Laser resurfacing is an innovative way to treat the skin, a method that doctors use to improve areas of the skin that appear irregular. A laser resurfacing treatment uses a specific heat energy to target the exact areas where irregular skin growth occurs, minimizing damage to the surrounding tissues. Common forms of laser resurfacing rely on CO2 or similar elements to create tiny “heat channels” and vaporize the damaged skin.
Many professional dermatology doctors recommend laser resurfacing to patients with a range of conditions including skin cancers, scars, birthmarks and other skin issues. Here are some of the reasons that a laser resurfacing treatment may be right for you.
1. Proven Track Record
Doctors have been using various kinds of laser resurfacing technologies and methods for years. This leads to a greater body of research on the benefits and risks of this kind of dermatology treatment.
2. Non-Invasive Outpatient Treatments
Lots of laser resurfacing procedures are done as an outpatient basis. That means patients don’t have to stay in a hospital or facility, but can instead schedule their laser resurfacing for a specific part of the day. There may be some recovery time involved, but you won’t typically have to spend the night away from home.
3. Diverse Technologies
For a number of years, the kinds of laser resurfacing offered to the public have been expanding. Different patients and doctors can select different kinds of laser resurfacing, from ablative lasers that focus on the outer layers of the skin, to other kinds of laser resurfacing that target other areas and use heat energy just a bit differently. Being able to “customize” treatment leads to a better chance of effective results. For example, a type of laser resurfacing called “erbium,” because of the active element, can often include less burning of surrounding tissues for less intense side effects.
4. Local Anesthesia
Most kinds of laser resurfacing use local anesthesia, where the patient is not sedated or “put to sleep.” Because you will not be sedated, there will be a lot less cost involved in one of these procedures.
Despite the benefits of laser resurfacing, this kind of treatment is not for everybody. Your doctor must take a look at your medical history, existing conditions, and known allergies in order to evaluate your candidacy for laser resurfacing. Some patients with active acne may not be good candidates, and those with some kinds of scarring may not want to elect this kind of treatment. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of laser resurfacing before selecting one of these options for getting rid of wrinkles, sun damage, warts, scars or any other irregularities on your skin.
