Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is the process of minimising wrinkles, especially those around the mouth, eyes and forehead. A positive side effect can be improvement of skin texture and firmer feeling skin.

Why skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing may be opted for when one would want to get rid of wrinkles or fine lines from around the eyes. Acne scars on the face, fine lines around the mouth or even the forehead are reason enough. Although many assume that skin resurfacing can even out stretch marks, it is not so. Laser skin resurfacing is not recommended for people who have very dark skin or are suffering from active acne. The reason is because laser directs short, congested pulsating beams of laser light on irregular skin. It will help remove skin very accurately layer after layer, when that happens the skin that resurfaces has a different colour tone and in most of the cases will be highly evident on dark skin.

Laser types

There are two commonly used lasers for skin resurfacing - Ebrium laser and CO2 laser. Each of these lasers assists in vaporising any superficial or otherwise damaged cells of the skin. They reduce the risk of pain for the patient because they moderate the amount of heat that is finally absorbed by the skin. CO2 lasers have been used for years to treat wrinkles, skin cancer, warts and scars to be more specific. While Ebrium is relatively new and is used for resurfacing deep lines and other wrinkles from the face, neck or hands. Ebrium is more suitable for people with darker skin as it leaves less redness on the skin and reduces the risk of irregular pigmentation.

Things you need to know

• Skin resurfacing will not stop the ageing process.

• Never begin treatment with a doctor who does not have a licence.

• Cost of the procedure may vary from treatment to the after care.

• Mild swelling and irritation may be experienced after the procedure.

The recovery stage

After the procedure is conducted your doctor will advise you on how to take care of the newly treated skin. The result of skin rejuvenation can vary depending on the individual and you will need to regularly follow up with your plastic surgeon. The cost of the procedure may include the facility costs, the costs for the medical tests conducted, surgeon's fees and the medication that you need to take. Keeping a positive attitude and setting realistic goals in your physical improvement play a key role in your recovery.