The procedure is less invasive as compared to other procedures meant for the same purpose. This is because it only uses laser light for its functioning. There are no harsh chemicals in use. The technique involves directing pulsating beams of light directly at irregular skin that needs to be resurfaced or removed. The skin will be removed in a precise manner, layer by layer. There is minimal pain and irritation of the skin.
There are two groups of people who are best suited for the procedure. The first are those that look at it as an anti-aging aid and the second group is of those who wish to get rid of scars and blemishes that may have resulted from acne and accidents. Those that consider it for anti-aging purposes use it in combination with neck or face lift for it to be more effective. For skin that is already aging, the results can be astonishing.
The types of scars that are removed range from the shallow ones to very dark ones which are formed after healing of acne. When lasers are used for treating after effects of acne, it completely restores skin tone after healing of acne. There are deep ice pick type acne scars that are however not easily cured through laser resurfacing.
These are usually beyond the first skin layers and might even extend into the subcutaneous layers. Laser skin resurfacing is hardly done the first few skin layers. This is so that complications are avoided.
There are two types of lasers that can be used in treatment. One involves carbon dioxide and the other erbium. In both cases, they vaporize cells that are damaged as they minimize risks to patients through reduction of absorbed heat by the skin in the course of treatment. The use of carbon dioxide has been used for years to treat conditions such as wrinkles, acne and skin cancer.
Use of carbon dioxide is never recommended in cases where one has stretch marks or for people with dark skins. The reason for this is because after the procedure, light patches might be left on the skin. This technique involved use of continuous light and timed pulses which get rid of thin skin layers with reduced side effects. After treatment, it takes two weeks for one to recover.
Erbium will be used in cases where those involved have deep lines and wrinkles on their hands, chest and face. Surrounding tissues are left intact as targeted layers are eliminated. This technique is suitable for patients with dark skins. Recovery takes less than a week.
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