Different Methods for Laser Skin Treatment
We face many problems with our skin, whether it is scars removal, getting rid of excess hair, skin resurfacing, or color uniformity. Finding the optimal and most effective solution is always a problem for some people. Let's learn about the various methods through which laser skin treatment can be done.
What is a laser skin treatment?
• A laser is a highly focused and intense light source that precisely targets small areas of the skin that need treatment. The laser beam works to vaporize and remove skin issues, as well as treat wrinkles and scars.
• In short, the laser is a pulsed light beam that, when focused on the skin, works to remove dead and damaged layers.
What are the problems that can be treated with lasers?
Lasers can be used to treat many skin problems, including:
• Getting rid of excess hair.
• Treating acne scars.
• Eliminating wrinkles, lines, and age spots.
• Addressing eyelid sagging and dark circles.
• Removing moles and birthmarks.
• Evening out skin tone.
• Tightening and exfoliating the skin.
Types of lasers used in skin treatment
There are two types of lasers used in skin treatment:
Ablative laser:
• In this type, intense laser waves are directed at the skin to remove damaged outer layers. The laser also stimulates the inner layers of the skin to produce collagen again.
• This laser is used for skin exfoliation and removal of dead skin layers.
Non-ablative Laser:
Unlike ablative laser, non-ablative laser targets the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating them to produce collagen and tightening the skin while evening out the skin tone.
Laser Hair Removal:
• Laser hair removal is one of the skin treatment methods using the laser. This technique targets the hair follicle and cuts off its blood supply, causing the follicle to stop growing and eventually die after several sessions.
• The process does not take a long time and requires approximately ten sessions for permanent facial hair removal. The time between each session ranges from four to six weeks.
Precautions of laser hair removal:
• Avoid using traditional hair removal methods such as waxing, as they stimulate hair follicles to regrow.
• Avoid sun exposure, as it can negatively affect the skin and hinder desired results.
• When exposed to the sun, use good sunscreen.
• Shave the area before the procedure, which helps the laser identify the hair follicles.
• Topical numbing creams can also be used before hair removal in sensitive areas, such as the face and underarms.
Benefits of laser hair removal:
• It is safe to use on sensitive and delicate areas.
• It saves time and provides long-lasting results.
• It removes coarse hair without damaging the surrounding skin.
• It maintains the skin's freshness and stimulates its radiance.
Risks of laser hair removal:
• It may cause redness and sensitivity in individuals with sensitive skin.
• Skin color may temporarily change after the procedure.
• It can potentially burn sensitive skin.
• It may cause skin peeling.
Results of laser hair removal:
You achieve smooth, hair-free skin for a long time without the hassle of traditional hair removal methods.
Fractional Laser Skin Treatment:
• Laser skin treatment is a technique that saves time and provides excellent results. However, there is now a faster and safer technique known as fractional laser. The fractional laser targets the areas that require treatment without causing redness, irritation, or wounds, as the ablative laser does.
• Fractional laser treatment takes between 15 and 30 minutes, and patients typically require 4 to 6 sessions.
Uses of fractional laser:
• Reducing wrinkles and tightening the skin.
• Treating acne scars and scars in general.
• Eliminating stretch marks that appear after pregnancy.
• Getting rid of large pores.
Benefits of fractional laser:
• Does not cause any wounds.
• Suitable for people with dark skin.
• Individuals can resume their normal activities shortly after the procedure.
Risks of fractional laser:
• Some redness.
• Swelling of the skin for several days.
• Some cases of pigmentation that disappear after applying some lightening creams.
Results of fractional laser:
Fractional laser effectively treats the skin, and the results last for a long time as it stimulates collagen production, making the skin more radiant.
Laser Skin Treatment for Scar Removal:
Laser skin treatment also includes scar removal, wound treatment, and burn scars. The laser stimulates the areas with scars or pits, prompting them to produce collagen again to build new layers of skin and eliminate these pits.
Steps for laser scar treatment:
• The doctor gives a local anesthetic to the patient.
• The doctor uses a laser to remove layers of dead skin and scar tissue.
• Then, another type of laser is used to stimulate collagen production and build new layers of skin.
Advantages of laser scar treatment:
• Time-saving.
• Provides excellent and permanent results in scar removal.
• Does not require a long recovery period.
Risks of laser scar treatment:
• Some redness and skin burning.
• Skin irritation that subsides after a few days.
Laser Facial Skin Resurfacing:
Getting rid of damaged and dead skin layers is one of the methods to restore the freshness and vitality of the face. Laser resurfacing is now one of the techniques used for facial skin resurfacing, which is time-saving and provides excellent results.
Cases that can be treated with laser resurfacing:
• Treating acne scars and scars in general.
• Eliminating wrinkles.
• Evening out skin tone and getting rid of sunburns and dark spots.
Types of laser resurfacing:
Carbon Dioxide Laser:
One of the most commonly used methods is when the laser is directed at wrinkles to eliminate them. This technique is used to treat deep wrinkles.
Fractional Laser:
We discussed this in the previous paragraph, and this laser is characterized by not causing burns to the skin. It is used for cases of mild and superficial wrinkles.
ER:YAG Laser:
• This laser works by removing the superficial layer of the skin and getting rid of wrinkles on the face, hands, and neck with minimal risk of burns. Its side effects also fade faster than those of a carbon dioxide laser.
• This laser is used for cases of mild to moderate wrinkles.
Risks of facial laser resurfacing:
• Some burns and redness.
• Temporary skin irritation.
• Some swelling subsides over time.
Results of facial laser resurfacing:
You get a uniform skin tone without scars or wrinkles for a long time, which may be permanent depending on the case.
Laser skin treatment involves various methods and techniques, so for more questions about this topic, as well as for bookings and inquiries, contact us.
This content has been reviewed by Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy, a consultant in cosmetic surgery, body contouring, and natural hair transplantation.
