Skin problems are a common concern for many of us. Things like sun damage, acne scars, and fine lines that come with aging can sometimes make us lose confidence. So today, we are going to talk about one of the most advanced and popular treatments available today. That is laser skin resurfacing.
Simply put, what is this laser treatment (Laser Skin Resurfacing)?
Although this name is a bit complicated, it is actually quite simple. Think of our skin as a collection of several layers stacked on top of each other. In this treatment, a specially designed laser beam is directed at the surface of the skin in a controlled manner. These laser beams gently vaporize and remove the damaged, old top layer of the skin (which we call the `epidermis`).
What's happening here is like peeling off a layer of paint from an old wall and applying new paint to make it look nicer.
Not only that, these laser rays also heat the layer beneath the skin (the `dermis`). This heat causes new collagen fibers, which keep our skin youthful and firm, to form. As a result, the new skin looks smoother, brighter, and younger than before. This is also called `lasabrasion` or `laser peel`.
Who is this treatment most suitable for?
If you have one or more of the problems below, this treatment may be a good solution for you. However, you should definitely consult a qualified doctor before making a final decision.
| Skin problem | Description |
|---|---|
| Acne or chickenpox scars | Long-lasting scars on the face caused by acne or chickenpox in youth. |
| Discoloration of the skin | Brown spots on the face, sunburn, or uneven skin tone due to other causes. |
| Fine wrinkles on the face | Fine wrinkles that come with age, such as those under the eyes, around the eyes, on the forehead, or around the mouth. |
| Sun-damaged skin | Skin damage and roughness caused by prolonged exposure to the sun. |
| Enlargement of the oil glands in the nose | Some people have enlarged oil glands on their noses, creating a rough appearance (rhinophyma). |
However, this is not the same for everyone. For example, if you already have active acne, have very dark skin, have deep wrinkles, or have sagging skin, this treatment may not be the best solution for you. It is best to discuss this with your doctor.
How does this laser treatment work?
There are two main types of lasers and another special method used for this. Your doctor will choose the type that is best for you based on your skin condition.
Carbon Dioxide - CO2 Laser
This is a slightly older and more powerful type of laser. It is used to remove things like deep wrinkles, severe scars, and warts. It can take about two weeks for the skin to heal after treatment with this.
Erbium Laser
This type is used for superficial wrinkles and spots that are not very deep. The advantage of this is that there is very little damage to the surrounding skin. Therefore, there is less swelling, bruising, and a shorter healing time (about a week). This can be a good option for those with slightly darker skin tones.
Fractional Laser
This is a slightly different method. Here, the laser is not aimed at the entire skin. Instead, very fine laser beams are used to create millions of tiny holes deep within the skin. The skin around the holes is not damaged. As a result, the collagen fibers in that healthy skin contract and the entire skin tightens. Although this reduces healing time, the risk of complications may be slightly increased because the laser beams penetrate deeper.
How do you prepare before treatment?
To get the best results, you need to do some preparation before the treatment.
- Avoid sun exposure: Avoid sun exposure, tanning, and other sun exposure for at least 4 weeks before treatment. Use a good broad-spectrum sunscreen whenever you go outside.
- Stop other treatments: Stop other deep skin treatments like chemical peels and dermabrasion 4 weeks in advance.
- Stop taking certain medications: Some antibiotics (like doxycycline) can make your skin sensitive to light. So, stop taking these medications at least 72 hours before your treatment. Ask your doctor about this.
- Be aware of herpes: If you have had cold sores or other herpes infections in the past, tell your doctor. They may prescribe an antiviral medication (such as acyclovir) to start before treatment to prevent it from coming back.
- Skin preparation: Sometimes your doctor will tell you to use a retinoid cream about 4 weeks before treatment.
How to take care of the skin after treatment?
50% of the success of the treatment depends on how you take care of your skin after treatment. Therefore, it is very important to follow these instructions exactly.
For the first few days after treatment, the skin may be red, burning, and itchy, similar to a sunburn. You may also experience a yellow discharge and small blisters. Never scratch or pick at the scabs that form. Doing so can cause scarring or infection. After 5-7 days, the skin will dry out and begin to peel. The new skin may initially appear pink, but this color will gradually fade over 2-3 months.
| What to do | Important points |
|---|---|
| Immediately after treatment (first 1-2 weeks) | |
| Skin cleansing | As the doctor says, cleanse the skin with saline or vinegar water (as directed) 2-5 times a day. |
| Reducing swelling | Use an extra pillow when sleeping for the first 4 days. Apply an ice pack for 15 minutes every 1-2 hours during the day. |
| Applying cosmetics | To prevent skin drying and crusting, apply an ointment (e.g. Vaseline) prescribed by your doctor until the skin heals. |
| Things to avoid | Avoid harsh facial treatments (such as glycolic acid) for 4 weeks. Avoid smoking completely. It slows down the healing process. |
| After the skin heals | |
| Sun protection | This is a must! Newly formed skin is very sensitive, so always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. |
| Moisturizing the skin | Use a good moisturizer recommended by your doctor every day. |
What are the possible complications?
These may sound scary, but remember that most of these things happen rarely. And if you follow your doctor's instructions carefully, you can greatly reduce these risks.
- Milia: These may appear as small white bumps as the skin heals. They usually go away with cleansing.
- Pigmentation changes: Sometimes the skin color in the treated areas may become slightly darker (hyperpigmentation) or, rarely, lighter (hypopigmentation). This can be largely prevented by using sunscreen.
- Infections: Recurrence of herpes or bacterial infections may occur. To prevent these, the doctor will prescribe medication before and after treatment.
- Scars: This is very rare, but it can happen if the instructions are not followed properly.
Take-Home Message
- Laser treatment is a highly effective and modern treatment for skin blemishes, wrinkles, and pigmentation problems.
- This treatment is not suitable for everyone, so it is essential to consult an experienced doctor to determine if it is right for your skin.
- To achieve the best results and avoid complications, it is very important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully before and after treatment.
- Although the results are long-lasting, normal aging cannot be stopped. Even after treatment, protecting the skin, especially from the sun, is essential for long-term results.
- Because this is a cosmetic treatment, it is not usually covered by insurance.
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