What Are the Benefits of Skin Laser Resurfacing?

Sun damage and the environment cause skin to show age and speed up the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Acne scars and raised scars on any part of the body can cause concern. Laser skin resurfacing is the gold standard for treatment of skin problems like sun damage, age spots, acne and acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles.

What is Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a safe way to improve the texture and appearance of your skin. The laser vaporizes layers of damaged, wrinkled or scarred skin so new, smooth skin can take its place. Collagen is stimulated and new skin cells that lie in deeper layers of the skin are pushed to the surface.

What Areas are Treated

Any area of the body can be treated with laser resurfacing and doctors can treat your face, neck and chest area in one session. The laser can also be used to treat hands, legs, ankles and feet. Any place on your body you have lines, wrinkles, scars, or old wounds can be smoothed with laser skin resurfacing.

Anti-Aging

If you are seeing fine lines and wrinkles on your face, neck or any other part of your body, laser skin resurfacing can minimize this problem. Resurfacing can also tighten the skin. The laser works by vaporizing superficial damaged cells so the body can produce new, thicker and healthier skin. You benefit by seeing a smoother younger appearance in your ski.

Scar Reduction

Getting rid of fine lines and wrinkles is a major benefit of laser skin resurfacing, but other skin conditions also benefit from this procedure. The treatments can firm loose skin and reduce scars from acne and superficial injuries. Invasive procedures such as orthopedic surgery can leave hypertrophic scars and laser resurfacing can reduce their appearance.

Doctor Consultation

Your consultation with your doctor is important. During the visit ask questions. Be informed about the options open to you and what you can achieve for your skin type. Darker skin types may react differently, so be realistic about your expectations. Tell your doctor about any allergies or previous treatments and make sure you understand any risk involved in laser skin resurfacing procedures.

FDA Approvals and Regulations

Several manufacturers of skin resurfacing lasers have received FDA approval for their products. To learn if a specific device has received FDA clearance, contact the FDA'S Center for Devices and Radiological Health. State law governs who performs laser treatments. Any laser skin resurfacing treatment should be performed by a physician. Some states do allow for a delegated professional to perform treatment, so do the research and find out what your state laws are. Laser skin resurfacing is typically not covered by insurance. Some conditions may require more than one treatment.

Tips

Your doctor's recommendation for your treatment should include skin-care instructions for before and after a procedure. Skin resurfacing is an invasive procedure, so expect some down time and have realistic expectations for results. Topical anesthesia is generally used for this procedure, but general anesthesia may be considered depending on your doctor's diagnosis. Avoid sun exposure and expect your skin to be blistered and peeling like a severe sunburn. Take your skin care professional's advice about post-procedure healing and care.

References

• Medical Lasers
• Laser Skin Resurfacing, Carbon Dioxide Laser