June 9, 2023

Get to Know the Procedures and Side Effects of Laser Resurfacing on the Face

Facial laser treatment or laser resurfacing is a facial treatment that has many benefits. This treatment can treat fine lines, wrinkles in the face area and is considered to be an effective way to remove acne scars.

Today, facial laser treatments are easily available. Even so, before doing it, it’s good if you understand more deeply about this procedure first.

Who can undergo laser resurfacing?

This treatment is suitable for those of you who want to tighten sagging facial skin or as a way to get rid of superficial acne scars. In addition to making irregular skin areas gradually smoother, this treatment can remove dead layers of skin. Face lasers are generally used when other facial treatments don’t work for your complaints. However, this treatment is not recommended for skin with severe acne and skin that is too loose.

How do facial lasers work?

According to Vial Dermatology CRO, laser resurfacing can be done in two ways, namely ablative and non-ablative lasers. Ablative lasers are a type of laser that can cause injury by removing a thin layer of skin. Types of ablative lasers include carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers and erbium lasers, whereas non-ablative lasers do not cause injury because they stimulate collagen formation and tighten the skin underneath. One type of laser that is included in non-ablative lasers are intense pulse light (IPL) devices. CO2 and erbium facial lasers are the more commonly used types. By utilizing one of these two elements, damaged skin cells can be lifted and evaporated. As we know, the method of using CO2 has been applied many years ago to treat various skin problems. Starting from wrinkles, scars, warts, and so on. Before doing laser treatment, you must consult a dermatologist to find out which type of procedure is most appropriate for your skin condition. You are advised not to do facial laser treatments anywhere as they can be dangerous and increase the risk of complications.

Benefits of erbium and side effects of facial lasers

The erbium layer actually has the main benefit of removing fine lines both on the surface and inside of the skin. As well as minimally burning the tissue, the erbium layer also has fewer side effects, so you only need about a week to recover from it. This is certainly different if you use laser resurfacing with a CO2 layer. Because the womb takes about 2 weeks to heal. Like other beauty treatments, side effects of facial laser may also arise after the procedure, including:

  • Swelling.
  • Redness.
  • Burning (hot) sensation on the skin.
  • Infection.
  • The appearance of black marks (hyperpigmentation).
  • Scar.

To reduce the risk of side effects, you need to follow the post laser instructions given by the doctor properly and regularly.

Length of laser resurfacing procedure

Patients who want to do the treatment on a small scale only need about 30 to 40 minutes. Meanwhile, if you want to do full treatment on the entire face area, it will take about 2 hours. Once all procedures are done, the doctor will bandage the part of the face that is being treated. Then 24 hours post treatment, you need to clean the facial area at least 4 to 5 times a day. After that, apply petroleum jelly ointment to prevent scabs. Doing facial laser or laser resurfacing can be one of your options to improve skin conditions that are damaged by the sun, aging, or acne. Don’t hesitate to consult your complaints about skin health so that the treatment carried out can be precise and effective.