The American Society for Dermatology Surgery says the word laser is short for light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation. Laser face treatments work by producing a powerful beam of bright light that moves in one direction. The laser beam can softly vaporize and/or ablate (remove) skin tissue to treat sun-damaged skin and scars, soften wrinkles and close blood vessels. The latest laser systems are extraordinarily precise and effective. There are limitations to laser face therapy, and more than one treatment may be necessary for optimal results.
Effects
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says there were more than 400,000 laser skin resurfacing procedures performed in the U.S. in 2008. That was a 134 percent jump from 2000.
The Mayo Clinic says laser resurfacing is one of several ablative (wounding) skin resurfacing methods. In addition to eliminating fine and moderate wrinkles, laser face treatment can even out skin tone, remove liver or age spots and reduce scarring due to chickenpox or acne.
Limitations
Laser skin therapy has its limits. It won't provide the more dramatic results that can be seen following a surgical face-lift. Laser resurfacing isn't able to erase deep wrinkles and excess skin or sagging jowls.
The effects of laser face treatments gradually fade as you continue to develop new expression lines from smiling or squinting. In some cases, a series of treatments may be needed.
Ablative Resurfacing
Ablative laser resurfacing uses an intense beam of light energy (laser) that's aimed at the area of the face to be treated. Using a wand-like hand-piece, a laser beam removes the outer layer of skin (epidermis) as the laser heat simultaneously works to encourage the growth of new collagen fibers in the underlying skin (dermis). New, tighter and smoother skin emerges as the wound heals.
Your skin is numbed with local anesthetic to prevent any pain associated with the procedure. In cases of extensive laser resurfacing (your entire face), you may be put under general anesthesia. In most cases, laser face treatment lasts 30 minutes to two hours.
Non-Ablative Resurfacing
Unlike facial laser resurfacing that heats up and removes the top layer of skin, non-ablative lasers treat skin that lies beneath the surface. The American Society for Dermatology Surgery says this newer approach seems to stimulate collagen growth and tighten underlying skin to enhance skin tone and remove fine lines. It offers the patient the benefit of quick healing and little or no recovery time.
Aftercare
After laser face treatment, your skin has a sunburned appearance and blisters may develop. A healing ointment and dressing will cover your skin. You may wear a bandage or head wrap for a couple of days.
As you recover at home, you will be instructed to keep your skin moist with products such as petroleum jelly. It takes a couple of weeks for your new skin to completely cover the area that was treated with laser therapy.
Outcome
The quality and appearance of your skin will slowly but steadily improve over the next six months to a year. Your skin may continue to appear pink or red during much of this time. It's important to keep sun exposure to a minimum and apply plenty of sunscreen.
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