Facial laser resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure in which the outer layers of skin are removed to expose healthier and younger skin from underneath. Once the upper layer of skin is removed, it encourages the body to produce a new layer of skin. This technique is usually performed on those who have scars, blemishes, and pigmentation on their skin. Since the procedure uses a laser, it is performed in a doctor’s office, usually under general anesthesia.
In the facial laser resurfacing treatment, a beam of intense light is used. This radiation helps treat the blemished areas of the skin and improve its quality. The treatment is typically used to tighten the skin, smooth rough areas, remove fine lines and superficial wrinkles, even out complexion, treat pigmentation, fade or remove scars (both surgical and acne), and treat precancerous skin growths and tumors. There are distinct differences in your skin before and after the procedure.
The best advantage of facial laser treatment is that it can be specifically directed at the problem areas of your skin. If you have wrinkles around the eyes, for instance, the laser can be directed specifically around the eyes so that other parts of your skin remain unaffected. If you need treatment on the entire face, you can have the doctor treat the entire facial skin. There are two main types of facial laser resurfacing treatments.
Ablative facial laser resurfacing: This is a procedure in which the surface layer of the skin is destroyed to expose younger and fresher skin from underneath. The deeper layer, or the dermis, is exposed in this treatment. As the laser heats up the dermis, the cells making up the layer are stimulated and new collagen fibers begin to grow. This may create wounds on the skin. However, as the wounds heal, they form new and younger skin. This new skin is softer, more elastic, tighter and flawless.
Non-ablative facial laser resurfacing: This is a laser resurfacing treatment in which the skin is not destroyed. In this case, the laser is only used to heat the skin so that it can encourage the body to grow new skin. This is a great way to stimulate collagen growth and improve the texture as well as quality of the skin.
Before the procedure, the nurse or the doctor will clean your face and place eye shields on your eyes. The surgeon will then set up the laser machine and pass the beam of laser on your skin, over the area that is to be treated. The doctor is able to precisely control the laser beam and its intensity. The depth of laser penetration can also be controlled. Depending on the surface area of skin to be treated, the procedure may last from a few minutes to a few hours.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and it may take some time for the feeling to return to your skin. Immediately after the procedure, the skin may feel raw, tender and painful. If there is redness and signs of infection, the doctor may apply an antibiotic lotion on the skin. If you experience pain or any other discomfort in the skin, you should talk to your doctor.
Laser facial resurfacing is considered a cost-effective and quick procedure. It usually takes only about 10 to 15 days for your skin to heal. However, the recovery period may vary from person to person. Initially, your skin may be swollen, but as the new skin grows, the inflammation begins to heal.