Laser Peel | Laser Resurfacing | Skin Laser Treatment in Pakistan
Laser peel/resurfacing is a skin resurfacing procedure carried out with a laser to improve the appearance of skin or treat minor facial flaws. There are two types of lasers used for skin resurfacing:
- A wounding (ablative) laser, which removes thin layers of skin
- A nonwounding (nonablative) laser, which stimulates collagen growth and tightens underlying skin
Although nonablative laser resurfacing is less invasive and requires less recovery time, it’s less effective than is ablative laser resurfacing.
Advantages
Laser resurfacing can help remove facial fine lines. Laser resurfacing can also help to improve skin tone and complexion if you have scars or sun damage. Laser resurfacing have some limitations, however. Understanding the specific techniques, risks and possible results can help you decide if laser resurfacing is right for you.
Uses
Laser resurfacing can be used to treat:
- Wrinkles
- Spots or age spots (solar lentigines)
- Uneven skin tone or texture
- Sun-damaged skin
- Scars caused by acne, chickenpox or injuries
Laser resurfacing can’t eliminate excessive or sagging skin (jowls).
How you prepare
Before you have laser resurfacing, your doctor will likely:
- Review of medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past medical conditions and any medications you’re taking or have taken recently, as well as any cosmetic procedures you’ve had in the past.
- Physical examination. A physical examination of your skin and the area that will be treated is very important. This will help your dermatologist to determine what changes can be made and how your physical features — for example, the tone and thickness of your skin — might affect your results.
- Expectations. Talk with your doctor about your motivations and expectations, as well as the potential risks. Make sure you understand how long it’ll take to heal and what your results might be. Don’t over expect the results.
Procedure
Ablative laser peel/resurfacing is an outpatient procedure. Before the procedure, your face will be cleaned and your eyes will be covered. Your doctor will numb your skin with local anesthetics. For extensive resurfacing, such as treatment to your whole face, you might be sedated.
During ablative laser peel/resurfacing, an intense beam of light energy (laser) is directed at your skin. The laser beam destroys the outer layer of skin (epidermis). At the same time, the laser heats the underlying skin (dermis), which causes collagen fibers to shrink. As the wound heals, new skin forms that’s smoother and tighter. Ablative laser peel/resurfacing typically takes between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the technique used and the size of the area treated.
Nonablative laser resurfacing can be done in your doctor’s office/clinic. The treatment area will be cleaned, and your eyes will be covered. Your doctor might numb your skin one to two hours before treatment. To protect the outer layer of your skin during nonablative laser peel/resurfacing, your doctor will apply a cryogen spray, a water-based gel or cool air to the treatment area before pulsing the laser. The laser damages collagen beneath your skin and stimulates the growth of new collagen, tightening underlying skin and improving skin tone and appearance. No skin is removed.
Nonablative laser peel/resurfacing typically takes between 15 minutes and 1 1/2 hours, depending on the technique used and size of the area treated. To achieve target results, a series of treatments is typically scheduled over the course of weeks or months.
After the procedure
After ablative laser peel/resurfacing, the treated skin will be raw, swollen and itchy. Treated areas might ooze yellowish liquid. To help avoid scarring, don’t pick at crusts or pieces of skin.
Your doctor will apply a thick ointment to the treated skin and might cover the area with an airtight and watertight dressing. To relieve pain after the procedure, take an over-the-counter pain reliever and apply ice packs.
While you’re recovering from ablative laser peel/resurfacing, regularly clean the treated area with water, saline or acetic acid and apply thick, protective ointments, such as petroleum jelly. You might prefer to remain at home while you’re healing, and your doctor might recommend avoiding strenuous activities. Once new skin completely covers the treated area — usually after one or two weeks — you can use cosmetics to conceal any redness.
After nonablative laser peel/resurfacing, your skin might be temporarily red or swollen. Use ice packs as needed. You can apply makeup and resume your normal activities immediately.
Results
After ablative laser resurfacing, your skin might stay red or pink for up to several months. However, once the treatment area begins to heal, you’ll notice an immediate difference in your skin quality and appearance. The effects can last for years.
Results after nonablative laser peel/resurfacing tend to be gradual and progressive, rather than immediate and dramatic. You’re more likely to notice improvements in skin texture and pigment than in wrinkles.
After laser peel/resurfacing, avoid unprotected sun exposure for one year to prevent irregular pigmentation. Keep in mind that your results might not be permanent, since as you age you’ll continue to acquire lines by squinting and smiling. New sun damage can also reverse your results.
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