Laser resurfacing is a medical procedure that uses a laser to treat damaged or wrinkled skin. The laser beam removes the outer layer of skin, and the new skin that grows back is smoother and less wrinkled. Laser resurfacing is a popular treatment for wrinkles because it is a relatively safe and effective way to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. The laser beam can gently remove the outer layer of skin, and the new skin that grows back is smoother and less wrinkled. Laser resurfacing can also be used to treat other skin conditions, such as acne scars, age spots, and sun damage. When considering this treatment, you need to find a specialist in laser resurfacing in San Francisco.
Why Is It Done?
Laser resurfacing is done to improve the appearance of facial wrinkles and scars. Laser resurfacing can be used on all face areas, including the eyes, mouth, and forehead. It works best for people with mild to moderately severe facial lines or wrinkles. Some types of laser resurfacing may also help treat acne scars, age spots, and sun damage.
How Is It Done?
Laser resurfacing is usually done in a doctor’s office or outpatient clinic. The laser beam is directed at the skin, and the doctor uses a hand-held device to move it around. The treatment takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the area under treatment.
Before the procedure, the doctor may apply a numbing medicine (anesthetic) to the treated area. It helps reduce discomfort during treatment. You can also combine it with creams that contain a corticosteroid and a vasoconstrictor.
What Types of Lasers Does it Use?
- Carbon Dioxide
It is one of the most common lasers used in laser resurfacing. It is a powerful laser that can remove a large amount of skin.
- Erbium
This type of laser is less potent than the carbon dioxide laser, but you can use it to treat more delicate areas, such as around the eyes and mouth.
- Fractional Laser
It is a newer type of laser that can remove or tighten small skin sections at a time. Instead of removing the entire surface layer of skin, the fractional laser creates hundreds of tiny perforations in the top layer of skin.
In some cases, doctors may use a combination of lasers. For example, they might use the carbon dioxide laser to remove most of the skin, and then use the fractional laser to treat some areas more gently.
Recovery
There is little to no recovery time after laser resurfacing in most cases. The treated area will be red and swollen immediately after the procedure. Depending on the treatment used and how deep it penetrated the skin, it may last a few hours or a few days. Blisters may form, but they generally go away within a week. You may be asked to avoid sun exposure for a few weeks after the procedure.
In summary, laser resurfacing is a medical procedure that uses a laser to treat damaged or wrinkled skin. It is done to improve the appearance of facial wrinkles and scars. Common types of lasers are carbon dioxide, erbium, and fractional lasers. You do not have to spend time waiting to recover in most cases.
