Things You Need To Know About Laser Skin Resurfacing
IIWAM – International Institute of Wellness & Aesthetic Medicine is a One-Stop Centre of Excellence in Wellness & Aesthetic Medicine. IIWAM Aesthetic Education (previously known as Aesthetic Academy Asia) provides evidence-based Aesthetic Medical courses with Dual International Certificates for Medical Doctors, Dentists, Nurses & Certified Aestheticians. IIWAM Aesthetic Education is backed by a comprehensive Online Library & Learning Portal. IIWAM team of trainers specialize in Aesthetic Medicine and provide a range of Advanced Cosmetic Procedures for all walks of life as well. IIWAM is the Future of Aesthetic Medicine.
In a recent article, we spoke about the major differences between Q-Switch Lasers and Pico Lasers.(Read the blog here- Q- Switch Lasers Vs Pico Lasers).Today, we will help to educate you further about laser skin resurfacing treatment.
About laser skin resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing treatment helps to rejuvenate the skin by resurfacing its upper layers. Lasers help to improve the appearance of lentigines and rhytides, eliminate photoaging, soften scarring due to acne and other causes, and treat dyspigmentation. Lasers commonly used for laser skin resurfacing treatment include ablative and nonablative lasers in both fractionated and unfractionated forms as well as radiofrequency technologies. The gentler nonablative lasers allow for quicker healing, whereas harsher ablative lasers tend to be more effective. Fractionating either laser distributes the effect, increasing the number of treatments but minimizing overall downtime and complications.
Laser skin resurfacing treatment procedure
Clinical effects of laser therapy are multi-fold depending on the type of laser and wavelength. However, laser skin resurfacing treatment works in two ways.
First, heat from the laser works to remove a predictable, uniform thickness of the damaged layer of the epidermis. As this top layer of your scar peels off, a new layer grows to replace it. The skin will then appear smoother, and the appearance of the scar, hyperpigmentation or any other skin abnormalities is less noticeable.
Second, as the damaged skin tissue breaks apart, heat and light from the laser also encourage new, healthy skin cells to grow from beneath. Blood flow is drawn to the area by the heat of the laser and provokes an inflammatory response. This, in turn, results in the stimulation, development, and deposition of new dermal collagen and elastin, along with a reorganization of structural scaffold proteins and dermal connective tissue. This results in rejuvenation and thickening of the epidermis and an increase in dermal volume resulting in new healthier rejuvenated skin.
At IIWAM Aesthetic Education (previously known as Aesthetic Academy Asia) our doctors and experts provide all students with hands-on training on laser skin resurfacing, educating them about the treatment requirements, procedures, and all probable outcomes; both theoretically and clinically.
The following are the key things to know about laser skin resurfacing, so read on-
Best time for laser skin resurfacing treatment
The fall or winter months can be considered as the best time for laser skin resurfacing treatments when daytime hours tend to be shorter and people tend to spend more time indoors.
This is because post skin resurfacing treatment procedure the treated skin tends to be hypersensitive for almost a year. As a result, it is also recommended to wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily and reapply as when required after the treatment procedure. This not only helps to achieve better results but also provides protection against skin cancer and helps prevent additional premature aging in the future.
Is laser skin resurfacing treatment painful?
In laser skin resurfacing, a lot depends on the type of laser used, the depth and area of treatment in addition to the individual patient's threshold of pain.
When ablative lasers are used to remove the other layer of the dermis, a local anesthetic is used to prevent pain or discomfort during the laser skin resurfacing treatment procedure. Examples of ablative lasers are CO2 lasers and Erbium YAG lasers. Ablative lasers can require a 2- 3 week healing process, depending on depth, before the new skin has healed completely and final results are evident.
Non-ablative lasers pass through the skin without damaging the upper layers of the dermis, it causes little-to-no pain and requires only a topical numbing cream to offset discomfort during the laser skin resurfacing treatment procedure. Non-ablative lasers include pulsed-dye, ND: Yag, and Alexandrite lasers. Non-ablative lasers often require no downtime at all.
After laser skin resurfacing treatment procedure, the patient generally experiences slight, temporary discomfort like redness and swelling that subsides within a few days.
Is laser skin resurfacing safe for people with a darker skin tone?
Although a few lasers tend to pose a higher risk for cell damage or discoloration in darker skin, there are many other safer and more effective resurfacing options that people with a darker skin tone can opt for. For example, for lighter brown skin-toned, African American, Hispanic, or Asian skin tones Erbium laser resurfacing can sometimes be a good option, as it poses less risk of discoloration over other treatment options.
Types of lasers used
Below are some lasers that are useful in laser skin resurfacing as they prove to be very effective as well as these lasers are able to cater to a large group of people with different skin concerns.
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CO2 Lasers are generally ablative lasers used to treat scars, warts, wrinkles, and other deeper skin flaws.
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Pulsed-Dye Lasers are typically non-ablative lasers that heat the skin and absorb pigments to reduce redness, hyperpigmentation, broken capillaries, and rosacea.
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Erbium (Er: YAG) Lasers can be ablative or non-ablative. They promote collagen remodeling, making them popular options for treating fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, and age spots.
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Fractional Lasers break up the laser energy into thousands of tiny beams to treat only a fraction of the skin in the area, which reduces downtime. Fractional lasers can be ablative or non-ablative and are used to treat a number of age-related blemishes.
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IPL (intense pulsed light) cosmetic treatments technically are not lasers but are often used to treat similar concerns as lasers, such as sun damage, vascular lesions, acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation.
While all lasers produce substantial results in the skin problems they set out to target, the difference in their mechanism of action along with the patient’s anatomy of the skin; which is different from one another; does play an important role in terms of the degree of effectiveness in addressing the various skin issues.
When deciding upon the correct laser skin resurfacing treatment, patients should focus on their individual goals: what skin problems do they want to address, and what results are they hoping for? One should talk to the experts who have extensive knowledge and training in the field of skin laser resurfacing to ensure a safe and effective cosmetic treatment.
Importance of training in laser skin resurfacing treatment
It is absolutely essential that the laser skin resurfacing treatment procedure should be performed by certified aesthetic practitioners only, who are skilled in this particular treatment procedure. The aesthetic practitioners need to be well trained in terms of the principle of laser, types of laser, laser techniques, depth of laser penetration, and laser-tissue interaction so that they can properly administer the laser treatment.
Complications of laser include thermal burns which can be so intense to a point it may cause discoloration of the skin, scarring, infection, reactivation of herpes simplex infections, and even facial disfigurement. Thus, proper education is very important to not only avoid but also to teach them to manage these complications.
About IIWAM training in laser skin resurfacing
It is prudent that all Aesthetic practitioners must undergo proper training in Aesthetic Medicine. The practitioner must balance between benefits& risks of the Aesthetic procedure, and steps to mitigate complications if it occurs. At IIWAM, we call it, understanding the procedure, the product, and the patient, and our trainers pay utmost attention to teaching the following subjects when it comes to laser science in our Online Laser Training Courses.
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What are the principles of ablative lasers and non-ablative lasers?
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What is laser-tissue interaction?
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What is the difference between ablative lasers and non-ablative lasers?
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How does the laser work?
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What are laser complications?
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How to treat laser complications?
IIWAM also offers an Online Aesthetic Certification programme for Non-Surgical Body Sculpting, Advanced Dermal Filler Training (Restylane, Juvéderm, Teosyal, Bellotero), Advanced Botulinum Toxin Training (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin), Skin Booster Training (Restylane Skin Booster, Profhilo, Rejuran), Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Training, and Thread Lift Training (PDO, Aptos, Happy Lift). IIWAM is now certified to conduct a Diploma in Cellular Medicine program, where doctors are trained on the science of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine.
About IIWAM Aesthetic Education
At IIWAM, we provide an International Aesthetic Certification program and also Advanced Online Aesthetic Courses for Doctors, Dentists, Nurses, Aestheticians, and Spa Owners in the field of Aesthetic Medicine.
Our Institute is based in Malaysia and has international students from the Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, and other parts of Asia. With our insignia of “Be Certified, Be Recognized”, we develop knowledgeable, skilled, and confident Aesthetic practitioners of international repute. Our Aesthetic training focuses on teaching the principles of Aesthetic procedures before venturing into Aesthetic clinical skills. IIWAM training Programs are a combination of Onsite Training, LIVE Online Webinars, and Online Learning. IIWAM is the first Institute in the World to have its Programs assured by City & Guilds of London and certified by European International University. IIWAM is also a registered CPD Training provider with CPD Standards Office in the UK and by CPD Malaysian Medical Association.
Onboard is our Assoc. Prof Dr. Morthy, the lead trainer, medical director of the International Institute of Wellness &Aesthetic Medicine (IIWAM), formerly known as Aesthetic Academy Asia (http://www.iiwam.ac/).
In the Aesthetic part of our Institute, we provide Advanced Aesthetic Medical Procedures that are Safe, Effective, and Affordable, offering a wide range of specialized treatments for All Your Aesthetic Needs.