Laser resurfacing is known as one of the best ways to improve the appearance of your skin. But, as with any cosmetic procedure, it’s essential to do your research and consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions. One of those is knowing what to prepare in terms of setting your expectations and also how to prepare your skin before going to your laser skin resurfacing treatment.
This article will answer the question: how can you prepare for laser skin resurfacing? We will also briefly explain how laser resurfacing works and some benefits you’ll get after the laser skin resurfacing session. Are you excited? Read on to learn more.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Explained
Laser skin resurfacing is known as a popular cosmetic procedure that removes damaged or wrinkled skin and gives the face a smoother, more youthful appearance.
The most common type of laser skin resurfacing, fractional laser resurfacing, breaks up the damaged top layers of skin and stimulates new collagen production beneath. Fractional laser resurfacing can treat fine lines and wrinkles, age spots and sun damage, acne scars, and other healed scars.
Fractional laser resurfacing uses tiny beams of light that target only the damaged areas of your skin. It’s different from traditional lasers, which use more giant light rays to damage healthy tissue and the areas you want to treat. With fractional laser resurfacing, only the areas that need treatment receive treatment.
How Laser Skin Resurfacing Works
Laser skin resurfacing uses lasers to remove damaged outer layers of skin and stimulate new collagen and elastin growth beneath the surface. This can significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and other signs of aging on the face and other areas of the body.
During laser skin resurfacing, a thin layer of your skin is removed using an ultra-fast carbon dioxide laser or another type of light-based device. The goal is to remove just enough tissue to treat your signs of aging without damaging healthy tissue. The laser beam vaporizes (essential burns) away damaged outer layers of skin, which are then shed naturally by your body over time as new tissue grows in its place.
A typical laser skin resurfacing session lasts for about 30 minutes to an hour. You may need multiple sessions to achieve desired results, depending on your individual needs. Laser skin resurfacing can be done independently or with other cosmetic procedures, such as facelifts, brow lifts, and eyelid surgery.
Laser Skin Resurfacing vs. Other Similar Methods
Chemical peels are known to everyone as one of the most popular methods of skin rejuvenation. They use chemicals to burn away layers of damaged skin and encourage new cell growth in the process. Some chemical peels can cause scarring, especially if you have darker skin tones or sensitive skin.
Laser treatments do not leave scars behind because they do not actually remove any layers of your skin tissue; they merely heat up the outer layer so that it sloughs off naturally over time. You may have some swelling after your procedure, and some redness may occur for a few days afterward. However, this usually goes away quickly without any long-term side effects such as scarring or discoloration.
Microdermabrasion is another method that is often compared to laser skin resurfacing. This method uses a handheld device with diamond crystals that gently rub against the skin to remove the outermost layers. It is a less invasive option than laser resurfacing, but it also does not offer as dramatic of results.
Laser skin resurfacing is often considered the gold standard for skin rejuvenation because it can provide dramatic results with minimal side effects and downtime. If you are considering a cosmetic procedure to improve the appearance of your skin, talk to your doctor about whether laser skin resurfacing is suitable for you.
What to Expect After Laser Skin Resurfacing
After laser skin resurfacing, it is normal to experience some redness, swelling, and discomfort. These side effects typically go away within a few days to a week. You may also have some crusting on your skin, which will eventually flake to reveal the new, smoother skin underneath.
Protecting your skin from the sun during the healing process is essential. Your doctor will likely recommend that you use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and wear a wide-brimmed hat outdoors. In addition, you should avoid strenuous activity and hot showers for the first few days after your procedure.
Excellent Benefits You Can Get
Laser skin resurfacing is prevalent among those who want to achieve fair and glowing skin without going under the knife. Here are some of the most significant benefits of laser skin resurfacing that you can expect:
Faster healing time than traditional surgery. Traditional surgery requires stitches or staples to close the incision after surgery. The laser beam doesn’t require stitches or staples because it seals minor wounds, so your recovery time is much faster than with traditional surgery.
Less pain than traditional surgery and results that last longer. Because the laser beam works at a fractional level, there’s less bleeding and swelling after treatment compared with traditional surgery, so you’ll have less pain during recovery time, and your results will last longer without needing additional treatments down the road because there’s no scarring involved in laser skin resurfacing.
Perfect for those who are on the go. If you don’t have the time to take off work for traditional surgery or if you want to avoid the risks associated with general anesthesia, laser skin resurfacing is perfect for you because it can be done as an outpatient procedure and usually doesn’t require any form of sedation.
Improves the appearance of your skin. One of the best things about laser skin resurfacing is that it can dramatically improve the appearance of your skin. If you have wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, or other blemishes, laser skin resurfacing can help to reduce their appearance and give you a more youthful look.
Longer-lasting results. Lastly, laser skin resurfacing can provide results that last much longer than other cosmetic procedures such as dermabrasion or microdermabrasion. In fact, the results you can get from laser skin resurfacing can last for years, which is why it’s often considered a more permanent solution for improving the appearance of your skin.
Is Laser Skin Resurfacing for Everyone?
With all the benefits that laser skin resurfacing offers, it’s no wonder this procedure is becoming increasingly popular. However, it’s important to remember that laser skin resurfacing is not for everyone. The best candidates for this procedure are those who have realistic expectations and are looking for a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of their skin.
If you are interested in laser skin resurfacing, be sure to consult with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who has experience performing this procedure. They can determine whether you are a good candidate and develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
Conclusion
Laser skin resurfacing can provide dramatic results that last many years. If you take good care of your skin and protect it from the sun, you can enjoy your youthful appearance even longer. With laser skin resurfacing, you can achieve better-looking skin without any hassles.
Joslin Medical Spa by Thompson Plastic Surgery knows how vital having blemish-free skin is to you. They also know that not everyone is a candidate for surgery. So, they offer laser skin resurfacing as an excellent alternative for those who want to improve the appearance of their skin without undergoing any invasive procedures. They also offer other equally impressive procedures that only aim to bring out the best in you.
