Laser skin resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is one of the most cutting-edge anti-aging remedies. It can help improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, scars and discoloured areas of the skin. It can also be used on acne scars and any discolouration of the skin which occurs due to aging. Laser skin is an increasingly popular procedure which has many advantages over other anti-aging treatments. Laser skin doesn't cause bleeding, bruising or major discomfort and has a relatively short recovery time compared to other anti-aging remedies. Laser skin resurfacing also treats deeper layers of skin than alternative treatments such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels.

The Procedure

Typically, laser skin resurfacing is performed as an outpatient operation. This means that a local anaesthetic will be used and you will be able to return home the same day. In some cases however, it is possible to recieve a general anesthetic when treating the deeper layers of skin. Depending on the amount of resurfacing needed, the procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours. Your surgeon will move the laser carefully over the area that needs treating. The laser may need to be repeatedly moved over one area, depending on the depth of the discolouration, wrinkle or scar. The laser will penetrate and remove as many layers of skin as required until reaching one which is unaffected by imperfections. Exposing this layer enables the body to begin healing and rebuilding new, younger-looking skin free of any imperfections. Although one treatment is usually enough, the procedure may need to be performed more than once in order to treat deeper areas.

The Aftercare

It's usual to experience some discomfort and a small amount of swelling immediately following treatment. Fortunately, this can be treated using ice packs and, if needed medication. In addition; your skin may appear red and crusted for a couple of weeks after laser skin resurfacing. In most cases a bandage will be applied after the treatment, which will need to be substituted for a fresh one in a couple of days. Around a week after laser skin resurfacing this bandage will be removed and, if needed, ointment will be applied to aid the skin with healing. Your surgeon will provide additional advice on how to carefully wash and care for your delicate skin. It's very important not to pick at any scabs or crusts that develop, as this may result in permanent scarring. Redness of the skin may continue for several weeks following the procedure.

The Risks

Although complications with laser skin resurfacing are few, all surgical procedures come with risks. In rare cases there can be permanent scarring, skin discolouration and burns; these may require additional treatments to correct. The process can trigger infections or dormant viruses and it's usual to be prescribed antibiotics to protect against this. Laser skin resurfacing will not halt the aging process and can't prevent new wrinkles or discoloured areas forming as you age. Certain people may not be best suited to undergoing laser resurfacing. Those taking certain medications or suffering from any medical or skin disorders may be excluded from treatment. Similarly if any discolouration is the result of a medical condition rather than due to aging then it may not be appropriate to treat the area with laser resurfacing. Laser skin resurfacing is not as effective of those with olive, tanned or black skin and, as such, an alternative treatment may be more effective. Before you undergo the procedure it's usually recommended you maintain a healthy diet to promote healing, and avoid smoking, as this can constrict blood vessels and increase the risk of scarring.