Introduction:
Laser resurfacing is a dermal rejuvenation procedure that uses a laser to improve the skin's appearance or treat minor facial flaws. It can be done with:
Ablative laser. This type of laser removes the thin outer layer of skin (epidermis) and heats the underlying skin (dermis), which stimulates the growth of collagen — a protein that improves skin firmness and texture. As the epidermis heals and regrows, the treated area appears smoother and tighter. Types of ablative therapy include a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, an erbium laser and combination systems.
Noablative laser or light source. This approach also stimulates collagen growth. It's a less aggressive approach than an ablative laser and has a shorter recovery time. But the results are less noticeable. Types include pulsed-dye laser, erbium (Er:YAG) and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy.
Both methods can be delivered with a fractional laser, which leaves microscopic columns of untreated tissue throughout the treatment area. Fractional lasers were developed to shorten recovery time and reduce the risk of side effects.
Laser resurfacing can lessen the appearance of fine lines in the face. It can also treat loss of skin tone and improve your complexion. Laser resurfacing can't eliminate excessive or sagging skin.
Why it’s use:
- Fine wrinkles
- Age spots
- Uneven skin tone or texture
- Sun-damaged skin
- Mild to moderate acne scars
Complication:
Laser resurfacing can cause side effects. Side effects are milder and less likely with Noablative approaches than with ablative laser resurfacing.
Redness, swelling, itching and pain. Treated skin may swell, itch or have a burning sensation. Redness may be intense and might last for several months.
Acne. Applying thick creams and bandages to your face after treatment can worsen acne or cause you to temporarily develop tiny white bumps (milia) on treated skin.
Infection. Laser resurfacing can lead to a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. The most common infection is a flare-up of the herpes virus — the virus that causes cold sores. In most cases, the herpes virus is already present but dormant in the skin.
Changes in skin color. Laser resurfacing can cause treated skin to become darker than it was before treatment (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation). Permanent changes in skin color are more common in people with dark brown or Black skin.
Scarring. Ablative laser resurfacing poses a slight risk of scarring.
Laser resurfacing isn't for everyone. it might caution against laser resurfacing if you:
- Have taken the acne medication isotretinoin (Amnesteem) during the past year
- Have a connective tissue or autoimmune disease or a weak immune system
- Have a history of keloid scars
- Have had radiation therapy to the face
- Have a history of previous laser resurfacing
- Are prone to cold sores or have had a recent outbreak of cold sores or herpes virus
- Have darker brown or Black skin or are very tanned
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a history of an outward-turning eyelid (ectropion)
Prepare:
Before laser resurfacing, you might also need to:
- Take medication to prevent complications. If you're having ablative laser resurfacing — or Noablative laser resurfacing and you have a history of herpes infections around your mouth — will prescribe an antiviral medication before and after treatment to prevent a viral infection.
- Avoid unprotected sun exposure. Too much sun up to two months before the procedure can cause permanent irregular pigmentation in treated areas.
- Arrange for a ride home. If you're going to be sedated during laser resurfacing, you'll need help getting home after the procedure.
After the procedure:
After ablative laser resurfacing, the treated skin will be raw, swollen and itchy. will apply a thick ointment to the treated skin and might cover the area with an airtight and watertight dressing. You may take a pain reliever and use ice packs. New skin usually covers the area in one or two weeks and full recovery takes at least a month. During this time do not use products that may irritate your face, such as cosmetics. And avoid situations that increase your risk of infection, such as public whirlpools. Always use sun protection following laser resurfacing.
After Noablative laser resurfacing, recovery time is minimal. Your skin might be swollen or inflamed for a few hours. Use ice packs as needed. Typically, you can resume your usual activities and skin routine immediately.
Fractional CO2 laser 10,600 nm:
Non-surgical cosmetic procedure for women and men.
Fractional CO2 is a harmless laser that creates thousands of micro-therapeutic points in the skin in a specific area (the treatment site), which is known as "thermal micro-points".
This technique is safe and works to stimulate the skin gradually to reshape and repair damaged skin by reproducing collagen and elastin, which always give vitality and freshness to the skin.
The absorption factor of fractional laser in the body is water that is abundant in skin tissue.
Fractional laser treats very fine points in the skin, which helps in rapid repair of skin damage at the treatment site without any damage to healthy skin surrounding the lesion.
The smaller the laser spot size, The faster the restoration and the shorter the recovery period at home.
Through this innovative method of shining the laser on specific spots so that the areas of the skin that were not penetrated by the laser remain intact between the spots that have been treated with fractional, which leads to no wound on the skin, in contrast to the peeled laser, which causes a clear wound that lasts for about a week, during which the patient cannot go to work or attend social events.
Also, there remains redness on the skin for weeks to months, depending on the case. As for the fractional technique, there is no clear or visible wound, and the redness that is accompanied by a little swelling last only for three to five days, after which the patient can go to work and live his life very normally.
What distinguishes this type of laser is its suitability for dark skin in general, knowing that in rare cases pigmentation may occur, but it is temporary and disappears with topical lightening creams.
Fractional Co2 laser treats:
- Traces of surgical scars and traces of burns and wounds.
- The effects of acne scars.
- Treatment pigmentation.
- Treatment large pores.
- Reducing deep wrinkles.
- Treatment of sagging skin.