If you are dissatisfied with some aspect of your appearance and wondering about the best way to address it, you may be a candidate for revitalizing your skin with lasers. Laser resurfacing is a high-tech cosmetic procedure in which a skilled practitioner applies a precise beam of light to treat common skin complaints.
Laser skin care can be an effective way to minimize the look of conditions such as wrinkles, age spots, spider veins, stretch marks, scars, sun damage and hyperpigmentation. Many people have found success in removing undesirable tattoos and body hair with lasers, as well.
People who are weighing the benefits of laser skin care have several factors to take into account, including both risks and rewards. Today, we will provide a more in-depth look at what you should know if you are thinking about revitalizing your skin with lasers.
What to Know About the Laser Skin Care Process
A laser treatment will create a younger, healthier-looking appearance. People who receive laser skin care can expect to get smoother, more youthful skin with long-term effects and minimal healing time.
Aesthetic specialists have two types of lasers to choose between: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative laser treatment is the more aggressive option because it removes the top layer of your skin. Because an ablative laser causes skin to look redder, this treatment option has a longer recovery time.
In contrast, non-ablative lasers use heat to stimulate cells and thicken the underlying collagen for better skin elasticity. Since non-ablative lasers do not remove a layer of your skin, there are fewer side effects and less need for downtime after the treatment.
What Makes Someone a Good Candidate for Laser Skin Resurfacing?
People with fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, visible sun damage or hyperpigmentation are among the best candidates for laser resurfacing. However, people who are currently suffering from acne or whose skin scars easily may wish to consider a different treatment option. Additionally, pregnant women and people whose skin lacks elasticity should not undergo a laser skin treatment.
Three Ways Laser Resurfacing Improves Skin
1. Builds New Collagen
Collagen is a building block of skin that contributes to improved skin strength and elasticity. While collagen is abundant in younger people, your body’s ability to produce collagen degrades as part of the aging process, which allows formation of wrinkles. Unlike procedures that improve your skin on a superficial level, laser treatment leads to younger-looking skin by kickstarting the body’s natural collagen-regenerating process. In other words, after laser resurfacing, your skin will become tighter on its own. Laser skin treatments are an effective treatment for wrinkles and fine lines on your face or any other part of your body.
2. Less Pain and Healing Time
Laser skin resurfacing is a minimally invasive treatment option. As a brief outpatient procedure, it has less discomfort and fewer side effects than surgery, and also has a far shorter recovery process, which makes it ideal for busy people who can’t afford to take a lot of time out of their daily routines. Because laser treatment isn’t a surgical procedure, it’s also more budget-friendly than getting a facelift.
3. Long-Lasting Results
Most patients will notice immediate improvements in their skin after receiving laser treatment; however, as your skin continues forming new collagen, you will also benefit from ongoing improvements in the months following your procedure.
Side Effects of Laser Skin Treatment
Laser skin treatment is a highly safe procedure overall. Most people only experience some short-term side effects, such as warm, sensitive or swollen skin, changes in skin color and minor bruising. You can lessen these side effects with over-the-counter pain medication, as well as by applying ice packs to the affected area.
Our skin care experts will provide an anesthetic to minimize pain during treatment. Your aesthetic professional will also apply some antibiotic ointment to avoid infection that can occur while your skin regenerates itself.
For the first few weeks after the treatment, you’ll need to be careful to apply a mild moisturizer regularly, to keep skin supple and prevent over-drying. As with any other type of skin treatment, you should also wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on your face after receiving laser resurfacing.
The Icon™ Aesthetic System
At University Park Dermatology and Medical Spa, we proudly use the Icon™ Aesthetic System, which is a comprehensive treatment solution for all skin types.
By combining multiple devices in one machine, the Icon™ Aesthetic System enables aesthetic practitioners to provide a full spectrum of laser skin treatments for conditions such as the following.
- Wrinkles and fine lines – Because laser treatments stimulate collagen production, they will help lessen the appearance of wrinkles and cause the skin to rejuvenate itself naturally in the months following your treatment.
- Stretch marks – The skin is an amazing organ that can stretch and grow with you, but you may not love the stretch marks you see on your legs, arms, back, buttocks or abdomen. Laser skin care can significantly improve the look of stretch marks.
- Acne and scarring – Even minor scarring can take on an outsized role in your self-esteem. Laser treatment can lessen the appearance of scars, whether they’re from acne, injury or surgery.
- Leg veins – As we age, leg veins become more pronounced, especially for women who have carried a child to term. Laser treatment will improve the appearance of these veins, allowing you to feel more confident wearing shorts or a swimsuit.
- Unwanted hair growth – Dealing with undesirable facial or body hair can be a major hassle. Unlike with plucking, waxing or shaving, laser treatment removes hair permanently by destroying the hair follicles. Depending on the amount of hair you wish to remove, you can expect to see results within four to six treatments.
To ensure laser skin care is a good choice for you, consult with the skin care professionals at University Park Dermatology and Medical Spa. We provide laser skin care to the communities of Sarasota, Bradenton and Gibsonton in Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast area. Contact our state-of-the-art clinic today to learn more about what laser skin care treatments can provide for you.
