What Should You Know Before Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Non-surgical cosmetic procedures are in high demand, but patients often wonder what you can actually expect from specific treatments, such as laser skin resurfacing procedures. As a practice that offers Sciton^® Halo^™, Dallas’s Dermatology Office of Dr. Ellen Turner routinely welcomes patients who are committed to preserving healthy, beautiful skin and who choose laser treatments to address a variety of skin irregularities. Lasers can address sun damage, acne, uneven texture, and even skin conditions like rosacea, as well as be highly effective for supporting long-term skin health. Making your skin stronger can reduce the visible effects of aging.

Lasers have been used as cosmetic treatments for around 40 years, and they tend to provide excellent medical and aesthetic benefits for the skin. There are many different types, but they all generally work in a similar way: by emitting a narrow beam of light that targets certain molecules in the skin. The light is absorbed by molecules called chromophores, which convert the light into heat. This heat then impacts skin imperfections, such as visible blood vessels, redness, uneven pigmentation, acne scars, and fine lines. 

Laser-treated skin is more sensitive to sun exposure, so autumn is known for being “Laser Season”—because this is the time of year when it’s ideal to have light and laser-based cosmetic procedures. The weather is cooler, and days are shorter during fall, so there’s less heat and sun exposure to irritate the skin after a laser treatment. We also tend to wear heavier clothes during these months, and we spend most of our time indoors, so our skin is exposed to sun less frequently. Furthermore, laser treatments are great for improving the damage your skin may have sustained during the previous summer months.

If you’re considering energy-based treatments for better skin, continue reading for some facts you should know about laser treatments to make the process and recovery easier. 

Resurfacing Lasers Come in a Variety of Categories

There are several basic types of lasers, including ablative, non-ablative, and fractional. Ablative lasers are the most powerful option, s they remove the top layer of skin as well as part of the middle layer. The skin cells are vaporized, which triggers the body to produce new skin cells to replace what has been removed. Wrinkles and blemishes are reduced or destroyed. Non-ablative or non-wounding lasers are milder options that deliver energy deeper into the skin to create heat without injuring the surface. Fractionated lasers deliver light in a pixelated fashion, creating small columns of damage. Since they leave some areas of skin unharmed, the skin heals at a faster rate. 

Lasers Won’t Completely Eliminate Scars 

Lasers are often considered one of the best treatments for scars, but it’s important to remember that while light can reduce permanent marks, it won’t get rid of them entirely. Lasers do have the ability to prevent raised scars from developing after surgery, provide relief from discomfort and itching, and increase range of motion that had been inhibited by scar tissue.

The Sensation of the Laser Treatment Varies

The answer to “Does laser skin resurfacing hurt?” isn’t a straightforward yes or no. All laser treatments will cause some degree of discomfort. Your provider can recommend strategies for managing the discomfort. The feeling you get during laser treatments depends on what type of laser is used, the depth, your individual tolerance for pain, and the area of the body that’s being treated. Most people describe the sensation as being only mildly uncomfortable and similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin, a pricking sensation, or a small electric shock—though some treatments may cause more discomfort than that. The great thing about laser treatments is that they’re finished quickly so you won’t have to experience discomfort for very long. Topical numbing creams or a local anesthetic can also help to offset any discomfort. 

The Dallas-based Dermatology Office of Dr. Ellen Turner can explain more during a personalized consultation. Call (214) 373-7546 or submit a contact form to request an appointment if you’re interested in finding out more about laser-based procedures.