Laser Resurfacing and Treatment Downtime
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In this article, I will discuss various types of Light laser therapies, from least aggressive to most aggressive, their associated downtimes and risk of complications. I will not mention the brand names of the devices to keep it simple. Most of the worrisome complications after laser procedures include:
Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) - dark spots development
Hypopigmentation - loss of skin pigment; white spot development
Demarcation lines: - line separating treated areas and untreated area
Skin infections from open skin wounds
Prolonged Redness (erythema)
Post Laser dermatitis - inflammation of the skin
The Lowest Risk Level Treatments, are the least aggressive treatments, including Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), also known as low-light laser therapy, followed by Intense Pulse Light (IPL) and Broadband Light (BBL). During PDT clients lay down under continuous light to simulate the skin (usually Red light) for collagen stimulation and rejuvenation. IPL and BBL deliver pulsed light waves to stimulate collagen production; IPL affects the hemoglobin and melanin, and BBL affects collagen directly. These treatments improve the sun spots and stimulate collagen with very minimal downtime, but they do require multiple treatments to achieve the the desired results. Being lower risk level treatments, these procedures are commonly done at medspas by registered nurses and physician assistants.
The Moderate Risk Level Treatments are the devices with an average risk of complications, including NDYag Laser(1064nm), Pico Lasers, Erbium glass lasers (1550nm), ErbiumYag Lasers(2940nm), Diode lasers, and various dual laser combinations of these lasers. Their differences are in their wavelengths in nanometers (nm), the duration nanosecond (ns), or picoseconds (ps), which is related to their level of laser energy skin absorption and skin stimulation.
Most of these lasers also require proper determination of Fitzpatrick Skin type, with Type-I being the safest, and Type-VI being the most dangerous. Some of these technologies are newer and have a lower risk of potential complications, but require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results.
The downside of these treatments is that they last between 1- 5 days with a lower risk of Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or development of dark skin spots. due to overproduction of melanin from the laser procedure that slowly fades away within 6 months.
On the other hand, the CO2 laser resurfacing is more aggressive due to its higher wavelength of 10600nm, but more effective with a single session, and the risk can be minimized with proper pre-treatment and aftercare, including special guidance to reduce melanin pigment production.
The Highest Risk Level Treatments, are the most aggressive, treatment knows as CO2 Laser Resurfacing treatment, which has longer recovery time, and higher risk of complications if not done by properly trained specialists. The CO2 Fractional Laser is the new advanced technology that offers the benefits of leaving normal skin in between laser burn dots. This Skin Resurfacing treatment is all inclusive treatment and has the benefits of skin rejuvenation, spot removal, restoring youthful looks, anti-aging, and skin tightening. A trained provider needs to evaluate the skin type and determine the risk of complications, as well as provide detailed pre-treatments and post-treatments instructions to avoid complications.
At Vida Skin Beauty Center, Dr. Vigen Vick Abovian, MD, is the Laser Safety Officer and is knowledgeable in laser energy and power calculations for skin safety in various skin types. He combines his experience in wound care and dermatology with innovative Aesthetics to achieve impressive rejuvenation and enhanced beauty. Our patients are closely guided during the initial 7-10 days of recovery periods and are continuously counseled on aftercare to reduce the risk of complications and post inflammatory hyperpigmenation (PIH). Dr. Abovian is able to provide CO2 Laser Resurfacing for essentially the entire body including:
FACE
UNDER-EYES DARK CIRCULES,
UNDER-EYES BAGS, AND FESTOONS
MADONNA EYELID LIFT (UPPER AND LOWER EYELIDS)
NECK
DECOLLETE (UPPER CHEST)
KNEES AND ELBOWS
OTHER BODY AREAS
STRECH MARKS,
POST LIPOSUCTION - SKIN SAGGIN
SCAR RESURFACING
SKIN LESIONS REMOVALS
For more information on CO2 laser procedures, please schedule a consulation.
➤ CO2 Laser - Pre & Post Treatment