyone?
IPL laser treatments are generally safe, although there may be some mild discomfort during the procedure. The treated area may be red and slightly swollen immediately after the treatment, but this typically subsides within a few hours to a day.
Pulse Dye Laser for Skin
Pulse dye laser treatment uses a laser to improve the appearance of the skin. The pulse dye laser emits a high-intensity beam of light that is absorbed by the blood vessels in the skin, causing them to collapse and get absorbed by the body.
What Skin Conditions Do Pulse Dye Laser Treat?
Pulse dye laser treatment is best for treating conditions such as rosacea, port wine stains, spider veins, and other vascular lesions. Although, it does the job well for acne scars and wrinkles.
How Does Pulse Dye Laser work?
During the procedure, the doctor gives the patient a topical anesthetic or a cooling gel to help minimize discomfort. He then applies the laser to the skin, targeting the areas of concern.
You may feel slightly red and swollen skin after treatment, but these side effects typically subside within a few days. It’s necessary to avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen during the recovery period.
Fractional Laser for Skin
The fractional laser treatment creates thousands of tiny columns of heat in the skin, which stimulates the body’s natural healing response and promotes the growth of new, healthy skin cells.
What Skin Conditions Do Fractional Laser Treatment Cater?
Fractional laser treatment aims to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, scars, sun damage, and uneven skin tone and texture. The treatment is safe for the face, neck, chest, and hands.
What is the Procedure of Fractional Laser Treatment?
During the treatment procedure, a numbing cream or local anesthetic minimizes discomfort for the patient. The doctor then applies the laser on the skin in a pattern of small, targeted areas.
The procedure is less-invasive and painless. You may face some redness and swelling for a while, but the treatment is generally safe for everyone.
The Things You Should Know and Do Before Getting a Skin Laser Appointment!
If you are considering getting a skin laser appointment, there are several things you should know and do before the treatment. Here are some important considerations:
Research about your Doctor
Before scheduling a laser treatment, do a background check on your doctor and their qualifications. Check their credentials, reviews, and certifications to ensure they are experienced and reputable.
Understand the Procedure
Try to understand the laser treatment you are considering, including the benefits, risks, and potential side effects. Ask your doctor any questions you may have about the procedure.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Before your appointment, avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen to protect your skin. It can help prevent complications and ensure the best possible results.
Avoid Certain Medications
Some medications can increase the risk of complications during laser treatment. Make sure to inform your dermatologist about any medications or supplements you are taking.
Follow Pre-Treatment Instructions
Your doctor may provide specific instructions to follow before your appointment, such as avoiding certain skincare products or fasting before the procedure. It’s essential to follow these instructions carefully to ensure the best possible results.
Prepare for Downtime
There may be some downtime or recovery period depending on the laser treatment. Plan accordingly and avoid any activities that may irritate your skin during this time.
Follow Post-Treatment Instructions
After your laser treatment, your doctor may provide you with specific instructions for post-treatment care. Follow these instructions carefully to minimize potential complications and ensure the best results.
Side Effects of Laser Treatment for Skin!
It is necessary to note that laser treatment for the skin is not suitable for everyone, and there may be some side effects and risks associated with the procedure.
Laser skin treatments are generally safe and effective procedures for many skin conditions. However, like any medical procedure, there are potential side effects that you should know. Here are some of the most common laser treatment side effects:
- Swelling: Laser skin treatments can cause swelling in the treated area, lasting several days.
- Redness: Redness is a common side effect of laser skin treatment and can last for a few days to a few weeks, depending on the intensity of the treatment.
- Itching and Dryness: Laser skin treatments can cause the skin to become dry and itchy, which can last for several days.
- Crusting and Scabbing: Depending on the intensity of the treatment, the skin may form crusts or scabs, which usually disappear within a week or two.
- Discoloration: Laser skin treatments can sometimes cause changes in skin pigmentation, leading to temporary or permanent darkening or lightening of the treated area.
- Infection: There is an infection risk after every skin procedure, including laser treatments. Follow the post-treatment care instructions carefully to reduce this risk.
- Scarring: In rare cases, laser skin treatments can cause scarring, particularly if the patient has a history of keloid scarring or other skin conditions.
A Final Word from Healthwire!
Before going for any skin procedure or treatment, consult the best Dermatologist anywhere near you in Pakistan via Healthwire.
It is important to discuss laser skin treatment with your doctor before undergoing the procedure, as the doctor will be able to recommend the best course of treatment for your specific skin condition and provide information about any potential risks.
