Laser Treatment for Wrinkle Resurfacing
Wrinkles, a sign that the skin is aging, can make anyone look older. Wrinkles are visible because they are lower than the rest of the skin. Laser treatments seek to remedy this condition by lowering the surrounding skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Lasers can also help create a more even complexion. Does this Spark an idea?
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Effects
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Laser resurfacing involves removing damaged outer layers of skin using lasers and encouraging the skin underneath to produce new, smoother skin. As a result, the appearance of wrinkles on the skin is less noticeable. Additionally, laser resurfacing can also help with other skin imperfections such as aging spots, acne scars and skin discolorations. The treatment is effective for fine to moderate wrinkles, but deeper wrinkles and excessively sagging skin may require more aggressive procedures.
Preparations
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Before a wrinkle resurfacing treatment, a patient should consult a doctor to discuss medical history and expectations from the procedure. The doctor may also conduct a physical examination to determine the possible results of the treatment. The patient may be asked to take medication to prevent infections and other complications. She may also have to avoid direct sun exposure for about two months before and one year after the treatment.
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Procedure
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Laser resurfacing is usually an outpatient procedure, which means that no overnight stay is necessary. The area to be treated is cleaned before the procedure. The doctor administers local anesthetics and a sedative. If treatment includes deep wrinkles on the whole face, the doctor may use general anesthetics. The procedure is usually finished in 30 minutes to two hours.
Recovery
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After the treatment, the skin may be raw, oozing and blistered. Pain, burning and itching may also occur. The treated skin may be covered with a mask bandage for a couple of days. If the whole face is treated, a head wrap may also be worn. In one or two weeks, new skin should already cover the treated area and wrinkles should be less noticeable. During the next six to 12 months, wrinkles will gradually become less obvious. The effects of the treatment can last for years, but wrinkles may naturally recur as the skin ages.
Risks
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Laser resurfacing carries some risks. Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, conditions where skin tone turns darker or lighter, may occur three to four weeks after surgery and persist for several months. Individuals with darker skin are at higher risk of getting this. Laser resurfacing may also cause herpes virus that is already present in the skin to flare up. Other complications include bacterial infection, acne flares, scarring, redness and burns.
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References
- Photo Credit portrait of an old woman image by studio vision1 from Fotolia.com
