Our skin shows the effects of life’s experiences. Sun exposure, aging, acne, and genetics can all leave behind scars, wrinkles, and uneven tone. If you’re looking for a way to refresh your skin, laser resurfacing might be the answer. It is one of the best ways to smooth and renew your complexion. To help you …
Our skin shows the effects of life’s experiences. Sun exposure, aging, acne, and genetics can all leave behind scars, wrinkles, and uneven tone.
If you’re looking for a way to refresh your skin, laser resurfacing might be the answer. It is one of the best ways to smooth and renew your complexion.
To help you decide if it is right for you, understanding how it works and what recovery involves is a must
In this blog, I will share the definition of skin resurfacing, who can be benefited with this treatment, and also types of it.
You will also learn about the preparation, and what happens during the procedure, rise and side effects with its cost.
Let’s begin the discussion with the definition of skin resurfacing.
What is Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is a treatment that uses light to remove the damaged top layer of skin and gently heat the layer underneath. The top layer is called the epidermis and the deeper layer is called the dermis.
When both layers are treated, the skin starts making more collagen. Collagen is what keeps skin firm and smooth. As new collagen grows, the skin looks fresher, softer, and more even.
This treatment is also called a laser peel or laser vaporization. No matter the name, the aim is the same. It helps replace damaged skin with new and healthy skin
Who Can Benefit from Skin Resurfacing Treatment
Many people can benefit from this treatment in many ways. So, let’s see who are can benefit from skin resurfacing treatment:
- Laser resurfacing works well for people who want to smooth out fine lines, wrinkles, or scars.
- It is often used to correct uneven skin tone, sun damage, and age spots.
- The treatment can also help with enlarged oil glands on the nose.
- Some patients choose it after a facelift if their skin hasn’t tightened as expected.
- It may also be used to lessen the appearance of certain birthmarks and other harmless skin growths.
However, laser resurfacing isn’t for everyone. People with very dark skin may notice changes in skin color after the treatment.
This also isn’t a good choice if you have acne, deep wrinkles, loose skin, or if your skin usually forms thick scars. A doctor will check your skin and health to see if this treatment is right for you.
Types of Laser Resurfacing
Lasers can help with a variety of skin concerns, from wrinkles and scars to uneven tone and sun damage. Choosing the right laser can make a big difference in how effective the treatment is. It is important to understand how each type works before deciding which one is best for you.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing
CO2 lasers have been used for many years. They help treat wrinkles, scars, warts, and enlarged oil glands. Modern CO2 lasers use short pulses of light or steady beams in a scanning pattern.
This allows the doctor to remove damaged skin with accuracy while protecting the skin around it. Recovery usually takes up to two weeks. The results are often dramatic.
Erbium Laser Resurfacing
Erbium lasers are often a better choice for fine to moderate wrinkles. They can be used not only on the face but also on the neck, chest, and hands. This laser causes less damage to the nearby skin.
That means there is less swelling and redness compared to CO2 lasers. Most people heal within a week. It is a popular option for those who want faster recovery with good results.
Fractional Laser Resurfacing
Fractional lasers treat only small parts of the skin at one time. They create thousands of tiny treated spots while leaving the surrounding skin untouched. This helps the skin heal more quickly and still boosts collagen production.
Some fractional lasers remove layers of skin. Others heat the skin without removing it. Recovery usually takes about a week.
Non-Ablative Lasers and Light Treatments
Non-ablative lasers such as Er:YAG and light treatments like intense pulsed light (IPL) do not remove the outer skin. They heat the deeper layers instead. This helps the skin make more collagen.
These treatments are gentle and require very little recovery time. The results are more subtle. Several sessions are usually needed to see bigger changes.
Other Laser Options
Nd:YAG lasers are often used for people with darker skin tones. They work deeper in the skin while avoiding the surface pigment. Pulsed-dye lasers are useful for broken blood vessels, redness, and rosacea. They work by targeting the blood vessels under the skin.
Preparing for Treatment
Preparation is just as important as the procedure itself. Before undergoing laser resurfacing, most doctors will recommend avoiding sun exposure and tanning for at least a month.
Strong skin treatments such as chemical peels or retinoids should also be avoided during this time.
If you have a history of cold sores or shingles, you may be prescribed antiviral medication to prevent a flare-up. Smoking should be stopped at least two weeks before and after treatment since it delays healing.
In some cases, your doctor may also recommend applying special creams or retinoids in the weeks leading up to your appointment to prepare your skin.
What Happens During the Procedure
Laser skin resurfacing is usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can return home the same day. The process begins with cleaning the skin thoroughly.
For small areas, a local anesthetic may be used, while a sedative or general anesthesia may be recommended for full-face treatments.
The procedure itself can take anywhere from half an hour for smaller areas to up to two hours for a full-face resurfacing. Once the treatment is complete, a protective dressing is applied to the treated skin.
Recovery and Aftercare
Healing times depend on the type of laser used. CO2 treatments usually require up to two weeks, erbium lasers about a week, and fractional treatments also about a week.
Non-ablative lasers typically require very little downtime, with redness and swelling resolving in a matter of hours or days.During recovery, it is essential to follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions.
Clean the area a few times daily with saline or diluted vinegar, then put on petroleum jelly or Aquaphor. Keep your head raised when you sleep to reduce swelling, and use cool compresses for comfort in the first two days.
As the skin heals, it may feel sensitive, red, and even slightly raw. Itching or mild stinging is common. About a week after treatment, the skin begins to peel and reveal fresh new layers.
Redness may linger for weeks or even months, but makeup can be used to help cover it once healing is complete. Sunscreen becomes especially important during this time to protect the new skin and prevent pigmentation changes.
Risks and Possible Side Effects
Although laser resurfacing is generally safe, there are some risks to be aware of. The most common side effects are redness, swelling, and temporary discomfort.
Some people may develop small white bumps known as milia or temporary changes in skin color, either darker patches known as hyperpigmentation or lighter areas called hypopigmentation.
Cold sores may be triggered in people who carry the herpes virus, which is why preventive antiviral medication is often prescribed.
Rarely, scarring can occur. Choosing an experienced, board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon reduces the risk of complications significantly.
Results and Longevity
One of the biggest benefits of laser resurfacing is that results are visible relatively quickly. As healing progresses, the skin becomes smoother, tighter, and more even in tone.
Collagen production continues to improve the skin’s appearance for several months after the procedure, and results last for years.
However, the natural aging process does not stop. Wrinkles and sun damage may eventually return, although additional treatments can help maintain results. Protecting your skin from the sun and following a consistent skincare routine will help prolong the benefits.
Cost Considerations
The cost of laser skin resurfacing varies depending on the type of laser used, the size of the area being treated, and the provider’s experience.
On average, ablative treatments such as CO2 resurfacing cost around two thousand five hundred dollars, while non-ablative treatments average closer to one thousand four hundred dollars.
Since it is considered a cosmetic procedure, most insurance plans do not cover it, although there may be exceptions if it is done to treat scars or precancerous lesions.
Final Thoughts
Laser skin resurfacing is a powerful way to rejuvenate your appearance and restore confidence in your skin.
While it cannot stop the natural process of aging, it can significantly improve the look of wrinkles, scars, sun damage, and uneven skin tone.
The success lies in choosing the right type of laser for your skin and trusting an experienced specialist to perform the procedure.
With the right care and realistic expectations, this treatment can help you achieve smoother, healthier, and more radiant skin that lasts for years. If you are looking for the best skin resurfacing treatment in Toronto, Canada, then contact The Artisan Beauty Clinic today to get the best support.
