Laser For Facial Scars >Our skin is our body’s largest organ, and it protects us against the elements. But sometimes, the skin needs a little help to do its job. We all have scars from acne, surgery, or trauma. Some of those scars are under the skin, and some are on top of it. Laser treatments can help to reduce their appearance by stimulating collagen production beneath the skin.
The procedure involves a medical aesthetician using a laser wand over your face to break up collagen fibers in the scar tissue. This stimulates new collagen growth around the scar and helps to smooth out its appearance. Laser treatments for facial scars can be combined with other procedures like microdermabrasion or chemical peels for more dramatic results.
Laser for facial skin is the answer to stopping your aging process. This is not one of those gimmicky fads either. This is a real thing that has thousands of women and men participating in it every month. It’s a powerful tool that you can use to change things around and make your skin look younger than its age. Read on to learn more Laser Skin Resurfacing and Best Laser Treatment For Face.
Laser For Facial Scars
Types of Lasers for Scar Treatment
Various types of lasers have been utilised in the treatment of scars for a number of years, including CO2, Nd:YAG, Pulse Dye and Er:YAG lasers.7 Lasers are chosen based on the severity of the scar, patient skin type and work according to the theory of selective photothermolysis. Most recently, fractional photothermolysis with ablative and non-ablative fractionated lasers have found use as effective treatments for scars2.
The Difference Between Ablative and Non-Ablative Lasers
The differences between ablative and non-ablative lasers as well as fractional and non-fractional delivery are based on the fundamental process of the target chromophore, photo-thermolysis and how the energy is delivered to the target area.
Ablative lasers are highly absorbed by water and cause the removal of material from the surface of the skin by vaporisation. In comparison, non-ablative lasers do not reach temperatures in the tissue to induce vaporisation, and as such, do not remove material. Instead, they deliver a controlled zone of thermal damage through epidermal and dermal heating.
Fractional Laser
Both non-ablative and ablative lasers can be administered via a fractional delivery system, meaning that the laser beam is divided into an array of microscopic laser beams much smaller in size than the original full beam. This fractional delivery can be produced in a number of ways, most commonly via a micro-lens array or a fractional scanner.
What Causes Scarring?
Excessive pulling or tension across a healing wound is a factor which may increase inflammation and scar formation, and if healing is delayed, for example, due to infection, this will increase the risk of a build-up of connective fibrous tissue, resulting in an increased likelihood of scarring.
The main distinction between scar tissue and normal skin is the amount of collagen it contains and the manner in which the collagen fibres are produced. The elongated collagen fibres are well arranged in normal skin. The structure of collagen fibres in scars, on the other hand, is disorganised and markedly different from the normal surrounding tissue. The collagen fibres become more tightly packed and more resistant to elimination by the natural enzymes released by the body as the scar ages.
The degree of scarring, including the size and depth of the wound, the blood supply to the region, the thickness and colour of the skin, and the direction of the scar, can be influenced by several variables. The age of individuals also significantly influences the development of scars. Younger skin, for example, appears to over-heal, resulting in bigger, darker scars compared to older skin. In addition, the location of the body where the wound takes place can impact the appearance of the scar, with the sternum being particularly prone to scar formation.
Plasma Rich Platelet Therapy
Autologous platelet-rich plasma contains a higher concentration of platelets than normally found, in order to enhance wound healing[29 30]. Derived by spinning the patient’s blood and injecting it back into the area of scarring, practitioners are able to deliver a high concentration of growth factors, platelets and cytokines to the target tissue. In response to platelet activation, the alpha-granules of the platelets release growth factors and induce cell proliferation and cell differentiation for tissue regeneration. These growth factors play an important role in controlling and proliferating mesenchymal stem cells, including fibroblasts, and have been shown to induce collagen and matrix component synthesis, which is expected to boost atrophic scars[31.
Additionally, the application of platelet-rich plasma to surgical wounds post-surgery has been shown as an effective pre-scar solution, for the acceleration of tissue repair and for the reduction of postoperative pain[32]. This treatment can be utilised alongside other scar treatment methods mentioned.
Steroid Injections
Steroid injections are often the first line of defence in the prevention and treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars from a medical perspective. Usually, triamcinolone is injected along the length of the wound. The result is a reduction in the redness of the scar and then slowing of growth, followed in most cases by regression of the bulk of the lesion. Corticosteroid injections can have improved efficacy when combined with other therapies, including lasers. Furthermore, triamcinolone injections have also been shown to improve scars via inhibition of fibroblast proliferation, decreased collagen synthesis, and inhibition of collagenase inhibitors. While triamcinolone’s side effects, including skin atrophy, telangiectasia, and hypopigmentation, are well known, lower doses of steroids can decrease these effects.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
What do skincare and James Bond have in common? Besides being timeless, both know how to handle close encounters with lasers. Strike that. Skincare might handle lasers far more adeptly than 007.
Laser skin treatments are one of the many types of facials that can help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and acne. Lasers can also brighten skin tone, smooth skin texture, and restore elasticity and plumpness to your face.
This guide will cover how lasers work when it comes to skincare, types of laser treatment for the face, and the best way to enhance the effects of any laser treatment.
How Do Laser Treatments Work? A Crash Course in Lasers
A little knowledge goes a long way when it comes to figuring out which laser treatment will be right for you.
What Exactly Is A Laser?
The answer to this question lies in the word itself. “Laser” is an acronym:
Light
Amplification by
Stimulated
Emission of
Radiation
To really understand what a laser does, let’s take a trip back to science class and understand light.
All light travels in waves, and the distance between each wave’s peak is called a wavelength. The light we see each glowing from lightbulbs or shining on our skin as we lounge by the pool contains a mix of different light colors, and each color has its own wavelength. For example, red light has a longer wavelength than blue light. All of these different wavelengths together create a “white” or neutral light—this is the light we see from the sun and our light bulbs.
Think of each light color like a different instrument, each playing a song at their own tempo. Kind of noisy and unfocused, but is it music? In the general sense, sure—this is natural light.
A laser is technically a light, but it’s a little different than our day-to-day light sources. Lasers produce light of similar wavelengths, creating a narrow beam of concentrated light. These artificially created lights are like a brass band playing the same tune at the same tempo—focused, precise, and powerful 1.
What is a Laser Facial Procedure?
Lasers and skincare are a match made in dermatological heaven. Lasers permeate through the layers of skin to help promote collagen and elastin growth. Did you know that collagen production starts to decline around age 25, and continues on this downward trend, picking up steam in women after menopause? This is why many women have turned to laser treatments.
The more collagen your cells produce, the better your skin looks.
How Do Laser Treatments Work?
Different lasers do different things, but they all work in a similar way. The intensely focused light supports old, damaged skin on a cellular level. From there, the laser heats and damages the deeper layers of the skin. But don’t worry, this damage is actually a fantastic thing. Lasers force your body’s skin systems to go into an ultra-healing mode. When the skin cells are damaged by a laser, your body responds by producing rejuvenating collagen. Therefore, this laser therapy works to improve your skin texture and the overall appearance of any skin type.
After your recovery time is up, your skin will be smoother, brighter, more even, and firmer—especially if you’re prepping and caring for your skin using our Regenerating Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology®. Recommended by dermatologists everywhere, this incredible formula directly supports your cell’s collagen and elastin production, speeds recovery time and makes your laser treatment results last even longer.
Ablative, Non-Ablative, and Fractional Lasers
Two words you’ll hear when learning more about laser therapy treatments are “ablative” and “non-ablative.” Understanding the difference can help you determine which laser skin treatment is right for you 2 .
- Ablative – An ablative laser is more invasive than a non-ablative laser. This laser wounds the skin by removing the outer layer of the skin—the epidermis—while heating and slightly damaging the deeper skin layers. This promotes a huge increase in your body’s collagen and elastin production and will leave skin feeling smoother and tighter.
- Non-Ablative – A non-ablative laser is much less invasive than an ablative laser. Instead of damaging the skin’s surface, it heats the mid and lower levels of skin. However, both procedures result in increased collagen production, and rejuvenated skin
The main differences between these two? Invasiveness, recovery, and results.
An ablative laser treatment is more invasive which means the recovery time can be longer. Non-ablative lasers are less invasive, meaning the recovery time is typically shorter.
While non-ablative procedures are less invasive, the results are not as great as ablative. Ablative procedures require only one or two sessions to achieve maximum results. Meanwhile, you may need between four to six non-ablative treatments to get the same effects.
Recovery time for this treatment depends on whether your specialist recommends an ablative or non-ablative laser. An ablative erbium laser treatment will take longer time for your skin to recover, a non-ablative erbium laser treatment will take less.
ALASTIN: Helping You Get the Most Out of Your Laser Treatment
Every laser treatment for face concerns gets you closer to revealing your most beautiful and radiant skin. No matter which procedure you choose, you’re on your way to rejuvenation. Understanding how to take care of your face after a laser treatment as well as before a treatment can make the difference between great skin and gorgeous skin.
Preparing your skin before your procedure is similar to clearing your garden of weeds, fertilizing and preparing the soil, before planting your new garden. Helping your skin start clearing out damaged collagen and elastin before the laser procedure will make way for all the great new healthy collagen and elastin you are about to create after the procedure.
Make the most of your laser treatment with our Procedure Enhancement System utilizing patented TriHex Technology®. These unique formulas are backed by science and specifically engineered to help prepare the skin for laser treatments and help reduce the time it takes to recover.
Skincare treatments have taken huge strides in variety and effectiveness. Luckily, we have all the information you need on different procedures both ablative and non-ablative. With the help of ALASTIN, you’ll be on track to healthier and happier skin!
Best Laser Treatment For Face
If you’re starting to notice age spots, deep wrinkles or a bit of sagging skin on your face, your seeing the effect of structural changes associated with skin damage and aging.
Have you ever wondered why your butt cheeks are smoother and generally unblemished while your face becomes dull and has wrinkles and age spots?
That’s because over time your skin suffers NOT ONLY the effects of aging, but also the effects of the environment on your skin. Particularly, the sun.
Other factors that contribute to skin health are good nutrition, hormone balance and of course, a skin care regimen.
The Science of Skin Care
There have been great advancements in skin care, but the fountain of youth is yet to be discovered. Scientist have uncovered enough data, however, that helps understand how the skin regenerates and what causes it to structurally change.
We won’t go into the scientific details in this article. Suffice is to say, there are things we can do to prevent and repair skin damage.
So let’s get to it. If you’re serious about preventing and restoring a smooth, spotless, youthful glow to your skin, below are a list of things you can do:
Avoid things that damage your skin
Remember, as we age, the ability of our skin to regenerate and heal from damage is compromised. Taking steps to reduce or eliminate things that damage it is imperative for healthy looking skin.
Some of these may be obvious, but a reminder may be due…
- Smoking and second hand smoke
- Excessive sun exposure like sunbathing during the day will take a toll on your skin over time
- Swimming in chlorinated pool
- Wearing too much makeup or sleeping with makeup
- Picking at your skin – don’t do it!
- Long hot showers and steam rooms
- Consuming too much salt
- Waxing too often
- Exfoliating too often
- Squinting and frowning
- Stress
- Sugars
- Dry cleaned clothes
- Too much alcohol
- Avoid chemicals directly on your skin (i.e. cleaning, grease, etc.)
Did you know that many creams, lotions and cosmetic products use harmful chemicals already banned in European countries? Avoid them at all cost!
Develop a plan to protect your skin
Protecting your skin from the inside out has proven to be an effective strategy to prolong a youthful complexion. The goal is to do things the help the skin regenerate and protect it from further harm.
- Apply sunscreen
- Wear clothing that provide UV protection
- Drink sufficient water
- Use skin moisturizers
- Get enough sleep
- Use lip balm
- Use clean sheets and pillow cases
- Exercise (sweat)
- Wear clinically proven healthy makeup
- Eat a balanced diet
- Take supplements if you suffer from any nutritional deficiency
Get professional help
Visit an experienced aesthetician, aesthetics doctor or dermatologist to help you RESTORE your skin’s healthy appearance. Professional help will allow you to get the most dramatic improvement for your specific type of skin.
Remember, your skin does not become dull, dry, wrinkled or spotted overnight.
Understanding the advantages professional help provides can help you get the results you want more effectively, in less time, and often times more affordably.
Experience Matters
Knowing what to look for is imperative to prescribing the right treatment. Getting the results you desire take experience and know how. If you’re fortunate to have a medical doctor assess your skin, he or she can also make recommendations based on your health history or condition.
Treatment Options
Your skin rejuvenation professional will recommend a wide range of options, including facials and treatments for specific concerns and will know which services are best improve the condition of your skin. For example, a hyper-allergenic solution for oily skin suffering from blackheads / whiteheads.
Advancements in Technology
Some skin damage cannot be treated at home. Age spots and scars for example, take specialized devices to treat the damaged area. These conditions may require laser, IPL technology or micro-needling to solve.
Skin Care Products
Most aesthetic or dermatology offices offer skin care products, including makeup, that are safe and effective for your skin type. You can often take advantage of a free consultation and demonstrations.
Remember, not all skin types respond the same to treatments. That’s why having a medical doctor as your aesthetic professional is of great advantage in that he or she is able to better diagnose skin issues affected by health conditions or medications.
Additionally, only a medical doctor can prescribe pain medication should you receive a treatment that is uncomfortable.
As you know, there are plenty of resources online to help improve your skin’s health. Try them with caution since some of these anti-aging treatments may cause allergic reaction or are simply ineffective for your skin type.
As in exercising or cooking, a professional can expedite the progress you make by providing the know how to do it effectively. Same thing occurs when attempting to restore a healthy glow to your skin.