Laser resurfacing, a facial laser that can remove black spots

Currently, facial lasers are the preferred method because they are considered to show instant results, compared to using productsskin care. One of the lasers currently in vogue is laser resurfacing. Still foreign to your ears? Come on, see the benefits and side effects of this facial laser.

What is laser skin resurfacing treatment?

Laser resurfacing or laser skin resurfacing is a skin care procedure performed to help reduce wrinkles, age spots and acne scars on the face. In addition, this facial laser is also relied on to tighten the skin and make the skin tone more even.

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, laser resurfacing can be done in two ways, namely:

Ablative laser

Laser ablatives are performed by removing the outermost layer of skin. This beauty treatment uses a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser and an erbium laser.

A CO2 laser is usually used to help remove deep scars, warts, and wrinkles. Meanwhile, the erbium laser is used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Nonablative laser

Nonablative laser, is done by stimulating collagen growth and tightening the skin layer underneath without removing the outer layer of the skin.

Usually a nonablative laser is used to help get rid of rosacea and certain skin problems caused by acne. One type of non-ablative treatment, namely intense pulsed light (IPL), fractional laser, and dye-pulsed laser.

Benefits of laser skin resurfacing

This facial laser is claimed to be able to overcome various stubborn skin problems. From aging, frequent exposure to sunlight, to acne that doesn't heal even after using doctor's medicine.

Laser resurfacing is believed to eliminate problems such as:

Aging spots and blemishes
Scar
Acne scars
Fine lines and wrinkles
Sagging skin
Uneven skin tone
The sebaceous glands are too large
Warts

How is this facial laser procedure?

For laser resurfacing with the ablative method, the doctor will first numb the skin nerves by performing local anesthesia and cleaning the face from skin oil, dirt and bacteria. Then, a laser beam is directed at the affected skin. This light is what will destroy the outermost layer of skin.

At the same time, the laser also heats the inner skin causing the collagen fibers to shrink. So when the wound heals, new skin will grow and make the surface of the face firmer and smoother. It usually takes doctors about 30 minutes to two hours depending on the technique used and the number of skin problems.

Meanwhile, for nonablative laser, the doctor will numb the nerves with a topical anesthetic one hour before starting treatment. To protect the outer layer of skin, the doctor will coat the surface of the skin using a water-based gel.

The laser beam destroys the collagen under the skin and stimulates the growth of new collagen, tightens the skin, and improves the color and appearance of your skin without removing the outer layer. Usually this one treatment takes 15 minutes to 1.5 hours and will need to be repeated over the next several months.

Side effects of laser resurfacing

Both ablative and non-ablative laser resurfacing treatments can cause various side effects after treatment, namely:

Ablative laser

Various side effects that can arise due to ablative laser treatment include:

Redness, swelling and itching. Usually it can occur up to several months after treatment.
Acne. Using thick creams and bandages to the face after treatment can exacerbate acne and even cause milia.
Infection, both viral and fungal bacteria. The most common infection is the herpes virus.
Skin discoloration, can be darker or lighter on the part of the skin that is being treated.
Scar, namely the risk of causing scar tissue.

Nonablative laser

The following are various side effects that can arise due to non-ablative laser treatments, namely:

Infections, such as herpes.
Skin discoloration, especially if you have dark skin tones.
Swelling and redness, usually lasting hours or days.
Scarring, although rare but nonablative laser, can cause scarring on the treated skin.

Treatment with laser resurfacing cannot be done on just anyone. Usually, doctors will avoid and be more careful about this one procedure if: