Among all other amazing uses of lasers is laser skin rejuvenation. As the name suggests it would restore the younger and youthful vigor of your skin and you will certainly find a new you after treatment.
Lasers are an effective treatment that works by removing skin layer by layer with precision. As the healing process progresses, new layers of skin are formed that either will not inherit the old issues or will have them in the mildest form. Lasers treat following skin issues.
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Acne scars
- Sun burns
Prepare yourself for laser treatment
Fix an appointment with a good plastic surgeon or a dermatologist. Lasers are primarily performed by dermatologists but there are some plastic surgeons as well who also perform laser treatments.
At your appointment you will be expected to provide your medical history especially if you had cold sores or blisters in past. Laser may trigger them.
Your dermatologist will ask you to avoid certain medicines and supplements for some days prior to have your treatment.
You will need to quit smoking at least 2 weeks before the day of treatment.
Your doctor may prescribe you anti-biotic and anti-viral medicines.
On the day of treatment
Laser skin rejuvenation is performed under local anesthesia. Sedatives may also be used. Length of the procedure depends upon the area under treatment. Treating some parts of face usually takes up to 45 minutes. If you want a full face treatment, most probably treatment will take around 2 hours.
Treated areas will be bandaged, an ointment may also be applied. To reduce swelling, your practitioner will prescribe you medicine.
After treatment
Feeling of itching and stinging is normal. Usually it persists for two to three days. Your skin will appear dry and flaky for some more days.
The exact duration of recovery is dependent upon the skin problem that was treated. Typically healing takes around 3 weeks although redness in the treated area usually takes two to three months to subside.
As your skin is peeled off so, you will need to be a degree more vigilant towards your skin care. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen and keep your skin moisturized.
Side effects and risks
- Scarring
- Hypo-, hyper-pigmentation
- Reactivating herpes cold sores
- Bacterial infection
- Skin burn
If carefully done, lasers do not burn. It’s upon the expertise and skill set of the practitioner to use appropriate laser parameters to ensure a risk free treatment.