Types of Laser Treatments for The Face
Skin issues such as acne, wrinkles and age spots can be treated with creams and other topical solutions, but you might have to invest in the process for months and possibly years before you see progress. Many people opt for laser treatments for the face, which are more expensive but provide faster results. Several types of treatments are available, depending on your skin tone and problem areas. Does this Spark an idea?
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CO2 Laser Resurfacing
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During laser resurfacing, the beam removes damaged skin one layer at a time, stimulating the production of collagen underneath the skin and bringing forth a smoother layer of skin. The CO2 type of laser delivers short pulses of light to the skin. Patients with warts, scars, wrinkles and birthmarks can benefit from this type of treatment, which usually has a recovery time of two weeks. Local anesthesia and pain medications are often used with CO2 resurfacing.
Erbium Laser Resurfacing
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According to DocShop.com, erbium laser resurfacing is more accurate but not as powerful as the CO2 procedure. Patients with dark skin might be advised by their doctors to do this type of treatment because of the lower risk of alteration to skin color. Because it is a more precise procedure, it can be used to treat problems such as fine wrinkles on the forehead and underneath the eyes. Like CO2 treatments, local anesthesia and pain relievers are used, but the recovery time is much shorter.
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Hair Removal
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Besides wrinkles and uneven skin, unwanted hair growth is another condition that patients use lasers to treat. The procedure works by destroying hairs while they're in their active grown patterns, so several treatments are required to see any results. Patients with all types of skin tones can find improvement, but the procedure will not work on those with light or blond hair. No anesthesia or drugs are required for this treatment.
Other Treatments
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Rosacea is a skin disorder that causes redness, swelling and occasionally, the visible appearance of blood vessels underneath the skin. The CO2 and erbium beams can be used to treat this disorder, as well as the pulsed-dye and the KTP lasers. Psoriasis, which is a genetic problem characterized by scaly, itchy white skin, can be treated by the excimer laser. Here, the beam provides the skin with intense ultraviolet light that stimulates an immunologic response.
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References
Resources
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