At Costhetics, we’re crazy about lasers for skin rejuvenation, and we’d like to invite you to be part of the love fest. The field of laser dermatology is more complicated than ever, and so are the concerns of patients about which device is right for them, the cost of a laser treatment, and how much it is likely to hurt.
In this article, we’re reviewing all the amazing things that lasers can do, from correcting common skin issues to treating rosacea and making ageing skin look fresh and youthful again.
Laser Skin Rejuvenation Then and Now
Resurfacing lasers first entered the realm of dermatology 30 years ago, when doctors learned how to direct a beam of intense light at the skin to burn off the top layer, allowing new skin to grow in its place. The first lasers used were the Ruby and Argon lasers. The Argon laser was used predominantly in the treatment of cutaneous vascular lesions, and the CO2 laser was used as both a cutting and ablating tool.
Unfortunately, early laser treatments were painful; patients often had to suffer though a month-long “sunburn” before their new skin was revealed. Since that time, lasers have undergone a tremendous transformation and have become one of the most versatile and effective tools in professional skincare. 21st Century rejuvenating lasers have been fine-tuned to penetrate the surface skin, stimulating the collagen from within and below and triggering its production, rather than simply shearing off the surface.
Benefits of Laser Skin Rejuvenation
Laser skin resurfacing is a proven and effective way to improve skin. A laser peel can be performed to diminish the appearance of
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Acne scarring
- Age spots
- Birthmarks
- Blotchy skin patches
- Sun damage
- Redness due to rosacea
Deep laser skin rejuvenation can
- Stimulate the production of new collagen in the lower dermis.
- Remove skin growths such as moles and warts
- Treat skin cancer in its earliest stages.
Finally, laser skin resurfacing is currently one of the most effective means of revising mild to moderate facial scarring resulting from either previous surgery or injury.
Most Popular Types of Skin Resurfacing Lasers
The types of lasers used in skin rejuvenation today include:
- CO2 laser – The CO2 laser is the highest intensity laser treatment used in cosmetic enhancement. The laser uses heat to restrict the collagen bands found in the lower dermis, causing the skin to look tighter and smoother after treatment.
The CO2 laser can eliminate or diminish the appearance of scars, wrinkles, warts, and even birthmarks. It has also been used to treat skin cancer in its earliest stages.
- Erbium laser – Erbium lasers are less powerful than CO2 lasers, but more precise. They are a better option for patients with dark skin because there is less risk of permanent changes to skin pigmentation. With a shorter healing, they are also better for patients with generally healthy skin who wish to treat only minimal fine lines and wrinkles.
- Fractional Laser – The fractional laser treatment is non-invasive and has few post-treatment side effects. There is virtually no skin tenderness or pain after undergoing treatment, and no downtime is required. Improvements to the skin’s appearance will appear gradually over the course of weeks or months.
Which laser treatment is right for you? That’s a question for the professionals. If you’re dissatisfied with the appearance of your skin and would like to refresh and rejuvenate your complexion, Team Costhetics recommends that you visit your dermatologist or skincare expert to get the best answer.