People are always exploring new avenues in order to look better and be more attractive. If you are looking for such a way, laser facial treatments might be the answer. These treatments have proven effective in treating a variety of skin issues that surface due to aging as well as acne. Let’s dig deeper into what these treatments really are and why you should consider getting one. Lasers for facial are basically used to permanently remove tattoos or even treat sun damage, brown spots, fine lines and wrinkles etc.
Laser for face, also known as Facial Laser, are popularly known to improve the texture and appearance of the skin on your face. The skin renewal treatment offered by this is one of the most popular ways to give a fresh new look to your face. There are numerous reasons behind its popularity. For instance, it is a very effective method of removing deep-seated and stubborn blemishes such as dark spots or blackheads, while also improving overall skin tone and brightness.
Read on to learn more about Is Laser For Face Good, Side Effects Of Laser Treatment On Face and How to Minimize Laser Skin Resurfacing Side Effects
Is Laser For Face Good
Glass skin. We all want it, and yet that dewy, airbrushed glow is elusive for most of us, regardless of age. Sloughing off dead cells at home with masks, scrubs, glycolics, and retinols can help. And clinical resurfacing procedures that cause slight injuries to the skin — think chemical peels, dermabrasion, or microneedling — can get you there faster. But when you need a supercharged solution, there’s nothing more effective than lasers.
“Lasers are great tools that can help improve various problems of the skin, such as acne scarring, fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, and even tattoos and loose skin,” says the New York City–based dermatologist Tara Rao, MD.
What Are Lasers and How Do They Work?
So what exactly is a laser, anyway? The word stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation, according to NASA. As used in dermatology, they’re “a skin-resurfacing modality that harnesses the power of light and heat to improve skin tone, texture, and coloration,” says Lara Devgan, MD, a plastic surgeon based in New York City. “It does that by creating a controlled injury in the tissue that stimulates the body to have a healing response that makes it look better.”
When you work out, you intentionally cause small tears to your muscles, which grow back stronger, research notes. Lasers work in a similar way: They use light and heat energy to cause controlled damage to the surface of the skin, so that your body reacts to heal the tissue by creating new skin.
The result? Revved production of collagen, says Rachel Nazarian, MD, which is a benefit that other research shows. With age, collagen production wanes, leading to fine lines and wrinkles, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
If you’ve seen Chelsea Handler’s viral Instagram post of her “before and after” laser treatment, you’re probably already sold on the benefits. And Handler’s not alone: Other celebrity influencers have been touting the effects of their own laser treatments on social media (Drew Barrymore’s makeup-free mug looked angelic as she raved about the benefits of Clear + Brilliant; and Kim Kardashian sometimes makes it seem like having a private laser guru is as indispensable as owning a toothbrush). No wonder laser resurfacing is more popular than ever.
According to a 2018 report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, from 2000 to 2018, laser resurfacing procedures increased by 248 percent, from 170,951 to 600,000
Side Effects Of Laser Treatment On Face
Individuals may experience a range of side effects following their procedure. Some of the most common, as well as rare effects, include:
- Redness, itchiness, and inflammation: After laser skin resurfacing, the skin may develop redness that lasts for several months. If you have certain skin conditions, like rosacea, it could exacerbate the irritation. Some patients also develop slight swelling and itchiness as well.
- Changes in skin tone: In some cases, this procedure can cause hyper- or hypopigmentation, meaning the skin may become darker or lighter than it was prior to treatment. This is most often temporary, but permanent changes are more likely to occur in individuals with darker skin.
- Acne: Avoid excessive bandages or creams following treatment. This can lead to the development of acne.
- Scarring: In rare cases, laser skin resurfacing may lead to permanent scarring.
- Infection: Some patients experience a fungal, viral, or bacterial infection following their procedure. The treatment may trigger a flare-up of the herpes virus, which manifests in cold sores.
Who Should Not Have Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing is not for everyone. The dermatologist at our Fullerton practice may recommend alternative treatment if you:
- Are prone to scarring
- Suffer from an autoimmune disease
- Have a darker skin tone
- Are prone to cold sores
- Have taken isotretinoin for acne within the last year
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
How to Minimize Laser Skin Resurfacing Side Effects
In order to minimize side effects and promote a successful recovery, it is important that you closely follow all recommended post-treatment guidelines. Here are a few recommendations to keep you on the right track:
- Clean the treated areas thoroughly two to five times every day as directed by Dr. Baugh.
- Elevate your head with pillows when sleeping for the first few days.
- Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Apply skin care treatments to protect the treated areas.
- Avoid tobacco products. Smoking impedes the body’s natural healing process.
- Once healing is complete, wear appropriate sunscreen every day. In general, we recommend sensitive skin formulas that are at least 30 SPF.
- If recommended by Dr. Baugh, apply moisturizer liberally every day.