How to Reduce Facial Wrinkles With Laser Skin Resurfacing

Wrinkles, scars, and sun damage are some skin issues that sap your confidence. But all is not lost. Technology is continually evolving and discovering new ways to get rid of these issues better. One of those solutions is laser skin resurfacing.

What Is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

It is a treatment that uses laser technology to remove the top layers of your skin. It stimulates the production of collagen and the growth of new skin cells. Newer technologies give your doctor new levels of control that allow precision in delicate areas. Laser skin resurfacing will decrease sun damage, signs of aging, and wrinkles. It will leave you feeling confident and improve your quality of life.

Types of Laser Skin Resurfacing

Your doctor will recommend the course of treatment and device based on the severity of your case. There are ablative and non-ablative lasers. Non-ablative lasers include fractional lasers that do not remove skin layers. They are ideal when dealing with acne-related skin concerns, spider veins, and rosacea.

But when dealing with facial wrinkles, the best devices are the ablative lasers. These include Erbium or carbon dioxide lasers. Erbium lasers work effectively on fine wrinkles and lines, while carbon dioxide lasers work best on serious problems. These include warts, scars, and deep wrinkles.

Erbium Laser Resurfacing

The technology deals with moderate or surface-level wrinkles and lines on the face and neck. It can also extend to the chest and the hands. One of the advantages of using erbium laser resurfacing is that it has fewer side effects. There is minimal burning, bruising, swelling, and redness. Therefore, you recover faster. It also works better on darker skin tones.

Fractional Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser Skin Resurfacing

The newest version of CO2 laser skin resurfacing is fractional CO2. It uses ultra-pulse or short-pulsed light energy to treat your skin. The delivery of the continuous light beams is in a scanning pattern.

Thus, it has minimal heat damage and removes thin skin layers. CO2 skin resurfacing is ideal for warts, scars, and deep wrinkles, but recovery takes longer than erbium laser resurfacing. The bruising, redness, and swelling will heal in seven days.

How Does It Work?

A facial treatment can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes. It targets the outer layer of your skin. However, it also heats the lower layers. As the laser removes this outer layer and damaged skin cells, it stimulates the growth of new skin cells. There is an increase in collagen production, which makes your skin firm and smooth in texture.

The doctor will prepare your skin beforehand to reduce the risk of side effects. Then, they will apply a topical anesthetic to reduce the pain and make you comfortable. They cleanse your skin to remove excess dirt, oil, and bacteria. The doctor will select a suitable laser and move it slowly on your skin. After treatment, they will dress your face to protect it.

Conclusion

In most cases, ablative lasers will correct your issues in one treatment. To be sure, follow the doctor’s instructions when healing to avoid complications.

For more information on laser skin resurfacing, visit Gupta Plastic Surgery at our San Diego or Encinitas, California office. Call (858) 408-6100 to book an appointment today.