Posted on March 13, 2018 by Paul A. Boulos Laser skin resurfacing is changing the way we age, completely altering the beauty industry by reversing the signs of aging. As a natural alternative to plastic surgery and other more intense procedures, laser skin resurfacing can be used to treat more than just fine lines and wrinkles.
It reduces or eliminates age spots, sun damage, discoloration, acne marks, scars, and many other imperfections. To learn more about laser skin resurfacing or to schedule an appointment please visit our contact page or call 866-332-2639
What has made this laser skin treatment the latest craze is the fact that it can also naturally increase collagen production, which leads to improved skin tightness and elasticity. Collagen is what keeps our skin tight in our twenties, but as we age, its production begins to slow down—and eventually stops altogether. This is what causes wrinkles to form, as well as the loose skin around the eyes, chin, neck, and chest. When collagen production slows down, our skin tends to bounce back more slowly after an injury, whether it be a serious injury like a burn or cut, or a smaller injury such as a blemish or sunburn.
Fractional lasers enhance collagen production by creating microscopic wounds on the deepest layers of the skin. The body’s natural reaction is to produce collagen in order to heal the wounds, ultimately leaving the skin looking healthier and more youthful.
How often you receive laser skin resurfacing treatments depends largely on the condition of your skin. Here’s a breakdown of who should receive laser sessions more often.
Monthly Treatments
On average, the skin requires a minimum of four weeks to heal before it’s recommended that another laser skin resurfacing treatment be performed. There are several skin types that might require treatments this often, likely to maintain results.
Severe Acne Scars
Those who suffer from severe acne scars will likely need to receive several laser skin resurfacing treatments in order to completely eliminate them. While this treatment permanently eliminates current skin conditions and can help prevent acne from forming, those who suffer from acne scars might experience them again in the future. Still, some people experience little or no further scarring after their treatments. Since acne scars are caused by the lack of collagen production during the healing process, laser skin resurfacing is a great solution to eliminate this problem. Treatments may be required monthly or every few months to maintain smooth skin and keep collagen production up to speed. These treatments wouldn’t be as harsh as the initial ones and would likely be performed with a laser using a less intense wavelength.
Wrinkled and Sagging
While the results of laser skin resurfacing can last up to five years, some people prefer to maintain their new look regularly with a minor laser treatment every few weeks or so. Similar to getting a facial or using a mask, laser treatments can be performed to ensure collagen production is being maintained. Those who are older often opt for this as it’s a great way to slow skin’s aging. Laser skin maintenance can be done after receiving several laser skin resurfacing treatments that eliminate any current imperfections.
Young and Nearly Flawless
Once you reach your thirties, your skin’s texture and elasticity will begin to change. Although these changes are likely only noticeable to you, this is something many people want to jump ahead of. If your skin has few imperfections that you’d like to eliminate, milder laser skin resurfacing treatments can be performed to increase collagen production. If properly maintained, you can ensure that your skin is never without enough collagen to keep its elasticity and ward off wrinkles. Rather than spending money on face masks and chemical peels time and again, laser skin resurfacing is a cost-effective solution that actually works.
Yearly Treatments
After having several laser skin resurfacing treatments so that your skin reflects your idea of perfection, you may want to maintain your flawless look with yearly laser treatments. While results can last up to five years if a proper skincare routine is used, there are certain skin types that might require laser treatments more often.
Minor or Average Acne Scarring
Laser skin resurfacing treatments can completely eliminate your acne scars and even prevent new ones from forming, but often the cause behind acne scars is genetic. They form when a blemish is healing, either because there is too much or too little collagen, leaving behind abnormally textured skin. So, while laser skin resurfacing can leave your skin looking smooth and flawless, it may or may not be able to prevent scarring from occurring again in the future. To be safe, if you notice that you’ve been lucky without new acne scars forming for the first year after your laser resurfacing treatments, you should consider getting a single touch up treatment. This will ensure that collagen continues to be produced naturally, as your body might be fighting against it.
One Time Treatment
Most people who receive laser skin resurfacing treatments don’t need further treatments down the line, especially if they take care of their skin by using sunscreen, avoiding sunbathing, and using creams that help promote collagen production. Treatment results can last up to five years this way, with an option to receive further treatments if they’d like.
Minimal or Average Signs of Aging
Average signs of aging depend on your age. Those looking to eliminate minor imperfections can expect long-term results. This can include sun spots, age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, and even minimal loose skin. Laser resurfacing treatments can help to get your skin back to its youthful appearance, and it is likely that no further treatments will be needed for several years.
The only way to truly know how many treatments would be best for you is to schedule a free consultation and have a professional examine your skin. After they’ve seen how your skin reacts to your initial laser session, they’ll be able to tell you if they think your skin will require future laser skin resurfacing treatments.
