Laser skin resurfacing is a new advancement in anti-aging treatments that reduces the look of fine lines or wrinkles, scars, and hyperpigmentation (discoloured regions of the skin), particularly around the eyes and mouth. It is also useful for treating vast portions of the face.
Laser skin resurfacing has lately gained popularity due to its advantages over alternative methods, which may cause discomfort, bleeding, and bruising, all of which result in a lengthier recovery period. Because laser skin resurfacing results in more youthful-looking skin, it can also be psychologically revitalising.
Other Skin Treatments vs. Laser Skin Resurfacing
All skin treatments function in the same way: they remove a layer of skin to allow new skin to thrive and fill in wrinkles and fissures. Until recently, the only medical treatments for damaged skin were chemical peels and microdermabrasion. These procedures provide anti-aging advantages including as bright skin, fewer wrinkles, reduced regions of skin discolouration, and reduced scarring. However, these procedures do not involve laser light and simply remove a tiny layer of skin. Laser skin resurfacing use laser light to treat deeper layers of the skin than microdermabrasion.
Acne scars, wrinkles, and age-related skin discolouration can all be treated with laser skin resurfacing. A recently created third-generation Erbium/YAG-CO2 combination laser is particularly successful for acne scars, with none of the negative effects associated with previous laser types. Furthermore, the Fraxel laser was recently released for the treatment of acne scars, brown age spots, melasma (patchy or generalised dark or tan regions), fine lines, and wide pores; it is proven to be quite efficient. During your meeting with your doctor, he or she will choose the appropriate laser for your scar removal procedure.
There are several possibilities for improving skin through photo rejuvenation, which is the use of an energy-based technology to enhance skin in thermal, mechanical, and chemical ways. Thermage is a thermal energy-based device that has recently been FDA-approved for the treatment of drooping skin and facial wrinkles.
When Laser Skin Resurfacing Isn’t the Best Option
People with olive, suntanned, or dark skin are not good candidates for laser skin resurfacing. Others who do not qualify include individuals who are prone to scarring, are on certain drugs, or have a skin disorder. For example, discoloration must be assessed to identify whether it is the consequence of normal age hyperpigmentation (which is curable) or a more significant medical problem (in which case laser treatment may not be appropriate).
The Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure
Laser skin resurfacing can be done at your doctor’s office, an outpatient surgical facility, or a hospital. Local anaesthetic is often administered while you are sedated but awake; however, general anaesthesia may be used for treatment of deeper layers of the skin.
Depending on the amount of resurfacing required, treatment time might range from a few minutes to an hour and a half.
The doctor precisely slides the laser across the region of skin that has to be treated. The laser may be moved over the region several times depending on the depth of the wrinkle, scar, or discolouration. The laser penetrates and eliminates the amount of outer skin layers required to reveal the layer free of flaws. Once that layer is revealed, healing may begin to develop new skin that appears younger and free of flaws.
To reach deeper locations, the treatment may be repeated in two or more sessions, although one session is generally sufficient.
Aftercare for Laser Skin Resurfacing
Following laser resurfacing, you should expect some moderate edoema and pain. Ice packs and medicines given by your surgeon can help you manage this. For 10 days or longer, the skin may seem red and crusty.
If a bandage was used following your surgery, it may be changed after a day or two. Your bandage will be removed after about a week, and a thin layer of ointment will be placed to your skin. At this point, your surgeon will tell you how to carefully wash and care for your healed skin.
It is critical that you do not peel the crusts off the treated region during this stage of recovery, otherwise scarring will occur. The majority of patients are crust-free after 10 days, however redness may last for many weeks.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Complications and Risks
Complications from this treatment are uncommon, however they might include skin discoloration, burning, or scarring. Dormant viruses or diseases can be activated in rare instances. The ageing process is not slowed by laser skin resurfacing. Wrinkles, discolouration, and other flaws might reappearance throughout your life.
Consult a Qualified Doctor
Consult a dermatologist and a plastic surgeon who have substantial expertise utilising a laser. There’s a lot to learn. Acne scars, for example, may respond well to a CO2 laser, although other lasers may be better for other types of scars.
There are various anti-aging lasers available, such as the UltraPulse, SilkTouch, and erbium. The intense pulsed light (IPL) system, also known as the SpectraPulse light system, is used to eliminate face veins, brown patches, and benign lesions.
Only skilled and competent doctors will know which laser is best for each ailment and will have had proper laser training. Using a trained doctor improves your chances of success and lowers your risk of problems.
Here are some things to think about before seeing a doctor:
- Inquire about credentials, training, and how many times the procedure has been done in the practise. A doctor who is qualified to use a CO2 laser and has privileges to use the laser in a properly approved hospital would often do laser skin resurfacing.
- Determine the sort of equipment that will be utilised, the location of the process, and the scope of the procedure.
- Doctors can show you images of other patients who have had laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion and have had similar skin concerns. You may use these images to help you determine whether laser skin resurfacing is right for you.
- Each case is unique. Before choosing on laser skin resurfacing, consult with a trained specialist to explore your alternatives and create a long-term strategy.
The Cost of Laser Skin Resurfacing in Dubai
The Emirati Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that the national average cost for laser skin resurfacing is 1500 AED. This amount only covers the physician’s expenses, and it is simply an estimate for one therapy session; nevertheless, numerous sessions may be required. After your doctor has evaluated your illness and goals and developed a treatment plan, you may arrive at a more accurate total estimate.
Certain ointments, dressings, and lotions are usually included in the cost of laser skin resurfacing. Antibiotics and other prescription drugs, such as pain relievers, are typically not included in the estimate provided by your doctor. The procedure fee does not include the disguise cosmetics that some providers provide for usage following surgery.
The degree of therapy has an impact on the cost. If deeper layers of the skin must be pierced to eliminate the defect, general anaesthesia and hospitalisation may be necessary. A hospital’s general anaesthesia is far more expensive than local anaesthetic at a doctor’s office or outpatient surgical facility.