The Facts about Laser Skin Resurfacing
When it comes to laser therapy treatments, they are by far the most versatile, and often requested aesthetic enhancement treatments around today. The CO2 laser is used as a resurfacing instrument, as well as for laser peels. The doctor can adjust the amount of energy in the laser beam, thus controlling the depth of penetration. According to the team at Koru, the best upper east side medical spa resurfacing is the most common application of the CO2 laser. It will reduce wrinkles by a considerable amount, in addition to helping to reduce acne scarring, tighten the skin, stimulate new collagen formation in the dermis, tighten the existing collagen fibers, and remove 70% to 80% of sun damage. Some of the other types of lasers have been developed to address more specific skin concerns, including the Erbium YAG and fractional lasers, among others. Despite how popular and widely acclaimed, laser treatments might be, many individuals are still relatively uneducated on all there is to know about lasers. Here are some important facts that you should know before getting your first laser treatment done.
Who is a Good Candidate for Laser Treatment?
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing can successfully treat all skin types, though other types of laser may have some limitations. In general, you should be free of any active skin infections, including acne. According to the team at Koru, the best Upper East Side medical spa, people who take or have taken certain medications (including but not limited to Accutane and some steroids) within the previous 18 months and those who tend to have unusual scarring, such as keloids, may not considered good candidates for laser resurfacing. It’s important to talk with your doctor about your specific needs to make sure you receive the most suitable treatment with the most suitable type of laser.
What Can Laser Treatments Help?
Those who can benefit from a skin resurfacing procedure include patients with skin imperfections like wrinkles, loose skin, scars (including acne scars), vascular lesions (like broken capillaries or spider veins), enlarged pores, rough skin texture, dark spots (hyperpigmentation) on the skin, or unwanted tattoos, hair, or birthmarks. Even pre-cancerous lesions on the skin can be effectively removed with laser resurfacing.
Post-Procedure Care
Skin resurfacing is usually performed on an outpatient basis. With the CO2 laser, a balm is used to help skin healing. Your surgeon will provide instructions for washing the skin. You can expect some swelling, discomfort, and possible crusting and weeping of the skin. Do not pick at the skin, as this can lead to infection and scarring. Over-the-counter medications are often sufficient to manage pain, or you may be given prescriptions for pain medication and/or antibiotics.
Recovery & Downtime?
It is generally recommended that the patient rest indoors for at least 7 to 10 days, except in the case of a very light peel. However, some people prefer to remain unseen by others until the worst of the redness, crusting, and/or peeling subsides. This time period can be from 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on the depth of your peel. Even if you do decide to return to work before healing is complete, you must absolutely continue to follow the recommendations of your surgeon in regards to sun exposure and the use of protective skin barriers. Despite this, the risks both long and short term, are relatively small. Possible short-term risks and complications include prolonged redness of the skin, tenderness or a burning sensation, itching, increased sensitivity to light, and easy flushing. In rare cases, the procedure can trigger the re-appearance of an existing dormant virus or infection. You may also experience skin irritation caused by sensitivity to the post-procedure healing cream. This usually resolves on its own. For more information on laser therapy and more, be sure to contact Koru NYC today.
