Laser skin resurfacing is a procedure that utilizes a laser to deliver heat to the skin in a very specific manner. In response to this stimulus, the skin undergoes a healing process that dramatically improves discolored, sun-damaged areas, producing fresh, healthy skin. The regenerated skin has smoother texture and a firmer, more youthful appearance.
Traditional Laser Skin Resurfacing
Full-ablative laser skin resurfacing was first introduced in the early 1990s. This procedure removes the entire outer layer of the skin’s surface, smooths deep wrinkles and rejuvenates even severely damaged skin. Acne scarring and other scars can also respond favorably to traditional resurfacing.
Traditional resurfacing continues to withstand the test of time and remains the “gold standard” in rejuvenation treatments with long-lasting results. On account of the depth and amount of injury produced by traditional resurfacing lasers, these treatments are typically performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient hospital setting. Post treatment recovery times are a full two weeks followed by a period of three or more months where skin has a pink or red color. When performed properly by an experienced operator, traditional laser skin resurfacing produces superb results that last for many years. However, when performed improperly or by inexperienced operators, this procedure may be associated with long healing times, permanent changes in skin color, scarring and other undesirable side effects.
Ablative Fractional Resurfacing Lasers
An effort to develop skin resurfacing procedures that produce significant rejuvenation while decreasing the risk and recovery associated with traditional laser resurfacing techniques led to a concept known as fractional resurfacing. Fractional resurfacing describes the technique in which a grid-like pattern of laser spots is delivered to the skin in such a manner that healthy tissue surrounds each area of laser-induced injury. This differs from traditional resurfacing techniques in which the entire surface in the treated area is affected by the laser, resulting in a relatively long recovery period. Some ablative fractional resurfacing devices can be used off the face, but this needs to be done with great care by a knowledgeable and experienced physician as skin on the neck, chest, hands, and extremities responds differently to resurfacing than facial skin.
Ablative fractional resurfacing lasers actually remove damaged tissue and stimulate our skin’s natural repair processes. Due to the fact that laser energy is delivered relatively deeply, local anesthesia administered via injection in the office is necessary to maintain patient comfort during the procedure. There is almost no discomfort during the recovery phase after ablative fractional resurfacing. During this period, taking care of your skin properly is critical to both help the skin heal quickly and to minimize the risk of complications. Recovery after ablative fractional resurfacing treatment requires five to seven days depending on the device used and the relative aggressiveness of the treatment.
Does it matter which fractional ablative resurfacing device is used?
As is the case with automobiles, clothing, and most other items that we use in our daily lives, some lasers are high quality while others are not. Dr. Biesman uses several different high-quality ablative fractional resurfacing lasers as there are subtle differences between them. While it is extremely important to be treated with a high-quality device, the experience and judgment of the operator outweighs the quality of the technology when it comes to both the type of outcomes that can be achieved and the relative degree of safety.
Dr. Biesman performed extensive research on first and second generation fractional resurfacing lasers while developing safety protocols for some of today’s most popular and advanced lasers. Dr. Biesman also continues to research and trial new laser techniques and technology.
Quick Facts:
- Traditional ablative resurfacing can produce dramatic improvement in deep wrinkles, skin texture, and the appearance of scars.
- Recovery time after more aggressive ablative resurfacing is approximately 10-14 days, and the skin remains pink for several months after treatment.
- Due to the extent of injury produced by traditional laser skin resurfacing, dramatic outcomes can be produced, but the associated recovery time is longer and relative risks are higher than with other resurfacing treatments.
- Ablative fractional resurfacing is associated with a much lower risk of complications than traditional skin resurfacing treatment.
- Only 1-2 ablative fractional resurfacing treatments are typically sufficient to achieve best outcomes when treating mild to moderate sun damage.
- Laser skin resurfacing does not treat red discoloration or “broken capillaries.”
- Dr. Biesman performs extensive research on both ablative and non-ablative resurfacing techniques. He also developed safety protocols and best treatment practices to treat the delicate skin of the eyelids and surrounding area with resurfacing lasers.
- More aggressive fractional resurfacing treatments using ablative fractional resurfacing lasers can produce more dramatic improvement in skin laxity, deep wrinkles and lines, acne and surgical scars, and even stretch marks with fewer treatments.
- Dr. Biesman has performed laser skin resurfacing for over 30 years and also published a medical textbook on this topic.