Ageing is an unavoidable element, one which everyone experiences. However, its effects can hamper one’s physique. And even when one has gone past the youthful age, ideal treatment like laser technology options can help such an individual to age with grace. But before then, factors like prolonged exposure to UV rays can damage the skin tissues, especially in visible areas like the face. Facial expressions, like smiling, frowning, and laughing can leave this area with fine lines, frown lines, and creases. Such visible outcomes tend to mar one’s youthful looks.
For these reasons and many more, several treatment options exist, including laser procedures. When treating ageing, an individual may undergo laser skin resurfacing, which involves the gradual removal of the skin layer. New skin cells growing from such targeted areas give the face a firm and youthful look. A reputable and certified dermatologist may perform laser resurfacing alone or with other cosmetic procedures.
How laser resurfacing works for anti-ageing
Before laser resurfacing begins, the dermatologist must examine the patient to determine if such an individual is an ideal candidate for the procedure. This process may include going through medical reports and conducting an exam. For those with blisters, fever or cold sores around the mouth, notifying the physician will be ideal to ensure that there are no breakouts from the treatment. Most likely, the professional will recommend that such people steer clear of specific medications or supplements. These include vitamin E, ibuprofen or aspirin.
During treatment, the doctor passes a wand-like laser device beneath the skin layer, a process known as laser peeling. This procedure requires high precision to get the best result. The practitioner may also recommend the use of antibiotics or antiviral medication to prevent infections.
Laser treatment on specific parts of the face takes anywhere between 30 to 45 minutes. On the other hand, a full-face procedure may require two hours or less. After the treatment, the dermatologist will wrap the target areas with a clinical bandage. During the first 24 hours, the patient has to ensure that the treated part is clean. Ointments like petroleum jelly are highly recommended to prevent the formation of scabs. Inflammation around such areas is normal. Nevertheless, there may be a need to use steroids under the specialist’s strict guidance.
The effectiveness of laser resurfacing in treating ageing
One of the top concerns that come to mind before undergoing treatment is laser resurfacing effectiveness. It is worth noting that this procedure is highly effective in tackling factors that promote ageing, including wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet, frown lines, blemishes, scarring, irregular pigmentation, and creases.
Post-treatment care
Apart from swelling, patients may experience stinging or itching sensations that may last from 12 hours to 72 hours following the laser procedure. Such conditions disappear after the duration. It may also take five to seven days for the old skin to peel off completely. Recovery time may span 10 to 21 days, depending on the size and location of the area treated. Within the first three months, use oil-free makeup. Additionally, it is essential to use high SPF sunscreen when in an open area. The skin should remain moisturized.
Potential risks
Laser treatment for ageing comes with some degree of risks, so do others as well. In the care of a highly-trained dermatologist, the severity may be insignificant. Nevertheless, here are some side effects to expect:
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Scarring
- Swelling
- Infection
- Discolouration
- Crusting
Factors to note when preparing for anti-ageing laser procedure
The first area to address is the communication between the patient and the dermatologist. This factor is essential in getting a successful and long-lasting result. Request the services of a professional with a vast amount of experience in performing this procedure using laser technology. Such individuals can customize treatment programs to suit the skin tone and other related aspects. As such, they can set the right wavelength to use. Since laser treatments are non-invasive and come with less downtime, these professionals can come up with various procedures to get the best result.
It is worth noting that skin tone type affects the result derived from laser resurfacing. No two different skin complexions react to treatment the same way. Using the Fitzpatrick scale, a dermatologist can identify the category of a particular skin tone. Which this evaluation, it is easy to determine the type of procedure, laser device, and wavelength to use for treatment.
As discussed before, specific risks are prevalent in this procedure, one of which is hyperpigmentation, common with individuals who have dark skin tones. For this reason, such individuals are to take cautionary approaches toward this treatment option. Dermatologists may be conservative in treating the following skin types: 4 to 6. Experienced specialists can provide treatment, even on darker skin tones. But the patient should address the risk-reward aspect of such procedures, including the effects – discolouration and cell damage. Other safe and effective treatment options are available to address such skin tones.
Bottom Line
Before undergoing treatment, a patient should have the right answers to questions concerning laser treatment. Here is a rule of thumb. The more aggressive the procedure, the better the result. However, the downtime will be more than a less aggressive option. Using the second approach, patients may need more sessions to get the desired result. Laser treatment for ageing may be a call in the right direction for individuals who intend to maintain their skins. But it does not apply to those seeking a complete transformation.
A patient can list out areas of concerns before the appointment to give the dermatologist comprehensive insight into the individual’s requirement. The professional can identify contradicting or complementary factors that will aid the laser treatment. Being a cosmetic procedure, there is no insurance coverage for this treatment. But there are affordable plans provided by the clinic. The only exception to this is if the individual intends to remove precancerous growths on the skin or modify scars.
As such, patients should discuss with their insurance companies and their medical practitioners before the laser treatment commences. They will get an in-depth breakdown of the cost of the procedure.
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