Laser resurfacing for skin is one of the most effective ways to treat a whole host of aging skin signs. This procedure removes layers of the surface of the skin and can heat deeper layers of the skin as well. But there are actually several options when considering laser resurfacing. Let’s look at some of the options and how they are different.
TYPES OF LASER RESURFACING
Skin lasers can be divided up in a variety of ways. First we can consider how the laser creates an injury to the skin: Ablative, Nonablative, and Hybrid Lasers:
Ablative lasers fully remove the top layer of the skin (epidermis) by vaporizing the cells using carbon dioxide or erbium. New tissue then grows to cover the injured area. Because skin layers are fully removed, the treated areas must be protected with special products until healing occurs.
Nonablative lasers heat and coagulate tissue deeper in the dermal layer of skin. The heated tissue dies and is pushed out through the skin over 1-2 weeks as MENDS (microscopic epidermal necrotic debris). Because no skin layer is removed, there is less downtime than with an ablative laser, but it may take longer to reach your aesthetic goal.
Hybrid lasers take the best of both worlds. They combine ablation of the top layer of skin along with coagulation of deeper layers for an extremely effective treatment.
HOW TREATMENT IS DELIVERED
We can also classify laser treatments by how much of the skin surface is treated at one time. Skin can have full field treatment or fractional treatment:
Full field treatment usually refers to an ablative laser that removes the entire epidermis from the face. It is the most aggressive resurfacing treatment, since no epidemis is left behind and the body must regrow the entire skin surface. It will take up to 2 weeks to fully regrow the epidermis, and new collagen will continue to grow for up to 6 months.
Fractional treatment means that a portion of the skin surface is removed, leaving tiny islands of untreated skin in between the treated areas. Fractional treatment allows for much quicker healing, since stem cells and growth factors from the untreated areas quickly spill into the treated sections.
WHAT DOES LASER RESURFACING TREAT?
Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Acne Scars
Sun Damage (brown spots on skin)
Scars
Uneven Skin Tone and Texture
Enlarged Pores
Dull Skin
Signs of Aging Skin
A better question may be “what DOESN’T laser resurfacing treat”??
HEALTHY SKIN FOR THE WIN
It may seem overwhelming, but there is a laser resurfacing procedure for everyone. Most patients will do the best with the Halo Laser. Halo combines fractional ablative and nonablative wavelengths to give you the best of all options. Halo can quickly ablate a portion of the epidermis, while heating deeper layers of the dermis to stimulate new collagen growth. The result is a quick procedure, with healing time in just about 5 days; this is much faster than a full-field resurfacing. Within weeks, most patients will see a tighter, brighter appearance! Textural issues, scars, and deeper wrinkles will show improvement within 3-6 months. Plus, our providers are skilled at performing Halo on all skin types.
SCHEDULE YOUR LASER RESURFACING CONSULTATION AT FOUNDATIONS AT MAITLAND
At Foundations at Maitland, in Maitland FL, we offer a full range of non-surgical treatments to help you reach your aesthetic, wellness, and sexual goals. Our providers are highly trained and experienced. We are led by our double-board certified surgeon, Dr Kristin Jackson, who has personally developed all treatment protocols and is closely involved in the day-to-day operations of our medical spa. With her extensive training in all non-surgical cosmetic treatments as well as over 20 years of surgical experience, Dr Jackson is uniquely qualified to ensure our medical spa provides you with the highest standards of quality care and safety.
If you are looking for laser resurfacing doctors near you, we can help! Contact us today for your complimentary consultation!