The Dos, the Don’ts, and Benefits of Facial Laser Treatment
Facial laser refers to a type of skincare procedure done by dermatologists to improve the appearance and texture of the skin. It is achieved by using special lasers, which help solve various skin problems like scars, fine wrinkles, sun spots, acne scarring, loose skin, and fine lines. In dermatology, a laser is a skin resurfacing modality that uses a combination of both light and regulated heat to promote improved skin tone, coloration, and texture. Dermatologists use this beam of light energy to cause minor controlled damage on the skin surface, which stimulates the production of new collagen in the healing process making the skin have a better appearance.
Who Needs This Procedure?
Facial laser resurfacing can benefit you if you have skincare issues that are either age-related, sun-related, or acne-related and haven’t responded to over-the-counter products. Some of the skin concerns addressed by this treatment include sagging skin, warts, uneven skin tone, crow’s feet, facial wrinkles, acne scars, age spots, and fine lines.
You should, however, note that the success of this treatment greatly depends on the level of expertise of the person doing the procedure. It is why you have to be very selective when choosing your dermatologist.
Another factor considered when selecting a cosmetic procedure that will best suit you is your natural skin tone. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgeons recommends going to a physician or dermatologist informed on the types of lasers and their results on different skin tones.
What to Expect During Facial Laser Resurfacing
Laser facial therapy works on the skin’s outer layer while simultaneously heating the lower dermis layers to promote collagen production. The steps involved in this procedure are outlined below.
Before you start on laser resurfacing, your skin will need some preparations. It will involve going for several treatments some few weeks before your procedure. It increases the skin’s tolerance to professional treatments, thus reducing the risk for adverse effects.
When you go to your doctor for the procedure, first, you will get a topical anesthetic to reduce pain and discomfort. When the part of the skin is large, the practitioner may suggest pain killers or sedatives. Next, they will cleanse your skin. It helps get rid of any excess dirt, oil, and bacteria.
After the cleansing, then treatment can commence. The skin expert will use the best choice of laser for your skin and move it around the designated skin area slowly. Upon completion, the treated area is dressed in wraps to protect the skin.
Possible Risks and Side Effects
Similar to all cosmetic procedures, the facial laser also poses a risk for some side effects that may include:
- Burning
- Swelling
- Scars
- Redness
- Rash
- Infection
- Bumps
- Hyperpigmentation
At Contours LaserSpa, a medical spa in Fairfax, our doctor will give you pre-and post-care instructions that, if adhered to, will reduce the risk of the complications listed above. In addition, we encourage our clients not to withhold any information about their medical conditions or medications since they can alter with recovery and the procedure results. For instance, medicines like Isotretinoin, an acne medication, increase the risk of getting scars, while Aspirin affects post-laser healing since it raises the bleeding risk.
Laser Treatment Aftercare
After facial laser therapy, you will need some downtime for the skin to heal correctly. The healing process will take around 3-10 days, depending on how big the treatment area was and how deep the laser went. For example, if you underwent ablative laser therapy, healing might take up to 21 days.
The skin may appear red during recovery, and you may notice some slight peeling and swelling. You can use ice packs to lower any ice swelling.
Avoid areas prone to germs like the gym before the recovery process is complete, which may predispose you to an infection.
The Laser Treatment Advantage
- It reduces wrinkles and fine lines.
- The facial laser improves traumatic scars, surgical scars, and acne scars.
- Treats discoloration, redness, and brown spots
- It tightens the skin giving one a younger look.
- Promotes collagen production, which enhances a relative skin tone