Laser skin resurfacing is one of the most effective treatments for a variety of skin concerns, including wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, freckles, sun spots, acne scars, discoloration and much more.
But what exactly is laser skin resurfacing – and how long does it take to work?
Laser resurfacing is a noninvasive skin treatment that uses light-based technology to remove the outer layer of skin (epidermis). Over time, your skin will grow back newer, fresher, younger and healthier.
But the benefits do not stop there. Not only will you get a new epidermis, but the heat that reaches the deeper layers of your skin triggers a natural healing process that brings a much-needed supply of collagen and elastin to your skin. Inside and out, laser skin resurfacing in Worcester, MA, rejuvenates your skin health and appearance.
Are Results Immediate With Laser Skin Resurfacing?
While some patients will notice an immediate improvement in skin appearance, it will take some time for your skin to renew and repair itself. There may be some downtime following the procedure while your skin heals.
The exact recovery time will vary from patient to patient. Since everyone’s skin is unique and no two treatments are created equal, some patients see significant results after just a few days, while others may wait weeks for their full results to emerge.
Once visible results start to appear, the process of producing new collagen and elastin continues. This process lasts several months. During this time, your skin will gradually improve, and the results will only get better.
Other factors that can affect the healing and recovery process include:
- The area being treated
- Full-field resurfacing vs. fractional resurfacing
- Depth of treatment
- Type of laser being used
- Aftercare guidelines
Here at Worcester Dermatology, we take the time to listen to each of our patient’s wants and needs, and we have the technology to ensure your skin is fully healed and looking fresh in the timeframe you require.
TRL, ProFractional, MicroLaser: What’s the Difference?
All laser resurfacing treatments use a laser to damage the skin’s outer surface, but there are a variety of different ways to go about that process. Each comes with its own benefits, downtime and recovery.
Let’s take a look at the three types of laser resurfacing offered at Worcester Dermatology:
- MicroLaserPeel – a light, gentle procedure that only removes the epidermis (outer layer of skin) to even out skin tone, texture and color, and restore a healthy-looking, youthful glow to the skin.
- Contour TRL – also known as tunable resurfacing laser, this is a more aggressive form of laser resurfacing that penetrates deeper into the skin to treat scars, wrinkles and rough texture.
- ProFractional XC – only targets a fraction of the total treatment area, which allows for a much quicker recovery process by keeping much of the skin intact while encouraging collagen growth.
All three treatments will remove a layer of skin, but the depth will vary from one patient to the next, resulting in a shorter or longer recovery process. Either way, healthier-looking skin is on the horizon!
Aftercare: How to Care for Your Skin After Laser Treatment
If you want to speed up the healing and recovery process, there are a few things you can do following treatment to help your skin renew itself in a safe, effective and timely manner.
Using sunscreen and avoiding excessive sun exposure are recommended for at least a few days after any laser treatment. We also suggest avoiding swimming, hot environments like saunas, and strenuous exercise.
Here are some other aftercare tips for laser resurfacing:
- Wash your face using gentle, fragrance-free products
- Cold compresses and ice packs can help reduce swelling and redness
- Keep your skin moisturized with products such as Aquaphor
- Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling
- Avoid irritating your skin with makeup and other products with strong ingredients
Our talented and experienced team of skincare professionals, led by Dr. Simkin and Dr. Kates, will give you a specific set of aftercare instructions to ensure your skin heals properly.
During your consultation, we’ll be transparent about what to expect during and after the procedure so you’re not met with any surprises and you can move forward with the treatment in confidence.
How Long Will Your Laser Treatment Results Last?
While it might take a few weeks (or months) to see the full results from laser resurfacing, most patients will get to enjoy those results for several years – sometimes up to five years – following the procedure.
Maintaining a regular skincare routine and scheduling follow-up treatments is the best way to prolong your results. Our team can recommend serums, cleansers, toners, moisturizers and other products that work with your skin type, as well as complementary treatments to further enhance the appearance and health of your skin. These procedures may include injectables like BOTOX® Cosmetic or dermal fillers, other energy-based treatments like Thermage® or IPL, or exfoliation with chemical peels.
Worcester Dermatology: Trust Your Skin to Five Decades of Experience
Are you unhappy with your skin’s appearance? Is your regular skincare routine not producing the results you were hoping for? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then you’ve come to the right place.
Worcester Dermatology brings five decades of combined dermatology experience to Worcester and Chelmsford, MA. We care about your skin as much as you do, and we offer both cosmetic and medical services to ensure your skin has every resource it needs to thrive.
Contact us today at 508-744-3055 in Worcester or 978-705-6511 in Chelmsford to see if laser resurfacing is right for you!