A dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon can use any of a variety of laser tools to give your skin a clearer, smoother and more even appearance. Lasers can be used to smooth out fine wrinkles and expression lines, reduce pigmentation such as sun spots and freckles, treat tiny blood vessels that appear on your face and firm up skin tone. Laser resurfacing can also be used to smooth raised scars and remove facial hair. A laser facial can treat your whole face or just specific areas, such as the skin around your eyes or mouth.
Procedure
Although it is considered a form of surgery, a laser facial is performed with a tool that uses an intense beam of light to change the appearance of your skin without having to make any incisions. Special goggles or other coverings protect your eyes during the procedure.
An ablative laser facial is like a sandblast, removing the epidermis, or outermost layer of your skin, to reveal a smoother surface below. Lasers also heat the skin just below the surface, which stimulates collagen growth so that the newly exposed skin is tighter and smoother.
A non-ablative laser facial heats the skin, stimulating the formation of new collagen, but it does not remove the outer layer of old skin. Several treatments are required before the skin starts to appear smoother and firmer, and the results are much more subtle than with an ablative laser.
A laser for facial hair removal sends a beam of light below the surface of the skin to destroy hair follicles.
Follow-up
Laser facials are performed in a doctor's office or as an outpatient procedure in a clinic or hospital. Depending on the type of laser used and procedure involved, you may have redness, swelling, crusting or raw skin. You will be given instructions on how to take care of your skin as it heals.
A laser facial for hair removal gives immediate results, although several treatments are required for complete and long-lasting results. It is usually a matter of weeks, or months, however, before the effects of a resurfacing facial can be seen.
Risks
A laser facial is a safe process, but as with any medical procedure, there is always some risk involved. Rare but possible complications include burns, scars, unwanted textural changes, pigment changes such as whitening of areas of some areas skin, and infection.
To minimize your risk of complications, be sure to choose a physician or surgeon who has training and experience in laser facials. It is always best to get a doctor's referral from someone you trust.
Member Comments