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Laser Skin Resurfacing

| May 23, 2014 Comment

Laser Skin Resurfacing – If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your skin, laser skin resurfacing may be right for you. Learn how lasers can reduce your wrinkles, scars, age spots, and more.

Expert: Debra Jaliman, MD Author of Skin Rules

Transcript

Laser skin resurfacing is an anti-aging treatment that removes fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, mouth and cheeks. It can also reduce the appearance of SCARS, liver spots, uneven SKIN tones, birthmarks, and more. Sounds magical, right? Well, here’s the deal on laser skin resurfacing.

Before the procedure, your doctor will apply local anesthetic and possibly even give you a sedative, if the treatment is EXTENSIVE or if you are anxious about it.

All lasers used in resurfacing effectively do the same thing – they remove the outer layer of your skin, and heat the layer beneath. As the skin heals, NEW, wrinkle and blemish-free skin forms.

The two most commonly used lasers are the CO2 Ablative, and the erbium-YAG lasers. CO2 lasers are VERY effective, but have a recovery time of up to 2 WEEKS, and side effects include redness, crusting, peeling, temporary darkening of the skin, and more.

The CO2 laser is also riskier on dark skin, because it can cause dark spots that will need to be treated with bleaching cream – many dermatologists won’t use CO2 lasers on dark skin for that reason. The erbium-YAG laser is a bit newer, and more mild than the CO2 laser. Its side effects are also milder and shorter-lasting. The MOST refined application of these two laser treatments is called fractional laser resurfacing. The laser beam is directed onto your skin in countless NARROW columns. The undamaged skin SURROUNDING each micro-column helps the DAMAGED area regenerate with SMOOTHER, younger skin.

For laser skin resurfacing with fewer disfiguring wounds and a FASTER recovery time, NON-ablative lasers may be right for you. These lasers don’t wound the skin. They smooth the skin by stimulating collagen growth underneath the outer layer. It’s a lot less invasive, but they can also be less effective. They require multiple treatments.

All laser treatments may cause the appearance of purpura on the skin. They are dark purple, bruise-like spots that will fade within 3-12 days after treatment. Talk to your primary physician before undergoing laser skin resurfacing to make sure there AREN’T any harmful interactions with your specific medical history. And if you do undergo the procedure, check the credentials and experience of the dermatologist BEFOREHAND.
Last Modified: 2013-10-18 |

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