Laser resurfacing

Wrinkles are always enemies to be fought. Good thing is not to hide your age and look younger, with all the accumulated experience, right?

You can start early on with sunscreen, anti-signs, peelings, good habits, proper nutrition, and so on. But if wrinkles are already apparent, meet this column's # 1 enemy: ablative laser resurfacing (also known as CO2 laser).

What is resurfacing?

This is a laser treatment that removes the superficial part of the skin, causing a newer, unmarked skin to appear in place. Resurfacing promotes collagen stimulation in the dermis, improving wrinkles and scars, in addition to lightening and often eliminating brownish spots.

There are several types of resurfacing: via chemical methods (such as phenol peeling) or physical methods (such as sandpaper dermabrasion). These procedures are effective, yes, but very aggressive, so the recovery time is longer. The good news is that laser or CO2 based resurfacing is much better.

Why is this laser so powerful?

The great advantage of the laser is that it has a high affinity for the water present in the skin, causing rapid temperature increase and tissue destruction. As it causes a greater degree of tissue damage, it has better results for deeper and more evident wrinkles as it penetrates to the second layer of the skin.

This laser also stimulates collagen remodeling and skin contraction, which causes a decrease in sagging.

Other Functions of Laser Resurfacing

In addition to treating fine lines of the face, especially those around the mouth, eyes, cheekbones, and forehead, laser resurfacing also treats sagging eyelids and facial contour. The bonus of this treatment is that it eliminates facial blemishes and scars, including those caused by acne.

Is there any inconvenience?

Yes, and the main one has to do with the fact that the procedure destroys a layer of the skin, making the recovery time a little longer.

But this only happens if the laser is not the fractional type, which is a kind of smart laser and preserves the healthiest skin areas and treats only the areas in need. Detail: The results are more discreet and therefore more sessions are needed than the unfractionated laser.

After treatment

Your skin is covered by a drier, slightly secretive crust from the fluid on the skin that is emerging and giving way to the new skin. It takes about 15 to 20 days for this crust to give way to smooth, yet rosy (or reddish, skin tone) skin. Can it take up to two months for the skin to return to normal? and here comes the good part: getting back to normal means no wrinkles and stains.

In the case of fractional laser, the skin was not affected aids in the healing of the tissue affected by the laser. The small parts of intact skin allow the epidermis (superficial layer of skin) to be restructured faster and allow the patient to return to normal activities in a shorter time.

Some necessary post-procedure care

As this procedure leaves the skin sensitized, attention to the sun. Avoid overexposure and always use the sunscreen recommended by your dermatologist. Depending on your case, it is best to avoid doing the procedure in summer. Talk to your doctor before treatment.

To help with healing, your dermatologist may prescribe you, in addition to the protector, vitamin C, tretinoin and / or glycolic acid. It is essential to follow all recommendations.

Doing this during the holidays can be a good thing, since in the early days the skin is very sensitive and requires a lot of care.

You need a trusting relationship with your dermatologist, so choose one you really trust. So you get all your questions answered and not in the dark about the treatment.

What is Fractional Co2 Laser Resurfacing (April 2024)