Using Lasers to Get Rid of Those Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Patients in Rockville, Maryland and the surrounding areas have discovered the power of laser technology in helping them to reach their skin care or cosmetic goals. Many patients have found that laser resurfacing is an effective treatment against fine lines and wrinkles, while others have witnessed firsthand the various other benefits that this technology may offer. As a whole, laser treatments have made their way into several fields in the medical industry. They may be found in surgeries, in various medical treatments or in the cosmetic field. By taking advantage of the benefits that laser technology has to offer, patients have found success and have reached their medical or cosmetic goals.

Laser resurfacing has been used to treat wrinkles, fine lines, blemishes, scarring and visible blood vessels. It may also be effective in treating sun damaged skin. To perform the procedure, the physician will use a handheld device that emits a light pulse in one direction towards the patient's skin. The laser destroys unwanted skin cells, allowing new skin cells to grow. The procedure is relatively bloodless compared with other treatments such as chemical peels, and offers a greater precision than treatments like IPL. For this reason, some physicians or surgeons prefer to use lasers to perform procedures or administer treatments. Speaking to a medical professional with knowledge of the field is the best way to better understand the benefits of laser resurfacing and how the procedure is performed.

Several lasers exist that have applications in the medical field. In the case of laser resurfacing, two lasers are used to administer treatment: the CO2 laser and the YAG laser. A local anesthetic and a sedative may be used in performing this procedure. The procedure may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the areas being treated. Partial facial laser resurfacing treatments such as treating only around the eyes, on the forehead, etc. may take closer to 30 minutes while a full face laser resurfacing treatment may take up to two hours. Patients are encouraged to speak to the cosmetic physician performing the procedure to better determine the length of the treatment.

Patients who have red hair or blonde hair may experience a longer recovery time, while patients with darker skin may be at greater risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. There are steps that may decrease this risk, however. Possible side effects include increased or decreased pigmentation. Some patients may also find milia, which are small white bumps around the treated area. These may be removed by gently cleansing the affected area. Patients may experience a pink or red complexion following the procedure, but are often able to cover it up using makeup once the area has healed. Patients should speak to their doctor to determine which makeup they may use, as it may be several months before the redness disappears. It may take up to six months before the full benefits of laser resurfacing are realized. The results may be long lasting, while some patients may require treatment every few years.

Patients in Rockville or the surrounding areas who would like to learn more about laser resurfacing, how the procedure is performed, its benefits or possible risks or complications should speak to a medical professional at a medical spa or dermatologists' office.