What to Know Before Undergoing Laser Resurfacing for Better Skin?

We all are a little skeptical when it comes to trying new techniques to enrich the texture and boost the health of the skin. The best way is to study the procedure and consult the doctor. Techniques such as Laser Resurfacing are safe and effective when overlooked by experts.

Human skin in general is very sensitive and therefore considered to be prone to infections and that’s the reason dermatologists carefully examine the patient before choosing the type of laser. Therapies are not something to be afraid of, they should be taken as a medium to heal the body.

What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

It is a procedure performed by qualified dermatologists to enrich and improve the quality of the skin. Depending upon the patient’s history, skin texture, and the problem, laser therapy is divided into two types −

Ablative Lasers

These types of lasers are used on patients suffering from "scars", "wrinkles", "warts" etc. This laser operates scrap and removes the outside layer of the skin. Ablative lasers consist of "Carbon dioxide" and "Erbium" each of these components is used to treat a variety of problems. CO2 resurfacing treats deep wrinkles and scars and Erbium resurfacing deals with finer wrinkles.

This approach removes the thin layers of skin and can cause infection.

Non-ablative Lasers

These types of lasers are used to tackle acne-related problems. The approach of non-ablative lasers is mild and safe as it keeps the outer layer of the skin intact. It stimulates collagen growth which increases the skin’s texture and glows. It is a long-term procedure and does not show immediate results.

Laser Resurfacing Procedure

Laser treatment is not something necessary; you may consider adding this to your health check plan only if the OTC (over-the-counter) products have failed to benefit you.

• Patients having skin issues such as acne, excessive tanning, etc. should consult a dermatologist before undergoing laser resurfacing.

• Natural skin tone also plays an important role in deciding whether or not the treatment should opt. People with lighter skin tones can try this procedure because the chances of hyperpigmentation are relatively lesser for them.

• The season of the year should also be considered because, during the summer, the sun and the heat can damage the skin. Therefore, it is better to undergo skin resurfacing during the winter.

Laser Skin Resurfacing: What Can Be Treated?

Laser skin resurfacing can be used to treat a variety of skin-related issues that include -

• Acne and deep acne scars

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Irregular skin tone

• Expanded deep oil glands

• Warts

• Oily skin infections

• Skin recovery issues

Procedure Details and Side-Effects

Laser resurfacing cleans the outer layer of the skin and promotes the formation of new collagen which will make the skin glow. The newly stimulated collagen helps to smoothen the skin and increases its health. We treat the outer layer and at the same time heat the inner part (dermis). Some certain protocols and tests are conducted before starting with the main procedure.

• Laser skin resurfacing cannot be performed on regular skin; therefore, a series of pre-treatments are done which involves medications and therapy. This process prepares the skin for the main procedure.

• The doctor applies anesthesia which will reduce the pain caused due to the laser treatment. In case of a larger area being operated on, the doctors sedate the patient.

• The treatment begins and the outer layer of skin is either scrapped or cleaned depending upon the type of laser used.

• At last, the doctor dresses the treated area to prevent any infection.

Side-Effects of Laser Resurfacing

This process of laser resurfacing can be a little risky because when the outer layer is removed, it is exposed to all sorts of bacteria. The major side effects involve -

• Infection

• Rashes

• Burns

• Redness

• Scarring

• Hyperpigmentation

Laser Resurfacing: The Cost and the Final Take

The cost of the procedure depends upon which laser is used for resurfacing the skin. For non-ablative lasers, the cost per session ranges between 50,000 to 80,000 rupees, and for ablative lasers, the cost ranges between 90,000-1,50,000 rupees. It is an expensive procedure but there are also some less expensive laser therapies available which range between 1000-30,000 rupees per session.

Skin recovery could take up to 1-2 weeks. Skin resurfacing is not a surgical operation and therefore the patient can go home immediately after therapy. The doctors prepare a diet plan and consult medication for a few weeks to speed up the healing process. Doctors also advise the patients to take extra care of the treated part of the skin and use prescribed soaps and products.

Laser resurfacing is an effective technique and it should be conducted under an expert’s supervision.