Laser For Facial Resurfacing

Laser for facial resurfacing is a treatment that uses a laser to remove or reduce wrinkles, scars and other imperfections on the face. It can also be used to treat sun damage and other skin conditions. The laser works by breaking the bonds of the damaged skin, which causes the cells to die off and be removed from the body.

The procedure itself is relatively simple and only takes about an hour. The doctor will numb your skin with medication to keep you comfortable during treatment. Then, they will apply a solution containing a light-sensitive dye onto your face and allow it to sit for several minutes before using the laser to remove it. While there are no guarantees that any given treatment will work for you personally, there are plenty of success stories out there thanks to advances in technology that make it possible for more people than ever before.

Read on to learn more about Laser For Facial Resurfacing, How Do Laser Treatments Work? A Crash Course in Lasers

Laser For Facial Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is a procedure to remove the outer layers of skin from your face and encourage new skin to grow. Most people have it to make their skin look and feel better by reducing wrinkles, scars and blotchy patches.

What is laser facial resurfacing?

If you have laser resurfacing, your doctor will direct an intense laser beam onto your skin. This may be able to:

• reduce or remove fine wrinkles
• tighten your skin
• even out the colour of blotchy patches of skin
• smooth rough skin
• make your scars look better – including shallow acne scars

Your surgeon can direct the laser on particular problem areas such as wrinkles around your eyes, mouth or nose. Or they can treat your whole face. You can have laser resurfacing treatment on other areas too – for example, on the skin of your neck, chest, arms and hands.

This topic covers laser resurfacing on your face.

Types of laser resurfacing

Ablative and non-ablative lasers

There are two main types of laser resurfacing – ablative and non-ablative. This topic mainly describes ablative laser resurfacing.

Ablative laser resurfacing removes the top layer of your skin (the epidermis). This exposes the deeper layer of your skin (the dermis). The heat from the laser makes your skin tissue tighten, which triggers new collagen fibres to grow. Collagen is a long fibrous protein that gives your skin its structure and strength. As the wound heals, you’ll form new skin that’s softer and less wrinkled or scarred than before.

Non-ablative laser resurfacing doesn’t remove the top layer of your skin. Instead, it heats up the dermis to encourage new skin to grow and trigger collagen growth. Non-ablative laser resurfacing has a gentler effect on your skin than ablative laser resurfacing but the results aren’t as noticeable. For more information, see our FAQ: What is non-ablative laser resurfacing?

Types of ablative laser

There are two different types of ablative laser:

• carbon dioxide (CO2) laser
• Erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) laser

Carbon dioxide lasers go deeper into your skin than the Er:YAG lasers. Your skin absorbs more of the Er:YAG lasers, which causes fewer side-effects. Your doctor will choose the best laser type for you. Sometimes, they may use both types together or one after the other to get a better effect.

Fractional ablative lasers remove a small part of your skin rather than all of your skin. These lasers are newer and don’t usually damage surrounding skin.

What are the alternatives to laser resurfacing?

Your doctor may recommend other treatments instead of or before laser resurfacing.

• Chemical peels – these use acid to remove layers of your skin.
• Dermabrasion – in this procedure, your surgeon will remove the top layer of your skin using a rotating surgical instrument.
• Microdermabrasion – abrasive substances such as crystals are directed onto your face to treat wrinkles and sun-damaged skin.

If you have very deep wrinkles or sagging skin, your doctor may recommend a facelift instead of laser resurfacing. A plastic surgeon will discuss the different options with you.

Preparing for laser resurfacing

You’ll meet your surgeon before your procedure. They’ll check your skin type and look at the areas of skin that are being treated. They’ll see where your wrinkles are and how thick they are. This will help them to decide which type of laser resurfacing to use.

Your doctor will tell you if there’s anything you need to do before your surgery – for example, use any special creams on your skin.

Laser resurfacing is usually done as a day-case procedure in a clinic or hospital. This means you’ll have the procedure and go home on the same day. If you’re having a general anaesthetic, you’ll usually be asked not to eat or drink anything for several hours before your procedure. Your doctor will give you specific advice.

Your surgeon will discuss with you what will happen before, during and after your surgery. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t be afraid to ask. No question is too small. It’s important that you feel fully informed so you feel happy to give your consent for the operation to go ahead. You’ll be asked to do this by signing a consent form.

What happens during laser resurfacing?

You’ll be given an anaesthetic before laser resurfacing to stop you feeling any pain during the procedure. This may be a local or general anaesthetic, depending on how much of your face is being treated and which laser your surgeon uses.

If you’re having small areas of skin treated, you’ll usually be given local anaesthetic creams or injections into your skin. The local anaesthetic will numb the skin on your face, so you won’t feel pain – but you’ll stay awake during the procedure. You may also be offered a sedative – this helps you relax and stops you feeling anxious.

Sometimes, you may have laser resurfacing under general anaesthesia, which means you’ll be asleep during the procedure. This is usually the case if you’re having your whole face treated.

You may need to wear an eye shield if your surgeon is treating the skin near your eyes.

Once the anaesthetic is working, your surgeon will pass the laser beam over the areas of your face being treated. They’ll be able to control where the laser points and how deep it reaches. They may keep directing the laser onto your skin until they’ve removed enough skin or have gone deep enough.

After laser treatment, your surgeon may cover your face with an ointment or dressing to protect your skin while it heals.

What to expect afterwards

If you’ve had a local anaesthetic, it could be a few hours before you get the feeling back in your face. Your skin may feel raw and you may need painkillers to help with any discomfort. If you’ve had a general anaesthetic, you’ll need to rest until the anaesthetic has worn off.

You’ll usually be able to go home when you feel ready. Your surgeon or nurse should give you some information about how to look after your healing skin before you go home.

If you’ve had a general anaesthetic or a sedative or if your dressings cover your eyes, make sure someone can take you home. Ask them to stay with you for the first day or so, while you recover from the anaesthetic and get back to normal. General anaesthesia can make it harder to coordinate your movements and to think clearly. Don’t drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign legal documents during this time.

Recovering from laser resurfacing

Your skin is likely to be swollen and red for the first few days after the procedure. These are normal side-effects after laser resurfacing – and shouldn’t be anything to worry about. Your skin should heal after a week or so, and the redness should fade completely after two to six months. This varies from person to person though, and also depends on which type of laser your surgeon used. If the redness or swelling isn’t getting any better after a few days, speak to your surgeon.

Pain relief

You may have some pain after laser facial resurfacing and once your anaesthetic wears off. But if you’re in a lot of pain afterwards, let your surgeon know.

If you need pain relief while your skin is healing, you can take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and, if you have any questions, ask your pharmacist for advice.

You may find it helpful to keep your head raised on pillows at night and to put some ice on your face. Use a covered ice pack or wrap ice in a towel. Don’t put ice or an ice pack directly onto your skin.

Caring for your healing skin

Your surgeon may advise you to wash your face gently with a special cleanser, beginning a couple of days after the procedure. You may need to do this two or three times a day and moisturise your skin too. This will keep your skin clean and supple, and stop it drying out. Ask your surgeon which skin products you should use.

Your surgeon may give you a course of antibiotics to take after the procedure to prevent an infection.

Sun care

You’ll usually be advised to stay out of the sun until any redness has faded. This is because you may get dark patches, especially if you have olive, brown or black skin. Once your skin has settled down, make sure you apply sunscreen of at least factor 30 and with both ultraviolet A and B protection. It’s important to keep using sunscreen when you go out for at least a year after your laser resurfacing.

Following your surgeon’s advice will help to make sure your skin heals quickly and give the best results.

Complications of laser resurfacing

Laser resurfacing can cause some complications.

• Redness that lasts a long time. Your skin is likely to be red after laser resurfacing, but this may be worse or last for longer than you were expecting. You may find it bothers you more than the reason you had the procedure in the first place (for example, noticeable wrinkles). The redness should settle down over time. You may find camouflage make-up helps to make it less noticeable.
• An infection. If your skin suddenly feels very sore a day or so after your procedure, you may have an infection. It’s important to let your doctor know. An infection can be treated with antibiotics or antifungal medicines.
• Changes to your skin colour – this is more likely if you have dark skin. If your skin gets darker, this may go away on its own or your doctor may be able to treat it. Some people notice their skin gets lighter after the procedure.
• Scarring – this is rare but damage from the procedure or an infection can cause scarring. Some things can make you more likely to get scarring after laser resurfacing. These include recent radiotherapy on the same area, being prone to keloid scars (overgrown scar tissue) or recently taking an acne medicine called isotretinoin.
• Cold sores – if you’re prone to cold sores, you may find you get these after the procedure. Your surgeon may suggest you take a medicine called aciclovir to stop this happening.

Types of laser treatments for face

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. 

But ablative and non-ablative lasers do have one thing in common—both types of lasers can also be fractional lasers.

• Fractional Lasers – Think of fractional lasers like a meat tenderizer. The impact zone where you tenderize your meat isn’t a smooth surface like the head of a hammer. It actually looks like a grid. Now imagine pressing the tenderizer into a cut of meat—it leaves indents where the meat made contact with the tenderizer, and places where the meat is untouched from the spaces on the tenderizer’s gridded surface.

Now imagine your meat tenderizer was made of focused artificial light and boom—that’s a fractional laser. Fractional lasers direct heat and energy to sections of the skin’s structures in a grid-like pattern. Rather than producing one concentrated beam of laser skin resurfacing light, fractional lasers target microscopic sections, leaving many skin structures intact. 

Fractional lasers help to reduce recovery time, give the skin specialist more control over the treatment. Bonus? Aesthetic practices offer fractional varieties of both ablative and non-ablative lasers. 

Top 5 Types of Laser Treatments for Face Concerns

Now that you’ve mastered the nuances of lasers and have become a veritable 007 of skincare, here are the 5 most popular laser treatments for your face ₃ : 

#1 Ablative Fractional CO2 Lasers

Ablative fractional CO2 laser resurfacing promotes collagen production and tighter, firmer, smoother skin by removing columns of skin cells throughout the layers of the face, neck, and chest. This powerful laser treatment targets:

• Dull skin
• Fine lines and moderate to deep wrinkles
• Age spots
• Acne scars and other shallow scars
• Skin laxity 

Ablative fractional C02 lasers are extremely effective, yet invasive—that means this ablative laser resurfacing treatment has a longer recovery time of up to two weeks.

#2 Pulsed-Dye Lasers

This non-ablative laser procedure heats and partially damages the skin layers beneath the epidermis—the topmost layers of skin. As a result, the skin heals, leaving behind even skin tone and texture. Pulsed-dye lasers work especially well with combatting pigmentation problems. Pulsed-dye lasers are known to do the following:

• Decrease redness
• Reduce hyperpigmentation
• Cut down on broken capillaries and rosacea

Since this procedure is non-ablative, the recovery time takes anywhere from a few days to just about a week. This laser therapy is still going to give damaged skin a rejuvenated appearance with the added benefit of less recovery time than its invasive counterpart, an ablative laser treatment.

#3 Non-Ablative Fractional Lasers

All the power of a fractional laser with the “gentleness” of a non-ablative laser, non-ablative fractional lasers are elegant skincare solutions. By heating and slightly damaging just the deeper layers of skin, your body’s collagen growth will increase and the older, dryer, and less attractive skin cells will be cleared away.

Non-ablative fractional lasers can: 

• Brighten skin tone
• Smooth out fine lines and wrinkles
• Lighten dark spots
• Reduce the appearance of scars

Recovery time for this laser treatment is short and sweet, about one to three days. However, for optimal results, you’ll need to return for additional skin resurfacing treatments. 

#4 Erbium Laser Treatment

Erbium lasers promote collagen growth and natural skin remodeling. They can be ablative or non-ablative, making them a great choice for your first treatment. You might consider erbium laser treatments if your skin concerns or skin condition includes the following:

• Fine lines
• Wrinkles
• Loose skin
• Dark spots

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. 

#5 Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Though technically not a laser, IPL treatment uses the power of light to bring youthfulness to your skin. In a process referred to as “photo rejuvenation,” IPL specialists use a broad spectrum of light wavelengths to target your skin’s problem areas. This non-invasive (and non-ablative) is especially good for treating the following conditions:

• Redness
• Spider veins
• Hyperpigmentation
• Uneven skin tone
• Fine lines

Because skin isn’t damaged during this process, IPL has almost zero recovery time. 

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! 

How to repair laser damaged skin

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.