What Is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

MySkyn Clinic is a top provider of laser skin resurfacing in Bradford. Laser skin resurfacing is a non-invasive treatment that uses advanced laser technology to treat specific skin conditions, such as acne scars and pigmentation, wrinkles and other skin irregularities.

Laser resurfacing penetrates deep into the skin tissue and can be used to precisely target delicate areas of the face and body. But what exactly is laser skin resurfacing and is it safe? Read the following article to find out.

What is laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing is designed to smooth over imperfections on the skin surface. It uses powerful beams of thermal energy to promote a natural healing response in the skin. This regenerates skin cells and leads to an overall healthier complexion.

The treatment can be used on the neck, chest, arms and hands, but is predominantly used on the face. It is a day treatment and will be performed under local or general anaesthetic depending on laser strength and treatment area.

Laser resurfacing has many benefits compared to its rival treatments; chemical peels and dermabrasion. In addition to being extremely precise – able to target individual scars and blemishes in sensitive places – laser skin resurfacing can treat a range of skin conditions.

The treatment is able to:

• Erase signs of aging e.g. lines, wrinkles and age spots
• Tighten the skin
• Even out skin tone and texture
• Even out pigmentation
• Repair sun damage/ reduce the incidence of pre-cancerous actinic keratosis
• Erase stretch marks
• Reduce the appearance of visible veins
• Reduce the appearance of scars (including acne scars)

Types of Laser Skin Resurfacing

There are two common types of laser skin resurfacing:

Ablative Laser Resurfacing – This involves the removal of the top layer of your skin to reveal the deeper dermal layer, promoting healing and the re-growth of healthier cells.

Non-Ablative Laser Resurfacing – This treatment penetrates the top layer of skin, leaving it intact. It heats the deeper dermal layers, triggering healing and collagen production from within.

Non-ablative laser resurfacing is less severe than ablative laser resurfacing, meaning that recovery is usually quicker. However, ablative laser resurfacing can produce more effective results by using stronger lasers.

The type of laser resurfacing that you opt for will depend on your skin condition and your desired results. Before having the treatment, you will need an in-depth consultation with a trained clinician to determine the right course of treatment for you.

Specific types of laser include:

• Fraxel Laser (non-ablative)- does not remove skin, but uses intense heat to stimulate collagen production
• Carbon dioxide lasers (ablative ) – remove deeper layers of damaged skin and stimulate collagen production
• PhotoDerm (non-ablative) – uses intense pulsed light
• Vbeam (non-ablative) – uses intense pulsed light to reduce the appearance of veins
• Fractional lasers (ablative) – produces thousands of microscopic columns in your skin to treat a percentage of the epidermal cells without affecting all of them
• Erbium: YAG Laser (ablative) – uses a fine beam of light to produce incredibly targeted results

What’s the science behind laser skin resurfacing?

Our skin is composed of the epidermis (top layer of skin cells) and the dermis (deeper layers of skin cells). The skin has a natural shedding cycle as new cells grow and replace the old. The epidermis will always be made of the oldest skin cells, and this layer will shed when those cells die. Newer, fresher skin will take their place.

The shedding process slows down as we hit our thirties and our skin produces less collagen and elastin; the proteins responsible for skin elasticity and structure. This causes sagging and wrinkles to form, as well as rough, dry patches of skin.

Ablative laser skin resurfacing forces the shedding process to occur, removing the epidermis to expose the new skin cells below. This creates a smooth and youthful appearance, free ofrom irregularities.

Non-ablative laser skin resurfacing penetrates deep into the dermal layers, warming the tissue and tricking the body into producing new collagen and elastin fibres. This will tighten the skin and regenerate skin cells, rejuvenating appearance.

Wrinkles will smooth over, scars and pigmentation will fade and your skin will be softer, with a youthful glow.

Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Have Side Effects?

Due to the intentional trauma caused to the skin to stimulate natural healing processes, there is some discomfort associated with laser skin resurfacing. The skin will feel swollen and raw immediately after treatment, but this can be mitigated with simple aftercare.

Longer lasting side effects may include:

• Redness, which could take 2 to 6 months to disappear
• A change in skin tone, where skin colour may grow darker or lighter (a higher risk for those with darker skin)
• Returning cold sores if you’ve had them in the past
• Risk of infection

All of these side effects can be treated and minimised. Book a consultation with a qualified skin specialist to go over the laser skin resurfacing process and learn more about the risks involved. Alternatively, please phone 01274 921121 or contact us online for more advice and information.