Laser Skin Treatment – Find Out What You Should Know

Whether you’re struggling with wrinkles, acne scars or just want a youthful glow, a laser skin treatment could be the solution you’ve been hoping for. That’s because this procedure goes beyond simply applying creams or moisturizers; it involves using hot beams of light on the area. This way, the old, dull outer layers are removed to reveal newer, smoother skin.

Types of Treatments

When getting a laser skin treatment, there are two popular methods. One involves carbon dioxide (CO2) and the other involves erbium. These beams of light serve different purposes when it comes to improving the complexion. For instance, if you suffer from lots of issues such as unsightly birthmarks, rhinophyma, wrinkles, warts and more, then CO2 can be beneficial to you. The doctor will use rapid light beams in an effort to remove the layer of skin in the problem area. Most times this can be done without affecting other areas in the region. However, your doctor should be extremely skilled in this process to ensure optimal results.

On the other hand, some doctors perform the procedure using erbium. Erbium can be a big help to people with dark pigmentation. That’s because although any type of laser skin treatment could possibly burn the area, people with darker complexions are more susceptible to side effects. Also, this particular method can help minimize the amount of heat the epidermis absorbs, therefore reducing the chance for burns.

Candidates

For anyone suffering from excessive wrinkles on the face, annoying scarring due to pimples or some other imperfection, a laser skin treatment could help improve your look. However, people with a darker tone should understand some of the pros and cons of this procedure before rushing out to do it since they could end up with discolored skin. Also, it’s best that you don’t smoke or quit smoking a few months in advance since smoking can affect your ability to heal.

The Process

Fortunately the overall process is pretty basic and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours to complete. It is considered an outpatient procedure, requiring only a mild anesthetic as well as a sedative. You can choose to get your laser skin treatment in only a few areas at a time. Or, if you would prefer to get over all your healing at once, you can choose to do your entire face and other body parts, such as hands, all at one time.

Healing

When the process is done, the affected areas will be covered with sterile dressings that you’ll need to keep on for a few days or as directed by your doctor. In addition, you will need to be sure to clean the area a few times a day, usually with a mild solution such as saline or vinegar. Lastly adding a thick ointment, like petroleum jelly, can prevent scabbing in the area. It may take a few weeks for the region to heal, and you will have some discoloration for a while. This can easily be covered with makeup.